New York — Monday marked the official launch of Ki MMA, the latest promotion envisioned and founded by longtime industry leader Scott Coker.

The Strikeforce founder and former Bellator MMA CEO, Coker has been on the sidelines since Bellator was acquired by rival PFL. Now, he’s back with a new venture, and ex-Bellator matchmaker Rich Chou is along for the ride.

At a press event in New York on Monday, Chou spoke to Cageside Press about what the new promotion will look like. Of course, there is the featherweight tournament, geared towards fighters aged 18 to 25. Rising prospects, future stars.

“For those who like numbers, 32 fighters, four continents, you’re going to have to win five fights next year,” noted Chou. “But trust me, it will be worth it for the young fighter that can climb this mountain and show their Ki.”

The first three fights will be in regional, or continental if you prefer, tournaments. The final two will be global semifinals and finals, with the winner needing to win twice in one night.

Yet as was noted during Monday’s press conference, the tournament will make up only 30% of the action Ki MMA puts on in 2027. As to what the other 70% will look like, “that’s what we’ve got to find out,” stated Chou. “We’re not just going to jump into certain weight classes randomly. I feel like a lot of promotions out there, and we have in the past, we’ve been guilty of this, heading down certain directions and putting on random fights.” The sort of fights that leave viewers thinking “I don’t quite know where this leads or what’s going on,” Chou added.

“That’s something we really want to avoid. But the grand prix is the cornerstone next year. It keeps us on track, it lets fans know exactly what we’re doing and focusing on, while we see what else is out there.”

There’s no firm commitment on what weight classes will be involved, and it seems as though some may not be brought it at all, at least initially. “We don’t have to have eight weight classes. Let’s go find where the most talented, young hungry fighters are, and let’s build there. Maybe it’s welterweight, maybe it’s middleweight. We don’t know quite yet, but it’s our job to find out.”

Watch our full interview with Ki MMA matchmaker Rich Chou above.