Scott Coker has announced his return to the mixed martial arts scene with a new promotion called Ki MMA, aiming to address some “unfinished business” in the sport. Set to launch its inaugural event in 2027, this marks Coker’s first major project since stepping down as president of Bellator, which was acquired by the PFL in 2023.
Following PFL’s gradual phase-out of the Bellator brand and its merger with Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions, the future direction of that organization remains uncertain. Meanwhile, the UFC is currently in the first year of a seven-year broadcasting agreement with Paramount, yet has faced criticism over fighter pay and matchmaking decisions over the past year.
At 63, Coker believes now is the ideal moment for him to make a comeback. “My track record speaks for itself. I’ve contributed a lot to this sport and space, and I’ve noticed martial arts has been somewhat stagnant,” he told BBC Sport. “With the UFC initiating their deal with Paramount and PFL experiencing instability, I sensed the sport needed a fresh shake-up.”
Ki MMA will kick off with a 32-fighter featherweight tournament spanning events across North America, Europe, Asia, and South America. The league also plans to stage super fights featuring well-known MMA fighters, aiming to secure free agents within the next two to three months. Backed by $60 million (£44.7 million), Coker emphasizes that the promotion will prioritize fighter welfare and respect.
Recognized as a trailblazer in MMA, Coker played a key role in developing the former promotion Strikeforce. He highlights fighters like Daniel Cormier and Ronda Rousey as prime examples of talent he helped elevate from the ground up—Cormier began his career in Strikeforce before becoming a two-division UFC champion, while Rousey had only two pro fights before Coker signed her and helped transform her into an iconic figure in MMA.
Coker’s Ki MMA team has been scouting gyms in places like Tokyo and Paris, searching for “diamonds in the rough.” “I don’t think anyone has developed stars from scratch the way we have before,” he said. “We’re going to be focused on both building stars and discovering new talent. This will be a long-term journey, but the tournament format will accelerate progress.”
Born in South Korea, Coker explains that “Ki” is an East Asian term referring to the “inner energy and spiritual path of martial arts.” He views Japan as the “birthplace of MMA” and wants his promotion to honor that heritage. A significant change will be hosting fights in a traditional ring rather than a cage, paying homage to the style used by the legendary Japanese promotion Pride.
While cages are primarily used to prevent fighters from falling out and to maintain continuous action, Coker argues that cages obstruct clear viewing. “I often find myself watching fights on the big screen because once fighters move to the cage side, my view is blocked,” he said. “A ring offers better sightlines and encourages more dynamic action since fighters can’t trap each other against a cage.”
Though some details are still being worked out, Ki MMA is targeting early 2027 for its first event.
Fan Take: Fighting fans should be excited by Scott Coker’s return, as his proven ability to discover and nurture talent could bring fresh energy and new stars to MMA. With a unique approach honoring the sport’s roots and prioritizing fighters, Ki MMA might just be the shake-up MMA needs to evolve and grow globally.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
