The return of Scott Coker to the MMA industry is no longer just speculation. The former Strikeforce founder and Bellator president has officially revealed the executive team behind his new global MMA promotion, which is scheduled to launch in early 2027. Backed by $60 million in financing and supported by several prominent investors, the venture is already positioning itself as one of the most ambitious combat sports projects in years.
With an experienced leadership group now in place, Coker is moving from planning to execution. The announcement offers the clearest picture yet of how the promotion intends to compete in an increasingly crowded global MMA landscape.
After spending decades building successful combat sports brands, Scott Coker is returning with a new mission: to create a global MMA organization that combines elite competition, international reach, and innovative event formats.
The promotion, which has not yet been officially named, is expected to debut in January 2027. According to Coker, the organization will feature a blend of tournaments and major superfights while focusing on talent development across multiple regions worldwide.
The newly announced executive team provides insight into how the company plans to achieve those goals.
Among the most notable appointments is Kevin Kay, who joins as Chief Content Officer. Kay previously served as a senior executive at Spike TV and played a key role in helping bring the UFC to mainstream television through The Ultimate Fighter.
Tom Fox has been named Chief Operating Officer. Fox brings executive experience from major organizations, including Nike, Gatorade, and Arsenal Football Club, providing extensive expertise in sports operations and brand development.
Rich Chou will serve as Executive Vice President of Athlete Relations. Chou is a familiar figure within MMA, having worked with Coker during their time at Strikeforce and Bellator while helping oversee fighter recruitment and matchmaking.
Additional appointments include:
• Paulo Boccotti as Executive Vice President of European Production and Operations
• Lawrence Stewart as Executive Vice President of Media Rights and Business Development
• Chris DeBlasio as Executive Vice President and Global Head of Communications
The collection of executives reflects a deliberate effort to combine MMA expertise with experience in international business, broadcasting, and sports entertainment.
The veteran promoter has repeatedly emphasized that MMA is now a truly global sport with opportunities far beyond the United States. The organization plans to host events across multiple continents and has already received interest from international broadcast partners that previously worked with Bellator.
Rather than entering new markets with occasional events, the company aims to establish long-term regional footprints that help develop local talent and cultivate dedicated fan bases.
In recent interviews, he suggested that MMA has become somewhat predictable and that fans are looking for something different. His solution is a structure that blends traditional MMA matchmaking with tournament-based competition.
The format is expected to feature annual tournaments in selected weight classes while also delivering high-profile standalone fights that attract mainstream attention.
This approach mirrors some of the elements that helped establish both Strikeforce and Bellator during their most successful periods.
At Strikeforce, he helped develop future stars such as Daniel Cormier, Luke Rockhold, and Ronda Rousey before the UFC acquired the organization.
At Bellator, he transformed the promotion into a legitimate global competitor that expanded into Europe, Asia, and the Middle East while signing major stars from around the world.
Many observers see the new promotion as an opportunity for Coker to combine the best elements of both organizations while avoiding the mistakes that limited their long-term growth.
Coker has stated that the company plans to sign between 100 and 150 fighters spanning multiple experience levels. The goal is to build a roster capable of supporting both tournaments and traditional fight cards.
The strategy will likely focus on a combination of:
• Established veterans seeking new opportunities
• Rising prospects from regional promotions
• International talent from underserved MMA markets
• Elite free agents available outside the UFC and PFL
This balanced approach mirrors the recruitment model that helped Strikeforce and Bellator discover future champions.
The appointment of Lawrence Stewart as Executive Vice President of Media Rights and Business Development highlights the company's commitment to securing major broadcast partnerships.
While no official media deal has been announced, Coker has confirmed that discussions are already underway with international partners. Given the global nature of the promotion, fans can expect a strong emphasis on streaming and digital distribution.
Future announcements regarding television and streaming partnerships will likely play a major role in determining the promotion's early momentum.
The UFC remains the dominant force in the sport, while the Professional Fighters League continues to expand internationally following its acquisition of Bellator.
However, Coker believes there is still room for another major player.
His confidence stems from decades of experience identifying market gaps, developing talent, and creating compelling events. The combination of substantial financial backing, proven leadership, and international ambitions gives the new promotion a stronger foundation than most startup organizations.
The executive team announcement is only the beginning.
Over the coming months, fans can expect updates regarding:
• The promotion's official name
• Initial fighter signings
• Tournament structures
• Broadcast agreements
• Event locations
• Sponsorship partnerships
Coker has already stated that the organization plans to hold approximately 12 events during its first full year of operation, with additional expansion planned in future seasons.
With $60 million in funding, a planned January 2027 launch, and a vision centered on global expansion and tournament competition, the promotion is already generating considerable attention throughout the industry.
While many details remain unknown, one thing is clear: Scott Coker is not building a small regional organization. He is attempting to create a new global force in MMA, and the executive team he has assembled suggests that ambition is backed by serious planning and resources.
With an experienced leadership group now in place, Coker is moving from planning to execution. The announcement offers the clearest picture yet of how the promotion intends to compete in an increasingly crowded global MMA landscape.
A New MMA Vision
After spending decades building successful combat sports brands, Scott Coker is returning with a new mission: to create a global MMA organization that combines elite competition, international reach, and innovative event formats.
