Ki MMA is considering introducing elements
pride‘s rules, as the new promotion stands out from other mixed martial arts organizations.
Rich Chou, the promotion’s vice president of athlete relations, discussed the possibility on “Bowks Talking Bouts,” saying officials are exploring ways to make the contest more exciting for fighters and fans.
Rich Chou discusses the Pride-inspired rules for Ki MMA’s 32-fighter featherweight Grand Prix
Chou said Ki MMA will explore existing rulesets along with other ideas as it develops its approach to competition.
“It’s under discussion,” Chou said. “We’ve talked about Pride quite a bit. Yeah, who didn’t love Pride, right? Some of my favorite fights, some of the biggest fights in the history of the sport. There really wasn’t a bigger spectacle for MMA, and for us it was the same adoration and love for K1 on the kickboxing side. We’re looking at all those options and then I think some people don’t think about the war. conversations.”
Chou also emphasized that the promotion aims to consult with fighters about possible changes. Regulatory differences between U.S. states and the organization’s plans to hold events internationally could create opportunities to experiment with different rules, he said.
Ki MMA plans to launch a 32-fighter featherweight Grand Prix spanning four continents in early 2027.
