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Bellator Champions Slam PFL Amid Forced Inactivity: ‘This Merger Has Been A Disaster For MMA!’

Some of the top Bellator names who found themselves under the PFL banner last year are far from happy with their new employer. The PFL attempted to strengthen its standing in mixed martial arts and its pursuit of achieving “co-leader” status alongside the UFC by purchasing the Bellator MMA organization late last year. The promotion has […]

Some of the top Bellator names who found themselves under the PFL banner last year are far from happy with their new employer.

The PFL attempted to strengthen its standing in mixed martial arts and its pursuit of achieving “co-leader” status alongside the UFC by purchasing the Bellator MMA organization late last year.

The promotion has since staged its first PFL vs. Bellator card, commenced global and regional seasons, and opened up a “reimagined” version of the brand it acquired in the form of the Bellator Champions Series.

While that has brought with it some entertaining cards and fights, things have been far from entirely positive for the PFL in 2024.  In attempting to separate itself from the UFC, PFL higher-ups have frequently claimed to be “fighter first” and an improved home for athletes compared to its rival. This year, though, has seen numerous fighters share their issues. 

Sabah Homasi repeatedly bemoaned the lack of payment to cover his medical expenses from a Bellator fight last September. Prior to her debut in October, Cris Cyborg frequently slammed the PFL online for not booking her. Gegard Mousasi and Douglas Lima claimed the organization was refusing to honor their contracts because they earn too much money, with the former even commencing legal proceedings against the company following his subsequent release.

Those instances suggest the PFL’s purchase has left some Bellator fighters worse off, and the ongoing forced inactivity experienced by many is doing little to dismiss that suggestion.

One champion who feels hard done by is bantamweight standout Patchy Mix. Since defending his title against Magomed Magomedov in Paris this past May, “No Love” hasn’t made it back to the cage.

While he was scheduled for a return to the French capital this month, that event was among those suddenly canceled with little explanation. And in a post on X, Mix claimed a planned rescheduling of his return for January has also now been called off.

“I’ve been training my ass off for the last half of year for nothing,” Mix wrote. “This is frustrating in the prime of my career and I’ve had my fight in November cancelled? Then now again I’m being told I’m off January Dubai card? I am the best in the world and I want to fight to prove it.”

It didn’t take long for another champ to share that sentiment — this time the consensus Bellator GOAT, Patrício “Pitbull” Freire, who is without a fight since March.

“I haven’t fought since February. I wanted to fight 3x this year, but I was told I’d have to wait until December 31st and found out online my opponent would fight someone else. Then they had a replacement, I bring people over, spend more money with the camp and there’s no fight.”

In follow-up posts, the Brazilian went as far as to brand the PFL’s acquisition of Bellator as a “disaster” for the sport of MMA.

And it wasn’t just champions showing discontent this past weekend.

The man scheduled to challenge Mix this month prior to the unexplained cancellation, Leandro Higo, also took to social media to express his fury with the PFL after seeing his opponent speak out.

“This is very frustrating. We have no clue about when we might be fighting after two fight cancellations in a row. Time is of the essence in this game, we can’t waste our primes on the sidelines. I’m working hard to take that title, spending money, sweat and blood. What’s going on?”

When announcing its plans for this year, the PFL laid out eight Bellator Champions Series events and promised two championship contests on each. But it’s ultimately only put on five, the most recent being in London this past September, and filled the outlined quota of champions on just one of those cards.

It remains to be seen what the PFL has planned for the likes of Mix and Freire in 2025 — and for the rest of those who were hoping to compete on the now-scrapped Bellator Champions Series events in the back end of this year.

For now, the promotion will be focusing on a successful return to Saudi Arabia this week for its PFL World Championship and PFL MENA Championship shows in Riyadh.

But as another year comes to a close for the organization, it’s safe to say things haven’t gone as hoped since the purchase of Bellator, especially for the high-profile fighters who came with it.

Jon Jones ‘In Negotiations’ With UFC Over Return: ‘I Will Be Competing In 2025’

It would seem that fans haven’t seen the last of the man widely considered the greatest of all time inside the Octagon, judging by UFC Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones’ latest remarks. Jones returned to action earlier this month 20 months on from becoming a two-division kingpin. After quickly getting the better of Ciryl Gane in […]

It would seem that fans haven’t seen the last of the man widely considered the greatest of all time inside the Octagon, judging by UFC Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones’ latest remarks.

Jones returned to action earlier this month 20 months on from becoming a two-division kingpin. After quickly getting the better of Ciryl Gane in his heavyweight debut last year, “Bones” added a successful defense to his reign by sending Stipe Miocic into retirement.

The pair headlined the promotion’s annual November visit to Madison Square Garden in New York City, where the champ closed the show with a brutal spinning back kick to the body in round three.

