Coker Unveils Ki MMA Global Promotion
Coker Unveils Ki MMA Global Promotion
Anonymous
Key Points
1
Ki MMA reportedly has raised about $60 million for its initial phase, with investors including skateboarding icon Tony Hawk.
2
Scott Coker chose not to remain with the PFL after Strikeforce was sold in 2024 and instead spent the intervening period promoting locally and assembling financial backing for a new league.
3
The promotion’s name may be a reference to the Japanese word “ki,” commonly associated with “spirit, mind, and energy,” although the organization had not yet explained the name officially.
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Ki MMA’s launch presentation took place at Cipriani 25 Broadway in Manhattan, with broadcaster Max Bretos hosting and MMA legends and other prominent figures expected to attend.
Scott Coker, the veteran MMA promoter who built Strikeforce and Bellator into major organizations, has launched Ki MMA, a new global mixed martial arts promotion set to debut in early 2027. Reuters reports the company has raised approximately $60 million in initial funding, with investments from skateboarding legend Tony Hawk among others. The promotion will feature a 32-man featherweight tournament split into four regional eight-fighter brackets, with winners advancing to semifinals.
Rich Chou will serve as lead matchmaker while Peter Levin co-founded the venture. Unlike his previous roles, Coker chose to start fresh rather than stay with the PFL after Strikeforce's 2024 sale. Ki MMA will hold fights in a ring format across multiple countries, marking Coker's return to competitive MMA promotion after several years away from the sport's biggest stages.
Coker's Journey Back to MMA Leadership
Coker spent decades building two major MMA organizations from the ground up. He led Strikeforce to prominence before its sale, then spent years running Bellator as one of the UFC's largest competitors. Reuters notes that after Strikeforce was sold in 2024, Coker chose not to continue with the PFL. Instead, he spent the intervening period promoting local fights and assembling financial backing for his new venture.
A $60 Million War Chest and Star-Studded Backing
Ki MMA has secured roughly $60 million for its launch phase, according to Reuters. The investor list includes Tony Hawk, the legendary skateboarder who has become active in sports ventures. This funding level puts Coker in position to sign established fighters and mount a serious challenge to existing promotions. The exact details about roster signings and event scheduling remain unconfirmed.
The 32-Fighter Tournament Blueprint
Ki MMA's debut strategy centers on a 32-man featherweight tournament divided into four eight-fighter regional brackets. Winners from each bracket advance to semifinals, creating a clear path to crowning a champion. Reuters reports the promotion unveiled this format at a launch event held at Cipriani 25 Broadway in Manhattan, hosted by broadcaster Max Bretos. The tournament structure mirrors successful models used in combat sports worldwide.
The name "Ki MMA" likely references the Japanese word "ki," commonly associated with spirit, mind, and energy. However, the organization has not officially confirmed this etymology. The promotion plans to hold events globally starting in the first quarter of 2027, though specific fight dates and venue locations have not yet been announced.
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