There has been a lot of turbulence lately between the PFL and some of the old guard from Bellator. As we all know, late last year, the Professional Fighters League purchased Bellator and rolled out a new Champions Series for the promotion which has already had it’s first few shows this year.
That said, there have been some notable fighters from Bellator who haven’t fought since the purchase. Cris Cyborg is probably the most high-profiled fighter who has yet to fight. She is expected to face former PFL champion Larissa Pacheco, however, a date has not been finalized for that matchup.
Currently, it’s being rumored for the fall, likely when the championship event happens. Another fighter who hasn’t fought is Gegard Mousasi (49-9-2). The former middleweight champion signed a new deal with Bellator prior to the purchase from the PFL. The PFL didn’t want to pay Mousasi the amount he was set to make which created an issue between the parties.
Ultimately last week, the promotion released Mousasi and he’s now free to go wherever he wants after threatening legal action. Another holdout was former welterweight champion Douglas Lima (33-11). Lima was another guy who hasn’t been seen since the acquisition, but today, we learned we will see him in the fall.
PFL Re-Signs Douglas Lima
In a press release today, the promotion announced that Douglas Lima had signed a new multi-year deal and he will be making his debut in the fall. He’s another guy who will likely make his debut at the PFL’s Championship Event which will likely be on PPV.
When Lima makes the walk this fall, he will be looking to win his second bout in a row. Lima was being touted as one of the best in the world when he was the Bellator welterweight champion and held a record of 32-7. However, he would lose four fights in a row starting with his attempt to become a two-division champion against Gegard Mousasi.
Last May at Bellator 296, Lima won a decision over Costello Van Steenis to get back on track. At 36-years-old, Lima is going to give it one more big run towards a Bellator title. He could also be a name to watch for the 2025 PFL regular season at either 170 or 185 should the promotion run a middleweight season next year.