In a radio interview last week Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker denied being contacted by Bellator head Bjorn Rebney about the possibility of a cross-promotion fight card. Rebney claimed that he sent texts and tried to contact Coker.
According to Bloody Elbow, Bellator’s PR representatives released texts between Rebney and Coker which contradicts Coker’s statement.
MMA Torch and Bloody Elbow have screen grabs of the texts. Rebney reaches out to Coker about the possibility of PPV fights between its top fighters: Eddie Alvarez (Bellator) v. Gilbert Melendez (Strikeforce); Hector Lombard (Bellator) v. Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza and Ben Askren (Bellator) v. Nick Diaz (Strikeforce). Rebney goes so far as to volunteering to fly out to San Jose and discuss the possibility of a cross-promotion over dinner.
A spokesman for Coker stated that the phone number Rebney texted is no longer used by Coker. From the statement, it is not clear whether Coker actually saw the released texts. If he responded, the responses would likely be released.
Payout Perspective:
Rebney’s strategy of partnering with Strikeforce makes sense for Rebney and Bellator but not for Strikeforce. Bellator has some decent fighters, but needs more exposure to expand its fan base. But, Strikeforce does not really gain from this partnership. As Dave Metzler points out, if this cross-promotion occurs, and a Strikeforce fighter loses to a Bellator fighter, it loses a lot of credibility.
Secondly, the release of Rebney’s texts to show that Coker concealed the communication is baffling. Releasing the texts through Bellator’s PR firm does little to soften the blow that Rebney is calling out Coker to make a move. Essentially, Rebney has outed Coker as a liar. How does Rebney think that Coker will agree to a Bellator-Strikeforce PPV now?
The release of the texts reduces the likelihood of a cross-promotion. Coker cannot trust Rebney. If negotiations were to take place, Coker would be wary of any emails, texts or any other communication for fear that Rebney would release these communications.
Whether Bellator’s actions were out of spite or to prove a point, its burned a bridge with Strikeforce and the possibility of a supercard between to two companies is unlikely.
The only thing stopping Coker from putting this to bed is Melendez running his mouth. It’s hard to be taken seriously saying the other promotion isn’t worth your time when you champion is calling out the other organization.
As for stalker Rebney. He said emmediatly after the last fight that he had a TV deal in place where he wouldn’t get pre-empted. Announcement coming soon. He made it sound like he had a deal on another network. Then a couple of days ago the interview he did sounded a lot like they are staying with FSN but couldn’t anounce any thing.
I am really wondering whether he has an actual deal or if he is still looking for a deal.
I just don’t see an upside for Bellator from a business point of view these days. Their ratings are low and ticket sales appear to be lackluster. Whoever their investors are must be wondering about their ROI. Eventually that type of money dries up.
My take on all this is that this is a last ditch effort by Bellator to get some publicity and save their fledgling organization. I think in 2011, there will be Strikeforce and UFC and a bunch of minor leagues, especially after the WEC merger. I don’t see any room for a solid #3 with the economy the way it is and with MMA plateauing in the states. When Bellator folds, Strikeforce can pick up some of their better fighters.
There is a reason the UFC is trying to expand, they have tapped the US market and need to find growth elsewhere.
The problem is that an Alvarez vs Melendez fight appeals to hardcore fans, but I believe neither man possesses the name power to reach the casual fan-base, and therefore make it worth Coker’s while to put together. A Melendez loss is potentially damaging for Strikeforce, while a win raises his stock, but still doesn’t mean he’ll necessarily ever test himself against the best lightweights in the UFC. Melendez and Alvarez are the only ones with anything to gain, and while I believe Melendez really wants this fight to happen from a purely competitive standpoint, I can’t say the same for Alvarez. He’ll be the tougher one to sign if things ever hit the negotiation table.
Melendez is gonna say whatever he wants. This is clearly a bad deal for Strikeforce who has a lot to lose, and a great deal for Bellator who has a lot to gain. Of course I’d want to see the potential fights, but at the same time idk what the promotions would really get out of it that advances their goals, besides one great night of ratings. If SF doesn’t do a deal, I wouldn’t be disappointed or surprised, but if they did, I’d also be happy because I want to see the fights.
Its nice to see SF in the same situation the UFC was in and everyone bitched. The bigger org should never work with a smaller org unless they are close to the same size. Also Ribey would want this if he wasnt going to win. As you can see by the match ups SF would lose more than they won. This is why the UFC didnt work with M1. They had nothing to gain and anything can happen in a fight. That said SF has more to gain than the UFC. Their champs already have no legitimacy so winning these fights would help them. Also SF has a bigger goal of trying to get what the UFC has. So the attention from a cross promotion could get them in the ball park with the UFC or at least closer. But again it would depend on how the fights went. It wouldnt be smart to let Ribney wait until he had the favorable match ups and accept his challenge.
This is the problem. Styles make fights. These promoters know who their guy can and cant beat and they know when its close. Some promoters are better at this than others. SF seems to be the worst. But its hard to agree on what fights will take place. M1 wanted to fight Brock but knew the UFC had plenty of others to beat Fedor so they refused to allow Fedor to sign a 3 fight contract. Fedor vs Brock is close and the fight would have happened under most situations. But not with M1 involved and not with the title involved. But M1 knew Cain and Santos were very bad match ups for Fedor. Both sides protected their best interests and its was best for both that neither give in. The same will play out here unless SF gambles given their small presence in the MMA landscape and hope for the best. But i see them losing 2 of the match ups listed and the best chance at a win is Jacare and he didnt look to good his last outing.