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The PFL is facing mounting criticism from some of its most prominent athletes, and Corey Anderson, Bellator’s reigning light-heavyweight champion, is the latest to voice his dissatisfaction. The MMA world, initially abuzz with excitement over PFL’s acquisition of Bellator, now watches as high-profile grievances emerge.
The PFL acquisition, announced with promises of a dynamic 2024 lineup and a new streaming partnership with HBO Max, inspired optimism. However, as the year unfolded, the company fell short of its ambitious goals. Several anticipated events never materialized, leaving fighters and fans disheartened.
Champions and top-tier fighters have been hit hardest. Notable athletes like Gegard Mousasi requested and received releases due to inactivity. More recently, stars like Patchy Mix and Patricio Pitbull expressed similar concerns. Pitbull, after slamming the PFL in a fiery social media post, found himself at the center of controversy. A Sherdog report claimed the organization had exceeded his contractual obligations and offered him another fight, which he allegedly declined—a claim Pitbull denies.
Enter Corey Anderson, who has his own frustrations with the PFL. The 35-year-old light-heavyweight champion, who signed a six-fight Bellator contract in October 2022, has only fought three times. Taking to X, Anderson criticized the PFL, stating, They have not fulfilled my 6-fight contract. Adding to his dissatisfaction, a highly anticipated trilogy bout against Vadim Nemkov, scheduled for January at the Bellator Champions Series in Dubai, was canceled. Anderson attributed the fallout to issues on Nemkov’s side.
Despite securing his title with a decisive victory over Karl Moore in Northern Ireland earlier this year, Anderson faces uncertainty about his next fight. His sentiments mirror those of other fighters who have grown increasingly disillusioned with the PFL’s handling of contracts and event scheduling.
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