P. Pitbull is considered the biggest name in Bellator history. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Earlier this week, the PFL moved the MMA world by announcing the long-awaited purchase of Bellator. With the merger of the UFC's two biggest competitors, the SUPER FIGHTS listed the big names of the company that, for years, was chaired by Scott Coker.
With the new acquisition of 'Professional Fighter League', the company maintains its bold plan in an attempt to equalize forces with Ultimate.
Below are the biggest names in Bellator history. Check out:
5) Ryan Bader
R. Bader is Bellator heavyweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook bellatormma
Former UFC representative, Ryan bader He moved to Bellator in 2017. Right after his debut for the new organization, the North American was selected to compete for the light heavyweight belt (up to 93kg) against Phil Davis, who also had a stint in Ultimate.
Against the veteran, the debutant won the title, beating his rival in a split decision. For the sequel, Ryan had bold plans. The fighter was entered into the heavyweight tournament (up to 120,2kg) and managed to reach the final, in which he faced the legendary Fedor Emelianenko and beat the icon, becoming the first double champion in the company's history.
Heavyweight leader in 2019, the athlete still holds the group title.
4) Eddie Alvarez
Eddie Alvarez poses with the Bellator belt. Photo: Reproduction/Bellator MMA
Before dethroning the Brazilian Rafael dos Anjos In the UFC lightweight division, Eddie Alvarez shone in Bellator's circular cage. An MMA veteran, the athlete debuted in the company chaired by Scott Coker in 2009, participating in the tournament that would determine the champion of the under-70,3kg division.
Famous for his victories in the fast lane, Alvarez recorded three submission victories to win the group's belt. The athlete was also instrumental in boosting the organization's popularity in the first confrontation against Michael chandler (2011), in which he ended up overcoming, losing the title, but delivering one of the biggest fights ever seen in the company.
In 2013, a year before moving to the UFC, Alvarez regained the title in a rematch against Chandler, leaving the company as champion.
3) Ben Askren
Ben Askren presenting for Bellator. Photo: Disclosure/Bellator
No, you did not read it wrong. Many who have followed Ben Askren's questionable career in the UFC have no idea that the fighter made history with Bellator's gloves.
An excellent wrestler, the North American competed in the company between 2010 and 2013, making nine appearances during this period. Entered in the welterweight tournament (up to 77,1kg.) in his first season, Askren won the championship and won the category title in the following appearance, by beating Lyman Good in the judges' decision.
As champion, Ben collected four title defenses. The fighter left Bellator undefeated and moved to ONE Championship in 2014. Among the American's victims is Douglas lima, Brazilian considered a reference in the organization for years.
2) Michael Chandler
M. Chandler (right) is considered one of the biggest names in Bellator history. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/Michaelchandler
Current UFC highlight, Michael chandler He is considered one of Bellator's greatest idols. The fighter debuted in the company in 2010 and, in the following season, won the lightweight tournament, surpassing Patricky Pitbull and qualifying to face the champion at the time, Eddie Alvarez.
In the fight against Eddie, Chandler made his mark in two situations. The fighter not only won the title by submitting his opponent but also had his fight chosen as the best of that season.
The American ended up losing the throne in his third defense, when he ended up beaten by Alvarez in a rematch that took place in 2013. In 2016, Michael regained the belt by overcoming Patricky Pitbull, but the reign was again ended the following season.
Obstinate, Chandler became a three-time division champion in 2018. However, when trying to defend the belt against Patrick Pitbull, ended up becoming a victim of the Brazilian legend, who dethroned himself as double champion by adding the featherweight throne (up to 65,7kg.) with the lightweight one. In 2021, Michael made his move to the UFC official.
1) Patrício Pitbull
P. Pitbull is a featherweight champion and former Bellator lightweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Considered the greatest legend in Bellator history, Patrick Pitbull has managed, for years, a solid trajectory in the company. The native of Rio Grande do Norte debuted in the company in 2010 and, to this day, shines with emblematic performances and achievements in the organization.
Patrício's first victory came in 2014, when he won the featherweight belt in a true battle against Pat Curran. In his first reign, the Brazilian was successful in defending his throne twice, until losing it to Daniel Straus (2015).
Pitbull regained leadership of the group in 2017, when he submitted the same Straus at Bellator 178. Overwhelming performances allowed the native of Rio to dare and challenge for the lightweight belt. Against the then champion Michael chandler, Patrício avenged his brother, who had been defeated twice by the North American, and added another title with a lightning knockout.
The native of Rio Grande do Norte would then give up his new belt to give his brother, Patricky, the opportunity to take over the group's throne. As a featherweight, the Brazilian, who reigned in the division since 2017, was surprised by the young A. J. McKee, losing his post (2021). In the immediate rematch, better for the Tupiniquim, who beat the company's pupil in the judges' decision and regained the crown.
Since then, Pitbull has added one more title defense (against Adam Borics). In 2023, Patrício had the opportunity to expand his legacy in MMA and become the first fighter to win three belts in different categories. When challenging Sergio Pettis for the bantamweight throne (up to 61,2kg), however, the Tupiniquim ended up overcoming.
Honorable mentions
Fedor Emelianenko retired after Bellator 290 (Photo: Instagram/Bellator)
Names of legends like Royce gracie, Wanderlei Silva, Quinton Rampage Jackson, Lyoto Machida, Tito Ortiz e Chael Sonnen had a stint with the company. However, it is worth highlighting the presence of Fedor Emelianenko.
Considered by many to be the best heavyweight of all time, the Russian star was part of Bellator's list of athletes between 2017 and 2023. For the company, the MMA star competed for the heavyweight title on two occasions, but ended up bumping into Ryan bader.
At Bellator 290, the Russian stepped into the cage for the last time and retired after losing to Bader in a fight for the heavyweight title.
One of the biggest Brazilian representatives in the company, Douglas lima is considered an icon of the company. For more than 10 years, the athlete competed against big names in the organization and, on three occasions, won the welterweight belt.
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