Scott Coker is back in the MMA business, and Joe Rogan wishes for his success.
Coker recently announced that he will be leading an unnamed MMA league and plans to get things up and running in 2027. The promotion already has $60 million in financial backing and has some noteworthy investors, such as Tony Hawk. Coker admitted in a press release that his plan was always to return to the MMA business after Bellator was sold, but it was about timing.
During episode 179 of the “JRE MMA Show,” Rogan discussed Coker’s latest combat sports venture and he wishes the former Bellator boss luck in a tough industry (via MMAFighting).
“I like Scott a lot, but good luck,” Rogan said. “When I saw it was only $60 million I was like, that sounds like a lot of money until you think about putting on an MMA promotion and then getting television production, and then you know paying fighters, and then securing venues, and then having staff full time. Maybe, you know? You got Tony Hawk with you. Maybe.”
Rogan then said that despite being a longtime UFC color commentator, he believes competition within the MMA space is a good thing.
“Look, I’m rooting for him,” Rogan continued. “I think he did great when he was running Glory as well as when he was running Bellator back in the day. He’s a really nice guy. I think it’s great for everybody if there’s more competition. I think this whole MVP thing and the Netflix thing is great. It stirred a bunch of cash into the organization, a bunch of people got more money than they would ever gotten anywhere else. Awesome. More options the better. I just, you know, I hope he could do it. It’s f*cking hard.”
Coker recently appeared on “The Ariel Helwani Show” and was asked what he thinks is wrong with the current UFC product. He said it’s difficult for people to name four champions in the top MMA promotion these days. Coker promises to deliver super fights in his new league.
What chances do you give Scott Coker of having long-term success with his new MMA league? Join in on the conversation below.