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Scott Coker
Scott Coker
from Wikipedia

Scott Coker (born October 3, 1962) is an American mixed martial artist, Taekwondoin, former movie stuntman,[2] and combat sports promoter. He is the founder and former CEO of MMA promotion Strikeforce, former president of Bellator MMA, and founder of Fight Night at the Tech.

Key Information

Background

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Scott Coker was born in Seoul in 1962.[3] His father, an American from Tennessee, had arrived in Korea shortly after the Korean War. He met Scott's mother, a Korean, while she was singing at a USO club. They married in December 1959. When he was approximately 9 years old, Scott and his family relocated to the United States, where they settled in San Jose, California in 1973.[4]

Coker is an Ernie Reyes protégé and full-contact fight promoter covering Kickboxing, K-1, and MMA. Coker has obtained an 8th degree black belt in Taekwondo under Reyes and was an original member of the West Coast Demonstration Team. In 1986, Scott Coker became one of the first directors of ISKA.[5]

Mixed martial arts

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Strikeforce

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Coker founded Strikeforce in 1985 as a kickboxing organization.[6]

The promotion held its first MMA event, Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Gracie, on March 10, 2006, at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, California.[7] Over the next five years, Coker built the brand into the number two mixed martial arts promotion in the United States, partnering with both Showtime and CBS to televise their events. Strikeforce co-promoted some events with Elite Xtreme Combat, or EliteXC.

In March 2011, Strikeforce was purchased by Zuffa, LLC.[8] Coker was retained by the company for a contractual period of three years, ending in April 2014.[9]

Bellator MMA

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On June 18, 2014, Coker was announced as the new President of Bellator MMA, replacing founder and CEO Bjorn Rebney.[10] Coker was brought in to make it a less tournament-focused promotion. After the selling of promotion in 2024, Coker did not transition with the ownership and resigned as CEO.

Fight Night at the Tech

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In March 2024, four months after Bellator MMA was sold to PFL, Coker announced that he and Gilbert Melendez will debut a new MMA event called Fight Night at the Tech, on May 18, 2024.[11]

Awards

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  • Combat Press
    • 2015 Executive of the Year[12]

Film career

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Coker has participated in various martial arts movies as a fighter, including Dragon Fight, The Last Dragon, and Surf Ninjas.

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Scott Coker (born 1962) is an American combat sports promoter and former martial artist, best known as the founder and former CEO of the mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion Strikeforce, the former president of Bellator MMA, and the current executive producer of the Fight Night at the Tech event series. Born in Seoul, South Korea, Coker moved to the United States at age nine with his family, settling in San Jose, California, where he began training in taekwondo under Ernie Reyes Sr. and eventually earned a fifth-degree black belt. His career in combat sports promotion started in the 1980s with the International Sport Karate Association (ISKA), where he organized kickboxing events, followed by involvement in K-1 promotions during the 1990s. In 2006, Coker founded Strikeforce in San Jose, transforming it into a premier MMA organization that rivaled the (UFC) by featuring high-profile fighters such as , , and women's pioneer . Under his leadership, Strikeforce hosted landmark events, including multiple bouts involving future UFC champions. He sold the promotion to (UFC's parent company) in March 2011 for an undisclosed amount, after which Strikeforce operated as a UFC feeder league until its closure in 2013. In June 2014, Coker joined as president, succeeding founder , and oversaw the promotion's growth through tournament formats, celebrity signings like , and acquisitions of talents such as Rory MacDonald and . Following ViacomCBS's sale of Bellator to the Professional Fighters League (PFL) in late 2023, Coker declined an offer to remain in an executive role and departed the organization in early 2024. He subsequently returned to his roots in San Jose by launching Fight Night at the Tech, a combat sports series blending MMA, kickboxing, Muay Thai, and boxing at the Tech CU Arena, with events featuring stars like Cris Cyborg and Gilbert Melendez. As of 2025, the series has hosted multiple successful cards, including Fight Night 3 in May and an upcoming Fight Night IV scheduled for December 13.

Early life and background

Childhood and family

Scott Coker was born on October 3, 1962, in , . He grew up as the middle child in a of three sons, with a Korean mother and an American father originally from . His parents met shortly after the , when his father arrived in Korea and his mother performed as a singer at a USO club; they married in December 1959. His father worked in the import/export business in Korea for 16 years, often traveling to , while his mother maintained traditional Korean values and encouraged academic pursuits like or for her children. Coker's early years in Seoul were spent in a vibrant, setting, including aunts, his grandmother, and cousins, with fond memories of neighborhoods like . The household reflected a blend of cultures, shaped by his father's Southern American roots and military-influenced discipline. In 1971, at age nine, the family immigrated to the , initially relocating before settling in , where his father started a company. The move marked a significant shift from Seoul's bustling urban life to American suburbia, requiring adjustment to a new language, school system, and social environment as a biracial child. His parents supported this transition through structured family life—his mother emphasizing educational stability and , while his father provided encouragement for personal interests amid the changes. This foundational period in San Jose laid the groundwork for Coker's later pursuits, including an emerging interest in .

