Scott Coker announces new MMA league helmed in 2027

Scott Coker, the veteran mixed martial arts promoter behind Strikeforce and Bellator MMA, has announced his return to the sport with a new fight league launching in 2027. According to a Thursday press release and social media announcement, Coker has secured significant backing and assembled a roster of high-profile investors and entertainment industry figures to support the venture. While the organization's final name remains undetermined, internal correspondence suggests it may operate under a variation of "Strike MMA."

Coker's new league has attracted backing from major entertainment and media figures, including Kevin Kay, the former President of Paramount and Spike TV, who will serve on the investor and advisory board. The effort has also gained support from Wade Davis, ex-chief financial officer of Viacom, and Steve Mosko, former chair of Sony Pictures Television. Additionally, Peter Levin of Griffin Gaming Partners—who previously invested in Strikeforce before it sold to the UFC in 2011—is involved in the project.

In a statement accompanying the announcement, Coker outlined his vision for the new organization, emphasizing a return to core MMA principles. "I always knew I wanted to come back when the time was right, with the right vision and a carefully curated team," Coker said. "There is an incredible demand for a fresh, new global brand in MMA. This new league is about returning to what matters: the integrity of competition, respect for the athletes and sharing their remarkable journeys with the world."

Coker's track record in combat sports spans decades, and his leadership at both Strikeforce and Bellator established him as a significant figure in MMA promotion. The 2027 launch timeline suggests the organization is in its early planning stages, with the financial backing and advisory team now in place to develop the league's structure, fighter roster, and broadcast strategy. The venture represents another major entry point in the competitive landscape of professional MMA.