Despite the best efforts of Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney, Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker has confirmed to MMARising.com that there have been no formal discussions regarding a potential superfight between Strikeforce Lightweight Champion Gilbert “El Niño” Melendez and Bellator Lightweight Champion Eddie Alvarez.

While Rebney, Melendez and Alvarez have all spoken publicly in favour of the proposed matchup, Coker states that there has been absolutely no dialogue between him and Rebney and that the fight is purely speculatory.

“It’s out there in the media, but there have been no talks between myself and Bellator,” says Coker. “There’s no for sure answer and it’s all just [speculation] at this point. We get along with everybody and we don’t have a problem having our guys fight, whether it’s in DREAM or M-1. The issue really is timing and getting a deal together, and then it really comes down to the deal structure.”

Rebney has repeatedly stated that he feels that he and Coker could iron out a deal “over a burger and a Diet Coke,” but as yet, nothing has materialised and the champion vs champion superfight remains a pipe dream. With Strikeforce’s willingness to work in co-operation with other promotions, a deal could be worked out that would see the consensus top-five lightweights square off, but when and where the potential fight may take place remains to be seen.