Since taking over the reigns as Bellator MMA a few years back, one thing Scott Coker has done is sign a lot of high level fighters to the roster.
The promotion will not be resting on its laurels because Coker promises the roster will continue to improve as time goes on.
“The roster looks a lot different than it was three years ago,” Coker told MMA Junkie. “I think that we put on some great fights in the last three years, but in the last 18 months. Rory MacDonald’s fight with Douglas Lima was one of my favorite fights of all-time in this company. We’ve had just had so many great fights, I think in the last 18 months, and it’s just gonna continue on.”
Several big name fighters like former UFC Heavyweight Champion Frank Mir, Ryan Bader, Rory MacDonald, former UFC Lightweight Champion Ben Henderson, Gegard Mousasi, Valerie Letourneau, Fedor Emelianenko and others have come to the promotion under Coker’s reign.
Coker also believes the younger fighters on the roster are starting to flourish as well in the promotion.
“If you look at the roster now, it’s something I’m very proud of,” Coker said. “But, give us another 18 months – not 18 months. Maybe another year, that’s when you’ll see Aaron Pico really flourish out. A.J. McKee, James Gallagher, the Fortunes (Tyrell and Tyree). These are the future of the company, and I think you’re gonna see them really blossom in the next year.”
Up next for the promotion is Bellator 200 this Friday Night, with UFC veterans Roy Nelson and Mirko Cro Cop in the main event.
