Next week Bellator will do the unthinkable. The fledgling MMA promotion will challenge the mighty National Football League. On the same night the NFL opens its season at the Superdome as the New Orleans Saints host the Minnesotta Vikings, Bellator will be down the road at the Mahalia Jackson Theater.
Many media critics are all over Rebney for the move. But, as he explained to the MMA Torch, things may not be as bad as they seem:
“We have a great event with great fights scheduled and this was the one date on the schedule where our venue partners could bring us to New Orleans,” Rebney said in a statement issued to MMATorch. “Also, not all MMA fans are NFL fans and in a football crazed city, our nationally televised World championship tournament event provides a tremendous world class alternative to the NFL.”
Bellator 28, featuring UFC vet and New Orleans native Rich Clementi will air on Fox Sports.