Bellator President Scott Coker today announced that the promotion will come to Stockholm, Sweden. “We will do fights next year in cities we haven’t been, Stockholm, Amsterdam, and Barcelona.” says the head of the promotion about its 2019 plans.
The “European Series” will be on local time using European fighters, so no fights in the middle of the night to cater to USA audiences.
The promotion also recently announced the appointment of David Green as Head of Bellator Europe to also help show its growing focus on Europe. In his new role, Green will report to Coker and oversee Bellator’s continued European expansion, including already-announced plans for a Western Europe-based fight series.
Green previously served as CEO and founder of BAMMA, where many of the of the U.K.’s best up-and-coming talent was discovered. Initially launching the promotion in 2009, Green also oversaw BAMMA’s TV rights negotiations and partnerships for the organization’s 38 successful events held across Europe. He also headed production and TV for IMMAF, the international sanctioning body for amateur mixed martial arts, for the last five years. He will open a new office in London.
“Bellator’s commitment to this region under Scott Coker is fantastic news for the sport and something I am very happy to be a part of,” said Green. “There is considerable passion for MMA in Europe, yet still huge potential for growth, and with Bellator’s resources, I am looking forward to delivering to the fans and the fighters what they really deserve. I will be looking to emulate Bellator’s successful trajectory in the U.S., in what will be an exciting new chapter for the sport.”
