ROSEMONT, Ill. – Scott Coker doesn’t sound like he’s very keen on getting into the Ben Askren business.
Askren (18-0) perked up ears recently when he sparred online with Bellator welterweight champion Rory MacDonald (20-4 MMA, 2-0 BMMA). But in a press scrum following Saturday’s Bellator 198 event, Coker indicated his promotional goals aren’t aligned with the former ONE Championship titleholder.
“Ben, I don’t really think wants to fight,” Coker said. “I think he wants to fight one more fight and be done with it. That’s what I understand.”
Steven Marrocco and Matt Erickson | April 29, 2018 9:15 am
ROSEMONT, Ill. – Scott Coker doesn’t sound like he’s very keen on getting into the Ben Askren business.
Askren (18-0) perked up ears recently when he sparred online with Bellator welterweight champion Rory MacDonald (20-4 MMA, 2-0 BMMA). But in a press scrum following Saturday’s Bellator 198 event, Coker indicated his promotional goals aren’t aligned with the former ONE Championship titleholder.
“Ben, I don’t really think wants to fight,” Coker said. “I think he wants to fight one more fight and be done with it. That’s what I understand.”
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MacDonald urged Askren to sign with the Viacom-owned promotion during their spat. But when Bellator executives spoke with Askren and ONE Championship CEO Chatri Sityodtong, Coker said the gap between Askren’s desire and business reality was wide.
Plus, Askren, who was a Bellator champ from 2010-2013 before eventually signing with the Asia-based ONE Championship, remains under contract with the rival promotion, Coker said.
“To me, we have a lot of plans for these guys in the 170-pound weight class,” he said. “We’re going to keep everybody busy. We’ve got a big fight for (Michael Page) coming up in London. We’ve got a big fight for (Jon) Fitch and (Paul) Daley in San Jose on May 12.
Bellator President Scott Coker doesn't sound too hot on signing Ben Askren