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In a groundbreaking move, the PFL has officially launched the Bellator Champions Series, a global franchise featuring eight events, each highlighting championship clashes. This exciting development follows the PFL's recent acquisition of Bellator, and the inaugural event is set to take place on March 22 at SSE Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
PFL officials confirmed the debut event, Bellator 302, which will be headlined by a vacant light heavyweight title bout between Corey Anderson (17-6) and Karl Moore (12-2). This championship showdown promises to set the tone for the Bellator Champions Series, offering fans an extraordinary display of skill and competition.
PFL CEO Peter Murray expressed his enthusiasm for the new era of MMA, stating,
"After the landmark acquisition of Bellator, the Professional Fighters League is excited to officially announce a new era of MMA with the launch of the Bellator Champions Series global franchise."
"The Bellator Champions Series will feature reigning Bellator champion fighters defending their titles against the best fighters in the world from the star-studded Bellator roster. Fans will have access to the best competition and the most innovative formats in MMA distributed by leaders in sport, including DAZN," Murray added.
In addition to the highly anticipated light heavyweight title clash, Bellator 302 will showcase a co-headlining women's featherweight matchup between Belfast's own Leah McCourt (8-3) and Sinead Kavanagh (9-6). Notably, this fight marks a rematch, with McCourt seeking redemption after a unanimous decision loss to Kavanagh at Bellator 275 in February 2022.
MMA enthusiasts and fight fans alike can anticipate an unforgettable night of action as the Bellator Champions Series kicks off, bringing together elite fighters and creating a new chapter in the world of mixed martial arts.