Patricio Pitbull, the three-time Bellator featherweight champion, has joined several fighters in voicing strong criticism of the PFL-Bellator merger. The merger, which has raised concerns among athletes, has led to prolonged inactivity for fighters, including champions Patchy Mix and Corey Anderson, who have expressed frustration over canceled events and lack of communication regarding their careers. Pitbull, who has not fought since February 2024, shared his own grievances, calling the merger a “disaster” for MMA.
Pitbull Criticizes the Lack of Fight Opportunities
Pitbull emphasized that Bellator used to provide fighters with regular opportunities and clear communication, something that has been lacking post-merger. He pointed out that many fighters, including himself, have faced significant delays, with some even going the entire year without fighting. He tweeted:
“What kind of promotion can’t give fighters at least two fights a year? Some haven’t even fought this year! Bellator used to be BIG. Things worked and we always had answers. They never just canceled a show and said they had no idea when we would be booked.”
Pitbull also shared his personal experience, where he had hoped to fight multiple times in 2024, only to be told he’d have to wait until December. However, he discovered that his opponent would be fighting someone else, and after all his training and expenses, there was no fight at all. He expressed his disappointment with the way fighters are being treated.
Discontent Over the Prioritization of Influencers and Semi-Retired Fighters
Another major criticism from Pitbull centers on the PFL’s focus on celebrity fighters and influencers over active competitors. Pitbull specifically pointed to Jake Paul and other semi-retired athletes being signed to lucrative deals, while long-standing fighters face pay cuts and inactivity. He argued that the promotion’s strategy is undermining the sport and neglecting true talent:
“We have to see the top brass talking about offering tens of millions of dollars to social media personalities and semi-retired fighters while cutting 90% of the roster and telling guys making 30+30 they’re too expensive. How can you become number 1 in the world if you don’t stage events and don’t want to pay fighters?”
The Backlash from Fighters
The merger has drawn widespread backlash from the Bellator roster, with fighters decrying the lack of opportunities, poor communication, and financial instability. Pitbull’s comments reflect broader dissatisfaction about the promotion’s future direction under the PFL’s leadership. Many fighters feel sidelined as the organization shifts focus toward celebrity-driven business strategies, leaving them with fewer opportunities to compete and grow their careers.
Pitbull’s criticism is part of an ongoing wave of discontent as fighters push for more transparency and a greater commitment to athlete welfare amid the changing landscape of MMA promotions.
