What happened in this episode?
Ariel Helwani interviews Scott Coker and Rich Chou on the launch of Ki MMA, a new promotion built around a global, single-elimination featherweight Grand Prix slated to begin in 2027. Coker explains the name “Ki” as a martial-arts reference to “energy” and says the company is leaning into a ring rather than a cage, citing visibility for live audiences and a belief that it generates more action. Chou says the tournament is intended as a youth-focused platform, targeting prospects aged roughly 25 or under with fewer than 10 fights, and adds that Tapology data helped them identify featherweight as the sport’s deepest division.
Coker and Chou outline operational plans including a tentative early February 2027 debut in San Jose and an internal schedule of 13 events in 2027, with much of the calendar expected to be international. They say no fighters have been signed yet, with recruitment trips planned across Europe, Asia and potentially Brazil. Coker sketches a proposed pay structure for tournament participants, suggesting a winner’s prize in the $500,000–$750,000 range, while acknowledging details remain fluid.
On distribution, Coker says Ki MMA has hired agent John Rosen to pursue media rights and claims the promotion would still launch even without a finalised partner. In a more contentious segment, Coker alleges the UFC previously sought to induce Strikeforce-contracted fighters to leave, including by offering to cover legal fees, and says the conduct is addressed in the UFC antitrust case.
