Matt Brown Slams PFL-Bellator Merger: “Nobody f*cking cares about your format”

The Professional Fighters League (PFL) is under heavy criticism as its 2024 season finale nears. Fighters and analysts, including UFC legend Matt Brown, have raised concerns over the promotion’s mismanagement following its 2023 acquisition of Bellator. What was initially hyped as a groundbreaking merger has turned into frustration for fighters, fans, and industry observers.

Fighters Stuck in Limbo: Prime Years Wasted

Bellator champions such as Patricio Pitbull, Patchy Mix, and Corey Anderson have openly expressed frustration over prolonged layoffs and canceled fights. Despite the announcement of a Bellator event in January, none of these top-tier fighters are scheduled to compete. On The Fighter vs. The Writer podcast, Matt Brown shared his disappointment:

“All these guys are in their prime, too, and they’re essentially wasting their prime waiting on this organization to figure out their shit.”

Long periods of inactivity can severely affect fighters’ momentum, careers, and earnings during their most competitive years.

PFL’s Business Model Under Fire

Brown described the PFL-Bellator merger as a “train wreck” and criticized its poor organization and marketing. He pointed out that even fans are unaware of the PFL season finale happening this week. Adding to the problems, the financial fallout from Francis Ngannou’s high-profile signing appears to have strained the company’s budget.

“The rails are just slipping off little by little,” Brown remarked, referencing the apparent chaos within the organization.

The lack of clarity on fighter schedules and the disjointed structure of the merger have drawn widespread skepticism from the MMA community.

Financial Struggles and Unanswered Questions

The PFL has remained silent on complaints from fighters, but speculation suggests financial challenges are at the heart of the issue. Existing contracts with Bellator athletes might be straining the promotion’s resources, leading to event delays and fighter inactivity. The absence of a clear roadmap has left both athletes and fans in the dark about the organization’s future.

What’s Next for the PFL?

As the PFL-Bellator merger falters, the organization faces mounting pressure to improve its planning, communication, and financial stability. Without immediate action, the promotion risks alienating its roster of fighters and loyal fans, potentially jeopardizing its position in the highly competitive MMA market.

For now, fighters remain stuck in limbo, their prime years ticking away as the PFL works to regain its footing. Whether the promotion can reverse course and deliver on its promises remains uncertain, but the need for change has never been clearer.