Scott Coker officially named Bellator president

Rumors began circulating months ago that Bjorn Rebney, the CEO of Bellator Fighting Championships, would be leaving the organization. In an official press release earlier today, Bellator confirmed that Rebney and Tim Danaher, President & COO of Bellator, would be leaving the company effective immediately.

The press release did not name any replacements, but just moments ago Spike TV president Kevin Kay officially named Scott Coker, the former Strikeforce Founder & CEO, the President of Bellator:

"We are excited to have Scott Coker lead us in a new direction as we evolve the league format from a tournament-based organization to a more traditional model with big fights."

Apparently Bellator will have a whole new face in the upcoming season as they will be dropping the loathed tournament structure. This news comes only days after Bellator announced that former tournament winners would be able to get title shots without returning to tournaments.

In the end, the tournament format worked for Bellator in the beginning, but the organization sees that it is time to move forward in a more traditional model.

Coker will be reporting to Kevin Kay and there will be a media conference call at 6 p.m. ET to provide more details about Coker’s position and the future of Bellator.

What we do know is that Coker will be overseeing the day-to-day management of Bellator, and his duties are effective immediately. 

FanSided will have full coverage of the conference call later today and will bring you all the important news that you need to know regarding Bellator and Scott Coker’s new position as President.