Since the announcement of Bellator MMA vs Rizin, UFC fans have been quite vocal about a possible UFC vs Bellator MMA next. UFC has been the epitome of mixed martial arts for as long as one can remember. The promotion under Dana White has become a home to the most talented mixed martial artists in the world. One can argue, UFC fighters are the most talented, and fighters from other promotions stand no chance against the top brass in the UFC.
There should be a UFC vs Bellator! That would absolutely bang! @ufc @BellatorMMA
— Barath Salvatore (@BarathRetna) December 24, 2022
However, how can the theory be true if it’s not tested? We have seen the likes of Eddie Alvarez, who reigned supreme in Bellator, also become a UFC Champion. More interestingly, Alvarez also suffered multiple losses in ONE Championship after leaving the UFC. But then there are fighters like Ben Askren, who remained undefeated during their Bellator careers but succumbed to back-to-back losses inside the UFC Octagon.
UFC vs. Bellator
— Unit of a Count (@CountBitcoin) December 23, 2022
While it goes without saying that a possible UFC vs Bellator MMA invites huge attention and possibly does huge numbers, UFC has very little to gain from such an event.
Who is fighting on Bellator MMA vs Rizin in Japan?
The debate about whether or not UFC fighters are really the most talented fighters in the world will remain a mystery. And it goes without saying, proving this by letting UFC Champions take on Champions from other promotions is a huge risk, considering in the game of mixed martial arts, anything is possible. A failure that might take away the dominance with which the UFC has ruled the sport of mixed martial arts.
UFC vs RIZIN&ONE&Bellator
— Takanoue (@DMT420_) December 25, 2022
However, it seems like Scott Coker is not afraid to do the same as several Bellator MMA Champions will take on Rizin Champion in a blockbuster Bellator MMA vs Rizin Fighting Federation event in Japan later this month on December 31.
Bellator x Rizin is going to be super fun on NYE pic.twitter.com/Q64jtcPEen
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) December 24, 2022
Former Bellator featherweight champion and now lightweight contender AJ McKee will take on Rizin lightweight champion Roberto de Souza in the main event, while Bellator featherweight champion Patricio Pitbull will take on Rizin featherweight champion Kleber Koike Erbst in the co-main event of the evening.