The inaugural event of the PFL’s 2024 calendar is set to captivate fight fans with a groundbreaking pay-per-view spectacle on February 24th in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom Arena, erected last year for the iconic Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou boxing match, will be the battleground for a clash of champions between the PFL and Bellator MMA.
This momentous occasion heralds the commencement of the PFL’s PPV Super Fight series, a departure from its conventional season and playoff format. The event, a must-watch, will be broadcast on ESPN+ and DAZN.
Headlining the event is a heavyweight showdown between PFL champion Renan Ferreira and Bellator’s Ryan Bader. The transition of last year’s light heavyweight PFL victor, Impa Kasanganay, to middleweight brings about an intriguing face-off with Bellator champion Johnny Eblen. The welterweight clash features PFL’s Magomed Magomedkerimov against Bellator’s Jason Jackson. Meanwhile, PFL featherweight Jesus Pinedo squares off against the seasoned Bellator competitor, Patricio Pitbull.
PFL CEO Peter Murray expressed pride in bringing this global event to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during Riyadh Season, declaring the Middle East as the fight capital of the world.
The acquisition of Bellator by PFL in late 2023, following extensive speculation, has added an extra layer of excitement to the event. While Bellator will continue to operate independently, the PFL has the flexibility to draw select athletes from Bellator for participation in PFL events.
Beyond the headline matchups, fans can anticipate thrilling encounters such as former PFL heavyweight champion Bruno Cappelozza facing off against Bellator light heavyweight champion Vadim Nemkov, PFL’s Thiago Santos locking horns with Bellator’s Yoel Romero in a light heavyweight clash, and PFL’s Clay Collard taking on Bellator’s AJ McKee in the lightweight division.
Adding to the excitement, Biaggio Ali Walsh, grandson of the legendary Muhammad Ali, will make his professional MMA debut at this landmark event. Additionally, the PFL’s PPV Super Fight series, unveiled in 2023, promises further intrigue with the inclusion of professional boxer and social media influencer Jake Paul, who is yet to announce his MMA debut date. Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou is also expected to grace the PFL’s PPV product in the near future, adding to the anticipation surrounding this new era in combat sports.
