Overview
- Coker unveiled Ki MMA at a New York press conference on Monday, September 14, 2026, revealing the promotion’s name, leadership team and the centerpiece 32-man featherweight Grand Prix.
- The Grand Prix will run four continental brackets of eight fighters each in North America, South America, Asia and Europe, with continental winners meeting in a finale where competitors may fight twice in one night.
- Ki MMA will stage fights in a ring rather than a cage, a deliberate choice Coker says will change viewing and revive old-school tournament drama.
- The launch was reported to include roughly $60 million in initial funding and named executives including matchmaker Rich Chou, Kevin Kay, Tom Fox and Chris DeBlasio, but no official fighter signings were announced.
- Key unanswered items that will determine the promotion’s viability are confirmed roster signings, broadcast partners, the tournament prize structure and exact dates and venues for the continental qualifiers and inaugural events, and the format will also face regulatory and logistical tests because of multi-fight nights.