BKFC is launching a massive, openweight tournament in 2025 with a $25 million prize pool, attracting fighters from around the world across multiple weight classes, and aims to develop new stars while potentially expanding the format in future years.
A massive tournament is on the horizon, and many fighters are eager to join BKFC’s colossal event set for 2025. Sure, the $25 million prize is a big draw, but there’s more to it than just cash.
BKFC president David Feldman teased this tournament at the close of 2024. Details? Sparse then, as the bare-knuckle promotion was still in its infancy stages of planning. Yet, Feldman recently shed some light on eligibility criteria for participants when the battles kick off in 2025.
“What it’s going to be is one big, larger extended weight class,” Feldman shared with MMA Fighting. Higher or lighter weight? Still up in the air. But expect a broader gap in weight classes.
Picture this: competitors from five or six weight divisions clashing in one grand tournament. Also, fighters from five continents vying for glory. How many countries? Could be 30, 40, maybe even 50!
While exact weights remain undecided, Feldman confirms the $25 million showdown won’t stick to one division. It’s leaning towards an “openweight” format to welcome more fighters. But don’t expect a featherweight squaring off against a heavyweight anytime soon.
Feldman speculated about possible weight ranges: “If we did higher weight class, maybe 175 to 275 pounds; lower could be 135 to 165.” Just ideas for now, but he believes fans will be captivated by such disparities.
Imagine Mike Perry taking on Ben Rothwell. Intriguing, right? That’s what Feldman aims for—fights that keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
On talent acquisition, Feldman vows BKFC will scout globally for big names and promising prospects alike. Some fighters might skip selection due to their value, but there’ll be plenty of new faces too.
“Everyone has to qualify,” Feldman emphasized. A few might get a shortcut into the final eight—big names can do that—but discovering hidden gems is key. This tournament could shake up combat sports and birth new stars.
Expect fighters from all corners of the globe, ready to prove themselves and perhaps become BKFC icons. It promises to be epic—the largest fighter assembly and prize pool in combat sports history.
The tournament will span several months—not a rapid-fire sequence of events. And if it succeeds? BKFC might host more in the future, possibly with even bigger prize money.
“We’re looking at mid-2025—probably April,” Feldman hinted. “Nine to ten months long.” If successful, another round could follow into 2027. Imagine if broadcasters and sponsors jump on board; who knows? A $100 million tournament might not be far-fetched.
Risky investment? Maybe. But Feldman’s been all about pushing boundaries since launching BKFC in 2018. “I’m looking to do the biggest and best things,” he said. Testing limits is part of his game plan.
Failing isn’t an option—but if it happens, it’ll be from attempting grand feats like a $100 million tourney rather than minor setbacks. Fans crave pure excitement and nonstop action; that’s what BKFC delivers while treating fighters well.
Plans are still brewing, but Feldman expects full details soon. “In two weeks, three planning sessions will map this out,” he noted. Stay tuned—excitement levels are about to skyrocket!