Report: MMA insider discloses major restructuring at PFL: "Bellator is no more"

It appears as though there is major restructuring at PFL as an MMA insider reported that the promotion has committed to changing their format and event structure. A casualty of the restructuring is Bellator as the former Scott Coker-led promotion will be dissolved and embedded as one entity rather than operating as two seperate brands.

Donn Davis' promotion was known for their regular season format, which would crown an annual champion following a tournament and playoff structure. In addition, they introduced their Super Fight pay-per-view division last year with Francis Ngannou and Bellator Champions Series, which were headlined by title fights and title eliminators.

After their attempts to operate their expanded lineup in 2024, MMA insider Ariel Helwani reported that the promotion intends to do away with their current formats.

During the latest episode of The Ariel Helwani Show, the Canadian journalist mentioned that Bellator will be dissolved and that the PFL will be changing its regular season structure into single-elimination tournaments:

"Bellator, as we know it, is no more...This is the structure. There are going to be what is being referred to as PFL Champions Series events. Those events are going to be headlined by title fights...Season format is no more...What it is now is 6-8 weight classes being featured, eight fighters, two alternates, single elimination tournament...$500,000 in addition to [the winner's] purse...But it's no longer structured as regular season and all that and Bellator is no more."

Check out Ariel Helwani's comments below:

---

Ariel Helwani reports latest with scheduled PFL-Bellator Dubai event

In addition to his report on the PFL's plans to restructure, Ariel Helwani also reported on the latest regarding the promotion's upcoming Bellator Dubai event.

During the aforementioned clip, Helwani noted that Bellator was no longer promoted aside from Usman Nurmagomedov defending the lightweight championship against Paul Hughes. He mentioned that there are also no details regarding where the event will air, but it could possibly be free for all viewers:

"What's unclear also is where this January 25th [Dubai] event is going to air. As of right now, they haven't announced. I have been told it might just air on YouTube and they might just say, 'Here, we're gonna give it to you for free'...Maybe on MAX, maybe on Amazon as well, they're in the mix too."

Check out the promo for PFL's Road to Dubai below: