Here’s some good news for fight fans in Japan! Get ready this summer as Bellator returns in a co-promotion with Rizin.
So, who’s fighting who, and what does Coker have to say about this event? Tag along for the details.
Bellator’s president Scott Coker has had his eye on this event for a while. For the main event, fans will witness AJ McKee (20-1 MMA, 20-1 BMMA) and Patricky Freire (24-11 MMA, 15-9 BMMA) in a lightweight grand prix quarterfinal bout. In the co-main event, ex-Bellator and Rizin champ Kyoji Horiguichi (31-5 MMA, 2-2 BMMA) will face off against Makoto Takahashi (16-1-1 MMA, 1-0 BMMA). And whoever dominates will become the first Bellator men’s flyweight champion.
Coker, who has been around Japan extensively during his combat sports career, claimed to have observed increased activity there. Bellator also benefits from his lengthy personal and professional connection with Rizin president Sakakibara. He discussed this venture, saying he has witnessed the beginning and growth of PRIDE. He has also seen the origin, growth, and end of K-1. Moreover, he now believes it’s time for MMA to return to Japan.
Coker also appreciated fans’ excitement for the sport and how much spirit they carry. He proceeded to call them fanatic fans who are devoted to their fighters. He added that they respect the fighters and are very good at appropriately paying regard. He then explained other motives for re-entering the Japanese fanbase, saying there’s a swell growing over there, and he wants to contribute. Moreover, he wants to help out as much as he can.
This isn’t the first time Bellator is entertaining fight fans in Japan. Their first time was four years ago, in December 2019. They came back last year on New Year’s Eve, which was also a co-promotion event. Furthermore, this unique event resulted in Bellator’s victory over its opponent franchise by 5-0.
Coker then shared his feelings about the country and sport’s intertwined history. He said he always felt that Japanese kickboxing or MMA is where the combat sport started. That’s why he wants to make every effort to keep Japan healthy. He thinks he will lend the support and shuffle in a fighter or two to arrange a co-promotion.
In the end, Coker said that Bellator has businesses, and they travel a lot. However, if a fight makes sense with Japan, they will do it. So, Coker is ready to venture into Japanese territory, and fans should get ready to visit Satama Super Arena on July 30.
What do you guys think of this co-promotion? Let us know in the comments!