Much of the lead-up surrounded Jones’ continued avoidance of his interim counterpart, Tom Aspinall. In addition to teasing a possible retirement, the Rochester native pointed to Alex Pereira as the one opponent he’d remain active for in 2025.

Dana White, however, has been vocal in dismissing a clash between “Bones” and “Poatan.” Despite that, it appears negotiations have begun regarding another outing for the former multi-time light heavyweight king.

During a recent interview with The Schmo, Jones provided an update on his status post-UFC 309, revealing that talks are underway with the promotion.

“So right now, the UFC and I, we’re in negotiations, we’re in talks to see what happens next,” Jones said. “I’m back in the gym. I’m training. I feel really great. The team’s support, they’re right behind me, and we’ll just be ready for whatever opportunity comes out way.

“There is (a figure in mind), but I’m not going to discuss that publicly,” Jones continued. “I will be competing in 2025, more than likely.”

While Jones has stayed steadfast in rejecting the possibility of unifying the heavyweight titles versus Aspinall next, that would appear to still be the most desired matchup among the MMA masses for the 37-year-old.

Whether or not the UFC can do what is needed to convince Jones, who has previously sat on the sidelines while criticizing the promotion’s failure to meet his financial demands, remains to be seen.

In the meantime, fans can likely expect Jones to continue his habit of embracing the ‘ducking’ allegations on social media.

Jon Jones ‘In Negotiations’ With UFC Over Return: ‘I Will Be Competing In 2025’

It would seem that fans haven’t seen the last of the man widely considered the greatest of all time inside the Octagon, judging by UFC Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones’ latest remarks. Jones returned to action earlier this month 20 months on from becoming a two-division kingpin. After quickly getting the better of Ciryl Gane in […]

It would seem that fans haven’t seen the last of the man widely considered the greatest of all time inside the Octagon, judging by UFC Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones’ latest remarks.

Jones returned to action earlier this month 20 months on from becoming a two-division kingpin. After quickly getting the better of Ciryl Gane in his heavyweight debut last year, “Bones” added a successful defense to his reign by sending Stipe Miocic into retirement.

The pair headlined the promotion’s annual November visit to Madison Square Garden in New York City, where the champ closed the show with a brutal spinning back kick to the body in round three.

Much of the lead-up surrounded Jones’ continued avoidance of his interim counterpart, Tom Aspinall. In addition to teasing a possible retirement, the Rochester native pointed to Alex Pereira as the one opponent he’d remain active for in 2025.

Dana White, however, has been vocal in dismissing a clash between “Bones” and “Poatan.” Despite that, it appears negotiations have begun regarding another outing for the former multi-time light heavyweight king.

During a recent interview with The Schmo, Jones provided an update on his status post-UFC 309, revealing that talks are underway with the promotion.

“So right now, the UFC and I, we’re in negotiations, we’re in talks to see what happens next,” Jones said. “I’m back in the gym. I’m training. I feel really great. The team’s support, they’re right behind me, and we’ll just be ready for whatever opportunity comes out way.

“There is (a figure in mind), but I’m not going to discuss that publicly,” Jones continued. “I will be competing in 2025, more than likely.”

While Jones has stayed steadfast in rejecting the possibility of unifying the heavyweight titles versus Aspinall next, that would appear to still be the most desired matchup among the MMA masses for the 37-year-old.

Whether or not the UFC can do what is needed to convince Jones, who has previously sat on the sidelines while criticizing the promotion’s failure to meet his financial demands, remains to be seen.

In the meantime, fans can likely expect Jones to continue his habit of embracing the ‘ducking’ allegations on social media.

Jon Jones ‘In Negotiations’ With UFC Over Return: ‘I Will Be Competing In 2025’

It would seem that fans haven’t seen the last of the man widely considered the greatest of all time inside the Octagon, judging by UFC Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones’ latest remarks. Jones returned to action earlier this month 20 months on from becoming a two-division kingpin. After quickly getting the better of Ciryl Gane in […]

It would seem that fans haven’t seen the last of the man widely considered the greatest of all time inside the Octagon, judging by UFC Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones’ latest remarks.

Jones returned to action earlier this month 20 months on from becoming a two-division kingpin. After quickly getting the better of Ciryl Gane in his heavyweight debut last year, “Bones” added a successful defense to his reign by sending Stipe Miocic into retirement.

The pair headlined the promotion’s annual November visit to Madison Square Garden in New York City, where the champ closed the show with a brutal spinning back kick to the body in round three.

Much of the lead-up surrounded Jones’ continued avoidance of his interim counterpart, Tom Aspinall. In addition to teasing a possible retirement, the Rochester native pointed to Alex Pereira as the one opponent he’d remain active for in 2025.

