Scott Coker discusses cross-promotion and why the UFC isn't likely to partake

Scott Coker weighed in on the value of cross-promotion events in MMA following a successful Bellator vs. Rizin event that took place on New Year's Eve.

During his appearance on The MMA Hour, Coker told Ariel Helwani that he was happy with his promotion's success against Rizin. He mentioned that he is in favor of cross-promotion events but doesn't believe the UFC will partake, saying:

"Personally, I would love it [cross-promotion with other promotions] because really, this is like the martial arts way...to compete and to fight, and test yourself. So on that sense, I would love it. On a business sense, I think it's gonna be tough to work with some of these guys, including the UFC, it's been their policy not to do these types of events." {14:36 - 14:54}

Coker then added an interesting scenario that would see more than one promotion competing. He mentioned that a World Cup style Grand Prix tournament with top fighters in different promotions would be something appealing, saying:

"Everybody comes in, brings their best talent and let's get it on. If that could happen, we would definitely be on-board...If we could create a circuit where we have a tournament like this maybe for the next 4-5 years in different weight-classes, I would be all about it, man. Or team vs. team, that would be a lot of fun to promote." {15:02 - 15:45}

Bellator's cross-promotional event with Rizin in a team vs. team format proved to a successful formula for future events. A divisional Grand Prix style tournament with multiple promotions can be tricky because it would require a fighter to be committed for the better part of a year rather than a team vs. team scenario.

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Scott Coker provides an update on Dillon Danis' future with Bellator

Dillon Danis has become a polarizing figure in combat sports, especially after withdrawing from his latest boxing fight against YouTuber-turned-boxer KSI.

Scott Coker appeared on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani and the topic of Danis' future was brought up. The Bellator President mentioned that 'El Jefe' had been offered fights and even reached out with regards to returning to the cage, saying:

"We're going to try to get him in the rotation, but it's been a long time. It's been a long time since he fought, so I hope he's been training and I hope he's been doing his thing, but at the end of the day, it's really going to be up to him and how bad he wants to fight. And does he really want to compete at this level."

Coker added that Danis is still under contract with the promotion and that they intend to honor that but it will all come down to whether or not he wants to compete.