The Professional Fighters League (PFL) kicked off its 2024 regular season, following its recent acquisition of rival Bellator MMA. The first card of the season boasted a Bellator crossover theme, with past or present champions from both promotions facing off. The event, held at the Boeing Center at Tech Port in San Antonio, Texas, showcased intriguing matchups and set the stage for the upcoming season.
One of the key matchups in the men’s heavyweight division featured Ante Delija, the 2022 season champion, taking on former Bellator title challenger Valentin Moldavsky. In the co-main event, Denis Goltsov, a PFL finalist last season, squared off against Bellator veteran Linton Vassell. The clash between the PFL and Bellator fighters created a sense of rivalry and excitement for fans. With only Goltsov and Delija returning from last season’s roster, the division promised a fresh look and unpredictable outcomes.
The women’s flyweight division also showcased compelling matchups, including a bout between Liz Carmouche and Juliana Velasquez. The two fighters had previously met in Bellator, with Carmouche emerging victorious in both encounters. However, the decision to have them face each other again raised questions about the lineup. Fans wondered why Velasquez did not have to earn her third shot against Carmouche by competing against other deserving contenders like Taila Santos or Dakota Ditcheva. The introduction of new talent like Santos and Ditcheva provided an opportunity for fresh rivalries and competitive balance in the women’s flyweight division.
The season-opening main event between Delija and Moldavsky served as a tone-setter for the upcoming season, emphasizing the importance of accumulating points early on. While star power is often a focal point in combat sports, the PFL prioritizes the season itself over individual matchups. Fighters like Goltsov, known for their aggressive fighting style and ability to secure early stoppages, understood the significance of starting strong in the season. With Renan Ferreira and Bruno Cappelozza absent from this season, Goltsov aimed to establish himself as the dominant force in the heavyweight division.
The PFL’s unique season format allows for a level playing field among fighters, with every participant starting at 0-0 in the standings. The heavyweight division, in particular, showcased a blend of familiar faces and new contenders, creating an atmosphere of newness and unlimited potential. Bellator transplants like Vassell and Moldavsky faced the challenge of adapting to their new environment and competing in multiple fights over the course of the season. The division’s unpredictability and the allure of the $1 million prize added to the excitement surrounding the competition.
The PFL’s 2024 regular season opener highlighted the promotion’s commitment to providing fans with exciting matchups and compelling storylines. By featuring a mix of PFL champions and Bellator veterans, the event offered a glimpse into the competitive landscape of the upcoming season. With intriguing matchups in both the men’s heavyweight and women’s flyweight divisions, the PFL set the stage for an action-packed season filled with new rivalries and potential upsets. As the season progresses, fans can expect to witness thrilling fights and surprising outcomes as fighters vied for playoff spots and ultimately, the chance to claim the coveted PFL championship.
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