Bellator
Bellator MMA · 2008 – 2025
Defunct
- Founded
- 2008 (first event April 2009)
- Founders
- Bjorn Rebney
- Home base
- Hollywood, California, USA
- Fate
- Bought by the PFL in November 2023; brand retired January 14, 2025.
Notable Eras
- Rebney era: the tournament format, 2009–2014
- Scott Coker era under Viacom / Paramount, 2014–2023
- PFL ownership, 2023–2025
Key Events
- Bellator 1 (2009)
- Bellator Heavyweight Grand Prix (2018–19), won by Ryan Bader
- Bellator 221: Freire vs. Chandler (2019)
Legendary Champions
- Patrício 'Pitbull' Freire
- Michael Chandler
- Eddie Alvarez
- Ryan Bader
- Vadim Nemkov
The Full History
2008–2014: The Tournament Years
Bjorn Rebney founded Bellator in 2008. Its first event was in April 2009, built around season tournaments.
2011–2023: The Viacom Years
Viacom (later Paramount) bought a majority stake in 2011. Scott Coker replaced Rebney in 2014 and moved toward big events and Grand Prix tournaments.
2023–2025: PFL and the End
The PFL bought Bellator in November 2023 and ran Bellator Champions Series events in 2024. On January 14, 2025 the PFL retired the Bellator name and merged the rosters.
Why It Closed
It was a buyout and a rebrand. The PFL bought Bellator in 2023 mainly for its roster, then retired the brand in January 2025 so that every event would carry the PFL name.
Legacy
For most of its run it was the clear number-two promotion in the West, a home for veterans and homegrown stars alike.
