SAN JOSE, Calif. – Since its inception, the UFC has been the clear dominant brand in MMA, staving off challenges from the likes of PRIDE and Strikeforce to keep its place at the top of the sport. Can that ever change?
Bellator President Scott Coker, the former Strikeforce boss who briefly worked for the UFC after the industry leader acquired the smaller brand, said he’s not worried about what his competition is doing – but does believe the gap between the two is smaller than some might think.
“That’s an interesting question, because when I wake up every day, I don’t even focus on what anybody else is doing,” Coker told MMAjunkie. “We have enough work here to focus on ourselves. But in saying that, look at the fighters that are coming over. And to me, free agency, the fighters are the key. They are the product, at the end of the day. We’re going to go after every free agent that we can. So when you say ‘on par,’ I feel like we’re already on par.
“I think we’re putting on great fights. Our ratings speak for themselves, and internationally, I think we’re as strong or stronger than them in some territories. To me, I look at this as a global footprint, and I think we’re doing extremely well.”
Lightweight Josh Thomson, who has fought under the UFC, Strikeforce and Bellator banners, among others, believes the UFC’s recent sale to WME-IMG makes now the time for Bellator to make its move.
“Look, there’s no secret what’s going to happen,” Thomson said. “For me, I feel like the secret is – if anyone doesn’t think this is a secret – is they sold right at the right time. They had to get out now. They couldn’t take it any further. The company that bought them is just going to try and re-up now before this gets out of control and the fighters association and the Muhammad Ali Act jumps on, so these guys sold at the right time to get out.
“Do I think Bellator is going to compete? Hell yeah. How can you not compete with a company like Viacom behind you? Now, it’s just a matter of just things take time.”
To hear more from Bellator fighters on the promotion’s chances at becoming MMA’s top choice, check out the video above.
Bellator 172 takes place Saturday at SAP Center in San Jose, Calif. The evening’s main card airs on Spike following prelims on MMAjunkie.
For more on Bellator 172, check out the MMA Rumors section of the site.
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