Tag: professional fighters league

PFL announces ‘industry transformative deal’ to acquire Bellator MMA

Posted on by Ian Carey

In a deal that could transform the MMA landscape, the Professional Fighters League has purchased Bellator MMA.

After months of rumors, the acquisition was officially announced on Monday. Financial terms have not been disclosed but PFL founder Donn Davis told the Financial Times that Paramount will retain a minority stake in Bellator. He added that the deal will create a stronger competitor to the UFC. 

“PFL is now a global powerhouse in MMA,” Davis said in a statement. “Our Bellator acquisition turbocharges PFL’s mission to innovate the sport and become the industry co-leader.”

“The combined PFL and Bellator fighter rosters are second to none in MMA,” said Peter Murray, PFL CEO. “We can’t wait to bring MMA fans what they have been asking for – best vs best with the PFL Champions vs Bellator Champions Mega-Event.”

Davis also teased on social media that a champions vs. champions event could take place in 2024. 

Ariel Helwani reports that Bellator will continue to operate under the Bellator brand, with shows primarily taking place overseas. 

A minority stake in the PFL was purchased this summer by SRJ Sports Investments, a company created earlier this year by the Saudi Public Investment Fund to bring high-profile global events to Saudi Arabia. 

PFL is gearing up for its 2023 World Championships. The event takes place Friday, November 24, 2023, from The Anthem in Washington, DC. 

Lilian Garcia joins PFL as ring announcer

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Lilian Garcia has joined the Professional Fighters League as an in-cage announcer.

Garcia signing with the mixed martial arts promotion was announced during her appearance on Ariel Helwani’s MMA Show today. Garcia noted that she’ll still be able to make special appearances for WWE as long as they don’t conflict with the 10 shows that the PFL has this season.

The PFL announced a two-year broadcast deal with ESPN this February, with content airing on ESPN2, ESPN+, and ESPN Deportes. The promotion uses a season model and has a regular season, playoffs, and championship.

“It’s no secret that I LOVE combat sports so now getting to be a part of the MMA world by introducing these amazing fighters in the ring who are fighting hard for an opportunity of a TITLE and ONE MILLION DOLLARS in EACH Division, is going to be unbelievably exciting,” Garcia wrote on Instagram.

This PFL season will begin on Thursday, May 9. The championship event will take place on New Year’s Eve (December 31).

Garcia hosts a podcast called “Chasing Glory” and regularly interviews WWE wrestlers and personalities on the show. She departed her full-time role with WWE in 2016 to care for her father before he passed away.

Garcia appeared at WrestleMania 35 earlier this month as the guest ring announcer for the WrestleMania Women’s Battle Royal.