With the recent acquisition of Bellator MMA by the Professional Fighters League (PFL), the upcoming year promises to be filled with exciting matchups between fighters from both promotions. The combined roster of PFL and Bellator boasts incredible talent, making it the deepest and most talented roster outside the UFC. In this article, we will analyze some of the potential matchups that PFL could book with Bellator fighters, starting with the promotion’s biggest star, Francis Ngannou.
When Ngannou joined the PFL earlier this year, there wasn’t a clear first opponent for him. However, with the acquisition of Bellator, several possibilities emerge. One option is a mixed-rules fight against professional boxer Deontay Wilder, which, although somewhat unusual, would undoubtedly attract attention. Another potential opponent is Renan Ferreira, the 2023 PFL heavyweight champion. This matchup seems inevitable at some point. Lastly, Ryan Bader, the Bellator light heavyweight champion, could provide an intriguing matchup for Ngannou. Although Bader has primarily competed at light heavyweight, his boxing and wrestling skills make him a formidable opponent for Ngannou.
Derek Brunson’s arrival in the PFL at this particular time seems like an unexpected convergence of events. He left behind his career as a UFC middleweight contender and signed with the PFL, which did not have a 185-pound division. However, shortly after his arrival, the PFL acquired Bellator, a promotion that boasts a stacked middleweight class. This opens up an exciting possibility of matching Brunson against Bellator champion Johnny Eblen. Eblen, undefeated and in his prime, would be the perfect test for Brunson’s strong wrestling base.
Shane Burgos, known for his thrilling fighting style, would make an excellent opponent for Aaron McKee. Burgos is an aggressive fighter who is not afraid to take shots to deliver his own. McKee, on the other hand, may not be as technically skilled on the feet as Burgos, but he compensates with his wrestling and innovative Brazilian jiu-jitsu. However, Burgos had a challenging year in 2023 and could benefit from better matchmaking. This matchup would not only be an action-packed fight but also a clash between two of the most talented lightweight fighters outside the UFC.
There is no denying that the highly anticipated matchup between Kayla Harrison and Cris Cyborg is the fight to make. Although PFL chairman Donn Davis surprised many by stating that the promotion will initially go with the matchup between Cyborg and two-division PFL champion Larissa Pacheco, the ultimate goal is a showdown between Harrison and Cyborg. This fight is one of the biggest women’s MMA matchups that can be made and would undoubtedly capture the attention of fans worldwide.
In the men’s featherweight division, the champ vs. champ showdown will feature Bellator’s legendary Patricio “Pitbull” Freire. However, one of the most exciting matchups that could be made in this weight class is between Brendan Loughnane and Aaron Pico. Loughnane, the PFL lightweight titleholder, has long been regarded as a fighter to watch. His dominant win on “Dana White’s Contender Series” in 2019 only added to the anticipation surrounding his career. Pico, a former amateur wrestling world champion who signed with Bellator at a young age, had a tough start but has since rebounded, winning eight of his last nine fights. A matchup between Loughnane and Pico would not only showcase their potential but also provide high-level competition for both fighters.
With the acquisition of Bellator MMA, the PFL has created a super roster that is filled with incredible talent. The potential matchups between PFL and Bellator fighters are vast and offer fans a chance to witness some of the most exciting fights in MMA. From the heavyweight clash between Ngannou and Ferreira to the featherweight showdown between Harrison and Cyborg, there is no shortage of intriguing matchups on the horizon. It is an exciting time for both promotions, and fans can look forward to witnessing unforgettable moments as these talented fighters collide inside the cage.
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