The first fight at PFL vs. Bellator didn't start before there were hiccups on the ESPN+ broadcast.
PFL vs. Bellator is headlined by a heavyweight clash between 2023 PFL heavyweight champion Renan Ferreira and Bellator heavyweight champion Ryan Bader. The co-main event features another champ vs. champ matchup between 2023 PFL light heavyweight winner Impa Kasanganay and Bellator middleweight titleholder Johnny Eblen.
The preliminary card is free to watch for ESPN+ subscribers, while the main card is pay-per-view for $49.99. Before the first fight of the day, the PFL vs. Bellator broadcast featured a slew of issues, including betting analysts Jonathan Coachman and Ian Parker's mics not carrying any sound.
During portions of the early broadcast, the background music playing at the Kingdom Arena was the only audible thing.
Twitter reacts to PFL vs. Bellator broadcast conundrum
MMA Twitter had a field day with the audio issues on the PFL vs. Bellator broadcast
Stumbling into the self proclaimed “biggest” mma card of the year. This is your 8 mile moment. Best not choke. #PFLvsBellator
— Javon Johnson (@javonlouisj) February 24, 2024
Audio issues are all over the place early on the #PFLvsBellator broadcast. Get it together.
— Matthew Wells (@MrMWells) February 24, 2024
Watching #PFLvsBellator and they can’t seem to get their commentators mikes on
— Precision picks (@pprecisionpicks) February 24, 2024
Oof, sound issues already. I guess I was hoping for more of a Bellator production than a PFL production #PFLvsBellator
— 𝓜𝓪𝓵𝓪 (@MalaBB) February 24, 2024
#PFLvsBellator with the audio issues 🤦🏻♂️
— Endi Torres (@_E_N_D_I_) February 24, 2024
@PFLMMA @BellatorMMA audio problems are not the most impressive way to start your relationship #PFLvsBellator
— Gregory Bouchard (@GregoryBouchar8) February 24, 2024
Audio issues are back lol #PFLvsBellator
— Amy Kaplan (@PhotoAmy33) February 24, 2024
A lot of audio problems to start off the show #PFLvsBellator
— The Ko Podcast With Tyler Russo (@KOPodwitTy) February 24, 2024
audio guy def getting fired #PFLvsBellator
— 😜 (@420MMA) February 24, 2024
What's up with the audio problems?#PFLvsBellator
— Mike Long (@Phroztee) February 24, 2024
Despite some of the early problems, PFL vs. Bellator is expected to have plenty of exciting fights inside the Smartcage. AJ McKee vs. Clay Collard is one of many fights that are expected to be fireworks for the viewing audience.
The seven main card winners will each earn a special PFL vs. Bellator Super Belt for their efforts. Vadim Nemkov, Thiago Santos, and Bruno Cappelozza are just a few of the names featured on the PPV card.
PFL vs. Bellator launches the official partnership between the two sides. PFL purchased Bellator MMA following a lengthy process in 2023.
Bellator will return to the spotlight when they return on March 22 in Belfast. The card is headlined by a vacant light heavyweight title fight between Corey Anderson and Karl Moore.
The majority of the PFL vs. Bellator broadcast is running smoothly, although the glaring audio issues didn't stop viewers from having fun at the event's expense.
Follow along with the live results and highlights from Riyadh here.