Scott Coker wants Francis Ngannou to fight MMA for Bellator, box for Showtime after recent meeting
DUBLIN – Bellator boss Scott Coker thinks things are trending in the right direction with former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou after a recent meeting.
Ngannou (17-3) officially became a free agent earlier this year when he completed his UFC contract and opted not to sign a new deal with the organization that would’ve seen him defend the title against Jon Jones at UFC 285 next month. Since then, “The Predator” has been courted by every notable fight promotion out there.
Bellator is no exception, and company president Coker thinks he has an attractive option for Ngannou. In addition to promoting MMA, Bellator parent company Viacom also has Showtime boxing under its umbrella. Ngannou has made no secret that he wants to step in the ring at some point, and he’s already had his name associated with the likes of Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder.
Coker is keen to do business with Ngannou, 36, and he’s optimistic a deal could come together after a recent sit down with Ngannou.
“From my perspective, then you talk about signing him to Bellator, we’re also talking about having a conversation with him and Stephen (Espinoza), which happened earlier this week, about getting into Showtime pay-per-view boxing, too,” Coker told MMA Junkie and other reporters Friday ahead of Bellator 291. “I think we have a great company to offer him both sides of the combat sports business that he would like to, which is fight MMA and also box. I think we’re a great fit. There’s ongoing discussions, so we’ll see what happens.”
Coker was asked about the possibility of promoting a two-sport series between Ngannou and Wilder, which the latter has publicly proposed. Coker said he’s interested in having a conversation with Wilder, but noted everything is currently a “fluid situation,” because there are seemingly many options on the table for Ngannou’s future.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for Bellator 291.
