SUMMARY
- The PFL vs Bellator takes place at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Renan Ferreira takes on Ryan Bader in the main event
The time is nigh for one of the biggest crossovers in the history of MMA. The upcoming PFL vs Bellator World Champions event is almost upon us and fans around the globe are quite hyped. In what promises to be an action-packed night, we have possibly the most ambitious yet intriguing events.
For those unaware, it was previously revealed that the Professional Fighters League and Bellator will be headed to Saudi Arabia. Following the acquisition of Bellator, the event was announced to commemorate the start of the PFL’s Super Fight League. Notably, the event live out of the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia features two matchups of current PFL champs against the respective titleholders from Bellator.
𝙒𝘼𝙆𝙀 𝙐𝙋 ❗️IT’S FIGHT DAY ‼️ 🏆👑#PFLvsBellator is finally here! PFL and Bellator World Champions finally settle the score to find out who 𝗦𝗘𝗜𝗭𝗘𝗦 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗢𝗡𝗘
[ 𝗧𝗢𝗗𝗔𝗬 | Saturday, Feb 24th | 3pm EST | 🔗https://t.co/WZEAKy6YT8… ] pic.twitter.com/l4drhvYtci
— PFL (@PFLMMA) February 24, 2024
Not only that, but the event will also feature several other matchups involving former champs from both promotions. As for the main event of the evening, we have PFL’s heavyweight champ Renan Ferreira (12-3) taking on Bellator’s heavyweight champ, Ryan Bader (31-7). Additionally, we will see PFL light heavyweight champ Impa Kasanganay (15-3) face the undefeated Johnny Eblen (14-0) at middleweight.
However, that is not all as Bellator welterweight champ Jason Jackson (17-4) faces ex-PFL champ Ray Cooper III (25-9-1) and former Bellator LHW champ Vadim Nemkov (17-2) faces former PFL belt-holder Bruno Cappelozza (16-6) at heavyweight. Interestingly, we will also see former UFC fighters Thiago Santos and Yoel Romero representing PFL and Bellator respectively.
Height and weight difference between Renan Ferreira and Ryan Bader
With that out of the way, let’s take a look at what is in store for fans in the main event of the PFL vs Bellator card. Arguably the main attraction for the event, we will see the two champions battle it out to see who will be taking home the custom championship belt presented by Mike Tyson.
For starters, we have the PFL heavyweight king Renan Ferreira. Standing at an astounding 6 feet 8 inches and weighing 263 lbs, Ferreira is a force to be reckoned with. Arguably in the prime of his career, ‘Problema’ has won all of his last three fights by way of KO/TKO. Considering his massive frame and 85-inch reach to go with it, he is a freak of nature.
⚖️ #PFLvsBellator Official Weigh Ins
Renan Ferriera: 263.2 lbs
Ryan Bader: 231.1 lbs[ #PFLvsBellator | Saturday, Feb 24th | 3pm EST | 🎟 https://t.co/WZEAKy6YT8… ] pic.twitter.com/rJqMrE94w9
— PFL (@PFLMMA) February 23, 2024
On the other hand, Ryan Bader has seemingly aged like fine wine and showing no signs of slowing down. Now 40, ‘Darth’ has been fighting for almost 17 years now. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 231 lbs, the Bellator heavyweight champ still has some fight left in him. Despite a reach disadvantage at 74 inches, Bader is considered to be a crafty opponent with some nasty tricks up his sleeve.
Francis Ngannou is set to take on the PFL vs Bellator main event winner
Naturally, there is a lot on the line for the fighters in the main and co-main events of the event. Not only will the winners be presented with special belts, but they will also receive an exclusive ring. As for the main event, it is expected that the younger, hungrier Renan Ferreira will win against Ryan Bader. Not only is their size a contributing factor, but the sheer strength Ferreira possesses is also key.
For the most part, Bader obviously has a puncher’s chance to win the fight. As such, he will likely employ his wrestling skills to try and get control over his opponent. At the same time, Ferreira is no slouch on the ground and will give as good as he gets. Most importantly, the winner of the fight books their ticket for a life-changing fight against the one and only, Francis Ngannou.
Recently, it was revealed that the PFL marquee signing will be returning to action soon. Currently preparing for his fight against Anthony Joshua on March 8, Ngannou has already declared his MMA return. With the Champ vs Champ title on the line, there is no better way for ‘The Predator’ to return. With that said, who his opponent will be, only the events of Saturday night will tell.