As the dust settles on the recent acquisition, the Professional Fighters League (PFL) has breathed new life into moribund Bellator MMA. Under its reimagined banner, will Bellator Champions Series emerge as the new standard bearer for World MMA or another cursed product with the Bellator name? Let’s find out as we delve into the details of its inaugural event in Belfast, Ireland.
The PFL Takeover
In November 2023, the PFL acquired Bellator, signaling a seismic shift in the MMA landscape. After the merger and mixing of the pieces, it has been renamed the Bellator Champions Series, as distinct from the PFL tournament structure.
Bellator 302: The Dublin Debut
The Bellator Champions Series, born from the ashes of the PFL takeover, promises a fresh take on Bellator’s product with live broadcasts on DAZN (in Europe) and the newly announced MAX (in the U.S.) with events slated across European and U.S. markets. This arrangement encompasses eight fight cards scheduled for 2024, commencing on March 22, 2024, at the SSE Arena in Belfast, which will play host to the first standalone Bellator event under PFL ownership. Let’s take a look at the lineup:
Main Event: A Light HW Championship Clash
Corey Anderson and Karl Moore vie for the vacant light heavyweight title.
Expect fireworks as these two collide. Anderson’s wrestling pedigree meets Moore’s dynamic striking and grappling and it’s a clash of styles that promises drama, heart, and championship-level intensity.
Featherweight Title Clash
Patricio “Pitbull” Freire (34-7), the reigning featherweight champion, steps into the cage to defend his title against Jeremy Kennedy (19-3). Kennedy, with a stellar record in both the UFC and PFL, aims to prove he’s the division’s top contender.
Gallagher vs. Higo
James Gallagher (12-2), an Irish fan favorite, faces off against Leandro Higo (22-6). Originally slated to fight Kennedy, Gallagher now squares off against Higo in a captivating clash of grappling prowess.
Other Notable Bouts
Fabian Edwards takes on Aaron Jeffery in a middleweight showdown.
The Road Ahead
As the Bellator Champions Series gains momentum, fans can expect more events featuring world title fights and top-ranked fighters. Keep your eyes peeled for announcements as the series unfolds, and let's all hope for a spectacular addition to the global MMA scene.🥊🔥
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