Who founded the mixed martial arts organization Bellator Fighting Championships?

Bjorn Rebney founded Bellator Fighting Championships.

Bellator was established in 2008 by Bjorn Rebney, who served as the organization’s founding chief executive. The promotion held its first event in 2009 and became known for tournament-based matchmaking, in which tournament winners earned title opportunities.

The organization initially operated as Bellator Fighting Championships before adopting the shorter Bellator name. Its early events were broadcast on ESPN Deportes and later on major American television networks, helping it become one of the leading MMA promotions outside the UFC.

Scott Coker later became Bellator’s president and helped guide its growth, but he was not the founder. Viacom acquired a controlling interest in the promotion, and Bellator eventually became part of the wider PFL portfolio in 2023.