When Scott Coker first met with Spike president Kevin Kay in the spring of 2014 to discuss the opening at the top of Bellator, the two bonded over a shared vision of the future: they both wanted to be No. 1. Neither will deny there is still work to do to reach their lofty goal, but on at least one front, the organization has gained ground on its longtime rival the UFC.
The ability to find and sign emerging talent has long been one of Coker’s strengths, and it’s a skill that has well served the executive as he’s sought to make over the Bellator roster.