Scott Coker is known for his work building Strikeforce, the promotion he founded in 1985 and sold to UFC in 2011. A decade later, Coker is creating his next masterpiece. As president of Bellator, he is developing a top-tier MMA promotion, providing a home for established fighters and emerging stars.
Bellator’s new broadcast deal with Showtime is a key factor in its continued growth. (Bellator and Showtime are both owned by ViacomCBS.) On Friday night, for the third straight week, a slate of live fights will air as part of Bellator 257, a card headlined by a light heavyweight bout pitting Phil Davis against Bellator light heavyweight champion Vadim Nemkov.