MMA Fighting - Scott Coker replaces Bjorn Rebney as head of Bellator MMAhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52789/mma_minimal_navy..jpg2014-06-18T21:24:14-04:00http://www.mmafighting.com/rss/stream/55860492014-06-18T21:24:14-04:002014-06-18T21:24:14-04:00Scott Coker aims to 'move the needle' for Bellator
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<figcaption>Esther Lin, MMA Fighting</figcaption>
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<p>On his first day on the job as Bellator president, Scott Coker didn't have a lot of answers, but he did provide some hints as to his mentality and changes that could be expected in what he called Bellator 2.0. </p> <p>If you're looking to know how Bellator's direction will be changing with former Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker replacing Bjorn Rebney at the helm, the answer, like Scott Coker is prone to saying, is that it's up for discussion and we'll be better equipped to answer that question in a few weeks.<br><br>Without directly saying so during a conference call Wednesday evening, the overriding theme from Spike TV President Kevin Kay was that <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.mmafighting.com/fighter/2242/bjorn-rebney">Bjorn Rebney's</a> vision of constant tournaments to create title contenders was no longer a direction they wanted to go. Scott Coker's vision, which was to utilize more latitude when it came to matchmaking and talent, and constantly try to find fights that the public would want to see, was more effective going forward.<br><br>"As we move away from the tournament structure to a more traditional format, that's where Scott comes in," said Spike TV President Kevin Kay. "He's an incredibly forward thinking sports executive."<br><br>"My plan is to go from a tournament format to a more traditional format, to more of a superfight format," said Coker, in his first day at his new job after what he described was a very quick negotiation period. "We will do tournaments when the situation makes sense. I think a tournament can make sense, but it has to be the right time and the fighters have to be right.<br><br>"The mission is to showcase the best and most exciting MMA fighters in the world and a have a place where advertisers will be proud to be along with us."<br><br>"As Bjorn put it in his comments, this is a discussion we've been having of tournaments vs. a different way of going," said Kay. "When Scott became available, this was the right time to do it."<br><br>"The job is very clear, it is to put the big fights on Spike TV and move the needle as best as we can," said Coker.<br><br>Coker did say that using talent not under contract, and working with other organizations, like he did with Japanese groups while running Strikeforce would likely be part of his battle plan going forward.<br><br>"If we can put a fight together that makes sense and that can move the needle on Spike TV, we're going to do it," he said. "Some of the fighters we had in the past we didn't have ownership of."<br><br>Neither Coker nor Kay would commit regarding the pay-per-view aspect of the business, but both felt the company's debut event on May 17 in Southhaven, Miss., was a successful building block.<br><br>"I'll stand by that 100,000 number (of buys), and tell you that is a dead on accurate number," said Kay.<br><br>Coker, whose contract with Zuffa and non-compete clause as a promoter ended in March, said one of the reasons he didn't have a lot of definitive answers is because this all came together so quickly.<br><br>"I got a call from Kevin very recently," said Coker. "We sat down and talked. When I look at Bellator, they have a great team in place, great fighters, great TV platform. There is a commitment to MMA at Viacom. This might be a good place to reboot, to start Bellator 2.0. That was really it. The commitment they had made me feel like I should go for it. This has been a martial arts journey for me. I spent my whole life dedicated to martial arts, doing martial arts, teaching martial arts, and promoting martial arts. I did miss it. My golf game improved, but retirement is overrated and keep that in mind. I loved what I did. This is my 31st year in the business."<br><br>But even on the first day on the job, there is drama, as the fighter most responsible for that number, Rampage Jackson, was talking retirement hours earlier.<br><br>"I did read the comments," said Coker about what Jackson said. "I know we'll be reaching out to his management and having conversations in the very near future. Quinton has been a legend in the sport and we'd like to work out the kinks in that deal and whatever the issues are, and I'm sure we'll be able to do that."<br><br>Coker hinted that he'd prefer a deal to be able to build more loaded shows than having the pressure of churning out weekly shows during a season, which was the Bellator format under Rebney. <br><br>"I'm not sure I can answer that right now," said Coker. "To me, my vision is more continuity. Maybe not every week, but build big superfights, As far as the season, I think it should be a year-round sport. It shouldn't have a season, but that's something I have to sit down with Kevin and Bellator. I'll have a better understanding tomorrow."