Scott Coker interested in free agent Kayla Harrison, reveals plans to open dialogue at Bellator 271

MIAMI – One of the biggest stars in women’s mixed martial arts is currently a free agent, and Bellator president Scott Coker is interested.

Ahead of Bellator 271, Coker told MMA Junkie he expects to open a dialogue with the two-time PFL champion Kayla Harrison (12-0) on Friday, as she is expected to attend the event in Hollywood, Fla. with American Top Team owner Dan Lambert.

“Yeah, absolutely,” Coker said, when asked if there was interest from Bellator. “I think that we would love to have, you know, a bigger conversation and see if we can come to some type of arrangement. I mean, listen, it’s not just Kayla, but it’s really any free agent that’s out there that’s at that world-class level, you know, that we feel could add value to the company. We want to go sign them.

“I think she just became a free agent recently. So I think that I think she’s coming to the fight tomorrow with Dan Lambert and (Bellator fighter) (Kyoji) Horiguchi is going to be here, so that’ll be fun. So I think they’re all going to sit together and then, you know, we’ll say hello and start having a dialogue.”

Harrison, 31, is a two-time Olympic gold medalist in judo. Since her delve into mixed martial arts in 2018, Harrison has largely dominated the competition. Ten of her 12 wins as a professional have come inside the distance.

Bellator 271 takes place Friday at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. The main card airs on Showtime after prelims on MMA Junkie.

To see Coker’s full pre-event interview, check out the video below.