Ki MMA is considering adopting elements of
Pride’s rules as the new promotion looks to distinguish itself
from other mixed martial arts organizations.
Rich Chou, the promotion’s executive vice president of athlete
relations, discussed the possibility on “Bowks Talking Bouts,”
saying officials are exploring ways to make competition more
exciting for fighters and fans.
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Rich Chou discusses Pride-inspired rules for Ki MMA’s
32-fighter featherweight Grand Prix
Chou said Ki MMA is examining existing rule sets alongside other
ideas as it develops its approach to competition.
“That is in the discussion,” Chou said. “We’ve said Pride quite a
bit. Yeah, who didn’t love Pride, right? Some of my favorite
fights, some of the greatest fights in the history of the sport.
There really was no greater spectacle for MMA and for us, it was
the same kind of adoration and love for K1 on the kickboxing side.
We’re looking at all those options and then some. Some that I think
some people are not thinking about. We’re in the war room having
all these conversations.”
Chou also emphasized that the promotion intends to consult fighters
about potential changes. He said regulatory differences among U.S.
states and the organization’s plans to hold events internationally
could create opportunities to experiment with different rules.
Ki MMA plans to launch in early 2027 with a 32-fighter
featherweight Grand Prix spanning four continents.