Scott Coker announces executive team for new MMA promotion

"

CHICAGO, IL - JUNE 14: Bellator president Scott Coker speaks to the media at the Bellator 297 pre-fight press conference on June 14, 2023, at the Willis Tower Sky Deck in Chicago, IL. (Photo by Amy Kaplan/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images Scott Coker’s unnamed new MMA promotion has a slew of new names added to the mix. On Tuesday, Coker announced via a press releast that six new executives would be joining the team for his return to the mixed martial arts promotional scene — which is expected to launch in 2027. Kevin Kay joins the team as Chief Content Officer, who developed programming for the likes of Viacom, Spike TV, and many others. Kay was a big part of launching The Ultimate Fighter, and bringing the UFC to Spike TV many years ago. Tom Fox serves as Chief Operating Officer after several years in leadership roles for Gatorade, Nike, and others, while Rich Chou is the new executive vice president of athlete relations. Chou has been a mainstay in MMA for years — working for the likes of Bellator, Strikeforce, Elite XC, and Rumble on the Rock during his long career in the sport. Rounding out the rest of the leadership team are Paulo Boccotti as executive vice president of European production and operation, executive vice president of media rights and business development Lawrence Stewart, as well as combat sports public relations veteran Chris DeBlasio, who holds the titles of executive vice president and global head of communications. The company was launched with $60 million in financing, with Creator Sports Capital leading the way. Additional announcements are expected soon.