Scott Coker Petitions CSAC for Rule Changes in New Ki MMA Promotion

Scott Coker has officially initiated the process to modify competitive regulations for his newly formed promotion, Ki MMA. The former Bellator and Strikeforce executive confirmed on Tuesday that he has submitted a formal request to the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) regarding the implementation of specific rule sets inspired by the legendary Japanese organization PRIDE Fighting Championships.

While Coker aims to capture the aesthetic and competitive spirit of the defunct organization, he explicitly stated that the proposed changes will not include the reintroduction of soccer kicks or head stomps. The focus remains on modernizing the approach to fight structure while maintaining athlete safety standards currently enforced by state regulatory bodies.

Coker has long been noted for his appreciation of the PRIDE format, and the request to the CSAC marks the first concrete move to integrate those influences into the organizational framework of Ki MMA. As the promotion prepares for its debut, the outcome of these discussions with the commission will likely dictate the technical parameters under which the roster will compete. No specific timeline for the CSAC’s response or an official resolution was provided at this stage, but the move signals a clear intent to differentiate the brand from the standard Unified Rules of MMA.

Source: MMA Fighting.