Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship’s Winning Formula
Read Time:3 Minute, 42 Second
The premiere bare-knuckle fighting promotion, Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, steps into its seventh year of existence in 2025. Led by Founder and President, David Feldman, the brand must continue to expand their reach while growing the sport in new markets.
Through new partnerships, fighter and management acquisitions, the sky is the limit for the world’s fastest-growing combat sports promotion.
BKFC’s Celebrity Stakeholders
Companies in their earlier years often look for investors to help push the possibilities of a vision. David Feldman has already started making connections with large public figures. He has added investors like UFC megastar Conor McGregor, NFL All-Pro Defensive End Maxx Crosby, and entrepreneur Derik Fay.
Conor McGregor was officially announced in April 2024. He became a part-owner, promoter, and decision-maker for Feldman’s Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. The larger-than-life figure frequently attends events where he provides endless energy while promoting the company and its potential. He has even gone as far as tease personal interest in accepting a fight under the promotion. McGregor is the biggest name in the entire fight game. His ties to the company speak louder than anything the former double champ says at an event.
The Las Vegas Raiders’ electrifying pass rusher, Maxx Crosby, has never shied away from showing his interest in combat sports. The 27-year-old frequently attends UFC events and has built a close relationship with UFC President Dana White. He now shifts his interest toward the sport of Bare-Knuckle fighting. He was recently announced as an investor in Feldman’s company on January 14, 2025. Public support from an NFL star like Crosby can attract new viewers. His vested interest helps bring them to the promotion and sport.
Derik Fay is a self-proclaimed ‘serial entrepreneur.’ He joined the team early this year as a part-owner and strategic partner within the organization. Fay started after creating the venture capital firm 3F Management in 2002. The entrepreneur has started and sold more than 30 companies during his time. Fay has cultivated a larger fanbase of over 1 million followers on Instagram. His role will mainly fall behind the scenes, as he holds the title of Strategic Advisor and Chief Growth Officer.
These team additions could lead to an exciting year. The promotion aims to advance its progression as a final product. Figures outside of the sport are necessary to reach different markets and viewer demographics. They help normalize a sport that the general public sometimes sees as too extreme or off-putting.
BKFC’s DAZN Broadcast Deal
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship announced its three-year broadcasting partnership in September 2024. The partnership officially began with BKFC Marbella, Spain, on October 12, 2024. This deal gave DAZN the responsibility to deliver live shows to viewers. DAZN also provides pay-per-view events and an archive of past BKFC fights.
This was a significant step forward for the growing promotion. It finally gained the backing of a credible broadcast partner. This partner is widely known to various regions of the world. DAZN is a British-based sports streaming platform. It operates on a subscription basis. The platform features sports like boxing, mixed martial arts, bare knuckle fighting, soccer, and more.
Prominent names like Terence Crawford, Canelo Alvarez, and Anthony Joshua represent the DAZN brand. This representation helps a growing younger promotion like BKFC to have mutual partners. Partnerships with major streaming platforms like DAZN are critical. They enhance the ability to merge into untapped markets and engage potential viewers.
Capitalizing on MMA’s Overall Uncertainty
There has been recent major news about Bellator MMA’s official dissolvement following the merger with the PFL. A company like BKFC is aiming to make a splash in 2025. It needs to capitalize on the turnover in talent, which is sure to come from this groundbreaking news.
As a result of this recent merger, many fighters will face a decision. They must choose between staying under the PFL umbrella, testing their skills in the UFC, or venturing into BKFC. This approach aligns with successful transitions within BKFC. Former UFC fighters like Mike Perry, John Dodson, Chad Mendes, Ben Rothwell, and Thiago Alves have made similar moves. Signing former UFC fighters serves the company well. The viewers are usually familiar with the fighter and their history. This familiarity makes the promotional side more effortless and more significant. It is different from building their prospects from the ground up.
Happy
46 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
31 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
23 %
About Post Author
Average Rating