Scott Coker: “I don’t think this will escalate”
Coker on Fedor Deal If a line has been drawn in the sand between the promotion that most thought deserved…
Coker on Fedor Deal
If a line has been drawn in the sand between the promotion that most thought deserved Fedor Emelianenko and the promotion that actually got him, Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker certainly doesn’t see it.
Why would one fighter create a war? asked Coker, after announcing Monday that he’d secured the services of the most sought-after fighter in the sport for three fights over one year. I don’t think this will escalate like the fans like to gossip (it will).
Emelianenko will debut for Strikeforce on Showtime in late October or November, said Coker, who agreed to a trio of co-promoted events with M-1 Global, which manages and promotes the 32-year-old heavyweight.
Similar provisions for co-promotion were laid out by M-1 during a four-day negotiation period with the UFC last week. However, the UFC said it could agree to all major terms but the co-promotion, which opened the door for Strikeforce.
If there was any doubt of Strikeforce’s No. 2 status as a viable promotion behind the UFC, housing the world’s No. 1 heavyweight should put that doubt to rest. Some believe the signing will also squash the good will between the two organizations, which have publicly shared their admiration for one another — uncharacteristic in the promotional rat race.