PFL Simplifying Championship System
PFL announced they are simplifying their championship system to have one champion in every division.
From PFL:
Historically, the PFL crowned champions through its season or tournament format, where the winner held the title for that year. I recognize this created some confusion about who truly sat atop each division. That confusion grew when the PFL and Bellator merged, bringing in not only tournament champions but also legacy Bellator champions who defended their belts, leaving fans unclear on who was the definitive champion in each weight class.
We are now simplifying our championship system. Going forward, each division will have one PFL World Champion, the single, undisputed titleholder in that weight class.
You saw this recently when Costello van Steenis scored a last-second win over Johnny Eblen
to become the PFL Middleweight World Champion. Next up are world title fights at:
- Oct. 3 – Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes 2 for the PFL Lightweight World
Championship - Oct. 3 – Corey Anderson vs. Dovlet Yagshimuradov 2 for the PFL Light Heavyweight
World Championship - Dec. 13 – Vadim Nemkov vs. Renan Ferreira for the PFL Heavyweight World
Championship - Dec. 13 – Cris Cyborg vs. Sara Collins for the PFL Women’s Featherweight World
Championship
I also know there has been confusion around unique distinctions in the past, like the “Super Fight” title won by Francis Ngannou. That was a special, one-time designation. Going forward, those belts may be used only for occasional special events, and importantly, I will be engaging directly with Francis to determine what’s next for him in the PFL.
My goal is clear: one champion, one division, one world title, a system that is simple for athletes to chase and for PFL fans to follow.
PFL acquired Bellator in November 2023.
