Wikipedia - Bellator MMA
Bellator MMA (formerly Bellator Fighting Championships) is an American mixed martial arts promotion founded in 2008. At one point considered the second largest in the United States and one of the largest combat sport promotions in the world, Bellator's first event was held in 2009, and the promotion has since held over 300 "numbered" events. The promotion takes its name from bellātor, the Latin word for "warrior".
Paramount Global (formerly Viacom) purchased majority ownership of Bellator from founder Bjorn Rebney in 2011, with Paramount's television networks serving as the promotion's media partners in the United States. On November 20, 2023, after Bellator's then-broadcaster Showtime announced the discontinuation of its sports division, Bellator MMA was acquired by the Professional Fighters League; PFL plans to maintain the Bellator brand for selected events, and allow its roster to compete in PFL events.
History
Bellator was founded in 2008 by Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney. Under Rebney's ownership, Bellator events were structured around single-elimination tournaments.[] In December 2011, Viacom purchased majority ownership of Bellator.
In May 2014, Bellator hosted the company's inaugural pay-per-view event from the Landers Center.
In June 2014, it was announced that both Chairman/CEO Bjorn Rebney and President Tim Danaher were relieved of their positions. Rebney was succeeded by Strikeforce founder Scott Coker. Under Coker, Bellator would drop its season-long tournament format in early 2015, transitioning into more of a traditional, single-fight event schedule. Since 2018, Bellator hosts divisional grand-prix tournaments.
Broadcast partners
Since the fourth season in 2011, Bellator cards have been predominantly broadcast on Viacom-owned networks in the United States. Beginning in January 2013, Bellator telecasts were moved from MTV2 to Spike (later relaunched as Paramount Network in 2018) following the end of the latter channel's partnership with the UFC. In September 2013, Bellator signed a multi-year partnership agreement with Fox Sports Latin America.
On June 26, 2018, Bellator announced a five-year streaming deal with DAZN, covering the U.S. and other markets served by the sports-oriented streaming service. Since Bellator 206, this includes all events aired by Paramount Network, as well as seven exclusive cards per-year. In March 2020, Bellator announced a deal with ESPN Brasil to broadcast events in the country.
Following Viacom's re-merger with CBS Corporation in 2019, CBS Sports Network debuted the recap series, Bellator MMA: Recharged, on April 25, 2020.
Due to problems stemming from COVID-19 pandemic, the contract with DAZN was consensually and prematurely discontinued in 2020. On September 11, 2020, it was announced that Bellator cards would move to CBS Sports Network starting October 1, with preliminary bouts to stream on YouTube and CBSSports.com.
Five months later, on February 9, 2021, it was announced that Bellator events would air exclusively on Showtime beginning with Bellator 255 on April 2, 2021. The following day, it was announced that the BBC would also broadcast Bellator events on BBC iPlayer in the United Kingdom. With Showtime opting to dissolve its sports division and focus more on scripted programming, Bellator's deal with Showtime came to a close at the end of 2023, with Bellator 301 serving as the final event on the platform on November 17, 2023.
On February 1, 2023, Bellator announced that they had signed a two-year contract with Grupo Globo to broadcast Bellator events in Brazil on its Combate channel, after years of broadcasting through ESPN. A few weeks later on February 22, 2023, the promotion announced that they had signed a multi-year extension with the BBC.
On March 19, 2024, the new ownership announced that Bellator events would now air on Max as part of a new U.S. television deal with Warner Bros Discovery.
PFL ownership
In October 2023, Showtime announced that it would discontinue its sports division, with any future sports programming being handled by CBS Sports moving forward, and the division "continu[ing] to air and support the remaining 2023 boxing slate and honor obligations through the end of the year". It was reported that Paramount Global was concurrently seeking to sell Bellator. Bellator 301 was subsequently promoted as the promotion's final event on Showtime.
On November 20, 2023, it was announced that the Professional Fighters League had acquired Bellator MMA; fighters contracted to Bellator will be able to compete in PFL events, and PFL founder Donn Davis promoted a planned "mega event" in 2024 that would feature PFL champions fighting against Bellator champions, and retain the Bellator branding for "Bellator International Champions Series" cards. In March 2024, it was announced that the media rights to Bellator had been acquired by TNT Sports, with events moving to Max and supplemental content on TruTV.
The tournament brings together a diverse range of fighters from various weight classes, each with their own unique fighting style and background. From the lightning-fast footwork of the featherweights to the bone-crushing power of the heavyweights, Bellator offers a spectacle for every boxing enthusiast.
The atmosphere at Bellator is nothing short of electric. The roaring crowd, the pulsating music, and the dazzling light show create an immersive experience that keeps spectators on the edge of their seats throughout the entire event. The energy in the arena is palpable as fans eagerly anticipate the explosive clashes between the fighters.
Bellator is known for its high-stakes matchups, where the best of the best compete for glory and the chance to be crowned the ultimate champion. The tournament format ensures that only the most deserving fighters advance, as they battle their way through intense rounds of competition. Each fight is a test of skill, endurance, and mental fortitude, pushing the fighters to their limits and leaving no room for error.
The fighters themselves are the true stars of Bellator. With their unwavering dedication and relentless training, they embody the spirit of the sport. Their passion and determination are evident as they step into the ring, ready to give it their all and leave everything on the canvas. The fights are a display of technical brilliance, strategic maneuvering, and sheer brute force, captivating the audience from the first bell to the final knockout.
Bellator is not just a tournament; it is a celebration of the art of boxing. It brings together fighters, fans, and the entire boxing community to witness the beauty and brutality of the sport. Whether you are a die-hard boxing fan or a casual observer, Bellator promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you breathless and craving for more.