Rebney open to holding four-man tourneys in Bellator's regular season

Eight-man tournaments have been the centerpiece of Bellator MMA’s format since the promotion came on the scene in 2009.

But earlier this spring, Bellator announced its three-event “Summer Series” would feature four-man tourneys in three different divisions instead of the eight-fighter variety.

It’s a decision that was part practical based on the short summer schedule and perhaps part testing of the waters for possibilities in the future.

Bellator founder and CEO Bjorn Rebney on Wednesday told MMAjunkie.com Radio (www.mmajunkie.com/radio) that the company is open to holding four-man tournaments as part of the regular season and not just in the “Summer Series.”

“There’s no hard and fast (rule),” Rebney said. “They can potentially take place in the regular season, as well. It’s all about trying to figure out how to get more world-title shots set up for the guys, so that at minimum our guys are defending the titles three times a year – which is where we want to be.”

Some of Bellator’s champions have been vocal in the past about not getting enough work once they win the belt. After getting the title, they’ve had to wait for a tournament winner to emerge in their division, then wait for a date for the title fight.

Some divisions, like featherweight, have had moments with multiple challengers waiting in the wings. And it sounds as if Rebney would prefer that scenario to having a champion sitting by waiting to know who he’s going to fight next.

At Bellator 96, which kicks off the “Summer Series,” Michael Chandler will defend his lightweight title against Dave Jansen and the start of a four-man light heavyweight tournament will take place. The winner of that tourney will emerge at July’s Bellator 97 and immediately be in line to face the eventual winner between 205-pound champion Attila Vegh and Season 8 tournament winner Emanuel Newton.

But the goal, Rebney said, is keeping the tournaments rolling so the champs stay busy.

“If we need to juggle and do another 205 tournament in the fall, or we need to do another (heavyweight) tournament in the fall, or 145 and do a four-man, it gives us the flexibility to do that,” Rebney said. “This is about ensuring that, whether it’s going to be Emanuel Newton or Vegh defending that title, you’ve got a guy lined up. As soon as whoever wins that fight is done, you’ve got another (title) fight lined up and you’re ready to go.

“It’s about working through those different movements of the company to get it to where every facet of it is working perfectly – and we’re getting close.”

It’s been a work in progress for Bellator, but Rebney believes the company and fans are starting to see the payoff of the tournament format four years after the promotion was born.

“This is the place i wanted to be in, loading the barrel with challengers who’ve earned their place to be there,” he said.

For the latest on Bellator 96, stay tuned to the MMA Rumors section of the site.

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