<br><br>But Kay noted, for now, that the plan is to run on July 25, and then start the fall season with weekly Friday night shows starting Sept. 5. <br><br>Coker a few times mentioned his life's journey, which started out working backstage on martial arts shows in his home city of San Jose, Calif., in 1984. He started promoting, coming up with the name Strikeforce, the next year, and continued to promote through 2011. Over the next two years, he had a run as essentially a figurehead in the Zuffa machine in the latter stages of the Strikeforce brand. <br><br>Back in the 90s, he started taping long shows that were edited down for multiple taped television shows on ESPN. He then moved to MMA in 2006, and became the most successful live event promoter in the U.S., outside of the UFC, and turning his home town into the No. 2 MMA live event city besides Las Vegas.<br><br>He's learned a lot of lessons over those decades, and if there was something substantial stated, it was that his role is to find talent, and make them into stars, and not all fighters, even if they can win a lot of fights, are going to be stars. Coker was fortunate when he started MMA that he had two city residents, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.mmafighting.com/fighter/730/frank-shamrock">Frank Shamrock</a>, a former UFC champion and an incredible self promoter, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.mmafighting.com/fighter/654/cung-le">Cung Le</a>, a uniquely skilled ethnic hero to the Vietnamese and Asian community, that Coker had groomed for a decade, to build around. There was also a steady stream of talent that area gyms were turning out during that period like The Diaz Brothers, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.mmafighting.com/fighter/71/gilbert-melendez">Gilbert Melendez</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.mmafighting.com/fighter/373/daniel-cormier">Daniel Cormier</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.mmafighting.com/fighter/79/josh-thomson">Josh Thomson</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.mmafighting.com/fighter/224/scott-smith">Scott Smith</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.mmafighting.com/fighter/98/luke-rockhold">Luke Rockhold</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.mmafighting.com/fighter/100/jake-shields">Jake Shields</a>.<br><br>"I look at the MMA industry now, and there's a lot of fights out there," said Coker. "I'll tell you what, when we were starting Strikeforce, you had Pride, the IFL, Affliction, Elite XC, there was a lot of product out there. I don't think that's a bad thing. It comes down to the fighters, and that's what we're going to develop, world class fighters and put those fights on TV. We had a great platform with Showtime. The platform here is in three or four times as many homes. This is a star building business. It's not just about the league, it's about building stars and making fights that you want to see, building fights that move the needle. Not all fighters move the needle, and we'll do the best to move the needle for the network."</p>
https://www.mmafighting.com/2014/6/18/5822716/scott-coker-talks-changes-in-bellator-aims-for-more-superfightsDave Meltzer2014-06-18T21:11:32-04:002014-06-18T21:11:32-04:00Bellator conference call audio
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<figcaption>Esther Lin, MMA Fighting</figcaption>
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<p>During a conference call Wednesday evening, Bellator president Scott Coker and Spike TV president Kevin Kay discuss Coker's new position with the organization.</p>
https://www.mmafighting.com/2014/6/18/5822940/bellator-conference-call-audioMMA Fighting Newswire2014-06-18T15:14:53-04:002014-06-18T15:14:53-04:00Coker officially named president of Bellator MMA
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<figcaption>Esther Lin, MMA Fighting</figcaption>
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<p>Less than 12 hours after <a href="http://www.mmafighting.com/fighter/2242/bjorn-rebney" class="sbn-auto-link">Bjorn Rebney's</a> exit from the organization he founded and ran for seven years, former Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker was officially named President of Bellator MMA.</p>
<p>Viacom made the announcement official Wednesday afternoon, indicating that Bellator will likely distance itself from its trademark tournament format moving forward.</p>
<p>"We are excited to have Scott Coker lead us in a new direction as we evolve the league format from a tournament-based organization to a more traditional model with big fights," Spike TV President Kevin Kay said in a statement.</p>
<p>Coker, who founded Strikeforce as a kickboxing promotion in 1985 and eventually grew it to become the number-two mixed martial arts organization in the world before being bought out by Zuffa in 2011, is expected "oversee the day-to-day management of the emerging mixed martial arts franchise" in his new role, according to a press release.</p>
<p>A media conference call introducing Coker to the position is scheduled to take place at 3 p.m. PT/6 p.m. ET on Wednesday. MMAFighting.com will continue to follow this story as it develops.</p>
https://www.mmafighting.com/2014/6/18/5821836/scott-coker-officially-named-president-of-bellator-mmaShaun Al-Shatti2014-06-18T10:06:27-04:002014-06-18T10:06:27-04:00Rebney, Danaher officially done with Bellator
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<figcaption>Esther Lin, MMA Fighting</figcaption>
