Scott Coker, the former CEO of Bellator and Strikeforce, has announced a new promotion called Ki MMA, set to begin holding events in 2027 with a different approach than his past ventures.
Rather than compete head-on with the UFC in North America, Coker plans to launch with a 32-fighter global tournament for young featherweight prospects with fewer than 10 professional fights, staged across four countries to crown regional “continental champions” before a finals event where each finalist fights twice in one night.
The tournament will make up roughly 30% of Ki MMA’s total fight schedule for the year. Coker also confirmed all bouts will take place in a traditional boxing ring rather than a cage, a choice he believes improves the viewing experience for fans.