CLEVELAND, OHIO: In an effort to take on the UFC, Jake Paul said that the Professional Fighters League (PFL) has acquired the rival mixed martial arts organization Bellator.
Notably, Jake Paul stated during the press conference that Bellator would now compete with the UFC after the PFL acquired the organization and added all of its athletes.
Jake Paul announces PFL acquiring Bellator
Jake Paul took to his official Twitter/X account to tweet a video with the caption, "This is a great day for all PFL and Bellator fighters and MMA fans. The stronger we get, the more opportunities there are for everyone."
In addition, he said that one of the PFL's primary objectives would be to stage crossover bouts with the UFC, obviously alluding to the match between Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou.
For months, there have been rumors that the promotion is for sale, with PFL looking like the most likely candidate. When the promotion obtained a $100 million investment from the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund earlier in 2023, rumors that PFL was making the move intensified.
Internet reacts to Bellator acquisition
Many people on the internet reacted to the acquisition done by PFL. A user commented, "UFC owns y’all lol" where as another person wrote, "I've said it once and I'll say it again. Jake Paul has done more for combat sports than anyone else in the industry".
A person added, "I get... there are some solid fighters between PFL/Bellator. With that said, UFC champions absolutely slay theirs. Would be a crime scene."
Another user mentioned, "I think you have to fight in the PFL or Bellator to be considered a fighter with either promotion" while one added, "You're making mockery of the sport.."
A user also said, "It's like the freshman team acquiring the JV team."
