Ki MMA: Everything you need to know about Scott Coker's new promotion

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Scott Coker has returned to mixed martial arts with a brand-new promotion: Ki MMA.

Coker has been a prominent figure in mixed martial arts for decades. The businessman was a huge part of Strikeforce’s impressive tenure, but most notably, he successfully ran an MMA empire with Bellator. For roughly 10 years, Bellator was at most a competitor and at least the second-best organization in the sport to the UFC. Coker was at the heart of that rise, having been there and done everything possible as a promoter. Pioneering women’s MMA, helping it reach the scale it’s at today? Check. Handling bold personality fighters and not faltering when things get tough? Check. Wanting to innovate by welcoming cross-promotional events? Check. Identifying and developing some of the sports greatest ever fighters? Also check. He’s done it all. And now, he wants to bring that expertise into his new business venture.

On September 14, Scott Coker announced his return to the sport after a two-year hiatus. But Coker didn’t come empty-handed. With him, he brings a new promotion. A new opportunity for fighters. An idea that he believes has what it takes to be successful.

Turning away from tradition and modern MMA cages, Ki MMA fights will instead take place inside a ring, echoing the classic Japanese style. One of many differences we’re likely to see with the new promotion.

Take a look at the Ki MMA ring below.

But why will it succeed? Unlike other startups, Scott Coker’s Ki MMA has launched with a significant $60 million investment fund. With Coker at the helm, an ownership group that includes legendary skateboarder Tony Hawk, soccer club D.C. United owner Steve Kaplan, and Griffin Gaming Partners co-founder Peter Levin helped finance a project being labeled the future of combat sports.

Coker’s right-hand man, Richard Chou, will also return, serving as the head of talent relations and executive matchmaking. Chou is a veteran matchmaker, serving many of his years working with Coker across several eras in the sport.

Hoping to start with a bang, Ki MMA will host a Featherweight Grand Prix. 32 fighters from four continents will compete to be crowned the inaugural 145-pound Ki MMA champion.