Bellator MMA recently announced a partnership between themselves and Monster Energy to put on events during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.
In their initial press release, Bellator MMA made it seem like they were partnering with NASCAR as well.
“I’m excited to announce Bellator’s partnership with the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series,” Coker said. “Bellator and NASCAR fans are some of the most passionate in sports, and we couldn’t be happier to bring MMA and motorsports together. Monster Energy has been a great partner of ours over the years, and we’re excited about the opportunity to integrate our brand into another great sports property within the Monster Energy family. I want to thank Cody Dresser and Hans Molenkamp from Monster Energy for helping put this great partnership together, and I’m looking forward to introducing Bellator to a whole new fanbase.”
However, NASCAR wanted fans to know that there is no deal between them and Bellator MMA.
“NASCAR does not have a partnership with Bellator,” an unidentified NASCAR official told USA Today.
For their part, Monster Energy wanted MMA fans to know that they are excited to be a part of a deal with Bellator MMA.
“MMA is an exciting sport that appeals to a wide demographic,” said Mitch Covington, vice president of sports marketing, via Motorsport.com. “By partnering with Bellator to bring mixed martial arts to NASCAR we are able to bring a fresh dynamic to the racetrack and a taste of what Monster Energy is into, allowing us all to connect with a new fan base in relevant and meaningful ways to further elevate the series.”
The first event for the Monster Energy/Bellator MMA partnership will come on Saturday, May 20.
