Scott Coker Alleges UFC Attempted to Poach Fighters from Strikeforce

Scott Coker, the founder of Strikeforce, has alleged that the UFC attempted to undermine his promotion by trying to recruit its top fighters, including Gina Carano and Fedor Emelianenko, during their competitive period in the late 2000s and early 2010s.

Coker recounted that the UFC allegedly offered to cover the legal expenses of Carano and Emelianenko if they chose to breach their contracts with Strikeforce. He noted that the UFC approached Emelianenko while he was on vacation, suggesting that they believed he was a free agent, a claim that was disputed by Strikeforce's legal actions.

These allegations were made in the context of Coker's upcoming promotion, Ki MMA, which is set to launch in early 2027. The UFC's tactics are part of a broader narrative documented in the Le v. Zuffa antitrust lawsuit, which accused the UFC of using anti-competitive practices against rival organizations. While the UFC has denied any wrongdoing, Coker's comments highlight the ongoing tension between him and UFC president Dana White, who has previously criticized Coker's promotional skills.