PHOENIX – Bellator President Scott Coker spoke to the media after Bellator 273 on Saturday night at Footprint Center and reacted to the fight card and what could be the next steps for its headliners.
Ryan Bader revisits old rivalry
At the top of the bill was heavyweight champion Ryan Bader, who returned to Phoenix three months after coming up short in a bid to win back the light heavyweight title belt and got back in the win column with a unanimous decision over Valentin Moldavsky.
Bader had to rush home in time to celebrate the win. His next opponent, former heavyweight champion and challenger Cheick Kongo was also there. Fedor Emelianenko was another legend heavyweight who could not match Bader’s wish to rematch him after his devastating loss at the heavyweight grand prix. Coker stated that Kongo was the winner in this instance.
“This fight was something we had been working on for some time,” said a Bellator executive. It was an eye poke, or something that I believe wasn’t very clear about the winner or decision. Since we’ve tried to get that fight on for some while, we knew that Paris was the place we wanted. This is the week prior to the May fight in London with [Michael ‘Venom’ Page] and [Yaroslav] Amosov. We decided that Cheick Kongo will be fighting whoever wins: Moldavsky, Bader or both.
“Fedor did tell me before the fight, ‘If Ryan Bader wins, I’d really like to fight him for the belt.’ I said, ‘Well, Kongo is going to fight him in Paris, and we can see what happens.’ But May to July is not a lot of time. It’s a crazy business. Things change rapidly, so let’s see what happens.”
What happens to Fedor?
As for who Emelianenko will face in his homeland of Russia now that Bader is booked, Coker said the promotion will start the search for a suitable replacement. In his latest performance, “The Last Emperor”, he reversed the clock and knocked out Tim Johnson at Bellator .
“This is his retirement fight, and now that Bader’s the champion, it’s like I’m not sure if he will be able to lock it up at some point,” Coker said. He could also fight other heavyweights, so we will find someone .”
that is sensible.
Benson Henderson‘s future
Emelianenko was not the only fighter in doubt, as Moldavsky, his protege fell to Bader. Benson Henderson, co-headliner, said that he might retire following a split victory over Islam Mamedov. However, he was also heard on a hot microphone telling Khabib Nurmagomedov about his interest in joining the Eagle FC upstart, which made ground in the U.S. last Friday.
Coker made peace with Henderson’s next move.
“It’s really going to be up to him,” he said. He said, “But to my eyes, he has done it all.” He’s been fighting a long time, and he’s been a great ambassador for the sport. If he decides to hang it up, I think he’s done everything there is to do, and we would wish him well. But if he wants to fight, we’ll have a conversation.”
Kayla Harrison and Bellator
Conversations are continuing between Bellator’s management and PFL two-time champion Kayla Harrison. She is reportedly interested in a new contract with the tournament-based company. Coker didn’t sound overly optimistic about acquiring the dominant women’s lightweight, but he didn’t dismiss it outright.
“It wasn’t an offer.” he stated. We spoke to her manager and discussed what a deal might look like. I think those conversations are ongoing. I don’t think anything is set. I don’t think she’s signed anything. We’ll speak to [Harrison’s manager] tonight or next week. She’s got a lot of offers right now, and we’ll see what happens.”
Cyborg vs. Zingano in jeopardy?
No sooner than multiple reports paired Cris Cyborg and Cat Zingano as imminent for early 2022 than both fighters cast doubt on the possibility.
Zingano unsubtly hinted that Cyborg’s stance on drug testing was the holdup (Cyborg has previously tested positive and been suspended for a performance-enhancer), and Cyborg said it was her opponent that was the issue.
As of right now, it appears there’s a standoff that isn’t close to resolved.
” I would love to see them fight,” Coker stated. “I think timing is going to be an issue on that fight when Cat is ready to fight her, and we would like that fight to happen as soon as possible.
” This is the plan. However, both fighters must agree to it. So we’re talking to the managers and Cat’s manager and find out whether she’s ready to fight and will she be willing to fight Cyborg.”
Bellator/Eagle FC co-promotion?
Undefeated UFC great Khabib Nurmagomedov flew across the country the night after promoting his first U.S. event, Eagle FC, to corner co-headliner Mamedov. As Benson Henderson pulled a guillotine choke on the former Dagestani champion, Nurmagomedov winced. He also spoke to Coker in less intense moments. Coker had known Henderson for some time at American Kickboxing Academy, the promoter’s hometown of San Jose.
Nurmagomedov came out of Eagle FC feeling more comfortable behind the scenes. Coker is there to support him as he moves into a new position. The two organizations might eventually be able work together.
“Khabib is a super honorable martial artist, and we have a good relationship with them, and we’ll support them when we can,” he said. “I told them, I said, ‘We have a business to run as well, but when we can support you, we will.’ There’s nothing off the table.”
Watch Coker’s full interview above.
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