Veteran mixed martial arts promoter Scott Coker used a New York news conference on Sept. 14 to unveil Ki MMA, a new global promotion slated to begin operations in the first quarter of 2027. The centerpiece of the launch is a 32‑fighter featherweight tournament that will span four continents, offering a fresh competitive structure for the sport.
International tournament format
Ki MMA’s inaugural competition will feature eight featherweight athletes from each of North America, South America, Asia and Europe. Regional events on each continent will determine a single finalist, and those four champions will advance to an international semifinal stage before the final showdown.
The tournament will be contested at 145 pounds (66 kg), a weight class that has historically produced many of the sport’s most recognizable champions. While the promotion has not yet named any of the fighters, Coker emphasized that the roster will be built through the regional qualifiers.
Leadership and vision
Joining Coker at the announcement were longtime MMA executive and matchmaker Rich Chou, who will oversee athlete relations, and media executive Peter Levin, who will serve as chairman. Both bring extensive experience in talent management and broadcast strategy, underscoring Coker’s intent to create a promotion that balances competitive integrity with broad audience appeal.
Coker highlighted a key differentiator: Ki MMA fights will take place in a traditional ring rather than the fenced cage commonly used by the UFC and other major organizations. He said the ring format reflects his long‑standing interest in Japanese combat sports and offers a distinct visual and tactical experience for fighters and fans alike.
Target markets and competition
The promotion plans to hold events in the United States, Ireland, Hungary, Brazil, Japan, South Korea, and either Italy or France. By spreading events across North America, Europe, and Asia, Ki MMA aims to tap into existing fan bases while introducing the sport to new audiences.
Ki MMA enters a crowded marketplace dominated by the UFC, with the Professional Fighters League, ONE Championship, and Japan’s Rizin also competing for talent, media rights, and global viewership. Coker’s track record—building Strikeforce into a major rival of the UFC before its 2011 acquisition and later growing Bellator as its chief executive—provides immediate credibility for the new venture.
Unanswered questions
The company did not disclose broadcast partners, financial backers, or a timeline for announcing its first group of athletes. Those details are expected to emerge as the promotion moves closer to its 2027 launch.
With a clear focus on international competition, a ring‑based presentation, and seasoned leadership, Ki MMA seeks to broaden the sport’s appeal and offer fighters a new pathway to global recognition.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
