Tony Hawk Invested in New MMA Promotion Ki MMA
The legendary skateboarder has backed a new combat sports venture founded by Scott Coker.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Mixed Martial Arts
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Professional skateboarder Tony Hawk has officially invested in the newly launched MMA promotion Ki MMA. Founder Scott Coker revealed the league's branding and unique ring-based fighting structure at a recent launch event.
Why it matters
Hawk, who became an MMA fan through his sons, cited his trust in the leadership team as a primary driver for his involvement in the venture. The promotion aims to differentiate itself from competitors by utilizing a ring rather than the traditional cage.
Ki MMA plans to feature a World Grand Prix as part of its debut competitive structure. The league will distinguish itself by hosting all bouts within a ring, moving away from the standard cage format seen in most modern mixed martial arts.
The players
Tony Hawk
He is a legendary professional skateboarder and entrepreneur who has expanded his business portfolio into the combat sports sector.
Scott Coker
He is the founder of the newly established Ki MMA promotion and a veteran executive in the professional mixed martial arts industry.
Marlon Chito Vera
He is a professional mixed martial artist who maintains a personal friendship with Tony Hawk.
The details
At the launch event, Scott Coker unveiled the official logo and set design for the new league. Tony Hawk, who maintains a massive social media presence, is expected to leverage his platform to help promote the organization's future events to his audience.
Timeline
Tony Hawk attended the Ki MMA launch event on September 14, 2026.
Ki MMA is expected to host its first event in early 2027.
Season Trajectory
The introduction of Ki MMA signals a potential shift in the competitive balance of the sport by challenging the dominance of cage-based organizations. This venture follows a pattern of high-profile investment entering the MMA market, aiming to disrupt established viewing and staging habits.
The transition to a ring-based fighting format will fundamentally alter the pacing and tactical strategies of matches compared to cage-based bouts. Fans should anticipate a different aesthetic and movement style when the promotion hosts its first tournament-style World Grand Prix.
The takeaway
The move by high-profile investors like Tony Hawk highlights the growing cross-disciplinary appeal of mixed martial arts as an entertainment product. Aspiring fans of the new league should watch for upcoming announcements regarding the inaugural World Grand Prix roster.
Further reading
For more on the changing landscape of combat sports, visit the Mixed Martial Arts section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Heavy.
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