“ALL fighters now integrated and connected in one powerful roster.” —Donn Davis
The reports are true: Professional Fighters League (PFL) has shuttered Bellator MMA.
“Professional Fighters League acquired Bellator MMA one year ago primarily for its great fighter roster,” a statement posted to social media explained. “The PFL brand has become synonymous with the ‘win and advance’ format and product innovation. PFL has established itself as a premium brand doing things different to help grow our great sport of MMA.”
“Going forward all fight events and content will be PFL branded. The Bellator brand carries a rich history that will continue to be respected and appreciated through select feature title bouts. Fans will continue to enjoy the immense Bellator fight library and historic fight content throughout our social, digital, and partner channels. All of our fighters are now integrated and connected in one powerful PFL brand worldwide.”
Unfortunately, some of Bellator MMA’s most prominent fighters found out through Twitter.
“Imagine being the champion of an organization chilling on the couch and your wife walks in and tells you ‘did you see this? Bellator is dead now?’ … and all you can do is shrug your shoulders in confusion…. CUZ you still haven’t heard a thing. Lol. Yeaaaah, that was me,” Bellator light heavyweight champion, Corey Anderson, posted on Monday.
Bellator featherweight champion Patricio “Pitbull” Freire, who previously blasted PFL for its “disastrous” handling of the Bellator MMA acquisition, continued his assault on the promotion after this week’s news — only to earn his much-desired release.
“We are releasing Patricio Pitbull,” Chairman Donn Davis wrote. “PFL MMA is all about opportunity. I founded this company to create new great opportunities for top fighters. PFL has and will continue to do that for all top fighters who want to be here.”
Bellator bantamweight champion, Patchy Mix, also requested his PFL release.
Davis is expected to make an announcement on Wednesday that will (hopefully) shed some light on how the promotion will integrate the current Bellator champions. As it stands, Bellator MMA lightweight titleholder Usman Nurmagomedov defends against Irish sensation Paul Hughes at the “Road to Dubai” Champions Series on Jan. 25 in Dubai.
In addition, PFL is also expected to rework its point-based season format and implement a more traditional tournament style with single-fight eliminations. Winners will also be taking a pay cut as the promotion scales down its $1 million payouts to $500,000. Expect more details on that front when Davis addresses the media later this week.
For the latest PFL news and notes click here.