Bellator’s Sale Will Be Finalized In Weeks – Says Ariel Helwani

Bellator’s future is expected to be resolved following reports that a sale will be concluded in the coming weeks.

The future of the organization has been up in the air with reports that the PFL was considering a bid. A figure of $500 million was touted as what was required to conclude a deal. In response, Bellator CEO Scott Coker refused to rule out a sale as the future of the organization hung in the balance.

Although that may have been the case, Bellator continued to plan ahead with its 2023 events, with a packed-out schedule towards the end of the year. However, the failure of the MMA organization to compete with its competitors, PFL, UFC and One Championship, has resulted in a loss of revenue. And now according to Ariel Helwani, a sale appears to be on the cards.

Expect the sale of Bellator to be completed in the coming weeks.

— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) October 17, 2023

This naturally begs the question: Who could acquire Bellator? As of now, Dana White has confirmed that there are no talks in place for the UFC to make a move. Meanwhile, ONE Championship’s CEO, Chatri Sityodtong, has also ruled out the possibility, leaving the PFL as a possible suitor. The latter has shown a willingness to spend big, having signed Francis Ngannou to a lucrative deal.

In addition, the PFL recently received over $100 million in investment from the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund via SRJ Sports Investments. And that pulling power could extend towards making a move for Bellator. And in doing so, provide the UFC with a legitimate rival moving forward.

Social Media Response

End of an era…

— BOLT⚡HYPE (@BOLTHYPE) October 17, 2023

No surprise. It’s a UFC world now

— The Racing Reporter (@reallynascar) October 17, 2023

The end of Bellator…

— john garscia (@johngarscia) October 17, 2023