Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), rapidly establishing itself as a prominent force in the world of combat sports, recently unveiled an ambitious strategic roadmap for 2026. The announcements, made during an event dubbed `Conor McGregor’s Champions Summit,` signal a significant expansion for the promotion and introduce a potentially revolutionary model for fighter compensation.
The “Baddest Man” Tournament: A Colossal Undertaking
Headlining the upcoming plans is a staggering $25 million tournament set to commence in March. This monumental bracket will feature 32 competitors spanning the 185-pound to 265-pound weight classes. The stakes are exceptionally high, with the ultimate victor slated to receive a colossal $15 million prize, while the runner-up will earn a substantial $1 million.
According to BKFC President David Feldman, this tournament is designed as a 12-month gauntlet, acknowledging the demanding nature and recovery time required in bare-knuckle competition. The global scope of the promotion was also highlighted, with the tournament initiating in Los Angeles before concluding in the Middle East.
Expanding the Field: A Women`s Tournament on the Horizon
Following the launch of the men`s heavyweight event, BKFC plans to introduce a parallel tournament for female fighters. Scheduled to begin in the middle of 2026, this competition was announced under the provocative title, “The Baddest Bitch in the World” tournament, signifying BKFC`s intent to showcase elite female talent on a similar grand stage.
A Game-Changer: Fighter Equity Program
Perhaps the most impactful announcement, and one met with considerable enthusiasm, was the establishment of a fighter equity program. This initiative allows qualifying fighters to become part-owners of BKFC, a move that aims to directly tie athlete success to the promotion`s overall growth.
BKFC President David Feldman articulated the vision behind this program, stating, “Let’s do something that no one’s ever done: let’s make all of our fighters owners of the company.” The program is designed to include all BKFC champions, regardless of their specific title (e.g., U.K. or world champions), as well as long-tenured fighters who have competed for the promotion at least 10 times. The equity distribution was slated to begin immediately following the announcement, underscoring the seriousness of the commitment.
Conor McGregor, a part-owner of BKFC himself, passionately supported the initiative, contrasting it with his own experiences in other promotions. He emphasized the significance of rewarding fighters who “bleed for us,” describing the program as a means for athletes to truly be on the “board” and share in the promotion`s rise. He suggested this model is one that “truly should be replicated across all fighting promotions.”
The equity program is structured in tiers, with top performers – specifically champions who successfully defend their titles 10 times – potentially earning equity valued up to $3 million. Even at a foundational level, a fighter who wins a title and defends it just once is set to receive equity worth $100,000. This system appears designed to incentivize both capturing titles and long-term commitment to the promotion.
The reception from fighters present at the summit was reportedly positive, recognizing the potential long-term financial benefits and the symbolic value of having a stake in the organization they help build with their performances.
These announcements collectively paint a picture of a BKFC determined to significantly scale its operations and differentiate itself in the combat sports landscape, not only through high-stakes tournaments but also through a direct investment in its athlete roster.
