It’s been four months since Bellator MMA held its last numbered event. A week prior to Thanksgiving, Wintrust Arena in Chicago played host to Bellator 301, what would prove to be the last numbered event on Showtime as the Paramount Global-owned premium cabler announced earlier last fall that it would be leaving combat sports behind after 2023 in order to focus on scripted offerings.
Just a few days later, the sale of Bellator to the Professional Fighters League would be finalized, with Paramount Global retaining a minority stake in the promotion as part of the acquisition.