PFL signs ex-Bellator champ Douglas Lima to new deal
Former Bellator welterweight champion Douglas Lima has re-signed with the PFL on a multi-year contract, the promotion announced Tuesday.
Lima will make his debut in the PFL SmartCage this fall.
The Brazilian was one of several fighters under contract with Bellator when the PFL acquired that promotion in late 2023. He wasn't selected to compete in the PFL regular season, though, nor has he had a fight scheduled. Lima complained in a post on X earlier this month about the PFL keeping him sidelined since the purchase, joining a growing list of fighters - including Cris Cyborg, Larissa Pacheco, and Gegard Mousasi - who have vented their frustrations with the PFL.
Prior to Tuesday's news, Lima noted that he had one fight left on his contract.
Last guy I beat is fighting for the belt now. Solid win Costello great job. I’m on the sidelines for a year now, what heard was my purse was too “high” and PFL didn’t want to pay and honor my last fight on my contract.👎👎 so yeaaa @BellatorMMA @PFLMMA
— Douglas Lima (@PhenomLima) May 17, 2024
Lima last stepped into the cage when he defeated Costello van Steenis at a Bellator Paris event in May 2023. The victory snapped a four-fight losing streak.
The 36-year-old Lima is one of the most successful fighters in Bellator history, having captured the 170-pound title on three separate occasions in 2014, 2016, and 2019.