He’s gone. Bjorn Rebney is gone from Bellator. Ousted by Viacom executives, along with Bellator President Tim Danaher. Rumors are circulating that ex-Strikeforce founder and president, Scott Coker, will be the next leader of Bellator, but that’s not 100% confirmed yet. (update: it’s confirmed).
What we do have is Bjorn, ousted likely along with the tournament format and the old guard. I think we’re about to see a major push against the UFC from Bellator now. They have the deep pockets, they can do it.
But for now, Rebney’s statement:
“It is with bittersweet emotions that I announce that I am leaving the company I founded. I have great pride in having turned my vision into reality, a thriving business with television distribution to over 140 countries around the world, a partnership with one of the world’s largest entertainment giants and wide array of sponsors, partners and strategic allies all over the globe. This has been a wonderful eight plus years of creation, development and success. I will miss the courageous, strong and dedicated fighters I have had the pleasure of promoting, and equally, I will miss the incredibly hard working, remarkable team that has become a family for me over the years. Viacom and Tim and I differed in our views of the right strategic direction for Bellator, but Tim and I both wish them well.”