BKB has emerged as a strong promotion that delivers high-quality bare knuckle boxing bouts. The promotion has gained a lot of momentum and has arguably surpassed BKFC’s in the sport.
BKFC (Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship) has booked several crossover bouts featuring MMA fighters. Whether it was Mike Perry or even the upcoming Darren Till vs. Yoel Romero clash, the promotion has utilized ex-UFC fighters to attract MMA fans.
Former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor also serves as a minority owner. McGregor gives BKFC a significant marketing boost, particularly due to his star power and large social media following.
BKB (Bare Knuckle Boxing), meanwhile, has set itself apart. Although the fights take place in a ring, the ring has a triangular shape instead of the traditional square or circle design.
Known as the Trigon, BKB’s ring features three sides that are set at 60 degrees. That compact surface area promotes constant high-intensity action, ensuring that fighters are in close proximity to one another. The design also minimizes clinching and retreating, increasing the likelihood of finishes.
The Trigon has also allowed BKB to build its own unique identity, which is crucial for success in combat sports.
BKB may not have McGregor as a minority owner, but it has a strong leadership team. The promotion’s executives have decades of experience building global combat sports brands across media rights, broadcasting, live events, marketing, and international expansion.
This proven track record further legitimizes BKB as the superior promotion.
Strong Social Media Presence
BKB recently went viral on social media primarily due to its unique digital distribution partnership with TikTok Live.
According to BKB, through that deal, the bare-knuckle boxing promotion has become the most-viewed live sports property on TikTok.
Since launching on the social media platform in April, BKB has generated over 53 million likes. In doing so, the promotion has used that to introduce bare-knuckle boxing to a broader global audience.
BKB Continues Global Expansion
BKB has quickly expanded to new markets, increasing its global reach and gaining new followers in the process. The promotion has hosted events in major cities, including Los Angeles, Miami, and London. Most recently, it also agreed to a landmark partnership to launch BKB in Mexico.
BKB also boasts an experienced roster featuring fighters from various combat sports. Many fighters have even won world championships in their respective combat sports, further legitimizing BKB as a destination for elite bare-knuckle boxers.
The BKB roster features many notable names including Lee Selby, Paulie Malignaggi, Victor Ortiz, Yuriorkis Gamboa, and Jade Masson-Wong. Most recently, former UFC contender Aspen Ladd signed with the promotion. Ladd will make her Trigon debut at BKB 58 in Miami, Florida on Aug. 29.
BKB CEO David Tetreault has spoken about his promotion’s rapid growth and the platform he provides his fighters.
“So, you know, we see ourselves and we know that we are the number one bare knuckle organization on the planet, but we’re more than that. We’re a sports and entertainment company. That’s driving brand,” Tetreault told Home of Fight.
He continued:
“We have an athletes first ethos. And when I say that, I mean you can speak to the Vargases, you can speak to Lee Selby, you can speak to all of [the fighters]. I sit down with them and I talk to them about what their aspirations are with bare knuckle.”
Has BKB Surpassed BKFC in Bare-Knuckle Boxing?