Scott Coker Announces Launch of Ki MMA Promotion for 2027

What Sets Ki MMA Apart From Existing Promotions?

Scott Coker, alongside business partners Peter Levin and matchmaker Rich Chou, unveiled the details of his new mixed martial arts promotion, Ki MMA, during a press conference in New York City on Monday. The announcement confirms Coker’s return to the sport after revealing his plans in May, with the promotion slated for an official launch in 2027. The event marked the first public disclosure of the venture’s structure, vision, and operational framework.

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Ki MMA aims to differentiate itself through a fighter-centric model, emphasizing athlete welfare, competitive pay, and long-term career development. Coker stated that the promotion will prioritize transparency in matchmaking and revenue sharing, drawing from lessons learned during his tenure at Strikeforce and Bellator. Levin highlighted the backing of a new investment group focused on sustainable growth in combat sports, while Chou outlined plans to build a global roster through regional talent scouting and developmental pathways. The promotion intends to host events across North America, Europe, and Asia, with a focus on integrating emerging technologies for fan engagement and broadcast distribution.

How Will Ki MMA Handle Fighter Safety and Longevity?

Ki MMA will implement a standardized contract template designed to guarantee minimum fight purses and performance bonuses, a move Coker described as essential to building trust with athletes. Unlike traditional models, the promotion plans to allocate a percentage of pay-per-view and streaming revenue directly to fighters based on viewership metrics. Chou explained that the matchmaking committee will operate independently, with rankings determined by a hybrid system combining win-loss records, opponent strength, and recent activity. The promotion also intends to partner with national wrestling and judo federations to streamline amateur transitions into professional ranks.

Addressing concerns about fighter health, Ki MMA will introduce mandatory annual medical screenings, extended suspension periods after knockouts, and access to long-term neurological care through partnered healthcare providers. Coker emphasized that the promotion will fund post-career education and vocational training programs for retiring athletes. Levin noted that a portion of event profits will be directed into a fighter assistance fund, available for those facing financial hardship due to injury or career transition. The promotion will also prohibit same-day weigh-ins, adopting a 30-hour early weigh-in system similar to ONE Championship’s model to reduce weight-cutting risks.

When is Ki MMA expected to hold its first event? The promotion plans to debut in early 2027, with the inaugural event likely taking place in Las Vegas, though no exact date or venue has been finalized.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Ki MMA sign existing UFC or Bellator fighters? While the focus will be on developing new talent, Coker confirmed that Ki MMA will consider established athletes who align with its values, particularly those seeking greater autonomy and fair compensation.

How can fighters apply to join Ki MMA? Prospective athletes can submit their records and video footage through an online portal launching later this year, with regional tryouts scheduled to begin in mid-2026.