Prominent fighters from Bellator have criticized the PFL for inactivity and disorganization following its acquisition of Bellator, with concerns about financial obligations and a lack of scheduled fights for major athletes, leading to frustration over wasted prime years and highlighting the importance of drama and storytelling in sports promotions.
As the PFL gears up to conclude its 2024 season this Friday, some notable fighters from Bellator are voicing their discontent. They’ve criticized the promotion for inactivity, leaving them uncertain about their next fights.
PFL acquired Bellator in 2023 and kept the brand running for a year. Yet, questions swirl around the organization’s future. Fighters like Patricio Pitbull, Patchy Mix, and Corey Anderson have expressed frustration over lengthy layoffs and fight cancellations. Only one Bellator card is set for January, and none of these champions are scheduled to appear.
“It sucks,” UFC legend Matt Brown lamented on the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer. “These guys are in their prime, and they’re wasting it waiting for this organization to sort things out. PFL-Bellator seems chaotic, with no clear structure.”
“There’s a fight this weekend that nobody knows about,” he continued. “I think they lost big on the [Francis] Ngannou fight. It’s like watching a trainwreck unfold slowly.”
PFL officials haven’t addressed these concerns directly. Many speculate financial issues tied to existing contracts might be at play.
Contracts signed under Bellator’s old management must still be honored after the sale. Former champ Gegard Mousasi even filed a lawsuit against PFL, alleging they sidelined him while asking for a pay cut if he wanted to fight.
“What else could it be?” Brown questioned. “If they had the funds, they’d want these fighters active. These are their star acquisitions from Bellator. We hardcore fans want to see them fight—Gegard Mousasi, Patchy Mix, Aaron Pico, Corey Anderson.”
“It’s a terrible look when fighters speak out publicly,” Brown added. “It makes PFL-Bellator seem like a disaster waiting to happen.”
Running PFL and Bellator side-by-side has always been perplexing since PFL owns both.
The separation partly stems from PFL’s format—a season-long tournament leading to playoffs and a championship final, similar to traditional sports leagues like the NFL or NBA.
Brown doubts its effectiveness or fan appeal. He’s puzzled why PFL bought Bellator if not to leverage its top stars.
“It’s a trainwreck,” Brown declared. “MMA is just like the UFC; no one cares about your tournaments or point system—not hardcore fans, not casual ones.”
“To compete, you need top fighters and compelling shows with drama,” he emphasized.
Brown believes UFC’s knack for crafting storylines sets it apart from competitors.
Talent matters but isn’t enough by itself; thrilling fights alone don’t sustain viewer interest.
“I’ve said it for years—the UFC excels at creating drama,” Brown stated. “We know athletes’ personalities; we care about them, which builds engagement.”
“If every fighter was like me—great fights alone wouldn’t have sustained the sport,” he admitted. “Drama built this platform; we thrive off that.”
For proof that drama sells, look at Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson’s boxing match—it drew massive Netflix viewership.
PFL might learn from that event when considering future strategies.
“Jake Paul and Mike Tyson attracted viewers through emotional investment,” Brown noted. “Not skill—people got emotionally involved.”
PFL-Bellator faces a long journey ahead; only UFC has mastered selling personality and drama effectively.