Scott Coker, Gilbert Melendez Join Forces to Create ‘Fight Night at the Tech’ Organization

Huge Announcement: Today marks the official launch of FIGHT NIGHT AT THE TECH! This event will feature premier mixed martial arts series at Tech CU Arena on Saturday, May 18.

Tickets go on sale Monday 3/18 at 10AM. pic.twitter.com/tLH6cXnZRG

— Tech CU Arena (@TechCUArena) March 13, 2024

If former Bellator MMA head Scott Coker had to sign a non-compete agreement after leaving the company, it was not very strict.

The Tech CU Arena, which operates in San Jose, California, and is also home to the San Jose Barracuda AHL hockey team, made an announcement on Wednesday that it would be the location of a new MMA league. The organization, called “Fight Night at the Tech,” is co-founded by Coker and longtime MMA veteran Gilbert Melendez. On May 18, the first of a series of events will run in this arena.

Details are otherwise sparse on the new promotion, including any combatants or broadcast information. MMA Junkie reported that there will be a mix of “seasoned veterans and rising prospects” competing on the events. This will be Coker’s first MMA venture since leaving Bellator after Professional Fighters League purchased it in late 2023. The former Taekwondo practitioner first made his way into combat sports operation by creating Strikeforce—then a kickboxing league—in 1985, and oversaw its transition to MMA in 2006 until Zuffa bought and eventually absorbed it in 2014.

After spending years fighting, commentating,analyzing,coaching, I'm excited to expand my contribution to Bay Area MMA.

I am teaming up with one of the greatest promoters in combat sports history @ScottCoker to bring you Fight Night at Tech May 18th at Tech CU Arena in San Jose… pic.twitter.com/Fismi58B0X

— Gilbert Melendez (@GilbertMelendez) March 14, 2024

Melendez posted proudly about the news on social media on Thursday, writing, "After spend years fighting, commentating, analyzing, coaching, I'm excited to expand my contribution to Bay Area MMA. I am teaming up with one of the greatest promoters in combat sports history, Scott Coker, to bring you Fight Night at Tech May 18th at Tech CU Arena in San Jose CA."