Photo: BELLATOR/Jack Dombro
Scott Coker Clears The Air on Bellator Sale Rumors
Bellator MMA President, Scott Coker addressed the rumors about Bellator possibly being purchased by the PFL. The first word of it was mentioned last April on The Todd Atkins Show and nothing was confirmed since the post was made, until now. MMA Junkie asked Coker himself after the ceremonial weigh-ins for Bellator 297 and he said that it would be a partnership rather than a purchase.
Coker told MMA Junkie’s Nolan King that Bellator has “ been looking to take a partner,” and that the deal is something Viacom has been working on. He said that PFL is one of a few companies Viacom has had “conversations” with and while nothing is certain yet he did say, “We’ll probably have some clarity in the next 60 to 90 days.”
This makes more sense than a sale, especially since Coker has been adamant about doing co-promotion with RIZIN Fighting Federation and when asked about his fighters facing fighters from other promotions in the past Coker always seemed willing to talk. Anytime Coker was asked about PFL’s Kayla Harrison taking on Cris Cyborg he always showed willingness to dialogue with the PFL to make the fight happen. Cyborg has already re-signed with Bellator and currently sits in their rankings as their number one pound-for-pound and sitting featherweight champion.
As far as the Bellator MMA fans know and love going away, the introduction of a flyweight division next month in Japan is only the beginning of plans Coker and his team has for the future. He also talked about adding other divisions for women, pursuing more men’s flyweights, and solidifying the women’s featherweight division since it seems it will no longer be a class in the UFC with Amanda Nune’s retirement.
