Were you surprised that Buffer introduced Chandler as “former Bellator LW champion”?

[RiotWyatt]

The UFC used to prohibit the mention of any other org or fighter not in the UFC. Rogan used to say "a certain Russian fighter" when he wanted to talk about Fedor.

It makes me think something is up. Another buyout coming?

 

[lsa]

No I don't think they'll do it either.

The only thing I do think might be possible would be for Ali to buy it and work more favourably with the UFC.

I dont think Viacom is selling.
I think Bellator might be cheap content for them.
Buying Bellator is a big risk. You sure need to get some views in.

 

[Voodoo Dahl]

Nemkov > Yan
Mousasi > Izzy
Lima > Usman
Pitbull > Chandler
Pitbull > Volk

Lol

 

[headmunt]

They're acknowledging other competition because of the antitrust lawsuit. It's got nothing to do with Chandler.

 

[Apollo33]

The UFC is starting to acknowledge Bellator as a real competitor

With all this Monopoly accusations and the class action, they probably want to show there's competition out there

 

[careto]

It was pretty weird given that they introduced Gamrot as a champ of a regional promotion. I mean, you could argue KSW has done bigger events than Bellator.

In this case I think they wanted to promote Chandler. Kind of like to explain to the casuals why this "no name" fighter is suddenly fighting someone in the top 5. Plus, Chandler isnt your regular former Bellator champion, like Brooks, Good, or Askren, Chandler was THE Bellator fighter. He was their flagship fighter for years.

 

[DarthChen731]

The ufc consciously avoided mentioning Bellator for over 10 years.

Yeah and now they know that Bellator is just UFC retirement home/young beef factory.

 

[The Chosen]

Nemkov > Yan
Mousasi > Izzy
Lima > Usman
Pitbull > Chandler
Pitbull > Volk

Nemkov is a LHW and Yan is a 135lb fighter wtf

 

[arcadeperfect]

Bellator deserves to be mentioned. It's not like the garbage we see at ONE FC.

 

[dipstickjimmy]

Even Jon Anik introduced him like that at the weigh ins. UFC isn’t as petty as they used to be it seems.

I suspect it has more to do with the Class Action Lawsuit. I believe that some of their cuts were very strategic as well. Yoel, Rumble (he had "a couple more fights" left on his UFC contract so had to be released from that). Need to prop up Bellator to prove they aren't a Monopoly.