Home » MMA News » Scott Coker » Former Bellator boss Scott Coker speaks out on new MMA league:… Former Bellator boss Scott Coker speaks out on new MMA league: “I always knew I wanted to come back when the time was right” By Fernando Quiles Jr. — May 21, 2026 // 0 Comments Trending: NSAC doubles down on punishment for UFC 329 fighters, fines Paddy Pimblett and two other big names Bellator MMA Scott Coker is back in the MMA business. The Hollywood Reporter brought word that Coker has garnered $60 million in financial backing to lead a new MMA league in 2027. The promotion doesn’t have a name at this time, but Creator Sports Capital is the lead investment firm. Griffin Gaming Partners is also involved. The company has key NFL and NBA stakeholders involved as well. Skateboarding legend Tony Hawk is an investor. In a press release, Coker revealed that he had always planned to return to the combat sports space. He said it was a matter of timing and the right opportunity. “I always knew I wanted to come back when the time was right, with the right vision and a carefully curated team. That time is now,” Coker said. “There is an incredible demand for a fresh, new global brand in MMA. This new league is about returning to what matters: the integrity of competition, respect for the athletes and sharing their remarkable journeys with the world. We are building something authentic, something that belongs to the athletes and to the fans who live and breathe this sport.” Coker has been known for running Bellator MMA and Strikeforce to varying degrees of success. Strikeforce was purchased by Zuffa LLC in 2011. The promotion dissolved two years later, but Coker ended up replacing Bjorn Rebney as the Bellator president. In 2023, PFL acquired Bellator MMA . Griffin Gaming Partners’ Peter Levin is a co-founder of the unnamed MMA league. He will also serve as the chairman of the board. Levin shared some words about his venture into the combat sports space. “Scott is a generational operator in the world of combat sports,” Levin said. “He has proven time and again that he can scale a business globally and profitably. His ‘fighter-first’ orientation has earned him loyalty and admiration from MMA athletes around the globe and across generations. He’s a world-beater, and I’m looking forward, yet again, to embarking on this journey together.” Kevin Kay, who served as the president of Spike TV/Paramount Network, will be part of the MMA league’s advisory group. What do you make of Scott Coker’s return to the MMA scene? Can he achieve long-term success, or will his latest venture eventually fizzle out? Share your thoughts in the comments below. This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM Previous Ilia Topuria and Ryan Garcia trade shots over fantasy boxing match: “Stay in your lane” Next Conor McGregor makes passionate declaration after UFC 329 return announcement: “I am better than ever” Topics: Scott Coker Load comments Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Related Joe Rogan rooting for Scott Coker in MMA return: "I hope he could do it, it's f****** hard" Fernando Quiles Jr. - June 5, 2026 // 0 Comments UFC Scott Coker details what he thinks is wrong with UFC: 'Name four champions, I don't think I could do it' Cole Shelton - June 2, 2026 // 0 Comments Former Bellator President Scott Coker believes the UFC is overstaurated right now. Coker has been away from MMA since 2024, when PFL bought Bellator. However, Coker announced he's set to launch a… Read more MMA News Jake Paul predicts Scott Coker's $60 million return to MMA will be a massive failure Curtis Calhoun - May 21, 2026 // 0 Comments Jake Paul isn't thrilled about Scott Coker's $60 million investment to launch a new Mixed Martial Arts promotion in 2027. Jake Paul wants to continue to press the UFC after Most Valuable… Read more Gilbert Melendez Gilbert Melendez teams up with former Bellator president Scott Coker to create a new MMA promotion Cole Shelton - March 14, 2024 // 0 Comments Gilbert Melendez and former Bellator president Scott Coker have teamed up to create a new MMA promotion. Coker stepped away from MMA after the Bellator and PFL merger, but he is now… Read more Scott Coker Dana White claimed Scott Coker was a "very, very bad promoter" in leaked text messages in antitrust lawsuit deposition Cole Shelton - February 8, 2024 // 0 Comments UFC CEO Dana White had some harsh words for Scott Coker during a deposition for the antitrust lawsuit. Several text messages have been uncovered during the lawsuit, and on Thursday, BloodyElbow was… Read more PFL reportedly offers Bellator president Scott Coker "an opportunity to stay on" Cole Shelton - November 20, 2023 // 0 Comments Cris 'Cyborg' Justino Scott Coker believes Cris Cyborg solidified her position as GOAT of women’s MMA with win over Cat Zingano at Bellator 300 Harry Kettle - October 10, 2023 // 0 Comments Bellator president Scott Coker believes Cris Cyborg is the female GOAT in MMA after her win over Cat Zingano. Throughout her time in mixed martial arts, Cris Cyborg has been a dominant… Read more Dana White Scott Coker reacts to UFC CEO Dana White’s comments about potential Bellator sale Harry Kettle - October 9, 2023 // 0 Comments Bellator president Scott Coker has given his thoughts on some of the remarks made recently by UFC president Dana White. Last weekend, Bellator 300 took place as the promotion celebrated a landmark… Read more Scott Coker Scott Coker speaks out as Bellator rumors linger: "At the end of the day it’s not my company" Fernando Quiles Jr. - October 8, 2023 // 0 Comments Scott Coker, the Bellator president, has spoken out in the midst of constant sale rumors. There have been plenty of rumors claiming that the PFL will purchase Bellator. Rumors went from the… Read more Scott Coker Scott Coker proud of Bellator history leading into 300th event as sale rumors swirl: "We built a roster unlike anybody else" Josh Evanoff - October 4, 2023 // 0 Comments Heading into Bellator 300, Scott Coker couldn't be happier with the company's growth. This Saturday night, the company will hold its historic 300th event. As of now, the card is set to… Read more
Curated by Taleb Kabbara · Source: www.bjpenn.com