Bellator should consider willfully accepting the number two position right now
Yes that main event was sloppy, but it was fun, especially if you were a long time fan of either fighter. Yes Tito fans still exist. These older fighters can still compete, just not at same level they once fought at. Will Brooks and Michael Chandler put on a good fight though. Are they ready for the UFC? Probably not but they are definitely too good to be on any regional circuit. What if Bellator took the role of transitory MMA Promotion for the time being? It must be hard for fighters to retire at 35-45 years old with little to no other job skills or experience. Fans have often called for an old timers league and Bellator can provide that. Bellator could be the transitional path from the UFC to retirement. Veterans could fight people their own age and skill level and not have the fear of being brutally concussed by younger and faster fighters. Younger fighters could use Bellator to transition from the regional circuits to the world’s biggest promotion. If Bellator grows too big too fast the UFC will eat them alive the same way they have with every other rival promotion. With an unspoken alliance, and modest bowing to the UFC they could buy themselves some time. While they ride the coat tales of washed up veterans, and provide the UFC with a few new prospects, they could slowly build their own young long term talent. When the time is right and the UFC’s back is turned stab it, and in true capitalist fashion, bite the hand the feeds and start directly competing. What they need is time to grow and lulling the UFC into a false sense of security seems like the best option.
