The new MMA vision from former Bellator and Strikeforce leader Scott Coker has been revealed.
Coker’s newest combat sports brand, Ki MMA, was officially announced during a press conference on Monday evening.
The new project, set to launch in the first quarter of 2027, will see the seasoned MMA and kickboxing promoter return to the combat sports scene for the first time in years.
Ki MMA will be a “throwback to the old days,” as Coker put it this week.
The company will get started in 2027 by hosting a 32-man featherweight grand prix, focusing on up-and-coming talent from around the globe. They plan to host four mini tournaments focused on different regions in the world: North America, South America, Europe, and Asia will each get a bracket.
The winner of each eight-man tourney will become a Continental Champion, they explained. The four tournament winners will face off in a one-night grand finals to crown a world champ.
“When Scott and I got together, we knew we had to come up with something really special,” former Bellator matchmaker Rich Chou, who is joining forces with Coker again, said about the bracket format. “It’s going to be a tall mountain to climb, but that’s the fighters we want.”
The upstart brand also plans to host fights inside a squared-circle ring instead of a cage, a visual many associate with legendary MMA brand Pride FC or modern-day successor RIZIN.
While there will be a focus on featherweight to start, Coker said they’re looking for free agents in any weight class to build out their full lineups. “There’s not any free agent that’s untouchable,” said Coker, who implored any unsigned talent to reach out.
There remain many unknowns about Ki MMA, which has its targeted launch date rapidly approaching.
An exact initial event has not been announced. Coker said that the first show will take place in the opening quarter of 2027, and threw out the idea of hosting it in his hometown of San Jose, California. When asked about possible future dates, Coker also threw out numerous countries, including Brazil, Japan, Korea, Italy, and Ireland.
Maybe most importantly, at least business-wise, was the fact that a broadcast partner wasn’t revealed either. A media deal can make or break many sports properties, and its unknown who is interested in the new combat sports brand.
MMA stars like Cris Cyborg and Tyron Woodley appeared at Monday’s event, but nothing was officially unveiled in the way of talent signed to the company.
Coker and Chou discussed how they have been travelling the world in recent months, scouting unknown talent who they could add to their roster. They spoke about how they believe there are many names who are talented but have not yet been given the chance to show their worth on a big stage.
Coker explained that, while looking for big free agents, they will remain focused on building talent from the ground up. He finds that developing prospects, some just getting started in MMA, was a major part of his past work that he plans to bring to Ki MMA.
“It’s worked for me twice, and we’re going to do it a third time,” Coker said about developing his own stars.
Chou spoke about how Ki MMA is being made by those who have spent their lives working in combat sports, a passion he hopes will set the product apart from others.
“I do see a lot of groups out there, I don’t even know if they’re fans or like martial arts, but they’re in the business … Why do we keep longing for the old days?” he asked.
