The PFL has officially announced that the Bellator branding will no longer be used, marking the end of the iconic promotion founded in 2008 by Bjorn Rebney. This decision follows PFL’s acquisition of Bellator and its roster of fighters in November 2023. The shift in branding was confirmed by PFL chairman and founder Donn Davis, in a statement shared on social media, which also aligned with an earlier report from Ariel Helwani.
The PFL emphasized that its acquisition of Bellator was primarily driven by its impressive roster of fighters. Going forward, all events, content, and promotions will carry the PFL brand. However, the legacy of Bellator branding will not be forgotten. The PFL plans to continue showcasing Bellator’s historic fight library and feature select Bellator title bouts, ensuring the promotion’s rich history is respected.

As part of its overhaul for 2025, the PFL is moving away from its signature season-based tournament format, which previously awarded a $1 million prize to divisional champions. Instead, PFL will introduce the Champions Series, crowning new divisional champions, while maintaining a grand prix-style single-elimination tournament with a $500,000 prize for the winner.
The transition raises questions about the status of current Bellator champions, such as Patricio Freire and Usman Nurmagomedov. It remains unclear whether these fighters will retain their Bellator titles or fight for PFL championships in the new structure. This move is part of the PFL’s broader strategy to innovate and distinguish itself in the MMA world, further solidifying its position as a major force in the sport’s global landscape. The shift away from Bellator branding represents the company’s drive for a unified, streamlined identity under the PFL banner.
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