Patricio Pitbull, frustrated with the lack of fights since the PFL absorbed Bellator, criticized the promotion for postponing events, failing to schedule adequate fights for athletes, and prioritizing social media personalities over professional fighters.
Patricio Pitbull, Bellator’s featherweight champ, joins the ranks of frustrated fighters in the PFL. He’s not alone in his discontent.
Since the PFL absorbed Bellator a year ago, Pitbull has only fought once—defending his title against Jeremy Kennedy at Bellator Belfast. Other champs like Corey Anderson and Patchy Mix have also voiced their concerns about inactivity since the merger. Pitbull took to Twitter to express his grievances after multiple Bellator cards were postponed towards year’s end.
“I haven’t fought since March,” Pitbull lamented. “I aimed for three fights this year, but was told to wait until Dec. 31. Then, I found out online my opponent would fight someone else. A replacement came up, I invested in training camp, but no fight happened.”
“They claimed issues with Japan weren’t their fault. Fine. So why not host an event elsewhere? What kind of promotion can’t ensure fighters get at least two fights a year? Some haven’t even fought this year! Bellator used to be massive. We always had clarity and never faced sudden cancellations without rescheduling. Even regional promotions have dates set for next April!”
This merger feels disastrous for MMA. Meanwhile, top execs talk about paying millions to social media stars and semi-retired fighters while cutting most of the roster and labeling those earning [$30,000 to show, $30,000 to win] as too costly. How can you claim the top spot globally if you don’t stage events or pay fighters adequately?”
During a Town Hall Q&A with MMA Fighting, PFL’s Donn Davis promised that postponed events would return under a new Championship Series format. Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes will headline a Jan. 25 event, kicking off the revamped series in Dubai. Davis assured fans that many favorite fighters would be rebooked soon.
Pitbull is often hailed as Bellator’s greatest fighter ever, having won titles across multiple weight classes in his extensive career of over 30 fights. He’s defeated notable names like Michael Chandler, A.J. McKee, and Juan Archuleta.
At 37, Pitbull still has fuel left but knows his competitive window is closing fast.
“I’m deeply concerned about Bellator’s future and MMA at large,” Pitbull explained. “I feel for fighters who didn’t fight this year or got cut because they’re seen as too expensive or simply due to lack of events.”
“This isn’t right. We need transparency; fighters and fans deserve respect. This isn’t just business—it’s people’s lives we’re dealing with here. A serious promotion should allow healthy fighters three bouts a year.”