Scott Coker requests rule change for Ki MMA

Scott Coker, founder of the new Ki MMA promotion, has formally requested that the California State Athletic Commission allow knees to the head of a grounded opponent. The proposal aims to incorporate elements of global MMA rules into the current unified rules used in North America.

The request specifically excludes soccer kicks, stomps, and linear knee strikes. If approved, the rule would allow fighters to use knee strikes during grappling exchanges on the mat, a technique currently permitted in international promotions such as RIZIN but banned under the unified rules used by the UFC and PFL.

Coker, who previously led Strikeforce and Bellator, launched Ki MMA in September alongside partner Rich Chou. The promotion plans to host a 32-fighter featherweight grand prix featuring bouts held in a ring rather than a cage. The California State Athletic Commission is scheduled to discuss the matter at a stakeholders meeting on December 1.