Coker Requests Knee Rule Change For Ki MMA

Scott Coker has formally asked California regulators to allow knees to grounded opponents for his Ki MMA promotion.

The former Strikeforce and Bellator head submitted a request to the California State Athletic Commission seeking to adopt certain global MMA rules for Ki MMA, excluding soccer kicks and stomps, MMA Fighting reports. Coker said Tuesday that the commission will discuss the topic at a stakeholders meeting on Dec. 1.

Ki MMA Rule Change Targets Grounded Knees

Former fighter Josh Thomson, according to MMA Fighting, said Coker specifically wants to permit knees to the head of a grounded opponent, which current unified rules ban. "I've always believed MMA should keep evolving," Coker said in a statement. "Ki MMA has formally requested a rule change to bring elements of the global MMA rules into the unified rules, excluding soccer kicks, stomps and linear knee strikes as per Rule 533."

The technique is legal in RIZIN and other international promotions. Coker launched Ki MMA in September alongside business partner Rich Chou, announcing plans for a 32-fighter featherweight grand prix held in a ring rather than a cage.

If approved, the rule would set Ki MMA apart from UFC and PFL, which use unified rules at North American events. California regulators will take up the matter in six weeks.

Reported via:

• MMA Fighting — Scott Coker formally requests rule change for Ki MMA