The promotion, which has not yet been officially named, is expected to debut in January 2027. According to Coker, the organization will feature a blend of tournaments and major superfights while focusing on talent development across multiple regions worldwide.
The newly announced executive team provides insight into how the company plans to achieve those goals.
Scott Coker Reveals Executive Leadership Team
The promotion's leadership group consists of experienced executives from combat sports, media, broadcasting, and major global brands.Among the most notable appointments is Kevin Kay, who joins as Chief Content Officer. Kay previously served as a senior executive at Spike TV and played a key role in helping bring the UFC to mainstream television through The Ultimate Fighter.
Tom Fox has been named Chief Operating Officer. Fox brings executive experience from major organizations, including Nike, Gatorade, and Arsenal Football Club, providing extensive expertise in sports operations and brand development.
Rich Chou will serve as Executive Vice President of Athlete Relations. Chou is a familiar figure within MMA, having worked with Coker during their time at Strikeforce and Bellator while helping oversee fighter recruitment and matchmaking.
Additional appointments include:
• Paulo Boccotti as Executive Vice President of European Production and Operations
• Lawrence Stewart as Executive Vice President of Media Rights and Business Development
• Chris DeBlasio as Executive Vice President and Global Head of Communications
The collection of executives reflects a deliberate effort to combine MMA expertise with experience in international business, broadcasting, and sports entertainment.
A Promotion Built for Global Expansion
Unlike many startup promotions that focus primarily on North America, Coker's new company is being built with international growth at the center of its strategy.The veteran promoter has repeatedly emphasized that MMA is now a truly global sport with opportunities far beyond the United States. The organization plans to host events across multiple continents and has already received interest from international broadcast partners that previously worked with Bellator.
Rather than entering new markets with occasional events, the company aims to establish long-term regional footprints that help develop local talent and cultivate dedicated fan bases.
Scott Coker's Vision for the Future of MMA
One of the most interesting aspects of the project is Coker's belief that the sport needs fresh ideas.
In recent interviews, he suggested that MMA has become somewhat predictable and that fans are looking for something different. His solution is a structure that blends traditional MMA matchmaking with tournament-based competition.
The format is expected to feature annual tournaments in selected weight classes while also delivering high-profile standalone fights that attract mainstream attention.
This approach mirrors some of the elements that helped establish both Strikeforce and Bellator during their most successful periods.
Building on the Success of Strikeforce and Bellator
Few executives in MMA possess a résumé as extensive as Coker's.At Strikeforce, he helped develop future stars such as Daniel Cormier, Luke Rockhold, and Ronda Rousey before the UFC acquired the organization.
At Bellator, he transformed the promotion into a legitimate global competitor that expanded into Europe, Asia, and the Middle East while signing major stars from around the world.
Many observers see the new promotion as an opportunity for Coker to combine the best elements of both organizations while avoiding the mistakes that limited their long-term growth.
Talent Acquisition Plans
A successful MMA promotion ultimately depends on its roster.Coker has stated that the company plans to sign between 100 and 150 fighters spanning multiple experience levels. The goal is to build a roster capable of supporting both tournaments and traditional fight cards.
The strategy will likely focus on a combination of:
• Established veterans seeking new opportunities
• Rising prospects from regional promotions
• International talent from underserved MMA markets
• Elite free agents available outside the UFC and PFL
This balanced approach mirrors the recruitment model that helped Strikeforce and Bellator discover future champions.
Media Rights and Distribution Strategy
Media distribution remains one of the most important factors for any emerging combat sports organization.The appointment of Lawrence Stewart as Executive Vice President of Media Rights and Business Development highlights the company's commitment to securing major broadcast partnerships.
While no official media deal has been announced, Coker has confirmed that discussions are already underway with international partners. Given the global nature of the promotion, fans can expect a strong emphasis on streaming and digital distribution.
Future announcements regarding television and streaming partnerships will likely play a major role in determining the promotion's early momentum.
Competition in the MMA Market
Entering the MMA industry in 2027 will not be easy.The UFC remains the dominant force in the sport, while the Professional Fighters League continues to expand internationally following its acquisition of Bellator.
However, Coker believes there is still room for another major player.
His confidence stems from decades of experience identifying market gaps, developing talent, and creating compelling events. The combination of substantial financial backing, proven leadership, and international ambitions gives the new promotion a stronger foundation than most startup organizations.
What Comes Next?
The executive team announcement is only the beginning.
Over the coming months, fans can expect updates regarding:
• The promotion's official name
• Initial fighter signings
• Tournament structures
• Broadcast agreements
• Event locations
• Sponsorship partnerships
Coker has already stated that the organization plans to hold approximately 12 events during its first full year of operation, with additional expansion planned in future seasons.
Building a Global Contender
Scott Coker's announcement of the executive team behind his new MMA promotion marks a significant milestone in the company's development. The leadership group combines decades of experience in combat sports, media, athlete management, and international business.With $60 million in funding, a planned January 2027 launch, and a vision centered on global expansion and tournament competition, the promotion is already generating considerable attention throughout the industry.
While many details remain unknown, one thing is clear: Scott Coker is not building a small regional organization. He is attempting to create a new global force in MMA, and the executive team he has assembled suggests that ambition is backed by serious planning and resources.
