Veteran promoter Scott Coker has officially unveiled his latest promotion, Ki MMA, during a press conference in New York, targeting a full launch in 2027. Derived from the Japanese concept of “ki” (spirit, mind, and energy), the promotion revives a classic fight format: every matchup will take place inside a ring rather than a cage.
The 32-Fighter Grand Prix: Two Fights in One Night
Coker’s strategy relies heavily on tournaments to rapidly build fan recognition for prospects. The flagship launch will feature a 32-fighter Featherweight Grand Prix across four continents:
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4 Regional Brackets: North America, South America, Asia, and Europe (8 fighters per region).
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The Final Four: The four continental champions advance to the championship event.
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The Ultimate Gauntlet: Finalists must win two fights in a single night to be crowned the inaugural Ki MMA champion.
Scott Coker’s Statement: “Tournaments build stars quickly. By the end of the year, we will have a star, and we will have a new champion. Yes, will the fighters have to dig deep because of fighting two times in one night at the end? That’s going to be tough, but that’s why you’ve got to have your ki together.”
