The Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia is set to host the year’s biggest mixed martial arts (MMA) event, as the Professional Fighters League heads to pay-per-view (PPV) with PFL Champions vs. Bellator Champions this Saturday, February 24th. As the event’s title states, the PFL’s reigning titleholders will be going head to head with Bellator’s champions in a must-see event, which was made possible by the PFL’s groundbreaking acquisition of Bellator MMA last year.
With the promotion’s biggest stars going head-to-head, it’s going to be an exciting night of fights in one of the biggest combat sports markets in the world.
While all fights on the card are sure to be barnburners, here are five bouts that every fight fan should watch out for on February 24th:
1. Renan Ferreira vs. Ryan Bader (Heavyweight Champion vs. Champion Bout)
The headline bout features a heavyweight collision between PFL World Champion Renan “Problema” Ferreira and Bellator Heavyweight Champion Ryan “Darth” Bader. Ferreira, fresh off a stellar championship season, faces a formidable opponent in Bader, who has successfully defended his title against top-tier competition. The clash of these two powerhouse champions is a must-watch, as both look to assert dominance in the stacked heavyweight division.
2. Impa Kasanganay vs. Johnny Eblen (Middleweight Champion vs. Champion Bout)
In a battle for middleweight supremacy, PFL Light Heavyweight World Champion Impa Kasanganay squares off against Bellator Champion Johnny Eblen. Kasanganay’s technical prowess meets Eblen’s well-rounded skill set in what promises to be a showcase of elite middleweight talent. Expect fireworks as these two champions collide in the center of the Kingdom Arena.
3. Jesus Pinedo vs. Patricio Pitbull (Featherweight Champion vs. Champion Bout)
Featherweight supremacy is on the line as PFL World Champion Jesus Pinedo faces off against Bellator Champion Patricio “Pitbull” Friere. Both champions bring a relentless fighting style to the cage, making this matchup a potential fight of the night. Fans can anticipate high-paced action and strategic brilliance as Pinedo and Pitbull go head-to-head for featherweight glory.
4. Thiago Santos vs. Yoel Romero (Light Heavyweight Showcase Bout)
The light heavyweight division takes center stage with a showcase bout between PFL title contender Thiago Santos and Bellator title contender Yoel Romero. Known for their explosive striking and grappling abilities, Santos and Romero promise a battle that could have title implications down the line. MMA enthusiasts won’t want to miss the fireworks when these two formidable fighters collide.
5. Clay Collard vs. AJ McKee (Lightweight Showcase Bout)
In a lightweight showcase that pits PFL title contender Clay Collard against former Bellator Champion AJ McKee, fans can expect a technical and high-paced contest. Collard’s unorthodox style clashes with McKee’s well-rounded skill set, making this bout a potential candidate for Fight of the Night. As the lightweight division takes the spotlight, these two warriors aim to make a statement on the grand stage.
The card will also feature Claressa Shields’ SmartCage return, as well as the professional debut of Biaggio Ali Walsh.
Check out the full card below:
PPV Card
Heavyweight Champion vs. Champion Bout: Renan Ferreira (PFL World Champ) vs. Ryan
Bader (Bellator Champ)
Middleweight Champion vs. Champion Bout: Impa Kasanganay (PFL Light
Heavyweight World Champ) vs. Johnny Eblen (Bellator Champ)
Welterweight Champion vs. Champion Bout: Magomed Magomedkerimov (PFL World
Champ) vs. Jason Jackson (Bellator Champ)
Featherweight Champion vs. Champion Bout: Jesus Pinedo (PFL World Champ) vs.
Patricio Pitbull (Bellator Champ)
Heavyweight Showcase Bout: Bruno Cappelozza (former PFL World Champ) vs. Vadim
Nemkov (former Bellator Champ)
Light Heavyweight Showcase Bout: Thiago Santos (PFL title contender) vs. Yoel Romero
(Bellator title contender)
Lightweight Showcase Bout: Clay Collard (PFL title contender) vs. AJ McKee
(former Bellator Champ)
Early Card
Featherweight Showcase Bout: Gabriel Braga (PFL title contender) vs. Aaron Pico
(Bellator title contender)
Lightweight Showcase Bout: Biaggio Ali Walsh (Pro Debut) vs. Chris Morris (Pro Debut)
Lightweight Showcase Bout: Claressa Shields vs. Kelsey DeSantis
Featherweight Showcase Bout: Abdullah Al-Qahtani vs. Edukondal Rao
Amateur Flyweight Bout: Malik Basahel vs. Vinicius Pereira
PFL Champions versus Bellator Champions will be broadcast on ESPNews, ESPN+, ESPN+ PPV, and DAZN on Saturday, February 24th, 2024