Bellator Brand Declared ‘Dead’ Amid Major PFL Overhaul for 2025

Bellator, as we know it, is officially coming to an end, with its legacy being absorbed by the Professional Fighters League (PFL) in 2025. The announcement, made earlier today by MMA journalist Ariel Helwani, confirmed that after this month’s lightweight title fight between Usman Nurmagomedov and Paul Hughes, Bellator would cease to exist, marking the end of an era for the iconic MMA promotion.

The acquisition of Bellator by the PFL at the end of 2023 was initially met with excitement and the promise of creating a legitimate rival to the UFC. However, attempts to operate Bellator as an independent entity under the PFL umbrella fell short. Despite the launch of the Bellator Champions Series in 2024, the initiative failed to generate the momentum needed to sustain the brand, ultimately leading to the decision to dissolve Bellator entirely.

This move will see all Bellator operations, fighters, and resources fully integrated into the PFL, a step aimed at streamlining the promotion’s efforts and focusing on delivering top-tier events. Fighters from Bellator will now compete under the PFL banner, with the organization promising a revamped format to keep fans engaged. The familiar point-based season format is being retired in favour of single-elimination tournaments featuring eight fighters per division, with a $500,000 prize for each tournament winner.

The PFL will also establish its own champions by merging Bellator’s elite fighters with its existing roster, creating opportunities for new rivalries and high-stakes matchups. This unified approach is expected to elevate the PFL’s standing in the MMA world and provide fans with the kind of marquee fights that Bellator was known for during its peak years.

The closure of Bellator signifies a major turning point in mixed martial arts. Once a beacon of competition and home to some of the sport’s most memorable moments, its end represents both a farewell to a cherished chapter and the beginning of a bold new vision under the PFL. Fans can expect a fresh approach to MMA in 2025, but for now, the curtain closes on Bellator, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the sport.