Last week, Bellator MMA announced that Mirko Cro Cop would be rematching Roy Nelson at the promotion’s 200th event this May. The announcement raised questions from some regarding the MMA legend’s eligibility to compete, considering Cro Cop was suspended by USADA for two years for taking HGH, but he never served out his suspension, instead choosing to retire.

The retirement was short-lived however, as a year later, Cro Cop began competing for Rizin FF, winning their 2016 Open Weight Grand Prix. But despite the fact the Cro Cop has fought five times since receiving his USADA suspension, questions regarding his suspension and whether promoters should book him only arose when Bellator announced his return to non-Japanese MMA, something Coker said makes no sense.

“Here’s the thing,” Coker told Jim Edwards of MMANYtt. “Mirko fights in Rizin, in Japan, and USADA has relationship with the UFC and they’re in Japan all the time. Why didn’t they go after him two years ago when he started fighting in Rizin? This is a question just because he’s fighting for Bellator at our 200th event?

“To me it’s like, if you wanted to take action, you should’ve took action a long time ago, because to me, honestly, when we booked it, we didn’t even know there were issues. He’s already fighting so we thought he was able to fight.”

Cro Cop’s USADA’s ban is not binding because it is not a commission suspension, and commission’s aren’t required to honor any USADA suspension. Plus, as Coker notes, Bellator doesn’t have any connection to USADA, so the organization isn’t incentivized to adhere to a two-year suspension handed out over two years ago, especially since Cro Cop has been competing without issue since then.

“Listen, USADA works with the UFC,” said Coker. “They’re doing their own thing, so go do it. I just feel like the timing of it is a little bit questionable because at the end of the day, if you really wanted to enforce it, you should’ve enforced it two years ago when Mirko fought in Japan.”

Bellator 200 will be regulated by Mike Mazzulli, the President of the Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports, who is frequently brought overseas by Bellator to oversee regulatory operations in countries that do not have commissions. Mazzulli has yet to mention any issues with the scheduled bout.

Bellator 200 takes place in London, England on May 25 and will be headlined by a middleweight title fight between Rafael Carvalho and Gegard Mousasi.

---

MUST-READ STORIES

Give him a shot. Nick Newell wins in return to action at LFA 35, calls for UFC opportunity.

145. Brian Ortega thinks Max Holloway fight could be ‘biggest’ at 145 since Aldo-McGregor.

Nope. Holly Holm wants Cris Cyborg rematch, still hasn’t watched first fight.

Wolf Tickets. Tyron Woodley plans to help Floyd Mayweather get ready for MMA fight.

---

VIDEO STEW

Free fight.

Rankings report.

Khabib interview.

Duffy coming after Conor where it hurts, political ambition.

Nick Newell.

And highlights from the entire LFA event.

---

LISTEN UP

Severe MMA. Discussing BAMMA 34, UFC London, Cage Legacy 7, and Nick Newell.

---

SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE

Give this man his shot.

Cro Cop’s statement on Big Country’s incredulity.

Trying to pick a fight.

Respectful call outs.

I feel like Conor and Johnny Football would get along.

Nope.

Ambition.

Talking s**t.

Friends

Brutality.

---

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Olivier Aubin-Mercier (10-2) vs. Evan Dunham (18-6-1); UFC 223, April 7.

---

FINAL THOUGHTS

And we’re back for another fight week. Let’s be honest, UFC London isn’t the greatest card in the world, but hey, at least it’s free. Plus, Tommy Duckets is fighting this weekend and that’s always a good time. Anyway, hope everyone had a great weekend. Take it easy and see y’all tomorrow.

---

EXIT POLL

---

If you find something you'd like to see in the Morning Report, hit me up on Twitter @JedKMeshew and let me know about it. Also follow MMAFighting on Instagram, add us on Snapchat at MMA-Fighting, and like us on Facebook.