Scott Coker announces return with new MMA promotion

Scott Coker, the veteran promoter who built both Strikeforce and Bellator into major forces in mixed martial arts, has announced plans to launch a new MMA promotion, signaling one of the most significant returns in combat sports business in recent memory.

Coker said he always knew he would come back to the sport when the timing and vision were right, and he believes that moment has now arrived. Speaking to the ambition behind the venture, he pointed to what he described as enormous global demand for a fresh brand in MMA — one built on the integrity of competition, genuine respect for athletes, and the human stories that fighters carry with them through their careers.

No specific launch timeline, location details, or additional information about the organizational structure were disclosed alongside the announcement.

Why it matters

• Coker has a proven track record of building promotions from the ground up, having guided Strikeforce to a major-network television deal before its acquisition by the UFC, then developing Bellator into one of the sport's largest organizations over more than a decade.
• His emphasis on athlete respect and storytelling suggests a promotional philosophy that may distinguish the new venture from existing competitors in how fighters are contracted and presented.
• The MMA landscape has seen significant shifts following Bellator's merger with PFL, leaving a gap in the market that Coker appears to be targeting directly with his stated focus on a "new global brand."
• The absence of a confirmed timeline means the promotion remains in early stages, and the depth of its competitive roster and broadcast partnerships are yet to be established.