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. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rob DeMello KHON (@robdemello) 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. “I think it’s very significant, and I’m glad you recognized it,” Chou said from his home in Dallas, Texas. “That’s eight events that were broadcast to the world, showcasing local talent and the culture of Hawaii. It really helped give a lot of fighters a break and helped them get to the next level.” Chou, who was instrumental in bringing Bellator MMA to Hawaii and was also on the executive teams of Rumble on the Rock, Pro Elite, and Elite XC which all held events in Hawaii, hopes that other promotions take note of Bellator’s success in Hawaii and continue the tradition. 'That’s eight events that were broadcast to the world, showcasing local talent and the culture of Hawaii' - The end of Bellator MMA closes a significant chapter in the history of MMA in Hawai'i https://t.co/PDPITE6fY4 #BellatorMMA #BellatorHawaii #HawaiiMMA 🤙🏽 @rich_chou… pic.twitter.com/Yto1sZ4l80— Rob DeMello (@RobDeMelloKHON) January 20, 2025 “Hopefully, other promotions will look at what we accomplished and keep it going,” he said. “If done properly, Hawaii can be a home for MMA. The talent is there, the community is there, and the fan base is one of the best—one of the most knowledgeable. Over the years, we’ve proven Hawaii’s place in the sport is solidified. It has a storied history and legacy.” Chou believes that promotions like PFL, One Championship, and the UFC could step in to continue hosting events in the state. All three promotions have held discussions with state officials regarding potential events over the last two years, but it remains to be seen which—if any—will commit to regular events in Hawaii. Most recently, Hawaii Sports Commission chair Keith Amemiya revealed that negotiations with the UFC are ongoing for a potential Max Holloway fight in the islands within the next year. Hawaii fighters such as Sumiko Inaba and Kai Kamaka III remain under contract with the PFL as both were on the Bellator MMA roster at the time of the acquisition. Both have fought since. Kamaka III who took part in last season's featherweight championship tournament recently revealed his displeasure with the company and is seeking his release.