Bellator chief Scott Coker on Daley-MacDonald, Goldberg, Bader and fight-fixing accusations

LONDON – In an extended interview with MMAjunkie at a news conference in London announcing Bellator 179, promotion President Scott Coker got us up to speed on current events.

Coker addressed several issues he’s now juggling while the schedule ramps up for Saturday’s Bellator 172 featuring Fedor Emelianenko (36-4 MMA, 0-0 BMMA) vs. Matt Mitrione (11-5 MMA, 2-0 BMMA).

Paul Daley vs. Rory MacDonald, not Michael Page

First on the list, of course, is the notable absence of Michael Page in a headliner spot opposite Paul Daley at Bellator 179. Although the popular Page asked to face Daley (39-14-2 MMA, 5-1 BMMA), Coker feels it’s not the right time just yet.

“We do 20 fights a year,” Coker said. “Let that fight simmer a little bit.”

Daley (39-14-2 MMA, 5-1 BMMA) will face high-profile acquisition Rory MacDonald (18-4 MMA, 0-0 BMMA) at the May 19 event on Spike at London’s SSE Arena.

Free agents Ryan Bader, Lorenz Larkin, Misha Cirkunov

On the free agent front, Coker seemed to shift his stance on former UFC welterweight Lorenz Larkin (18-5 MMA, 5-5 UFC), who fought out his contract with the industry leader in hopes of bidding up prices on his next deal.

After telling MMAjunkie he wasn’t in the market, Coker said he is actively in talks about the No. 8 fighter in the USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie MMA welterweight rankings.

Ryan Bader (22-5), who also fought out his UFC deal and was recently given the green light to defect, remains in limbo with Bellator waiting on the industry leader to signal whether it intends to match a recent offer.

Misha Cirkunov (13-2), winner of four straight in the UFC before his unexpected fallout with promotion President Dana White, doesn’t appear to be on the radar just yet. But you can expect that to change shortly.

Possibility of Mike Goldberg, Chael Sonnen on the mic

Mike Goldberg could be filling in soon for the Viacom-owned promotion if a spot opens up. Coker said the ex-UFC play-by-play commentator could step in for current regular Sean Grande if his work for the Boston Celtics leaves him unavailable. And Coker is eyeing Bellator 170 headliner Chael Sonnen for future color commentary work.

Heading to South America

A major event is expected this year in South America – in Brazil or Argentina, Coker said.

Still talking Ortiz-Sonnen

Allegations of a fix in the headliner between Sonnen (29-15-1 MMA, 0-1 BMMA) and Tito Ortiz (19-12-1 MMA, 3-1 BMMA) at Bellator 170 have prompted Coker to talk with Viacom legal. Apparently, his patience has run out with those who question whether Sonnen tapped to a phantom choke.

“Who’s making the accusations? It’s a UFC commentator, or a UFC fighter, or somebody who belongs to another league,” Coker said. “They’re just trying to throw stones. Even Dana came out and said there was no way. I feel like if you’re going to make accusations like that, you better have something to back it up. If you don’t, go talk to Viacom legal.”

Check out the above interview to for more from Coker on a variety of topics.

And for more on Bellator 172, check out the MMA Rumors section of the site.