Good afternoon and welcome to this weeks MMA news, today we have some massive news that includes the sale of Bellator🤑, Potential MMA and boxing cross over super fight 🥊 and a fight at the UFC Performance Institute 😲, So without further a do lets dive into it!

NEWS
THE SALE OF BELLATOR 

In a move that has the MMA world buzzing like a bee on energy drinks, the Professional Fighters League (PFL) has declared that it's snagged its rival, Bellator, from Paramount in what they're calling a "transformative deal." Paramount will still have a piece of the pie though.

According to PFL founder and chairman Donn Davis, the Bellator brand is here to stay, and they're planning a showdown of epic proportions in 2024: PFL Champions versus Bellator Champions, because who doesn't love a good mashup? Davis proudly declared, "PFL is now a global MMA powerhouse," presumably while flexing his metaphorical muscles 💪 

As for the brains behind this master plan, Davis and PFL CEO Peter Murray are still at the helm, steering this combined ship through the unpredictable seas of mixed martial arts. PFL has been trying to spice up the MMA scene since 2017 with its point-based league system and a sweet $1 million prize at the end. Now, with the addition of Bellator, they're hoping to give the UFC a run for its money.

And if that's not enough, the PFL has plans to launch the Bellator International Champions Series, with eight events per year in major cities across the globe. Because nothing says "world domination" like a good ol' international fight tour 🌍️ 

So, mark your calendars for 2024, folks. It's going to be a year of flying fists, unexpected alliances. MMA just got a whole lot more entertaining – as if that was even possible!

NEWS
BOXING TO MMA CROSSOVER

In a twist that even Hollywood would be envious of, Francis Ngannou, now a heavyweight boxing sensation, is set to step into the PFL Smart Cage in 2024, according to the brains behind the PFL, Donn Davis. Despite Ngannou's recent exploits in the sweet science, Davis insists that 'The Predator' will be unleashing his ferocity for the PFL next year.

In an ideal world, Davis envisions Deontay Wilder, a boxing maestro himself, extending the PFL welcome mat to Ngannou, even though Wilder's MMA training might be more imaginary than a unicorn on rollerblades. Wilder, dreaming of mega money boxing bouts with Anthony Joshua after his date with Joseph Parker, might find himself tangled in the web of the PFL Smart Cage 💰️ 

"We don't know the specifics yet, other than he will be in the PFL in 2024," Davis declared, adding a sprinkle of mystery to the mix. "We don’t know if it’s a first or last quarter. I still think it will be a mixed-rules fight, and I still think Deontay Wilder is the most likely opponent”.

Picture it: Ngannou versus Wilder in a clash that would make the MMA world collectively gasp. Davis seems thrilled with the prospect, stating, "That would be unbelievable!" Second and third options? Not so much, apparently. Davis is all about the blockbuster matchups, not the cinematic flops.

"We're listening to Francis," Davis revealed, as if planning the ultimate combat sports symphony. Ngannou, it seems, is the maestro of his destiny, juggling a fantastic boxing option and a tantalizing crossover opportunity 👊 

NEWS
A FIGHT AT THE UFC PI

It was a rollercoaster of a fight week for Ailin Perez 🤯 

Perez secured her second UFC triumph at UFC Vegas 82 over the weekend, dealing Lucie Pudilova her second consecutive loss via a unanimous decision at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada.

In the days leading up to Perez's showdown, keen-eyed fans couldn't help but notice she proudly sported a fresh black eye. Post-fight, Perez divulged the details of how she acquired that shiner.

"So, essentially, I'm just an ordinary person. I don't have personal issues with anyone," Perez explained. "What transpired was I shared my opinion online about a fight. I didn't disrespect anyone or speak ill of them. However, this random lady confronted me after I voiced my thoughts on one of her fights, criticizing her performance. She approached and physically attacked me, with the aim of forcing me out of my upcoming fight. But sorry, she didn't succeed. I emerged victorious and fought despite the assault that occurred.

"I want to express my gratitude to my coach, who was there during the attack because, without him, my injuries would have been much more severe. He stepped in and saved me."

While Perez conveniently couldn't "recall" who threw the punch, it was none other than UFC Bantamweight Joselyn Edwards. The skirmish took place at the UFC Performance Institute adjacent to the UFC Apex on November 14, 2023.

Edwards, however, had her version of events to share: "While we were fighting, her coach attacked me from behind. He was strangling me so that Ailin would hit me. Her coach essentially initiated the fight, stirred things up for the altercation, attacked me, and was strangling me. Later, when they had separated us, he continued strangling me and refused to let go. He never intervened to stop the fight; he attacked me while she was attacking me."

Edwards, recuperating from hand surgery, asserted she couldn't defend herself adequately due to the cast on her left hand 🤕 

In a revelation by the long-time MMA manager.

NEWS
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

The weekend unfolded with a flurry of excitement as a multitude of new fights were confirmed, creating a buzz in the world of mixed martial arts. Now, let's dive into the details and explore the intriguing matchups that have recently been unveiled 👊 

UFC Fight Night, Las Vegas, Dec. 9:

• Women’s flyweight: Stephanie Egger (8-4 MMA, 3-3 UFC) vs. Luana Santos (6-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC) (Ag. Fight)

UFC Fight Night, Las Vegas, Jan. 13:

• Light heavyweight: Magomed Ankalaev (18-1-1 MMA, 9-1-1 UFC) vs. Johnny Walker (21-7 MMA, 7-4 UFC) (The MMA Hour)

UFC 297, Toronto, Jan. 20:

• Women’s flyweight: Priscila Cachoeira (12-4 MMA, 4-4 UFC) vs. Jasmine Jasudavicius (9-3 MMA, 3-2 UFC)

UFC Fight Night, TBA, Feb. 3:

• Women’s flyweight: Viviane Araujo (12-5 MMA, 6-4 UFC) vs. Natalia Silva (16-5-1 MMA, 4-0 UFC) (Eurosport NL)

• Middleweight: Aliaskhab Khizriev (14-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC) vs. Makhmud Muradov (26-8 MMA, 4-2 UFC)

• Welterweight: Kiefer Crosbie (10-4 MMA, 0-1 UFC) vs. Themba Gorimbo (11-4 MMA, 1-1 UFC) (MMA Mania)

UFC Fight Night, TBA, Feb. 10:

• Middleweight: Gregory Rodrigues (14-5 MMA, 5-2 UFC) vs. Brad Tavares (20-8 MMA, 15-8 UFC)

UFC 298, TBA, Feb. 17:

• Welterweight: Danny Barlow (7-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC) vs. Yusaku Kinoshita (6-3 MMA, 0-2 UFC) (Eurosport NL)

UFC Fight Night, TBA, Feb. 24:

• Flyweight: Edgar Chairez (10-5-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC) vs. Daniel Lacerda (11-5 MMA, 0-4 UFC) (ESPN Deportes)

• Flyweight: Victor Altamirano (12-3 MMA, 2-2 UFC) vs. Felipe Dos Santos (7-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC) (Ag. Fight)

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