Co-founders Scott Coker and Peter Y. Levin have unveiled Ki MMA, a new global mixed martial arts promotion launching in the first quarter of 2027. At a launch event in Lower Manhattan, Coker and his team introduced the brand, defined the brand identity and foundation of the company and outlined a 32-fighter World Grand Prix tournament spanning North America, Europe, Asia and South America.
The inaugural 2027 Ki MMA World Grand Prix will be contested at featherweight (145 lbs limit) and feature four eight-fighter continental tournaments, with each Continental Champion advancing to a one-night World Grand Prix Final featuring the Semifinals and Championship bout. The competition will anchor the promotion’s mission to discover and develop the next generation of MMA champions.
All Ki MMA bouts will take place in a ring.
Ki MMA events will also feature Super Fights involving established, world-class athletes. Additional bouts across multiple weight classes will showcase a broad range of international talent alongside the World Grand Prix.The name Ki represents the energy, spirit and life force within everyone. Rooted in martial arts tradition, it reflects the promotion’s commitment to bringing the soul and spirit of martial arts back to MMA.
“Some of the most rewarding moments of my career have been watching fighters go from prospects to stars on the world stage, and that’s what we’re setting out to do with Ki MMA,” said Scott Coker, Co-Founder and CEO of Ki MMA. “We’re giving fighters across four continents a clear path to becoming our first World Grand Prix champion. We want to build stars while staying true to the discipline, character and respect that drew us to martial arts in the first place.”
The continental tournaments will follow a single-elimination format, progressing through quarterfinals, semifinals and continental finals to determine the four regional champions. The four Ki MMA Continental Champions will then meet at the World Grand Prix Final, featuring two semifinal bouts followed by the championship bout later that evening. To claim the inaugural title, the eventual champion must win five bouts over the course of the competition, including two on the final night.
Featherweight was selected for the inaugural World Grand Prix because of the division’s deep and geographically diverse talent pool, as well as its compelling combination of speed, power and technical skill. The global structure will provide athletes from established and emerging MMA markets with a clear competitive path from their home region to the world stage.
“We’re building Ki MMA for the long term, with the resources, team and discipline to grow responsibly,” said Peter Y. Levin, Co-Founder and Chairman of Ki MMA. “Scott’s track record of developing fighters into stars, combined with the experience of our investor and advisory group, gives us a strong foundation. Our focus is on creating a sports property that fans connect with, athletes can build their careers in and partners can grow alongside.”
Monday’s brand launch event brought together key stakeholders, investors and Advisory Board members, along with many of the MMA legends and pioneers whose careers are closely tied to Scott Coker’s. Among those in attendance were Randy Couture, who joined the presentation, Royce Gracie, Fedor Emelianenko, Cris Cyborg, Nate Diaz, Tyron Woodley, Gil Melendez, Frank Shamrock, Josh Thomson, Mark Coleman and more. The event marked the formal unveiling of Ki MMA, following the May 2026 announcement of Coker’s return to combat sports and the formation of the new venture with $60 million in financing. Watch the full launch presentation on ATS FIGHT
Event dates, host cities and broadcast information will be announced ahead of Ki MMA’s 2027 debut.
About Ki MMA:
Ki MMA is a global mixed martial arts promotion founded by Scott Coker and Peter Levin to discover the next generation of MMA champions while bringing the soul and spirit of martial arts back to the sport. Debuting in 2027, Ki MMA will present a 32-fighter Featherweight World Grand Prix across North America, Europe, Asia and South America, alongside select Super Fights and additional bouts across multiple weight classes. All bouts will take place in a ring. For more information, visit ki-mma.com and follow @ki_mmaofficial on social media.
