Stephen Espinoza Will Now Oversee Bellator MMA After Viacom/CBS Restructuring

Some major changes are coming to Bellator MMA thanks to a recent merger between Viacom (who owns Bellator MMA) and CBS.

Perhaps the biggest change is going to be that Showtime Sports President Stephen Espinoza will now be overseeing Bellator MMA according to Variety. Scott Coker will remain the president of Bellator MMA, but will now be reportedly directly to Espinoza.

Espinoza has had a huge role in combat sports in recent years, as he helped sign Floyd Mayweather to a deal with Showtime, plus Espinoza was involved in The Money Fight between Mayweather and former two division UFC champion Conor McGregor. 

There is no word yet on whether or not Bellator MMA will change networks, as the promotion currently airs their cards on both the Paramount Network and DAZN. MMA Fighting asked Coker about the promotion airing events on Showtime or CBS, with Coker responding by saying “nothing’s decided yet.”

Bellator MMA’s next event is Bellator 238, which airs on January 25, with Julia Budd defending the women’s featherweight title against Cyborg in the main event.