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Bellator MMA Scott Coker Is Used To His Promotion Being Compared To UFC
In an interview with MMA Junkie, Bellator MMA President Scott Coker said he’s used to his promotion being compared negatively to the UFC. He noted that the same thing happened when he was president of Strikeforce. Here are highlights:
On his promotion getting compared to UFC: “It goes back to when we had Strikeforce. It was like, ‘Strikeforce fighters are sub-par to the UFC fighters.’ And now it’s proven: It’s not about the league, it’s about the athlete. If you look at Tyron Woodley, Luke Rockhold, Daniel Cormier, Ronda Rousey, Nick Diaz, Robbie Lawler – these guys all came from Strikeforce over (to the UFC). And then they kicked (UFC fighters’) asses over there. So to me, it’s like, look, it’s the same thing here. It’s not about the brand. It’s about the athlete.”
On the welterweight title picture: “Benson and Chandler all want to get back there. We’re waiting for Primus, because his wife is having a child. But sometime next year, we’ll start getting it on, and this will have some title implications to it. I know that Michael would like (the rematch), and that’s the right thing to do, but injuries happen and you never know in this sport. I think we have to stay fluid on that.”