Gilbert Melendez and former Bellator chairman Scott Coker have teamed up to launch a new MMA promotion.
Coker took a break from MMA following the Bellator-PFL merger, but has now returned to the sport. Melendez, a former Strikeforce lightweight champion, is starting his own MMA promotion in California and brought Coker to help him. Matchups for the event have not yet been announced, but the card is expected to feature both veterans and up-and-comers.
After years spent fighting, commentating, analyzing and teaching, I'm excited to expand my contribution to Bay Area MMA.
I'm teaming up with one of the greatest promoters in martial arts history @ScottCoker We're bringing you Fight Night at Tech on May 18th at Tech CU Arena in San Jose… pic.twitter.com/Fismi58B0X
— Gilbert Melendes (@GilbertMelendes) March 14, 2024
“After years of fighting, commentating, analyzing and coaching, I am excited to expand my contribution to Bay Area MMA. I am teaming up with one of the greatest promoters in the history of martial arts. @ScottCoker Fight Night at Tech on May 18th at Tech CU Arena in San Jose, California,” Melendez wrote. X.
What's interesting is that Scott Coker has decided to get back into the promotional game, but this looks like more of a regional show. After the PFL and Bellator merged, Don Davis offered Scott Coker the chance to stay, but Coker decided against joining the PFL and instead helped Melendez with his promotion.
Coker has been involved in martial arts since 1985, when he founded Strikeforce. He later helped coach Bellator, but now, at age 61, he is giving Melendez a second shot at the promotional game by helping him with his new venture in the MMA world.
Gilbert Melendez finished his career as a professional mixed martial artist with a record of 22 wins and 8 losses, losing five fights. Melendez is 1-6 in the UFC, with his only win coming by decision over Diego Sanchez. Melendez ended his career with a decision loss to Arnold Allen at UFC 239 in 2019. The former Strikeforce lightweight champion has notable victories over the likes of Josh Thomson, Jorge Masvidal and Clay Guida during his career.