Promoter behind Strikeforce, Bellator MMA, to launch new 32-fighter combat league

Veteran boss Scott Coker set to launch Ki MMA, with featherweight tournaments in Europe, Asia, and North America

Veteran mixed martial arts promoter Scott Coker has ⁠unveiled Ki MMA, ⁠a new global promotion set ⁠to launch in the first quarter of 2027 with a 32-man featherweight tournament spanning four continents.

The former head of Bellator MMA and Strikeforce announced the venture at a news conference in New York on Monday ‌alongside long-time MMA executive and matchmaker Rich Chou, who will lead athlete relations, and media executive Peter Levin, who will serve as the chairman.

Ki MMA’s inaugural competition will feature eight featherweight fighters from each of North America, South America, Asia, and Europe. Regional events will determine one finalist from ⁠each continent, who will advance to an international semi-final stage. Who will fight has yet to be revealed.

The promotion is targeting events in the US, Ireland, Hungary, Brazil, Japan, South Korea, and either Italy or France, Coker said. ‌The initial tournament will be contested at 145lb (66kg), a division ⁠that has produced ⁠some of the sport’s most prominent champions and fighters.