SAN DIEGO – Bellator 300, a milestone event for the promotion, is just days away. And while the past and present are set to be celebrated in the rare 300-event milestone for a major MMA promotion, the future looms large.
Since June, Bellator president Scott Coker has publicly acknowledged business discussions are ongoing with rival promotion PFL, as rumors swirl that Bellator parent company Viacom intends to sell the organization. High-ranking PFL officials have also confirmed the talks, with PFL owner Donn Davis and president Ray Sefo frequently hinting at a potential absorption or merger with Bellator.
On Wednesday, Coker spoke to a room of reporters for the first time since Bellator 297 in June. Coker said he’d be happy to answer any and all questions about the discussions after Bellator 300 and only gave a blanket answer for the time being.
“I think at this press conference we’re here to talk about these athletes on (Bellator) 300,” Coker said when asked by MMA Junkie. “Then, at the post-fight press conference, I’ll answer anything you want. To me right now, everything I’ve heard is there’s dialogue ongoing. It’s still an ongoing situation. The situation from last month to now really hasn’t changed that much. I don’t have a lot to say, but that’s kind of where it’s at right now.”
Expect Coker to be peppered with questions following Saturday’s event, which takes place at Pechanga Arena with a main card on Showtime after prelims on MMA Junkie. Three title fights comprise the main card and are advertised as a “triple main event,”
The event is the second-to-last on the promotion’s current schedule, with Bellator 301 set for Nov. 17 in Chicago. Beyond that, the future is unknown.
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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for Bellator 300.