PFL (Professional Fighters League) is entering the new year with an unprecedented level of talent thanks to their recent acquisition of Bellator MMA. This merger has created a roster that is arguably the most talented and deepest outside the UFC in the history of mixed martial arts. With both promotions now under the same roof, the potential for exciting matchups between PFL and Bellator fighters is exponential. In 2024, PFL plans to host a major card featuring champions from both organizations. But what about the rest of the fighters? In this article, we will explore five intriguing possible matchups that PFL could book with Bellator fighters, starting with the promotion’s biggest star, Francis Ngannou.
Potential Showdown: Francis Ngannou vs. Deontay Wilder
When Ngannou joined PFL earlier this year, there was no obvious first opponent for him. However, with the Bellator acquisition, a couple of possibilities have emerged. One option is a mixed-rules fight against professional boxer Deontay Wilder, which may seem a bit unusual but would certainly generate a lot of buzz. Another potential matchup is with 2023 PFL heavyweight champion Renan Ferreira, a fight that many fans believe will happen at some point. Lastly, there is the option of Ryan Bader, the current Bellator light heavyweight champion, who has found success within the heavyweight division. Bader’s boxing and wrestling skills, combined with his surprising power and grappling ability, could make for an exciting clash with Ngannou.
Unexpected Convergence: Derek Brunson vs. Johnny Eblen
Derek Brunson’s arrival in PFL seemed to be fortuitously timed. After spending over a decade as a middleweight contender in the UFC, Brunson signed with PFL only to find out that Bellator, which has a middleweight division, had been acquired by the promotion. Johnny Eblen, the undefeated Bellator middleweight champion, would be the perfect counterpart for Brunson in a Bellator vs. PFL champions fight card. This matchup would test Eblen’s strong wrestling base against Brunson’s skillset. With Brunson being 39 years old, the time is now to see him in the cage against the best that Bellator can offer.
Shane Burgos is known for his high-action style, constantly moving forward and throwing caution to the wind. He would be a perfect opponent for AJ McKee, who may not be as technically sound on the feet but compensates with his wrestling and innovative Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Although McKee possesses power in his striking, Burgos could be a threat if he becomes too aggressive. This matchup would not only be an exciting battle between two of the most talented lightweight fighters outside the UFC but also a clash of their similar experiences at featherweight. Both fighters have the potential to deliver an action-packed fight and showcase their skills in the PFL.
Cyborg’s Ultimate Test: Kayla Harrison vs. Cris Cyborg
It’s no surprise that the potential matchup everyone wants to see is between PFL’s two-division champion, Kayla Harrison, and Bellator’s Cris Cyborg. While PFL chairman Donn Davis has expressed interest in matching Cyborg against PFL champ Larissa Pacheco, the fight between Harrison and Cyborg is the one that truly captures the imagination. It is undoubtedly one of the biggest fights in women’s MMA and a matchup that could showcase the skills and dominance of both fighters. With no significant challengers in Bellator, Pacheco, and Harrison’s weight classes, this clash of champions seems inevitable and promises to be a thrilling spectacle.
Brendan Loughnane, PFL’s lightweight champion in 2022, is a fighter who has been on the rise for some time now. Despite an impressive win on “Dana White’s Contender Series” in 2019, he did not secure a UFC contract. However, his move to PFL has proven beneficial for him. On the other hand, Aaron Pico, a former amateur wrestling world champion, signed with Bellator at a young age but faced some early setbacks. Pico has since regained his momentum, winning eight of his last nine fights. A matchup between Loughnane and Pico would showcase the potential of these two fighters and determine their respective ceilings in the sport.
The merger between PFL and Bellator has opened up a world of possibilities for exciting matchups in the world of mixed martial arts. With a roster that is overflowing with talent, the potential for unforgettable clashes between PFL and Bellator fighters is tremendous. Whether it’s the heavyweight spectacle between Ngannou and Wilder, the intense showdown between Burgos and McKee, or the highly anticipated battle between Harrison and Cyborg, fans can expect an action-packed, thrilling future for both promotions.
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