Martial arts training

Following his family's immigration from Seoul, South Korea, to the in 1971 at age nine, Scott Coker settled in the and soon discovered as a means to adapt to his new environment. He began training intensively under renowned instructor at a in , immersing himself in the discipline's forms, , and philosophy. Coker's dedication progressed rapidly; he earned his first-degree black belt at age 16 in 1978, marking a significant milestone after advancing from white belt through the colored ranks over several years of consistent practice. Over the subsequent decades, he continued his advancement under Reyes Sr., ultimately achieving an 8th-degree black belt, a rank reflecting mastery and long-term commitment to taekwondo's principles. By his late teens, Coker transitioned into an instructional role, beginning to teach classes around age 18-19 at Reyes Sr.'s school in , where he instructed adults including professionals with no prior experience. At age 21 in 1983, he expanded his teaching responsibilities while remaining deeply involved as an original member of the West Coast Demonstration Team, a performance group founded by Reyes Sr. that showcased through synchronized forms, weapons routines, and acrobatic displays. As part of the demo team, Coker traveled nationwide, performing at major and tournaments to promote the art, honing his skills in high-pressure exhibition settings rather than formal competitive bouts. These experiences as a practitioner and instructor laid the groundwork for his later expertise in organizing combat sports events.

Combat sports promotion

Early kickboxing promotions

Scott Coker entered the world of combat sports promotion in 1985 at the age of 22, when he was offered the opportunity to organize regional events under the auspices of the Professional Kickboxing Association (PKA). His first show took place that February, marking the beginning of his efforts to bring professional full-contact karate to audiences in . These initial promotions were modest, often held in high school gyms and smaller venues around San Jose, reflecting the grassroots nature of the sport at the time. Coker's background as a teacher played a pivotal role in his transition to promotion, leveraging his connections from instructing at local academies and his involvement with the West Coast Demonstration Team under Ernie Reyes to secure fighters and venues. While working as a teacher, he drew on his personal passion for and to organize these events, partnering with PKA officials to ensure sanctioned matches that adhered to professional rules. This teaching experience provided practical insights into athlete development and event logistics, helping him navigate the logistical challenges of staging bouts in limited spaces. Over the following years, Coker's promotions evolved from informal, passion-driven ventures into a more structured professional operation, with events gaining visibility through a weekly television series in the mid-1980s. Early shows, such as the March 1985 card at the San Jose Civic Auditorium, drew a few thousand spectators and featured regional talent, but building a consistent audience proved challenging amid competition from other combat formats and limited marketing resources. Notable bouts included exhibitions and title defenses under PKA rules, which helped cultivate emerging and established Coker's reputation in the West Coast scene. These foundational experiences in kickboxing promotion laid the groundwork for his later expansions into larger-scale combat sports events.

Strikeforce

Scott Coker founded Strikeforce in 1985 as a promotion based in , initially focusing on regional events under the umbrella of the (PKA). The organization began transitioning to (MMA) in 2006 with its inaugural MMA event, Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Gracie, held on March 10 at the in San Jose, which drew a record-breaking crowd of 18,265 for a North American MMA card at the time. Under Coker's leadership as CEO, Strikeforce rapidly expanded its roster by signing high-profile fighters, including in 2009 following the acquisition of select EliteXC assets after that promotion's collapse. This signing bolstered Strikeforce's appeal, particularly in women's MMA with Carano's star power. A pivotal milestone came in 2011 with the event Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Silva on February 12 at the Izod Center in , featuring former heavyweight champion against Antonio Silva, which highlighted the promotion's ability to attract international talent. Strikeforce's business growth accelerated through strategic broadcasting partnerships, including a multi-year deal with Showtime announced in February 2009 to produce and air up to 16 live events annually, enabling national exposure and higher production values. This agreement facilitated expansion from regional venues like the to larger arenas such as the Izod Center, supporting increased attendance and revenue. The promotion's success culminated in its acquisition by , LLC—the parent company of the (UFC)—in March 2011 for an undisclosed amount estimated around $40 million. Coker remained as CEO post-acquisition, overseeing the integration of Strikeforce's talent and events into Zuffa's ecosystem while maintaining operational independence for the brand. This experience informed Coker's subsequent strategies at , emphasizing talent acquisition and broadcast partnerships.

