Founder Bjorn Rebney and COO Tim Danaher have been relieved of their duties by Viacom, who own Bellator MMA. The news was made official in a press release sent out earlier today. Rumours had been swirling throughout the media that a change in the number two MMA organization was eminent, and that Viacom was eyeing former Strikeforce founder and CEO Scott Coker for the job. No official reason was given, though from the press release, it is clear that Rebney and Viacom had a difference of opinion on the direction of the company. From the press release: It is with bittersweet emotions that I announce that I am leaving the company I founded. I have great pride in having turned my vision into reality, a thriving business with television distribution to over 140 countries around the world, a partnership with one of the worlds largest entertainment giants and wide array of sponsors, partners and strategic allies all over the globe. This has been a wonderful eight plus years of creation, development and success. I will miss the courageous, strong and dedicated fighters I have had the pleasure of promoting, and equally, I will miss the incredibly hard working, remarkable team that has become a family for me over the years. Viacom and Tim and I differed in our views of the right strategic direction for Bellator, but Tim and I both wish them well, said Bjorn Rebney. I feel very privileged and honored to have been one of the guiding forces for developing Bellator into the largest MMA tournament based organization in the World. Ive made tremendous life-long friends and feel blessed to have worked with such talented and dedicated people, said Tim Danaher. I would like to thank Bjorn and Tim on behalf of Spike and Viacom for their dedication and hard work building Bellator from the ground up. They worked tirelessly in getting Bellator to where it is today. They were great partners to work with and we wish them all the best, said Kevin Kay, Spike TV. Rebney's replacement has yet to be announced. Somewhere, however, you can bet Dana White is smiling.