Fight night in Riyadh gets a massive boost as PFL and Bellator champs weigh in. The PFL’s 2024 season opener is a blockbuster with a PFL vs. Bellator theme. The event, boosted by the PFL’s acquisition of Bellator, features two title-holder face-offs.
The main event is a heavyweight clash between PFL’s Renan Ferreira and Bellator’s Ryan Bader.
Adding heat, the winner gets a dream fight against Francis Ngannou. Ferreira, the 2023 PFL champ, boasts a 32-pound edge over Bader.
Weigh-ins went smoothly, barring a hitch in the featherweight division. Bellator’s Patricio “Pitbull” Freire made weight, but opponent Gabriel Braga didn’t, putting their fight at risk.
Aaron Pico’s fight shifted to lightweight against Henry Corrales, a rematch of their 2019 battle. Both fighters made weight with ease.
Boxing sensation Claressa Shields and Kelsey Desantis also hit their marks after a last-minute weight class change for their bout.
MAIN CARD
Renan Ferreira vs. Ryan Bader
Impa Kasanganay vs. Johnny Eblen
Ray Cooper III vs. Jason Jackson
Bruno Cappelozza vs. Vadim Nemkov
Thiago Santos vs. Yoel Romero
Clay Collard vs. A.J. McKee
PRELIM CARD
Gabriel Braga vs. Aaron Pico
Biaggio Ali Walsh vs. Emmanuel Palacio
Claressa Shields vs. Kelsey De Santis
Abdullah Al-Qahtani vs. Edukondala Rao
PFL X FEED:
PHOTO CREDIT: @CageSidePress
