Scott Coker reveals new name for MMA organization, launch plans and details for Grand Prix in 2027

Scott Coker, the veteran promoter who built Strikeforce and later ran Bellator MMA, has announced his return to MMA with a new organization called Ki MMA (pronounced "Key MMA"). The promotion is slated to launch in early 2027, marking Coker's latest venture into the sport. He will be joined by Rich Chou, an experienced matchmaker who previously collaborated with Coker at both Strikeforce and Bellator.

Ki MMA's flagship event will be a 32-fighter Grand Prix tournament drawing competitors from across the globe, with events planned across four continents. The inaugural tournament will operate at featherweight (145 pounds), with all participants competing within that single weight class. A notable departure from UFC, Bellator, and most other major promotions, Ki MMA fights will take place in a ring rather than a cage—a format more common in other combat sports and international MMA organizations.

The Grand Prix structure harks back to tournament-based competition, a format that gained prominence in Japanese MMA and has occasionally been used by major Western promotions. With Coker's track record of building competitive organizations and attracting top talent, the new promotion aims to establish itself as a significant player in the MMA landscape. Further details about fighter signings, broadcast arrangements, and the tournament's schedule are expected to emerge as the 2027 launch date approaches.