The PFL vs. Bellator champions vs. champions event has a date and a lineup of official fights.
PFL, who acquired Bellator in 2023, posted the details of the stacked card on social media on Tuesday. It’s called Seize the Throne.
The champion-vs-champion format will undoubtedly grab the attention of MMA fans.
By leveraging the best fighters on two promotions’ roster, the PFL is in a position to put on a show packed with stars and stakes that could only be equaled or surpassed by the UFC. That concept makes this show one of the most important MMA events of 2024.
The card has a healthy representation from both the PFL and Bellator brands, with the crossover many MMA fans have wanted to see from multiple promotions. The event takes place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on February 24. It will be available for streaming on ESPN+ PPV and DAZN PPV with a 12:30 pm ET start time for the early prelims and a 3 pm ET go time for the main card.
The PPV purchase will get viewers seven fights, four of which are champion-vs-champion scraps that will culminate with the winners receiving unique title belts, per a PFL representative. The PFL will be represented by 2023 featherweight king Jesus Pinedo, two-time welterweight winner Magomed Magomedkerimov, middleweight Impa Kasanagay, and heavyweight Renan Ferreira.
Bellator’s side of the equation will have champions Patricio Pitbull facing Pinedo, Jason Jackson taking on Magomedkerimov, Johnny Eblen battling Kasanagay and Ryan Bader against Ferreira.
Each fight likely elevates the winner in the world rankings across all promotions. In addition to the four champion-vs-champion bouts, the PFL-vs-Bellator element will be present in the three other main card fights.
2023 lightweight runner-up Clay Collard represents PFL in a battle with former Bellator featherweight champion AJ McKee. In a battle of veterans, PFL’s Thiago Santos faces Bellator’s Yoel Romero and PFL heavyweight Bruno Cappelozza vs. Bellator behemoth Vadim Nemkov.
The undercard also has some interesting matchups. PFL 2023 featherweight finalist Gabriel Braga takes on Bellator’s explosive finisher, Aaron Pico. Biaggio Ali Walsh continues his burgeoning MMA career against Chris Morris.
Legendary boxer Claressa Shields continues her MMA journey, taking on Kelsey De Santis. If there is a fight or a missing piece to the card, it’s the absence of Bellator’s Cris Cyborg and PFL’s Larissa Pacheco and Kayla Harrison.
The long-rumored Harrison-Cyborg bout doesn’t seem close to being announced but don’t be shocked if Pacheco-Cyborg is added.
Read the full article here
