Whether your fandom of mixed-martial arts is hardcore or casual, you have likely heard the rumors of a potential Bellator sale over the last several months. These rumblings have amped up in recent weeks, with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) emerging as a frontrunner to purchase the competing promotion and potentially merge the two brands – and rosters.
The latest report put out by ‘Stand Em Up’ claims that the last Bellator event will possibly be Bellator 299 on September 23 in Dublin, Ireland – an event headlined by undefeated middleweight champion Johnny Eblen and title challenger Fabian Edwards – younger brother of current UFC welterweight king Leon Edwards.
Bellator, however, has other plans in store.
While MMA fans around the world clamor in anticipation for a historic UFC 300 card set to take place in the spring of 2024, Bellator is looking to put on a 300th show of their own this fall, according to sources.
While contracts are yet to be signed, sealed, and delivered, the organization is hoping to assemble another exciting spectacle, one that could include numerous championship bouts, and one that could potentially cap off a remarkable run for Bellator MMA, a show that began nearly 15 years ago with an event notably featuring Eddie Alvarez and Jorge “Gamebred” Masvidal.
In terms of locale, Bellator is looking at San Diego as a likely destination for the landmark 300th event, though there are two other options still on the table. While the promotion is based in California, it has only hosted one event in “America’s Finest City,” a night that saw Will Brooks knock out Michael Chandler and Tito Ortiz defeat the late Stephan Bonnar.
Though nothing is set in stone, potential bouts include an exciting five-round scrap between heavyweight champion Ryan Bader and title hopeful Linton “Big Swarm” Vassell, which is in discussions to main event the card. Also a potential for the card, Sergio Pettis and $1M winner Patchy Mix look to unify the bantamweight strap, according to sources.
News, rumors, and everything in between will continue to circulate around the MMA community regarding the fate of Bellator, though one thing remains clear: There is still life.
