Bellator MMA Expected to Fold

[Dean]

This is a bummer as regardless of what you may think, less competition is generally not good for the consumer. I haven't kept up with Bellator as much since they moved a lot of their events away from Paramount and focused more on DAZN and PPV models, but it is sad to see, and I wonder if PFL can absorb all these fighters. Bellator has a ton of talented mixed martial artists.

Report: Bellator MMA Expected To Fold In The Near Future After Talks Of Merger With PFL Fall Apart | Fightful News

"A Twitter report by Todd Atkins on July 28 claimed that a merger between the Professional Fighters League and Bellator MMA would be part of an announcement coming in August along with a new distribution platform for PFL.

However, a new report from Todd Atkins on September 15 claims that talks between Bellator and PFL about a potential merger have fallen apart, noting that Bellator is expected to continue running shows until they no longer have funds to do so. Then, the promotion is expected to fold."

 

[Webster]

Just as wrestling consolidated back in the late 80's-early/mid-90's into just a handful of national promotions, the same thing in a sense is happening in MMA, only without a viable rival to UFC opposite them (that should be Bellator but...).

 

[Dean]

Just as wrestling consolidated back in the late 80's-early/mid-90's into just a handful of national promotions, the same thing in a sense is happening in MMA, only without a viable rival to UFC opposite them (that should be Bellator but...).

Professional Fighters League, which was formed from the ashes of World Series of Fighting, may be the best chance in America.

Overseas, ONE Fighting Championship (who's trying to make inroads in America, similar to the way New Japan has been), RIZIN, and a handful of others are doing well, although RIZIN may suffer if Bellator folds, unless they grow and form partnerships.

The fighters need more than just UFC, or we will see more of them be underpaid or pursue alternate careers in pro wrestling, boxing, or whatever else.