A recent acquisition of Bellator Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) from Paramount was successfully completed by the Professional Fighters League (PFL). It was stated by Donn Davis, the founder of the PFL, that Paramount will keep a minority ownership in the joint business, and that the acquisition will position the joint entity as a formidable competitor to the UFC.
The PFL was able to gather $500 million, demonstrating its dedication to expansion, despite the fact that the CEO of the UFC, Dana White, expressed doubt and criticism regarding the acquisition. As part of its intentions to extend its footprint in the Middle East, the Saudi sovereign wealth fund has provided it with an investment of one hundred million dollars to support the Public Finance League (PFL).
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While everything is going on, Bellator will continue to share a fighter roster with the PFL while still maintaining its brand identity. The fact that thirty percent of the combined roster was ranked in the top 25 according to the Fight Matrix rankings was another point that Davis brought up. He also mentioned a cross-promotion event in a recent interview with Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour. Helwani was discussing the event.
However, Patchy Mix, the bantamweight champion of Bellator, and Johnny Eblen, the middleweight champion of Bellator, will not be participating in the PFL vs. Bellator champions event. This is due to the fact that the PFL does not have bantamweight or middleweight divisions.
On the other hand, he gave his word that both fighters will have opportunities to compete on Bellator programs in 2024 as well as pay-per-view (PPV) events involving the PFL.
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Fight fans are voicing their indignation over what they perceive to be “promotional malpractice” on the part of the Professional Football League (PFL) in light of these disclosures. One supporter wrote:
“Wait, the Professional Football League doesn’t even have every weight class? They are often compared to the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Donn Davis claims Dana White is “worried” by PFL acquiring Bellator
Donn Davis, the man who established the Professional Fighters League (PFL), is overjoyed about the revolutionary merger that has taken place with Bellator Mixed Martial Arts. He considers the acquisition to be a serious adversary that can undermine the UFC’s position of preeminence.
The repercussions of the merger were discussed in detail by Davis during a recent interview that was conducted by Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour website. Specifically, he highlighted the dismissive stance that Dana White, CEO of the UFC, had taken. According to Davis, White is also concerned about the merger, as follows:
Everyone is familiar enough with Dana (White) to know that he only ignores things that cause him concern, or else he simply does not comment on them. Because he was unconcerned with the PFL, he refrained from making any comments about it for a period of four years. During the past half year, he has made a number of remarks regarding the PFL. “He is distressed.”