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<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.mmafighting.com/fighter/2242/bjorn-rebney">Bjorn Rebney</a> and Bellator have officially parted ways.</p>
<p>Viacom, the parent company of the organization, announced Wednesday morning that Rebney, the founder, chairman and CEO of Bellator, as well as Tim Danaher, president and COO, are leaving the organization effective immediately.</p>
<p>Both Rebney and Danaher were relieved of their duties Tuesday in New York City. Naturally, there was resistance, but there was nothing they could do.</p>
<p>"It is with bittersweet emotions that I announce that I am leaving the company I founded," Rebney stated in a press release issued by Viacom. "I have great pride in having turned my vision into reality, a thriving business with television distribution to over 140 countries around the world, a partnership with one of the world’s largest entertainment giants and wide array of sponsors, partners and strategic allies all over the globe. This has been a wonderful eight plus years of creation, development and success. I will miss the courageous, strong and dedicated fighters I have had the pleasure of promoting, and equally, I will miss the incredibly hard working, remarkable team that has become a family for me over the years.</p>
<p>"Viacom and Tim and I differed in our views of the right strategic direction for Bellator, but Tim and I both wish them well."</p>
<p>While not mentioned in the release, former Strikeforce founder and CEO Scott Coker will replace Rebney as the head of the organization. An official announcement on Coker's hiring is expected to be made very soon.</p>
<p>"I would like to thank Bjorn and Tim on behalf of Spike and Viacom for their dedication and hard work building Bellator from the ground up," Spike TV president Kevin Kay stated. "They worked tirelessly in getting Bellator to where it is today. They were great partners to work with and we wish them all the best," said Kevin Kay, Spike TV.</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph" id="paragraph5">Viacom purchased a majority stake of Bellator in late 2011 after the UFC signed a new seven-year broadcast deal with the FOX Broadcasting Company. Bellator debuted on Spike TV, which is owned by Viacom, in early Jan. 2013.</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph" id="paragraph6">According to a Bellator press kit, Rebney, a former boxing promoter, "spent all his savings and put a second, then a third mortgage on his house" to launch the fight promotion seven years ago, however, it was only when Connecticut-based hedge fund Plainfield Asset Management decided to invest in "the mid-tens of millions" that the promotion was officially born in 2008. The organization's first event was held on April 3, 2009.</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph" id="paragraph7">With Rebney leading the way as the face of the promotion, Bellator's first season aired on ESPN Deportes. The promotion later moved to FOX Sports Net, MTV2 and finally Spike TV. When the media giant Viacom purchased a majority stake of the company in Oct. 2011, Rebney was part of the deal. Danaher, the former VP of Plainfield Asset Management, who spearheaded the initial move to invest in the company six years ago, left to become Bellator president in 2010.</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph">Bellator's next event -- its 122nd -- is scheduled for July 25.</p>
<p>For more on this story, click <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmafighting.com/2014/6/18/5820196/sources-viacom-moving-towards-to-replacing-bjorn-rebney-with-scott">here</a>.</p>
https://www.mmafighting.com/2014/6/18/5820740/bellator-officially-parts-ways-with-bjorn-rebney-tim-danaher-scottAriel Helwani2014-06-18T09:30:07-04:002014-06-18T09:30:07-04:00Chat Wrap: Rebney, Coker, Kimbo, UFC 174 and more
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<figcaption>Tom Casino, Showtime</figcaption>
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<p><a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/assets/4635143/Live_Chat__Kimbo_Slice_s_return__Bellator_shakeup__UFC_174_recap_and_more.mp3" target="_blank">GET THE MP3 HERE</a>!</p>
<p>This is an unbelievably crazy sport, isn't it? Fresh off the heels of the lackluster <a href="http://www.mmafighting.com/fight-card/618/ufc-174" class="sbn-auto-link">UFC 174</a> event (and there's a lot to discuss there, too), the combat sports world keeps spinning.</p>
<p>It appears <a href="http://www.mmafighting.com/fighter/2242/bjorn-rebney" class="sbn-auto-link">Bjorn Rebney</a> may be out at Bellator while Scott Coker is in. Nothing is official yet, but there's a lot to unpack there.</p>
<p>Several good fights have been announced, like <a href="http://www.mmafighting.com/fighter/68/joe-lauzon" class="sbn-auto-link">Joe Lauzon</a> vs. <a href="http://www.mmafighting.com/fighter/1643/michael-chiesa" class="sbn-auto-link">Michael Chiesa</a>, Jacare vs. Mousasi 2, and <a href="http://www.mmafighting.com/fighter/327/ben-henderson" class="sbn-auto-link">Ben Henderson</a> vs. <a href="http://www.mmafighting.com/fighter/796/rafael-dos-anjos" class="sbn-auto-link">Rafael dos Anjos</a>. All of these deserve as much breakdown as we can give them.</p>
<p>GLORY 17 is this weekend, which includes a full Spike TV show plus the organization's first pay-per-view. Two tournaments involved between both shows, too.</p>
