Rich Chou, who previously served as a matchmaker for Bellator, is joining Scott Coker's new MMA promotion as vice president of athlete relations. The promotion confirmed the appointment.
Rich Chou is moving to Scott Coker's new MMA promotion, taking on the role of vice president of athlete relations, the organization confirmed on June 2, 2026.
Chou is a familiar face in combat sports matchmaking circles, having previously served as a matchmaker for Bellator MMA. His experience building and managing fighter rosters at the promotion level makes him a notable addition to any new venture in the sport. The vice president of athlete relations title suggests he will play a central role in shaping the new promotion's roster and managing its relationships with fighters.
Scott Coker, of course, built and ran Bellator for over a decade before the promotion was absorbed into the PFL, and also previously led Strikeforce before its acquisition by the UFC. Coker reuniting with a former Bellator colleague in Chou signals an early effort to draw on established MMA infrastructure and experience as the new organization takes shape.
Why it matters
- Chou's matchmaking background means the new promotion gains immediate credibility in athlete recruitment and bout construction.
- Reuniting Coker-era Bellator personnel suggests the new organization is leaning on a proven operational model.
- The appointment points to the promotion entering a serious organizational phase, moving beyond early planning into roster development.
