The world of MMA and combat sports has been going through massive transformations. With the WWE and UFC merger in place, two Titans coming under the same roof. This move has raised potential threats for their competitors. However, things took a major turn when there were speculations that PFL and Bellator were joining hands as well. These speculations have now become a reality.
The UFC-WWE merger was one of the most ambitious projects in the history of combat sports. The coming together of two of the most well-known and watched entertainment institutions must have sent shivers down the spines of competitors. However, with PFL’s newest acquisition, they seemingly have big plans ahead. Is Dana White’s UFC under threat?
PFL’s $500 Million deal for Bellator may threaten UFC’s dominance
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The Professional Fighters League is in its final stages to acquire Bellator which is a direct mixed martial arts rival to UFC. Bellator as an organization is owned by Paramount, based in California. PFL which is valued at $500 million as of 2023 appears willing to pay this amount in cash to acquire Bellator.
🚨| Latest update on the imminent sale of Bellator via @phre:
PFL is buying Bellator. They’ll run Bellator for another couple of years (under the Bellator brand), and then they’re getting rid of it.#PFL #Bellator #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/ndTZIg1yob
— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit) September 29, 2023
Bellator has been a significant and direct competitor to the UFC. Launched in 2008, the institution grew at a much faster pace. The promotion has held 300 events to date, including events in Europe. The acquisition of Bellator by PFL may threaten UFC’s position in the market, with PFL gathering significant investment in the past. Saudi Arabia’s SRJ Sports Investments had taken a minority stake in the PFL by paying as much as $100 million last week. Additionally, former UFC heavyweight Francis Ngannou is all set to make his PFL debit and crusade PFL Africa’s growth.
Even though the merger may pose a serious threat to the UFC, which is already embroiled in controversies, Dana White, the CEO of the UFC, appears to have a different opinion about this endeavor.
Dana White Dismisses Threat of PFL-Bellator Deal to UFC Dominance
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Dana White is well aware of his competitive edge in the realm of combat sports as well as in entertainment. He understands that competing with UFC is like attempting to dig a hole through Mount Everest with just a chisel.
White in a recent press conference stated “Why on God’s green f******* Earth would anybody buy Bellator?” White said following the latest installment of the UFC’s Contender Series. “So what we were just talking about with business and making the right moves and making the right decisions, there’s been lots of bad ones — Bellator would be one of the f****** biggest. Why anybody would buy Bellator is beside me, but sit back and see how this plays out. I’m excited.”
“White, upon hearing the price tag for Bellator, was taken aback. He added “Bellator’s $500 million? Awesome. Sounds like a steal,” White said. “Sounds like a f******* steal. Buy that thing quick before who else does? Come on, you guys. It’s f****** silly!.”
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As far as the deal is concerned, it very well might pose a threat to UFC’s dominance. However Dana white is completely unfazed about the happening and non-happening of the deal. What are your thoughts on this? Will the PFL-Bellator deal be able to shake the dominance of UFC? Do tell us in the comments below.