Bellator’s Scott Coker Doesn’t Sound Interested in Anderson Silva

Following what was almost certainly, Anderson Silva’s final UFC bout, there’s been a lot of discussion regarding where we might see the legend throwing hands next. But, based off comments Bellator President Scott Coker recently made, it doesn’t sound like we’ll see the legend fighting under that banner.

Coker is “happy” with current Bellator roster

The 45-year-old Silva is coming off a stoppage loss to Uriah Hall at the UFC’s October 31st card. Leading up to the fight, UFC President Dana White said he believed it would be Silva’s final bout.

But, as the fight approached, Silva only said it would be his last, UFC fight. When asked about retirement, Silva was non-committal, and after the loss, the star left the door open to fighting elsewhere.

White, meanwhile, argued that Silva should never fight again.

Well, ahead of Bellator 252, Coker was asked if Bellator might be interested in the legend, if he does become a free agent.

“I have a lot of respect for him. He’s definitely one of the greatest fighters in the history of mixed martial arts.

I really haven’t thought about it, but I think I’m happy with the way our roster is heading and the fighters that we have now. I think that’s my statement on that.”

Reaction?

So, given that Bellator has signed other aging stars like Ken Shamrock, Royce Gracie and Lyoto Machida, among others, in the past, this comment might come as a surprise.

It should be noted that Silva still has one fight left on his current UFC contract. So, it’s possible that Coker may not have wanted to sound too interested.

But, it could also be that Bellator is trying to turn the page on that style of matchmaking and promoting, and wants to focus on its younger stars and prospects.

While there’s no doubt that Silva would bring some views to DAZN and CBS Sports Network if he signed with Bellator, we are talking about a fighter who will turn 46 soon and has lost 7 of his last 10 bouts.

Could ONE Championship be interested in signing ‘The Spider’? Where former rival and fellow star Vitor Belfort competes?