Bellator President makes Huge Statement After UFC Star Jon Jones Vacates Belt

Bellator MMA is back with events and will be on air for the third time since resuming last month. Champion Ryan Bader will headline Bellator 244. He will put his light heavyweight belt on the line for the first time in three years against Vadim Nemkov. 

Given the activity at the top of Bellator MMA’s 205-pound division, Coker seemed excited about the future and addressed how Corey Anderson’s addition helps elevate the entire division. In extension, he even touched on Jon Jones vacating the UFC light heavyweight belt and moving to heavyweight. 

Scott Coker said, “You know I got to meet him. Had breakfast with him and DC about two weeks ago and he’s been training with DC.”

He shares that the recently retired UFC fighter urged him to consider Anderson. “DC was like hey, you gotta take a look at this kid.”

Coker reveals his team also shared the same sentiments and urged him to get Anderson on board. Bellator MMA worked quickly, and the stars aligned as the UFC released the 30-year-old fighter. He was riding a four-fight win streak in the UFC before going down to Jan Blachowicz, who will fight Dominick Reyes for the championship at UFC 253. 

Bellator president feels Corey Anderson is a top light heavyweight

Coker said, “He’s a top 4-5 guy in the world, he’ll be a great addition to our 205 division and with Jon Jones moving up to heavyweight. I think we have the best 205-pound weight class on the planet right now with Bader.”

Coker begins naming middleweights Lyoto Machida too and says that his team has a bunch of killers primed and ready to fight at 205. 

“We have a great roster of fights for him… Phil Davis and Corey. We’ll be able to put some great fights together in that division. So I’m excited about that division.”  

Read: UFC Light Heavyweight Corey Anderson Details a Gruesome Injury- Blames the Commission

‘Overtime’ will have to win a few fights at Bellator and wait while Bader defends his heavyweight title too. However, if he loses tomorrow night, it’s anyone’s game, and Anderson getting the shot will mark his entry to the promotion in grand style.