Bjorn Rebney

Bjorn Rebney is an American businessman who served as chairman and chief executive officer of Bellator MMA from 2008 until June 2014.

Background Rebney attended Ohio University on a football scholarship and then attended law school. Rebney did legal work in construction-defect then moved to the sports-law firm Steinberg Moorad & Dunn. In 2001, Rebney formed a partnership with Sugar Ray Leonard. The company was Sugar Ray Leonard Boxing Inc. The two had a falling out and the business dissolved.

Bellator MMA Rebney's passion for mixed martial arts made him decide to start an MMA promotion. To fund these trips to meet with investors and fighters, Rebney spent his savings and took out a second and third mortgage on his home. Despite the company no longer being under Rebney's ownership, he remained Bellator Chairman and CEO until June 18, 2014, when Rebney's immediate exit from the company was announced by Viacom. In addition to Rebney, Tim Danaher left his position as president and COO. Rebney was replaced by former Strikeforce president and CEO Scott Coker. Viacom executive, Kevin Kay, later explained that the reason for Rebney's separation from the company was that Rebney was committed to keeping Bellator a tournament-based promotion, while Kay felt a seasonal tournament format would have limited the growth of the organization.

MMAAA In November 2016, it was announced that Rebney was chosen as an advisor to the Mixed Martial Arts Athletes Association (MMAAA). Among the members of the former organization were Georges St. Pierre, Cain Velasquez, T.J. Dillashaw, Tim Kennedy, and Donald Cerrone.

Personal life

Rebney's father was Jack Rebney, an unintended viral video star and later subject of the 2009 documentary Winnebago Man. Jack Rebney died in May 2023 at the age of 93.

Rebney is married to Huma Gruaz, an advertising and public relations executive. The couple has two children.