EXCLUSIVE | What the fighters are saying about the PFL-Bellator deal

After months of rumours and speculation, it was finally confirmed on Monday that the PFL (Professional Fighters League) have acquired Bellator MMA from media conglomerate Paramount who had owned and operated the promotion since purchasing it from founder Bjorn Rebney in 2011.

The rebranded Bellator International Champions Series will host eight events around the world in 2024 each featuring two title fights, according to PFL chairman and co-owner Donn Davis. All fighters under contract with Bellator are now under a PFL deal, and are eligible to compete in all PFL subsidiaries, including the Global Season, the International Seasons, the upcoming Super Fight PPV series, and now Bellator events.

This announcement has provided some much-needed clarity for fighters after months of uncertainty regarding their futures. These are thoughts of some of the top fighters making the move to PFL from Bellator provided exclusively to VMTV.

#1 ranked Heavyweight, former title challenger Linton Vassell (24-8, 12-5 Bellator)

I’m excited to see where this PFL and Bellator deal actually goes from here. Some great new match ups to make, and being more active excites me. I’m hoping this means they are doing more Europe events, and champ vs champ is very interesting to me. This is something that can be big if done correctly. The best should be fighting the best and I think this is great to make super fights with PFL vs Bellator.

#4 ranked Welterweight, All-time Bellator Submission leader Goiti Yamauchi (28-6, 14-5 Bellator)

I’m very excited for this one. The goal remains the same. But my love and gratitude for Bellator is immeasurable. I appreciate all these 10 years inside this company. Made a lot friends, changed my life and had a lot of fun in there. Let’s go to the next chapter (with) PFL.

Welterweight Oliver Enkamp (11-4, 4-2 Bellator)

I think the deal with PFL puts Bellator in an exciting position – as a bigger competitor on the world MMA scene united. If everything goes well, this could mean the landscape of our sport will look totally different in a few years time. What it means for us fighters remains to be seen – but I am positive about the changes coming!

Two-time Bellator Featherweight Title Challenger Arlene Blencowe (15-10, 8-6 Bellator)

I’m excited for the merge between Bellator and PFL. Obviously, there was a period of time there where we were uncertain what our future held. In particular, it was a concern for me as I’m only one fight in on a four fight lucrative contract with Bellator. Now that we know what’s happening ,the idea of having a whole new pool of featherweight fighters to fight is extremely exciting for me as I had fought all but a couple of the top ranked Bellator fighters. Something else that’s super exciting for me is the fact that PFL are looking to come to Australia in 2024. It’s been a dream of mine to fight in front of a home crowd, and now hopefully I’ll get my chance to.

#3-ranked Bellator Featherweight Jeremy Kennedy (19-3 1NC, 4-1 Bellator)

Having fought for both companies I’m happy to see them merge and create more opportunities for us fighters. I’m excited to work with everyone at the PFL again and looking forward to some big match-ups.

Team Crossface Lightweight Charlie Leary (17-13-1 1NC, 3-4 1NC Bellator)

It’s really exciting times. I just hope that the backroom staff and the people behind the scenes at Bellator are looked after because they are all such a great help and so nice to work with.

Bellator 301 winner Tim Wilde (17-4-1, 5-1-1 Bellator)

I am excited for myself, (teammate) Fabian (Edwards) and the MMA world as a whole, the deal that has been made makes for exciting times ahead! I am happy to have the opportunity to potentially win a world title in either of these massive global organisations.

London Shootfighters Lightweight Alfie Davis (16-4-1, 7-1-1 Bellator)

(I’m) excited about the deal with PFL. I am a Don and my second name is Davis. So me and the boss Donn Davis have a lot in common. I also like their tournament style of competition and like how regular their fighters fight. I look forward to winning a milli soon.

Irish prospect Darragh Kelly (5-0, 4-0 Bellator)

I’m feeling optimistic about the future of PFL and Bellator. I’m hoping for a busy 2024, it would be great if they can keep us active with possible fights under both banners.

#8 Light Heavyweight Luke Trainer (7-1, 4-1 Bellator)

I love this new deal! Bellator and PFL coming together means 2 things: More eye balls & More money.

As long as they don’t try to make me fight my brother, the smoothest Jamaican Alive SIMEON POWELL!

I’m happy! Line em up!