On Saturday, some of the best fighters from PFL and Bellator MMA will meet in a card built around promotional supremacy. The PFL vs. Bellator pay-per-view event is the first cross-promotional card since PFL acquired Bellator in November 2023.
The card has taken some hits with fighters falling out, but two battles of current champions remain. Heavyweights Renan Ferreira (PFL) and Ryan Bader (Bellator) are set to square off, as well as light heavyweight champion Impa Kasanganay (PFL) taking on middleweight champion Johnny Eblen (Bellator) at 185 pounds.
This cross-promotional event between PFL and Bellator is a major milestone in the MMA world. It is a rare occurrence to see champions from different organizations face off, and fans have been eagerly awaiting the opportunity. The fact that this event is being held in Saudi Arabia adds to the excitement, and the stacked card promises some thrilling matchups.
The undercard also features more champions, like Bellator welterweight titleholder Jason Jackson taking on former two-time PFL season champ Ray Cooper III. Another interesting matchup sees 2021 PFL heavyweight champ Bruno Cappelozza take on former Bellator light heavyweight champ Vadim Nemkov in his heavyweight debut. Plus, a fun showdown of former UFC title contenders is set when Thiago Santos battles Yoel Romero at light heavyweight.
PFL CEO Peter Murray recognizes the significance of this event, stating that “Many fans have been talking about this for years. Other promotions have been talking about this as well. I am so proud that on the heels of the Bellator acquisition we can now present the very best in MMA.” The plan is to continue this cross-promotional event each year, setting up a PFL vs. Bellator All-Star Game of sorts.
As fight night approaches, the excitement is building. Fans will have the opportunity to witness these champion vs. champion clashes and a host of other intriguing matchups. The event will take place at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with the prelims starting at noon ET on ESPN+ and the main card on PPV at 3 p.m.
PFL vs. Bellator fight card, odds
| Renan Fereira (c) -115 | Ryan Bader (c) -105 | Heavyweight |
| Impa Kasanganay (c) +300 | Johnny Eblen (c) -400 | Middleweight |
| Ray Cooper III +525 | Jason Jackson -750 | Welterweight |
| Bruno Cappelozza +300 | Vadim Nemkov -400 | Heavyweight |
| Thiago Santos -110 | Yoel Romero -110 | Light heavyweight |
| Clay Collard +240 | AJ McKee -300 | Lightweight |
PFL vs. Bellator viewing information
Date: Feb. 24 | Start time: 3 p.m. ET (main card)
Location: Kingdom Arena — Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
TV channel: ESPN+ PPV | Price: $49.99
Renan Ferreira (-115) vs. Ryan Bader (-105), heavyweight
Ryan Bader, a former Bellator light heavyweight champion, has proven himself a force to be reckoned with in the MMA world. Having made the move up to heavyweight and capturing the Bellator heavyweight title, Bader’s 9-2 record since leaving the UFC commands respect. However, his vulnerability to striking stoppages raises questions.
Renan Ferreira, the PFL heavyweight champion, presents a formidable challenge to Bader. With a record of 12 wins, including 10 knockouts, Ferreira possesses the power to exploit Bader’s weak chin. Standing at 6-foot-8, Ferreira holds a significant height advantage that can work to his advantage if Bader fails to close the distance and utilize his wrestling skills.
The key to victory for Bader lies in his ability to neutralize Ferreira’s striking threat by taking the fight to the ground. However, this approach still carries the risk of Ferreira’s ground and pound. This matchup promises an exciting clash of styles, with Ferreira’s knockout power pitted against Bader’s grappling prowess.
Impa Kasanganay (+300) vs. Johnny Eblen (-400), middleweight
Impa Kasanganay, the reigning PFL light heavyweight champion, faces a tough test as he moves down to middleweight to challenge Johnny Eblen, the Bellator middleweight champion. Kasanganay has been on an impressive winning streak, with six consecutive victories in the PFL. However, he is also known for being on the receiving end of a spectacular knockout in the UFC.
Johnny Eblen, undefeated in his professional career with a record of 14-0, presents a formidable challenge for Kasanganay. Having successfully defended the Bellator middleweight title twice, Eblen brings a wealth of experience and strong grappling skills to this matchup.
Eblen’s strategy should revolve around utilizing his superior wrestling to dictate the fight and prevent Kasanganay from capitalizing on his striking abilities. Although Eblen has shown a tendency to engage in striking exchanges, his grappling skills should give him the edge in this matchup.
Quick hits
- Jason Jackson (-750) vs. Ray Cooper III (+525), 182-pound catchweight: Jason Jackson, the Bellator welterweight champion, was initially scheduled to face PFL welterweight king Magomed Magomedkerimov. However, with Magomedkerimov’s withdrawal, Ray Cooper III steps in as his replacement. Cooper, a former two-time PFL season champion, has experienced recent setbacks with two losses in his last three fights. Jackson, on the other hand, rides a seven-fight winning streak, culminating in capturing the Bellator welterweight title. Jackson’s knockout power makes him the favorite in this matchup.
- Bruno Cappelozza (+300) vs. Vadim Nemkov (-400), heavyweight: Vadim Nemkov, the former Bellator light heavyweight champion, has decided to test his skills at heavyweight and relinquish his title. His first challenge in this new weight class comes in the form of Bruno Cappelozza, the 2021 PFL heavyweight champion. With 14 knockouts in his career, Cappelozza possesses the power to threaten Nemkov. However, Nemkov’s overall skill set and impressive winning streak make him the favored contender in this matchup.