The Bellator Reboot Begins, as Scott Coker Signs Paul Daley and Melvin Manhoef
The shift from Bjorn Rebney to Scott Coker running the show at Bellator MMA is quickly beginning to bear fruit.
Bellator on Monday announced that, under Coker’s guidance, the promotion signed two seasoned veterans: Paul Daley (34-13-2) and Melvin Manhoef (28-22-1).
Daley and Manhoef are fan pleasers with explosive fighting styles – their records combine for a stunning 51 career knockout victories between them – and both fought for Coker under the Strikeforce banner.
Daley returns to the promotion after having knocked out Rudy Bears at Bellator 72 a couple years ago before leaving the promotion when he started to have visa issues because of legal troubles.
“Like always, I’m coming into Bellator to put on a show,” Daley said on Monday. “I loved working for Coker back in Strikeforce, and when I got the call to possibly come back to Bellator, it was a no-brainer. I feel great, I’m fresh, and I’m going after that belt.”
Manhoef last fought for Coker and Strikeforce in 2011, having since amassed a 3-2 record in addition to one no-contest result in his fights since then. He’s also been competing in kickboxing.
Manhoef, like Daley, is known for an explosive striking attack with the ability to put his opponents out with one swing of his fist.
“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. We want Bellator to be a destination for not only the top-tier fighters in the sport, but the first-choice destination for fans to see the most entertaining fights in the sport,” Coker said in announcing the signings.
“Both Paul and Melvin add a level of excitement to the roster that I can’t wait to see inside our cage, and this is just the beginning.”