Two division Bellator champion Ryan Bader fought Cheick Kongo to a no contest in the main event of Bellator 226 due to an accidental eye poke from Bader to Kongo.
While some would think an immediate rematch is due for Kongo, it doesn’t seem that way according to Bellator MMA President Scott Coker.
“These things happen sometimes in this sport with the open-fingered gloves,” Coker said after the event (via Steven Marrocco & Dave Doyle of MMA Junkie). “Whether we would run it back, that depends on Ryan and his next step, as far as fighting at 205 (pounds) or fighting as a heavyweight.”
Bader has defended the Bellator Light Heavyweight Title just once since winning it, which was a second round TKO win over Linton Vassell at Bellator 186.
Coker even mentions potential fights against Lyoto Machida and Gegard Mousasi as to why Kongo may not be getting an immediate crack at heavyweight gold.
“We have some good fights for him at light heavyweight as well,” Coker said. “There’s some unfinished business. I’m sure he’d like to fight (Lyoto) Machida again, and we’ve got Gegard (Mousasi).”
Kongo had to wait over five years in between title shots, it is unknown just how long that next wait could be.
