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Bellator returns to Japan on July 30 with Bellator x Rizin 2, which will pit the best of Bellator against the best of Rizin.
Scott Coker, Bellator President, believes that crossover events like the ones Bellator and Rizin are doing are the future of MMA.
“When I think of mixed martial arts, I always think about Japan,” Coker said at the Bellator x Rizin 2 press conference (transcript via Matt Erickson of MMA Junkie). “This really was the mecca. When I was growing up as a promoter, all the eyes were on Japan. All the best fighters in the world fought here. One day, I said I’m going to go there and we’re going to do some work together when I get into the mixed martial arts business. So when Sakakibara came back (to Rizin), I was really excited because we can do things like we’re going to do on July 30 – something that has never been done before where two organizations are getting together to create one show for the fans that really will be spectacular. I really feel this should be the future of mixed martial arts fighting.”
The US-based Bellator won the first meeting between the promotions with a 5-0 sweep of Rizin.
Rizin President Nobuyuki Sakakibara echoes the sentiments of the Bellator President.
“Last year, we were able to do a promotion vs. promotion event on New Year’s Eve with the help of Scott Coker, who understands and values the Japanese mixed martial arts scene very much,” Sakakibara said. “In a world where people talk trash amongst each other, we were able to cooperate and have a productive event. We have been in this business for 30 years now and we’ve been able to build.
“We have something different and special for you all this year. With Bellator and Scott Coker’s help, with Scott Coker’s love and passion for this community, we will be able to combine two events into one. … It will guarantee you an extravaganza – something very unique. So from this point on, myself and all the staff will be on hands on deck to finalize and promote this event to be the biggest summer event in Japan.”
