UNITED STATES — October 20, 2026 — Legendary combat sports promoter Scott Coker is making another bold move with his new organization, Ki MMA, formally requesting changes to the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts that could bring one of the most recognizable techniques from the historic PRIDE Fighting Championships era back into competition.

According to a report by Nolan King of MMA Junkie, Ki MMA has submitted a formal request to the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) seeking permission to incorporate elements of the Global MMA Rules into its competition format.

The central proposal involves allowing knee strikes to the head of a grounded opponent, a technique associated with Japanese MMA organizations, including the legendary PRIDE Fighting Championships.

Under the current Unified Rules of MMA, fighters are prohibited from delivering knee strikes to the head of a grounded opponent. Ki MMA’s proposal seeks to reconsider that restriction while maintaining prohibitions on several other controversial techniques.

In a statement released through Ki MMA, Coker emphasized his belief that mixed martial arts should continue evolving.

The promotion’s request specifically excludes soccer kicks, stomps and linear knee strikes, distinguishing its proposal from a complete return to the historical PRIDE ruleset.

The California State Athletic Commission is expected to discuss the proposal during its December 1, 2026, stakeholders meeting.

A Return to Japanese MMA Traditions

The proposed rule change reflects Ki MMA’s broader ambition to combine modern mixed martial arts with elements of Japan’s historic combat sports culture.

Unlike most major American MMA promotions, which stage their events inside a cage, Ki MMA has already announced plans to hold its fights inside a traditional ring.

The combination of ring-based competition and potentially expanded striking rules represents a deliberate effort to establish a distinctive identity in the international MMA market.

For longtime fans of Japanese mixed martial arts, the proposed return of grounded knees recalls an era when organizations such as PRIDE featured different tactical possibilities and approaches to competition.

However, the requested rule change has not been approved, and any implementation would depend on regulatory consideration and authorization.

Ki MMA Targets 2027 Launch

Beyond its proposed competition rules, Ki MMA is preparing an international platform focused on developing emerging fighters.

The promotion is expected to launch in early 2027, with plans for an ambitious 32-fighter international featherweight Grand Prix.

The tournament format reflects another important connection to Japanese combat sports history, where Grand Prix competitions played a central role in establishing champions and international stars.

Ki MMA is expected to reveal additional information about its fighter roster and event schedule as preparations continue.

With Coker’s extensive promotional experience and a vision centered on international talent, tournament competition and a distinctive ruleset, Ki MMA is positioning itself as an alternative to established MMA organizations.

A Potential Turning Point for MMA Rules

The upcoming California State Athletic Commission discussion could become an important moment in the ongoing debate over how mixed martial arts rules should evolve.

Supporters of expanded striking rules may view grounded knees as an opportunity to introduce additional tactical dimensions, while regulators must consider athlete safety and the implications of changing established competition standards.

For now, Ki MMA’s proposal remains under consideration, but it has already generated attention by reopening a discussion closely connected to the sport’s international history.

A traditional ring. A 32-fighter World Grand Prix. A proposal to revive grounded knees. Scott Coker’s Ki MMA is looking to bring a new identity to modern mixed martial arts.

Source: Nolan King, MMA Junkie, October 20, 2026. Updated October 21, 2026.

Read the original report: MMA Junkie — Scott Coker and Ki MMA Request Rule Change