Dana White, however, has been vocal in dismissing a clash between “Bones” and “Poatan.” Despite that, it appears negotiations have begun regarding another outing for the former multi-time light heavyweight king.

During a recent interview with The Schmo, Jones provided an update on his status post-UFC 309, revealing that talks are underway with the promotion.

“So right now, the UFC and I, we’re in negotiations, we’re in talks to see what happens next,” Jones said. “I’m back in the gym. I’m training. I feel really great. The team’s support, they’re right behind me, and we’ll just be ready for whatever opportunity comes out way.

“There is (a figure in mind), but I’m not going to discuss that publicly,” Jones continued. “I will be competing in 2025, more than likely.”

While Jones has stayed steadfast in rejecting the possibility of unifying the heavyweight titles versus Aspinall next, that would appear to still be the most desired matchup among the MMA masses for the 37-year-old.

Whether or not the UFC can do what is needed to convince Jones, who has previously sat on the sidelines while criticizing the promotion’s failure to meet his financial demands, remains to be seen.

In the meantime, fans can likely expect Jones to continue his habit of embracing the ‘ducking’ allegations on social media.

Highlights! BKFC Fighter Starches ‘Big’ Johnson In 12 Seconds

This Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) debut couldn’t get much worse.
BKFC Fight Night: Los Angeles went down last night (Sat., Nov. 23, 2024) from inside Thunder Studio in Long Beach, Calif. In the main event, former U…



This Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) debut couldn’t get much worse.

BKFC Fight Night: Los Angeles went down last night (Sat., Nov. 23, 2024) from inside Thunder Studio in Long Beach, Calif. In the main event, former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Heavyweight “Big” Lavar Johnson got starched in just 12 seconds against Anthony Garrett, who stepped up on three days notice.

Watch the quick knockout below:

As you can see, both men came out swinging wildly, but it was Garrett who landed the kill shot on Lavar’s chin.

Johnson, 47, was making his BKFC debut after a couple of bare-knuckle fights in other promotions and was supposed to take on fellow ex-UFC Heavyweight Rashad Coulter. However, Coulter withdrew from the fight on Thursday. Johnson was a -456 betting favorite over new opponent, Garrett.

Garrett, 35, broke his own record for the fastest Heavyweight BKFC knockout last night. In his previous outing at BKFC Fight Night: Kansas City, he knocked out John Orr in just 16 seconds.

For everything about bare-knuckle boxing, click here.

MMA Legend Randy Couture Had His Rights Taken Away by the UFC “I knew I wasn’t being told the truth.”

Randy CoutureThe Natural’ Randy Couture has been a multi-division five-time UFC champion but has struggled with the UFC brass for…

Randy Couture

The Natural’ Randy Couture has been a multi-division five-time UFC champion but has struggled with the UFC brass for decades. On a recent podcast episode with Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson, the US-born Couture spilled the beans of having his rights taken away by the UFC.

Randy Couture on UFC Contracts and Rights

Randy Couture is a celebrated figure in both wrestling and MMA. As an amateur wrestler, he earned three NCAA Division I All-American honors and served as a four-time Olympic team alternate. In the UFC, he was a three-time Heavyweight Champion and two-time Light Heavyweight Champion, making him the first fighter to hold titles in two different weight classes. His career was marked by notable victories over fighters like Chuck Liddell and Tim Sylvia, and he became the oldest champion in UFC history at age 43.

Randy Couture

But his work outside of the UFC are just as notable to his career. Randy Couture was able to obtain his own likeness and worked with EA Sports on an MMA video game without the involvement of the UFC. He has also worked closely with MMA organizations such as Affliction and the PFL and spent time as an actor.

Randy Couture EA MMA
Randy Couture in EA MMA

Discussing what happened behind closed doors dealing with the UFC brass with ‘Rampage’ Jackson, Couture explained:

“I was one of the first guys to speak up about fighter pay and these crappy contracts. When they bought the company in 2001, I kind of got on the outs with them right away over their ancillary rights and the stuff in those contracts. Then I took them to task again in 2006. I knew I wasn’t being told the truth.

“Originally, it was the ancillary rights. They basically wanted to own my rights in every single category forever … It meant I’d have to ask Dana White’s permission to do a movie, write a book, be in a video game—anything outside of stepping into that cage and fighting for them. That didn’t make sense to me, so we fought them over it. Back then, I got erased from the posters.”

‘The Natural‘ has been removed from any UFC highlight reels and is never mentioned on the broadcast. Randy Couture added that this is standard when dealing with the UFC, he said:

“They wanted it with everyone. I was no exception … They don’t want to talk about that stuff. It’s a black eye for them. Most fight fans don’t even know what goes on behind the scenes. The UFC isn’t advertising the fact that their fighters aren’t happy with pay or the restrictive contracts.”