Scott Coker Seeks Rule Change to Allow Grounded Knees in Ki MMA
MMA promoter Scott Coker has approached the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) to explore introducing elements of international MMA rules into his new promotion, Ki MMA. However, his proposal does not include soccer kicks, stomps or linear knee strikes.
Coker confirmed the request on Tuesday, emphasizing his belief that the sport should continue to develop and evolve. Ki MMA has asked the commission to consider changes to the Unified Rules of MMA, with a discussion requested for the CSAC’s Dec. 1 stakeholders meeting.
“I’ve always believed MMA should keep evolving,” Coker said.
“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.
“We’ve asked CSAC to discuss this topic at the Dec. 1 stakeholders meeting.”
Former fighter Josh Thomson has indicated that the main focus of Coker’s proposal is to permit fighters to deliver knees to the head of a grounded opponent. The technique is currently prohibited under the Unified Rules and could introduce an additional offensive option during ground exchanges.
We have most recently heard @Jon_Anik on @anikflorianpod talk about the importance of the sport continuing to evolve with things like, new gloves, open scoring, etc. @ScottCoker is leading that charge with what most people want….. KNEES TO THE HEAD OF A GROUNDED OPPONENT
— Josh Thomson (@THEREALPUNK) October 20, 2026
Coker, who previously led Strikeforce and Bellator, announced his return to the MMA business in September. He launched Ki MMA in partnership with longtime associate Rich Chou, with the promotion planning to begin operations through a 32-fighter featherweight grand prix. Unlike many major MMA organizations, Ki MMA intends to hold its fights in a ring rather than a cage.
The proposed rule change would be discussed at the commission’s Dec. 1 meeting if the request moves forward. Approval could help Ki MMA establish a distinct identity within the sport by adopting a rule associated with Japanese promotions such as RIZIN.
Major North American organizations, including the UFC and PFL, generally operate under versions of the Unified Rules, depending on the jurisdiction hosting their events. Allowing knees to the head of grounded opponents would therefore give Ki MMA a notable point of difference if Coker’s proposal gains approval.
