PFL’s big changes as ‘Bellator is dead’
Ariel Helwani’s announced on ‘The MMA Hour’ that the PFL (Professional Fighters League) will be making major changes heading into 2025. He announced that ‘Bellator is dead’ and the brand will be no more. Going forward there will be no more Bellator events, instead they will be held under the name of PFL champion Series. Helwani said:
“Right now I can tell you, on Monday, January 13th, at 1:20 p.m. Eastern time: Bellator is dead”
“Bellator as we know it is no more. Bellator is dead. You will not see Bellator events anymore.”
The PFL acquiring Bellator
The Merger between the two MMA organisations came last year in November when PFL bought out Bellator . The company’s combined in a hope to have a stronger industry power to try and rival the UFC. The company hoped to increase talent pool in there roster with the acquisition and put on more interesting fights with big names from both organisations.
The new direction of PFL
Bellator events will not be held anymore in 2025. The PFL will now host a more traditional division by a new name of ‘PFL Champion Series’. This will be separate from their tournament which will continue to have its own tournament champions. They also plan on removing the points system and adapting a more ‘Grand Prix style’. The $1 Million prize will also change. Fighters will now compete for a $500k prize as well as the prize purse they make on the way to the final.
End of an era
Bellator’s loss of its brand identity will have fans reminiscing, as the company has been around since the early 2000s. The company was one of the first rivals to the UFC and had acquired some of its own MMA stars over the years. Creating some big names like Michael Chandler, Ben Askren and Eddie Alvarez fans are likely going to miss the promotion.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
