Scott Coker is making some big calls.
The Bellator president is pouring time, money and energy into solidifying his brand as the biggest competitor to the Ultimate Fighting Championship, the market leader, and he’s doing a great job of it.
Already he’s convinced some top talent from the Octagon – including former UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson, top welterweight Rory MacDonald and former ranked UFC heavyweight Matt Mitrione – to jump ship.
Ryan Bader is set to be the next UFC alumnus to represent the Bellator brand while the contracts of both Frankie Edgar and Ireland’s own Joe Duffy are running up soon, with both reportedly willing to listen to offers.
But a successful mixed martial arts organisation requires much more than a healthy roster of fighters to survive and the production plays a massive role in endearing a brand to fight fans.
What an incredible ride! I’ll forever be grateful for being on this journey with all of you for the last 19 years! pic.twitter.com/reg3APxk9X
— Mike Goldberg (@GoldieOnTV) January 7, 2017
That’s why it makes all the sense in the world for Bellator to approach veteran UFC play-by-play commentator Mike Goldberg now that he is without a job.
Goldberg left the UFC at the end of 2016, and his farewell was understated to say the least but, class act that he is, he was back supporting his former employer at the first opportunity.
But a man’s got to work and it comes as no surprise to learn that Bellator are keen on working with Goldie.
#Bellator president Scott Coker says he's talking with Mike Goldberg about potentially filling event dates PBP man Sean Grande can't fulfil.
— Simon Head (@simonheadsport) February 9, 2017
It was revealed on Thursday, at a promotional event for Bellator 179 in London, that the promotion was talking to Goldberg about possibly stepping in for events that current Bellator play-by-play commentator Sean Grande is unable to cover.
It would be very strange to hear Goldie’s voice calling the action for a competitor and it remains to be seen whether he’s allowed to bring his patented “IT IS ALL OVER” along with him.
