Unlike UFC, the former Strikeforce and Bellator boss will be contesting his fights inside a ring, similar to Japanese-style MMA. In addition, Coker is petitioning California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) to introduce knees to a grounded opponent, currently outlawed in the Unified Rules of MMA.
“I’ve always believed MMA should keep evolving,” Coker wrote on social media. “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.”
As Coker indicated in his request, Ki MMA will not be looking to bring soccer kicks and stomps to stateside competition. If you think the outrage over Power Slap is bad, just wait until MMA detractors get a look at someone being stomped into oblivion or punted across the canvas like a Adidas Trionda Pro.
“We have most recently heard Jon Anik talk about the importance of the sport continuing to evolve with things like new gloves, open scoring, etc.,” former Strikeforce headliner, Josh Thomson, said on social media. “Scott Coker is leading that charge with what most people want … knees to the head of a grounded opponent!”
I’d rather see the yellow card than knees to the head, but I understand the appeal. The challenge will be getting rules approved and implemented in one state that remain banned in others. Otherwise the rules are no longer unified and fighters have to remember what’s legal in one territory versus what’s banned in another.
CSAC will have to make that determination in December.