Bellator MMA

Scott Coker was appointed president of on June 18, 2014, succeeding founder , who departed amid tensions with parent company Viacom. In this role, Coker drew on his prior experience developing fighters at Strikeforce to reshape Bellator's structure and talent acquisition strategy. Under Coker's leadership, Bellator shifted away from its signature season-long tournament format starting in 2015, opting instead for traditional title defenses and headline bouts to attract bigger stars and stabilize event scheduling. He launched in 2016 as a complementary stand-up striking series, with the inaugural event held on April 16 in , , co-promoted with Kickboxing and broadcast on Spike TV. Coker also prioritized high-profile signings, including former UFC light heavyweight champion in August 2013 and Russian legend on a multi-fight deal in November 2016, which helped elevate the promotion's visibility. Key events during Coker's tenure included Bellator 145 in November 2015, which featured Tito Ortiz's title challenge against and drew significant attention with undercard bouts like vs. Dada 5000. He reintroduced grand prix tournaments in a streamlined format, such as the 2018 heavyweight grand prix won by and the 2023 lightweight edition, to create marquee narratives and determine divisional champions. Bellator's television partnerships evolved under Coker, maintaining a strong alliance with Viacom networks, including a shift to the in 2018 for live broadcasts of major events before transitioning to in 2020. Coker's presidency ended following the Professional Fighters League's (PFL) acquisition of Bellator, announced in November 2023 and finalized shortly thereafter for an undisclosed sum reported to be less than $100 million. PFL offered Coker and his team roles in the merged entity, but he declined in late 2023, citing a desire to pursue independent ventures rather than continue in a corporate structure.

Fight Night at the Tech

In March 2024, Scott Coker announced the launch of Fight Night at the Tech, a new regional promotion co-founded with former Strikeforce champion , marking Coker's return to his San Jose roots following his tenure at . Coker serves as , leveraging his extensive experience in combat sports promotion, while Melendez acts as the primary spokesperson and co-promoter, emphasizing a collaborative effort to revive local fight scenes. The venture aims to foster community engagement by hosting events at in , without reliance on large corporate sponsorships. The inaugural event took place on May 18, 2024, at Tech CU Arena, featuring a mid-sized card with a mix of professional MMA, Muay Thai, and kickboxing bouts that highlighted Bay Area talent. The format prioritizes accessible, high-energy fights to build a grassroots audience, drawing from Coker's past promotions' emphasis on community involvement. Subsequent events have followed a similar structure, with cards designed to showcase emerging fighters from the region while maintaining an intimate venue atmosphere for around 4,000 spectators. Key features of the series include pathways for amateur fighters to transition to professional status, facilitated through partnerships with organizations like CamoMMA, which integrates amateur bouts into event lineups to provide developmental opportunities. Collaborations with the (WBC) extend to sanctioning titles in and divisions, elevating the profile of select matches and attracting internationally ranked competitors. For instance, the 2025 Fight Night IV card on December 13, scheduled at , spotlights Matt "The Butcher" Baker in a high-profile bout for the ISKA Super Cruiser U.S. Title, underscoring the promotion's blend of local and global appeal. As of November 2025, Fight Night at the Tech has expanded with multiple successful events, including Fight Night 2 in October 2024 and Fight Night 3 in May 2025, along with signings of undefeated prospects like Bobby Seronio III and plans for quarterly cards to sustain growth. Operating independently without major corporate backing, the promotion focuses on organic development of talent, aiming to establish a sustainable regional circuit that nurtures careers from levels upward.

Film and media career

Stunt work

Scott Coker entered the film industry as a stunt performer in the 1980s, drawing on his Taekwondo expertise honed under instructor Ernie Reyes Sr., where he achieved a 5th-degree black belt. His early work capitalized on the demand for skilled martial artists in action sequences during Hollywood's martial arts film boom. Coker's notable credits include a role as a member of the West Coast Demonstration Team in (1985), where he participated in dynamic fight choreography showcasing techniques against lead actor . In the 1991 TV series Secret Bodyguard, he appeared as First Thug. In (1989), he portrayed Big Boss's Bodyguard and contributed to intense scenes, including a memorable on-screen fight against that highlighted his full-contact striking abilities. He later served as a stunt double for in (1993), performing physical feats in comedic action set pieces alongside the Reyes family. These roles often involved choreographing realistic exchanges, blending his competitive background with cinematic demands. Coker began organizing regional kickboxing events in 1985 through the (PKA) while continuing work into the early 1990s, eventually transitioning to full-time combat sports promotion after his final film credit in 1993. No major injuries from his career are documented, though the physical rigors of on-set fights, such as those in , underscored the parallels to his competitions. Coker's Hollywood appearances elevated his profile within the community, providing early visibility that facilitated networking and credibility as he shifted toward promoting live events, ultimately shaping his path in professional sports.

