Scott Coker Wants Fedor Retirement Fight in Russia
Bellator President Scott Coker is looking to send Fedor Emelianenko off into the sunset in the largest way possible. As Fedor’s long and historic MMA career narrows down to its final fight, Coker revealed that he would like to arrange for Fedor’s last fight to be in Russia, his home country.
Coker is no stranger to the idea of genius marketing. Aware of Fedor’s massive drawing power, Scott knows that with a legendary figure such as Fedor Emelianenko, the ‘send-off’ has to be massive. And, what bigger way than to do it in his home country of Russia?
Scott spoke with media outlet RT Sport during Bellator’s 228 fight week. The card featured Patricio Pitbull vs Juan Archuletta as the main event and took place in Inglewood, California.
During the interview, Coker told the media that he loves the idea of bringing Bellator to Russia. And, having Fedor Emelianenko fight there would be a way to get Bellator established in Russia.
Speaking to the Media
While speaking to BT Sport, Coker revealed his master plan for Fedor. He mapped out the rest of his contract with Bellator and all of his plans on how to use him as his contract narrows down.
“Fighting in Russia is definitely something we’d like to have happen,” said Coker. “We think Fedor will be a great fighter, obviously because of his history, to launch us in the territory. (Russia)”
Not only does Coker want Fedor in Russia, but he also wants the matchup to finish his Hall of Fame level career.
“I think Fedor will fight a couple of times before we go to Russia,” revealed Coker. “We’re working on a fight hopefully to have him fighting in Japan before the end of the year, and that’s what we’re working on. It’s not signed yet, by any means – it’s not done yet. I’ll see Fedor in Milan in two weeks and we’ll have a discussion, but we’re getting close.”
Building the Roster for Russia
Scott Coker has quietly been signing some of Russia’s highest quality fighters to Bellator’s fighting organization. Names such as Vitaly Minakov, Andrey Koreshkov, Sergei Kharitonov and Anatoly Tokov all hold value in the Russian market. If Coker is able to matchmake these athletes with interesting opponents, he’d easily be able to formulate a card worth watching. Especially headlined by Fedor’s retirement fight.
Although the plan is at least one to two years away, a promotional genius like Scott Coker is always planning ahead of time. And, if planned correctly, Fedor’s retirement could go down as the most successful card in Bellator’s history.
