PFL Confirms Acquisition of Bellator
PFL chairman Donn Davis has officially announced the acquisition of Bellator.
The news arrives shortly after Bellator 301, which became the organization’s last event on Showtime after the network confirmed that they would be pulling out of combat sports by the end of the year. Bellator’s Scott Coker has overseen the organization since 2014 following Bjorn Rebney’s dismissal. Therefore, the sale has raised question marks over Coker’s future. And yet, Davis has revealed that Coker and his team will still have the chance to work with Bellator if they desire to do so. The news will result in a major shake-up of the MMA sphere after Davis expanded on his plans to have a ‘champions vs. champions’ event in 2024. This was in addition to a ‘Bellator International Champions Series’ that will run at the same time as the PFL with eight events planned for next year. With that being said, Davis was excited by the new vision.
The PFL has acquired Bellator MMA in a landmark deal for combat sports, PFL chairman Donn Davis announced on Monday.
All Bellator-signed athletes will immediately be available to compete on various PFL platforms. https://t.co/58TvAYfM1f
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) November 20, 2023
“PFL is now a global powerhouse in MMA. Our Bellator acquisition turbocharges PFL’s mission to innovate the sport and become the industry co-leader. The combined PFL and Bellator fighter rosters are second to none in MMA. We can’t wait to bring MMA fans what they have been asking for – best vs best with the PFL Champions vs Bellator Champions Mega-Event,” Davis
The news will provide the UFC with more competition, particularly since Dana White appears reluctant to do any cross-promotion with the PFL. But in doing so, it may encourage both organizations to make the biggest fights possible, which can only benefit the MMA fanbase.
Reaction
UFC will have issues coming soon with this money and talent pool
— matthew clark (@mattwclark3) November 20, 2023
Huge move by PFL
— Anthony Brown (@ajbnsd59) November 20, 2023
We knew it was coming since a while now but still , damnnn boy
— Jim G (@G47354632) November 20, 2023