Welcome to the latest PFL results, as the promotion made history with the first event in Saudi Arabia. PFL vs. Bellator: Champions featured titleholders from both squaring off against one another.
In the main event live on ESPN+ pay-per-view and DAZN, Renan Ferreira secured a future shot at Francis Ngannou. Ferreira destroyed Ryan Bader, finishing the Bellator heavyweight champion just 21 seconds into the first round.
Ferreira, who claimed the PFL heavyweight crown this past year, is unbeaten over his last five fights with four finishes. Included in that stretch is three first round wins.
Prior to the card, officials announced the winner between Ferreira and Bader would meet Ngannou in his MMA return later this year. The former UFC heavyweight Ngannou will compete against Anthony Joshua in a boxing match before turning his attention to Ferreira.
“Tonight the Professional Fighters League and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia were at the center of the MMA world,” said PFL CEO Peter Murray. “PFL Champions vs. Bellator Champions was the first-ever PFL PPV Super Fight global event and delivered electrifying action from the best fighters in MMA. The PFL remains committed to delivering premium MMA experiences to our fans around the globe.”
PFL Vs. Bellator Results: Johnny Eblen Survives
Johnny Eblen kept his perfect record intact, but not without a fight.
Eblen earned a split decision over Impa Kasanganay in the co-main event, moving to 15-0. The reigning Bellator middleweight champion was pushed by Kasangany, who claimed the light heavyweight crown last year inside the SmartCage.
Read More: Bellator 299: Can Johnny Eblen Maintain His Crown?
Jason Jackson finished Ray Cooper III while Vadim Nemkov submitted Bruno Cappelozza in the second round. Yoel Romero downed Thiago Santos and A.J. McKee handed Clay Collard a loss to open the main card.
Overall, Bellator fighters won five of the six matches between the two.
PFL Vs. Bellator Results: Favorites Secure Victories
Aaron Pico, Biaggio Ali Walsh, Claressa Shields, Abdullah Al-Qahtani and Malik Basahel were all winners on the prelims.
Pico, still regarded as one of the top prospects in the sport, stopped Henry Corrales late in the opening round.
Ali Walsh, the grandson of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali, earned a decision in his pro debut over Emmanuel Palacio. Shields, a boxing world champion and Olympian, claimed a split decision over Kelsey DeSantis.
Al-Qahtani, competing in front of his natives, stopped Edukondala Rao in the third round and Basahel defeated Vinicius Pereira in an amateur bout.
Up Next
While the next PFL vs. Bellator card has yet to be announced, the two are on the docket.
Bellator 302 takes place March 22 from the SSE Arena in Belfast, Ireland. In the headline bout, Corey Anderson and Karl Moore meet for the vacant light heavyweight title.
Related: PFL Bellator Kicks Off In Belfast This March
The PFL 2024 regular season kicks off April 4 from San Antonio, Texas with a number of fighters scheduled for action.
PFL Vs. Bellator: Champions Results
From Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Renan Ferreira def. Ryan Bader via TKO (strikes) at :21 of Round 1
Johnny Eblen def. Impa Kasanganay via split decision
Jason Jackson def. Ray Cooper III via TKO (strikes) at :23 of Round 2
Vadim Nemkov def. Bruno Cappelozza via technical submission (arm-triangle choke) at 2:13 of Round 2
Yoel Romero def. Thiago Santos via unanimous decision
A.J. McKee def. Clay Collard via submission (armbar) at 1:10 of Round 1
Aaron Pico def. Henry Corrales via TKO (strikes) at 4:53 of Round 1
Biaggio Ali Walsh def. Emmanuel Palacio via unanimous decision
Claressa Shields def. Kelsey DeSantis via split decision
Abdullah Al-Qahtani def. Edukondala Rao via TKO (strikes) at :23 of Round 3
Malik Bashael def. Vinicius Pereira via unanimous decision
