Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) has unveiled plans for an unprecedented $25 million tournament slated to kick off in April 2025. This announcement, made by BKFC president David Feldman during the post-fight press conference of BKFC Hollywood, marks a significant milestone in the promotion’s history and promises to elevate bareknuckle boxing to new heights.
Dave Feldman announces $25M tournament that starts in April.#BKFC pic.twitter.com/VW5rQ620mj
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) December 22, 2024
Dubbed the “World’s Baddest Tournament,” this ambitious project aims to find the toughest fighter on the planet through a series of grueling bareknuckle battles. The tournament’s structure is as impressive as its purse, with qualifying rounds set to take place across five different continents, truly making it a global spectacle.
Feldman’s excitement was palpable as he shared details about the tournament’s scope and scale. “We’re going to have the biggest, baddest fight tournament that ever took place,” he declared, emphasizing the unprecedented nature of this event in the world of combat sports.
The tournament is designed to span between nine to twelve months, allowing for a comprehensive and fair competition. This extended timeframe will not only test the fighters’ skills but also their endurance and adaptability over an extended period.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this tournament is its democratic approach to fighter selection. In a bold move, BKFC has decided that all participants, regardless of their status or previous achievements, must go through a tryout process. This includes notable names like former UFC fighters Mike Perry, Eddie Alvarez, and Jeremy Stephens, who have made waves in BKFC recently.
F-bombs start flying in HEATED face off between Eddie Alvarez and Jeremy Stephens (audio is delayed a few seconds) #KnuckleMania5 #BKFC pic.twitter.com/6vX92CdW0L
— MMA Mania (@mmamania) December 3, 2024
“Everyone has to try out for it. No one is getting pre-qualified,” Feldman stated firmly. This decision underscores BKFC’s commitment to finding the true “baddest motherf*cker on the face of this earth,” as Feldman colorfully put it.
The $25 million prize pool is not just for show. Feldman emphasized the seriousness of the purse, stating, “It’s not a joke purse. It’s a real purse, so they have to really fight.” While the exact breakdown of the prize money allocation hasn’t been revealed, the sheer size of the purse is sure to attract top-tier talent from around the globe.
Adding to the tournament’s prestige, Feldman hinted at a major streaming deal in the works. “We’re close to locking in a huge streaming platform that’s going to have the rights to this thing,” he revealed, suggesting that the tournament will have significant reach and visibility.
The World’s Baddest Tournament represents more than just a competition, it’s a statement of intent from BKFC. By organizing an event of this magnitude, the promotion is positioning itself as a major player in the combat sports world, capable of rivaling established organizations in terms of spectacle and fighter compensation.
As we look ahead to April 2025, the combat sports community will be watching closely. The World’s Baddest Tournament promises not only to deliver thrilling bareknuckle action but also to potentially reshape the landscape of combat sports. With its global reach, substantial prize money, and commitment to finding the toughest fighter regardless of their background, this tournament could very well usher in a new era for bareknuckle boxing and BKFC.
