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14 SPORTS Friday, 24 November 2023
Bellator Coach Javier Mendez Skeptical of PFL
Champions in Potential Clash Against Bellator’s Best
THE aftermath of the PFL’s acquisition of Bellator, American PFL in 2024, featuring eight “one-off” events. However,
Kickboxing Academy head coach Javier Mendez expressed Mendez’s reservations about the limited number of shows
doubts about the PFL fighters’ ability to compete success- for Bellator raised concerns about the impact on fighters.
fully against their counterparts in Bellator. Founder and
co-owner Donn Davis unveiled plans for a champions vs. In a related story, MMA Junkie covered the unexpected
champions “mega-event” in 2024. journey of Peruvian fighter Jesus Pinedo in the 2023 PFL
Championship. Pinedo, considered an underdog, reflected
Mendez, who coaches several fighters on the Bellator roster, on his remarkable path to the featherweight final, where he
including lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov, is just one win away from claiming a $1 million champion-
questioned the visibility and recognition of PFL’s cham- ship prize. Pinedo faces Gabriel Braga in the final, a rematch
pions, noting that, aside from Kayla Harrison, their names from their split decision bout in the regular season.
are not widely known. Mendez believes that in head-to-head
matchups, the majority of PFL fighters would likely lose to Pinedo’s journey included overcoming challenges, such
Bellator competitors. as a first-round finish requirement after losing to Braga in
the regular season. Despite facing tough opponents like
While acknowledging the stellar acquisitions of Francis Brendan Loughnane and Bubba Jenkins, Pinedo’s impres-
Ngannou and Jake Paul by PFL, Mendez expressed concern sive performances have positioned him as a top feather-
about the future of many Bellator fighters. He highlighted weight contender.
the significant reduction in Bellator shows, leading to poten- The PFL Championship and the potential clash between PFL
tial job losses for fighters in the organization. and Bellator champions add a new dimension to the evolving
Founder Donn Davis also outlined plans for the “Bellator landscape of professional mixed martial arts.
International Champions Series,” running concurrently with
