‘This is HUGE for the sport’: Pros react to PFL’s acquisition of Bellator
Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images
After months of rumors and speculation, PFL’s acquisition of Bellator is final.
PFL chief Donn Davis on Monday announced the news on social media, prompting an immediate reaction from fighters in the PFL fold, which includes influencer turned boxer turned MMA hopeful Jake Paul.
Paul, who bought in to PFL in addition to linking to the promotion for his MMA debut, was among several immediate reactions to the acquisition. Here’s how fighters reacted to the news.
This is a great day for all PFL and Bellator fighters and MMA fans. The stronger we get, the more opportunities there are for everyone. pic.twitter.com/uqIUW6XM6a
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) November 20, 2023
I can’t wait to get in the cage and axe kick this fool. Nate Diaz stop making excuses. 2024. pic.twitter.com/PICjAuNe9F
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) November 20, 2023
It’s sad to see @BellatorMMA as we know it ending. Bellator is a big part of my story. I hope the future is bright and to see what @PFLMMA has in store for us, and that Mike Kogan and the team stay.
— Patricky Freire (@PatrickyPitbull) November 20, 2023
Game changers @PFLMMA
Congratulations on a game-changing announcement in the MMA space. The opportunities for PFL & Bellator athletes under this banner are endless pic.twitter.com/B8x4Rhb2Uz
— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) November 20, 2023
Huge for mma https://t.co/1moF3AeV9a
— Randy Costa (@RandyCosta135) November 20, 2023
Let’s goooooooooooo!!! Huge moves yet again https://t.co/hcBDXdbVK0
— Sean O'Connell (@realOCsports) November 20, 2023
Spectacular https://t.co/zt9updaINf
— Emiliano Sordi (@emilianosordi) November 20, 2023
Excited for the fighters and the new challenges they’ll face with the merging of rosters. What fights do you wanna see them make first? https://t.co/gcRpXnRUna
— Josh Thomson (@THEREALPUNK) November 20, 2023
This is HUGE for the sport! It will be interesting to see how everything pans out moving forward.. https://t.co/kA9yY5Oxro
— Megan Anderson (@MeganAnderson) November 20, 2023
Oh yeah!@PFLMMA + @BellatorMMA #ChangingTheGame#MMA
— Dan Hardy (@danhardymma) November 20, 2023
What about the Rizin Champ Boss?
— Juan Archuleta (@jarchmma) November 20, 2023
I’m curious about the future of the @BellatorMMA Bantamweight division and what’s next with @PFLMMA. The Bellator crew was great, I hope they and Mike kogan are still part of the promotion.
— Leandro Higo (@LeandroHigoMMA) November 20, 2023
I’m looking forward to see how things will be handled and the matchups ahead between @BellatorMMA and @PFLMMA fighters. I hope PFL is smart and Mike Kogan and the staff comes along with the deal.
— Patricio Pitbull (@PatricioPitbull) November 20, 2023