Bellator MMA went 5-0 towards RIZIN this previous Saturday (Dec. 31, 2022) in an historic cross-promotion occasion in Saitama, Japan, which was capped by a win for A.J. McKee over RIZIN Light-weight champion, Roberto de Souza (full outcomes right here).
The remainder of the cardboard was additionally crammed with action-packed bouts, as Patricio Freire defeated 145-pound champion, Kleber Koike, Kyoji Horiguchi took out Hiromosa Ougikubo, Juan Archuleta defeat Soo Chul Kim, whereas Gadzhi Rabadanov defeated Koji Takeda, all of which went to a choice.
After the occasion, Bellator front-man, Scott Coker, praised RIZIN’s expertise and growth over the 12 months earlier than turning his consideration to his crew. And never simply the winners that participated on the occasion, however his total roster, which he says can cling with the most effective, together with beating a few of Final Combating Championship’s (UFC) high guys.
“It simply reveals you ways a lot the RIZIN fighters have grown within the final 5, six years, I see an enormous development spurt. Take note, if you find yourself speaking concerning the Bellator athletes, and I’m not simply saying this as a result of it’s an organization I run, however, over the past six or seven years that is the most effective roster we’ve ever had within the historical past of the corporate,” mentioned Coker throughout the post-event presser.
“And should you have a look at each weight class, we’ve got the most effective 205-pounder on the planet that may compete with anyone. The perfect 185 kilos in Johnny Eblen, I’m telling you this man simply beat Gegard Mousasi, so he’s one other man,” he added.
“However should you go all the way in which up and down our weight class, not solely do we’ve got fighters that may beat the UFC (fighters), we’ve got fighters that may compete, three or 4 fighters at every weight class that may compete towards any firm on the planet. So we’ve got a really sturdy fighter base proper now.”
There’s no denying Bellator’s roster has improved over the previous couple of years as a result of Coker has been aggressive in the case of signing free brokers, lots of which come over from the UFC ranks. Sadly, we’ll by no means be capable to see who’s the most effective on the planet since Dana White opposes cross-promoting.
For now you’ll be able to click on right here and right here to see what many suppose would occur if UFC’s high 10 battled Bellator’s greatest.
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