It has been reported that after many negotiations and rumours, the PFL’s acquisition of Bellator has been completed.
According to Al Zullino of BJPenn.com, the PFL will take control of Bellator in 2024 following Bellator 301, which takes place in November in Chicago.
Reports suggest that Bellator and the PFL will continue to run as separate entities for an undisclosed period of time before any potential integration into the PFL’s unique format.
The acquisition will significantly bolster the PFL roster as it looks to compete with the UFC. Francis Ngannou is also expected to make his MMA return next year after signing a lucrative deal with the organisation last year.
It’s a move that has been long touted, but comes off the back of a $100mn investment from Saudi Arabia’s PIF.
As a result, the PFL will build a tournament in the region in a bid to boost Saudi MMA off the back of the success of the victories of Mostafa Rashed Nada and Abdullah Al-Qahtani at a PFL event this month.
Having splurged into a large number of sports and made major investments in football and boxing in recent times, MMA marks a new venture for the region.
