Bellator Fighting Championships, later rebranded as Bellator MMA, flung open its doors on April 3, 2009 in Hollywood, Florida. In the nearly eight years that have passed since, the organization has spread its tentacles throughout the United States while planting its flag in five other countries: Ireland, Israel, Canada, Italy and England. Well-publicized leadership and directional changes were part of its development, as the torch passed from founder Bjorn Rebney to former Strikeforce frontman Scott Coker.
Bellator has provided a platform for established stars like Eddie Alvarez, Muhammad Lawal and Phil Davis while also serving as a staging ground for homegrown talents like Michael Chandler, Michael Page, Eduardo Dantas and Joe Warren.