After more than 15 years as one of the premier organizations in mixed martial arts, Bellator MMA is officially down for the count. The promotion, known for its role in growing the sport and showcasing talent from Hawaii, will no longer be actively promoted, marking the end of a 17-year era in MMA.
The downfall of Bellator began in late 2023 when the tournament-based Professional Fighters League (PFL) acquired the organization and its roster of fighters. Over the next year, PFL hosted major crossover events featuring champion vs. champion matchups. The transition ultimately led to last week’s announcement that Bellator’s brand would be retired.
Bellator’s legacy includes a strong presence in Hawaii, highlighted by Oahu’s Ilima-Lei Macfarlane, who won the flyweight world title and became a key figure in the promotion. The organization brought eight high-profile events to Honolulu’s Blaisdell Arena over a five-year span, airing on Showtime and providing a platform for local fighters.
For Rich Chou, former Bellator matchmaker and current vice president of Alta North America, the promotion’s presence in Hawaii was pivotal for the sport’s continued presense and standing in the islands…