In a seismic shift that’s sending shockwaves through the mixed martial arts world, the Professional Fighters League has announced major changes to its structure and operations for 2025. The most significant development is the dissolution of the Bellator brand, marking the end of an era for one of MMA’s most prominent organizations.
Per @arielhelwani, Bellator MMA is no more. PFL has dissolved the brand, and every event will be under the PFL brand. pic.twitter.com/yA5SzQt8vu
— MMA On Point (@OnPointMMA) January 13, 2025
The Fall of Bellator
Bellator, which has been a staple in the MMA landscape for 18 years, will cease to exist as a separate entity3. The promotion, acquired by PFL in late 2023, initially continued operations under the “Champions Series” banner throughout 2024. However, this experiment has come to an abrupt end.
“Bellator is dead,” declared MMA journalist Ariel Helwani in a recent report. “Bellator as we know it is no more. You will not see any more Bellator events”1. This announcement marks the final chapter for a promotion that has been home to numerous memorable moments and has played a crucial role in developing top-tier MMA talent.
Bellator, as we know it, is no more. You will not see any more Bellator events. Also, there are some changes being made to the structure of PFL.
Here’s what we know so far ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/HYp5IkzLJi
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) January 13, 2025
The Bellator brand will be rebranded as the PFL Champions Series, focusing on hosting title bouts for PFL’s new divisional championships5. This move aims to streamline operations and consolidate the strengths of both organizations under a single banner.
PFL’s Revolutionary Format Changes
Alongside the Bellator news, PFL has unveiled significant alterations to its tournament structure and prize money for the 2025 season. The promotion is abandoning its unique points-based season format in favor of a more traditional single-elimination tournament structure.
Perhaps the most notable change is the reduction of the grand prize for tournament winners. The iconic $1 million payout, which has been a hallmark of PFL since its inception, will be halved to $500,000 starting with the 2025 season. This adjustment reflects a shift in the promotion’s financial strategy and could potentially impact the caliber of fighters attracted to the tournaments.
The new format is expected to feature eight-fighter tournaments across various weight divisions, with each winner claiming the $500,000 prize. This structure aims to create a more streamlined and potentially more exciting viewing experience for fans, while still offering substantial financial incentives for fighters.
These changes represent a bold new direction for PFL as it seeks to establish itself as a major player in the MMA world. By integrating Bellator’s roster and resources while refining its own unique approach to MMA competition, PFL is positioning itself as a formidable alternative to other major promotions.
As the MMA community digests these sweeping changes, all eyes will be on PFL’s 2025 season. The success of this new format, coupled with the assimilation of Bellator’s talent pool, could potentially reshape the competitive landscape of mixed martial arts. For fighters and fans alike, 2025 promises to be a year of transition, excitement, and potentially, the dawn of a new era in MMA.