<p>Last, but certainly not least, is <a href="http://www.mmafighting.com/fighter/763/kimbo-slice" class="sbn-auto-link">Kimbo Slice</a> making a return to MMA? It's not out of the question.</p>
<p id="paragraph3">There's a lot going on, so join me today to discuss all of this and more. In terms of today's chat, anything is up for discussion, but I will lead with this and it all kicks off at <b>1 p.m. ET</b>.</p>
<p id="paragraph4">As is customary, I'll post the video window here as the event draws near and I'll answer any questions you may have if you post them in the comments section below. Be sure that you click the 'rec' button for those comments/questions you believe most deserve a response.</p>
<p id="paragraph5">Be sure to link this page and use the hashtag <b>#chatwrappers</b> on Twitter or even Facebook when you're watching this to let everyone know you're taking part is this activity of ours.</p>
<p id="paragraph6">Talk with you all at <b>1 p.m. ET</b>.<br><br><a href="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/assets/4635143/Live_Chat__Kimbo_Slice_s_return__Bellator_shakeup__UFC_174_recap_and_more.mp3" target="_blank">GET THE MP3 HERE</a>!</p>
<p><iframe src="https://www.mmafighting.com/videos/iframe?id=49047" frameborder="0" seamless="true" marginwidth="0" mozallowfullscreen="true" webkitallowfullscreen="true" name="49047-chorus-video-iframe"></iframe></p>
https://www.mmafighting.com/2014/6/18/5820530/live-chat-bellator-shake-up-ufc-174-recap-glory-17-kimbo-slicesLuke Thomas2014-06-18T04:15:23-04:002014-06-18T04:15:23-04:00Viacom moving towards replacing Rebney with Coker
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<figcaption>Kyle Terada-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.mmafighting.com/fighter/2242/bjorn-rebney">Bjorn Rebney</a> era in Bellator might be soon coming to an end.</p>
<p>According to sources with knowledge of the situation, Viacom executives, the majority owner of Bellator MMA, informed Rebney, the founder and CEO of the promotion, earlier this week in New York that they are working towards replacing him with former Strikeforce CEO and founder Scott Coker. Josh Gross first <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/yay_yee/status/479136195234910209">reported</a> the news early Wednesday morning.</p>
<p>The early plan was to announce the move later this week, perhaps as early as Wednesday, however, according to one source who spoke on the condition of anonymity, "the fight is on." In other words, Rebney, who founded Bellator in 2007, isn't ceding control easily.</p>
<p>Coker was not available to comment on the news.</p>
<p>It had long been rumored that Viacom executives and Rebney did not see eye-to-eye on the future of Bellator and were looking to making a change. Once Coker's contract and non-compete clause with Zuffa, who purchased Strikeforce in 2011, expired in March, the wheels were in motion to bring him on board.</p>
<p>Viacom purchased a majority stake of Bellator in late 2011 after the UFC signed a new seven-year broadcast deal with the FOX Broadcasting Company. Bellator debuted on Spike TV, which is owned by Viacom, in early Jan. 2013.</p>
<p>According to a Bellator press kit, Rebney, a former boxing promoter, "spent all his savings and put a second, then a third mortgage on his house" to launch the fight promotion seven years ago, however, it was only when Connecticut-based hedge fund Plainfield Asset Management decided to invest in "the mid-tens of millions" that the promotion was officially born in 2008. The organization's first event was held on April 3, 2009.</p>
<p>With Rebney leading the way as the face of the promotion, Bellator's first season aired on ESPN Deportes. The promotion later moved to FOX Sports Net, MTV2 and finally Spike TV. When the media giant Viacom purchased a majority stake of the company in Oct. 2011, Rebney was part of the deal. Tim Danaher, the former VP of Plainfield Asset Management, who spearheaded the initial move to invest in the company six years ago, left to become Bellator president in 2010. It is unclear at this time whether he would remain on board or not and whether Coker would bring in his own staff to run the promotion behind the scenes. Bellator's next event -- its 122nd -- is scheduled for July 25.</p>
<p>Coker launched Strikeforce in 1985 as a kickboxing promotion. Once California legalized the sport in 2005, Coker began promoting MMA in 2006, with the first event taking place on March 10, 2006 in front of 18,625 fans at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. The San Jose-based promotion signed with Showtime in Feb. 2009 and started to develop some momentum as the legitimate No. 2 MMA promotion behind the UFC. However, in a shocking turn of events, Zuffa purchased the promotion from its parent company, Silicon Valley Sports & Entertainment, in March 2011 before closing its doors in Jan. 2013. Once that happened, Coker was hardly seen or heard from in MMA, until his contract with the UFC expired three months ago.</p>
<p>It remains to be seen whether Rebney will be successful in fighting off the move, but if Viacom has its way, Coker will be introduced as the new face of Bellator sooner rather than later.</p>
https://www.mmafighting.com/2014/6/18/5820196/sources-viacom-moving-towards-to-replacing-bjorn-rebney-with-scottAriel Helwani