New PFL CEO John Martin is making changes to the way the PFL operates, and one of his first big moves is to simplify the promotion’s confusing championship situation.
Previously, the winners of the annual PFL tournaments were considered the champions of their weight division until the next tournament started, resetting things. Things got more confusing when past PFL champs were included in next year’s tournament and still referred to as champions. And there were PFL superfight division champions as well.
The PFL also bought Bellator and set up a bunch of fights with Bellator champions.
What the hell was going on? Who knew? It got to the point where even PFL stars like Dakota Ditcheva admitted she wasn’t sure if she was considered the current champion of her division or not.
Now Martin, who is rushing to fix his league up in preparations for 2026 broadcast rights negotiations, has announced a change to how the belts will work in PFL.
“Historically, the PFL crowned champions through its season or tournament format, where the winner held the title for that year,” Martin explained. “I recognize this created some confusion about who truly sat atop each division. That confusion grew when the PFL and Bellator merged, bringing in not only tournament champions but also legacy Bellator champions who defended their belts, leaving fans unclear on who was the definitive champion in each weight class.”
“We are now simplifying our championship system,” he continued. “Going forward, each division will have one PFL World Champion, the single, undisputed titleholder in that weight class.”
Martin clarified the PFL’s upcoming list of championship fights: Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes 2 for the PFL Lightweight World Championship and Corey Anderson vs. Dovlet Yagshimuradov 2 for the PFL Light Heavyweight World Championship on October 3rd. Then on December 13th, Vadim Nemkov vs. Renan Ferreira for the PFL Heavyweight World Championship and Cris Cyborg vs. Sara Collins for the PFL Women’s Featherweight World Championship.
Martin also addressed Francis Ngannou, who is apparently not the PFL heavyweight champion despite beating former PFL heavyweight champion Renan Ferreira back in 2023.
“I also know there has been confusion around unique distinctions in the past, like the ‘Super Fight’ title won by Francis Ngannou,” Martin wrote. “That was a special, one-time designation. Going forward, those belts may be used only for occasional special events, and importantly, I will be engaging directly with Francis to determine what’s next for him in the PFL.”
“My goal is clear: one champion, one division, one world title, a system that is simple for athletes to chase and for PFL fans to follow.”
Took them long enough.