Other appearances

Scott Coker has appeared as a guest on various MMA podcasts and radio programs to share insights on the industry. For example, he joined Radio in April 2019 to discuss Bellator's fighter development and event strategies. He also featured on the and Strength Podcast in November 2016, elaborating on high-profile signings like and his vision for hybrid events. Coker has given numerous interviews and profiles in prominent outlets, often exploring his promotion philosophies, such as prioritizing fighter welfare and innovative matchmaking. In a June 2019 New York Times profile, he reflected on maintaining a low-key amid the high-stakes world of MMA promotion, emphasizing long-term sustainability over short-term hype. Similarly, in a December 2020 interview, Coker discussed his approach to talent acquisition, citing past experiences with fighters like to illustrate decisions balancing risk and opportunity. In 2024 and , Coker has actively promoted his new venture, Fight Night at the Tech, through media discussions on social platforms and , highlighting its focus on local Bay Area talent and diverse combat sports formats. A March 2024 MMA Mania article detailed his announcement of the series' debut event on May 18, 2024, at in San Jose, where he outlined plans for MMA, , and bouts. By April , he collaborated with for a match at Fight Night 3: San Jose on May 17, as covered in LowKick MMA, underscoring his commitment to cross-disciplinary events. In , Coker promoted Fight Night IV, scheduled for December 13, , at , continuing the series' focus on diverse combat sports. Coker has made cameo appearances in MMA-related documentaries and TV segments unrelated to his stunt work, providing commentary on the sport's evolution. In the 2016 documentary The Hurt Business, he contributed insights on the mainstream rise of alongside fighters like and . Additionally, in a 2015 Showtime segment titled "Bellator MMA: In Focus," Coker discussed the promotion's growth and unique tournament formats.

Recognition and honors

Industry awards

In 2015, Scott Coker was named Executive of the Year by Combat Press for his leadership at , where he revitalized the promotion through strategic event programming and talent acquisition that boosted its visibility in the competitive MMA landscape. This recognition highlighted his role in fostering fighter development and innovative formats, such as structures, which differentiated Bellator from dominant organizations like the UFC. In October 2019, Coker received a star on the Walk of Fame for his role in hosting successful Bellator events at the venue. Coker's contributions to women's MMA earned him industry acknowledgments as a pioneer, particularly through Strikeforce's early inclusion of female divisions that featured stars like and , paving the way for broader acceptance of the discipline in major promotions. During his Bellator tenure, he continued this legacy by championing female talent, including signing divisions at 145 pounds and supporting champions like , who credited his efforts for advancing opportunities in the sport. He received multiple nominations for Leading Man of the Year at the Fighters Only , including in 2023 alongside figures like , underscoring his executive influence on global MMA growth. In 2024, Coker was inducted into the Black Belt Hall of Fame via the Publishers Award, honoring his visionary impact on combat sports promotion, from revivals to MMA event innovation over decades. These accolades position Coker as a key architect in elevating MMA's organizational standards amid a landscape increasingly focused on diverse formats and inclusivity.

Martial arts achievements

Scott Coker achieved an 8th degree black belt in Taekwondo under the guidance of renowned instructor Ernie Reyes Sr. at the West Coast World Martial Arts Association in San Jose, California. This high dan rank reflects decades of dedicated practice and instruction within the traditional Taekwondo community, building on his early training that began in the 1970s. As an original member of Reyes' West Coast Demonstration Team in the late 1970s and 1980s, Coker performed intricate forms, breaking techniques, and weapons demonstrations across the , contributing to the team's reputation for showcasing 's athleticism and precision. His involvement in these high-profile exhibitions highlighted his technical proficiency and helped popularize during a formative era for in America. Coker also earned recognition as an instructor, teaching classes at Reyes' and mentoring students in the 1980s and 1990s, where he emphasized discipline and skill development rooted in traditional practices. Although specific teaching certifications from that period are not publicly detailed, his role as a certified black belt instructor under the West Coast association underscored his contributions to the community. In the circles of the and , Coker's achievements as a practitioner and demonstrator earned him honors within instructor networks, including his 2024 induction into the Black Belt Magazine Hall of Fame, recognizing his lifelong commitment to mastery. While he did not pursue major competitive titles in formal tournaments, his legacy as a skilled practitioner profoundly influenced his approach to combat sports promotion, infusing events with an appreciation for technical striking and respect for martial traditions. This foundation also paved the way for his entry into stunt work in films during the .

References

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