Ki MMAs Scott Coker Targets Top Former UFC Fighters for New Roster

MVP Boxing |  

Longtime Strikeforce and Bellator promoter Scott Coker is officially back in the promotion business, and he’s already making noise in the free-agent market, announcing that his new MMA promotion, Ki MMA, is aggressively pursuing free agents in every division. 

During a September 14 press conference in New York City unveiling his new organization, Ki MMA, the boss made clear that no unsigned fighter is out of reach (h/t Home of Fight). 

“If you’re a free agent, give us a call. We have a budget where there’s not any free agent that is untouchable,” he said during the conference.

The promotion, reportedly backed by $60 million in financing, plans to launch in early 2027 with a 32-man featherweight world grand prix as its centerpiece. But Coker was blunt that the roster won’t stop there.

“If you’re a free agent at the highest level, we have the ability to sign you,” he said, encouraging any unsigned talent to reach out.

This enthusiasm for free-agent signings from Coker is quite different from the more cautious tone of the promotion’s matchmaker, Rich Chou.

“We don’t have to have eight weight classes. Let’s go find where the most talented, young, hungry fighters are, and let’s build there,” Chou said in an interview with Cageside Press. “Maybe it’s welterweight, maybe it’s middleweight. We don’t know quite yet, but it’s our job to find out.”

Still, Ki MMA’s emergence comes at a time when the UFC has trimmed its roster considerably. With Coker promising to spend, here are fighters from every possible division who were released by the UFC that could get a call.

Flyweight

Muhammad Mokaev is perhaps the most tantalizing former UFC fighter who went undefeated in the Octagon (h/t ESPN MMA).

The Dagestani-British fighter was on his way to a possible flyweight title shot until he was released due to behavior outside of the cage rather than his skills or marketability as a fighter.

Bantamweight

Aoriqileng was released earlier this month after going 4-6 (1 NC) inside the UFC Octagon. Despite a losing record in the UFC, he remains an experienced option for a division Ki MMA hasn’t fully fleshed out yet.

He’s rarely in a boring fight, as even the bouts where he loses always contain drama and explosive moments.

Featherweight

Shayilan Nuerdanbieke is a name worth watching, especially since the promotion is starting with a featherweight grand prix.

His 39-12 overall record and aggressive style could make him a compelling addition to the opening tournament field.

Lightweight

Brad Riddell was released from his UFC contract back in May, but could be a fun addition to Ki MMA’s fledgling roster.

Though he has been away from competition for nearly four years and is seemingly focused on coaching at Bangtao MMA gym in Thailand, his skill set and fighting style would make for exciting bouts. His victory against Drew Dober is one of his standout fights.

Welterweight

Rinat Fakhretdinov, who was released just before Christmas last year, should be one of the most sought-after welterweights that were cut by the UFC.

The man never lost in the UFC Octagon, going 6-0-1 and even finishing his last opponent, Andreas Gustafsson.

Middleweight

Michael “Venom” Page was perhaps the most notable UFC athlete whose contract was not renewed. Following his UFC career, his striking pedigree and fan base make him an obvious splash signing for a promotion trying to build buzz fast. To top it off, he has a preexisting relationship with Coker, as he was Bellator’s promotional darling for a decade (h/t BellatorMMA on YouTube).

Light Heavyweight

Artem Vakhitov was on the verge of signing with the UFC, even going so far as to win a fight on Dana White’s Contender Series. 

Though he never signed with the UFC, Vakhitov is a definite draw over any other UFC light heavyweights who have been recently released. He may have lost his last two kickboxing fights and is only 3-1 in professional MMA, but his past kickboxing victories over UFC superstar Alex Pereira would undoubtedly bring additional name recognition to the promotion.

Heavyweight

Jailton Almeida would be the most accomplished UFC heavyweight who was released from the organization within the past year. Almeida went 8-3 in the UFC with five finishes, and he is a ground specialist with top-10 credentials.

Almeida would immediately become the biggest name in Ki MMA’s heavyweight division. For a promotion building its identity around tournament competition and Super Fights, Almeida is the exact type of established free agent Coker said he could afford.

Women’s Strawweight

Bruna Brasil has had a rough outing during her UFC career, but that does not take away from her credentials. Despite going 3-5 in the promotion, she holds wins over bigger names in the division like Shi Ming and Molly McCann. It’s also hard not to mention her amazing head kick victory on Dana White’s Contender Series (h/t ESPN MMA).

She has great striking, and her ability to throw down in that realm makes her an exciting signing should Ki decide to invest in its women’s divisions.

Women’s Flyweight

Viviane Araujo was released from the UFC in July 2025 following a 7-6 promotional run, ending her six-year tenure with a loss to Tracy Cortez at UFC 317. She holds notable UFC wins over Karine Silva, Jennifer Maia, Andrea Lee, and Roxanne Modafferi.

She is currently fighting in the PFL, but if Ki MMA decides to expand its roster to women’s flyweight, she is definitely a fighter they should reach out to.

Women’s Bantamweight

Ketlen Vieira was ranked within the top five of the UFC women’s bantamweight division when she was released.

Though she recently lost her PFL featherweight debut against Cris Cyborg and missed weight, her 10-5 tenure in the Octagon with notable victories over Miesha Tate and Holly Holm gives her a solid case to be signed.

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Sep 16, 2026, where it first appeared in the MMA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.