David Feldman talks growth of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, company's future. His father, the late Marty Feldman, was a seasoned boxing trainer. Steven Muehlhausen is a contributing writer for DAZN News. Thats how we were able to grow our fanbase., David Feldman: Right now, Im not going to say that its simple, but its a lot easier. Stewart claims that he and Feldman first discussed the prospect of conducting bare-knuckle contests in 2012 and that the conversation continued throughout the rest of 2012. We're going to do a real big MMA and boxing super-fight again in 2020. We're doing everything right. Its got that little bit of brutality to it. Wojtek Kubik/Bare Knuckle FC. David Feldman is one half of the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships, the latest fight sport emerging from a Broomall-based headquarters. We had no idea how quickly this would take off, or what type of notoriety and acceptance we would receive so quickly. Then we just moved on to September, October, November, December. Your email address will not be published. According to Stewart, he invested a total of $250,500 between December 2013 and the first BKFC event on June 2, 2018, with payments ranging in size from $3,500 to $50,000 and some of the money earmarked for a purported BKFC event featuring legendary street fighter and former UFC athlete Kimbo Slice. that was the big question. Last week, an alleged business partner of BKFC President David Feldman filed a lawsuit in Philadelphia federal court to claim a piece of the action: 40% ownership in BKFC to be exact. The following month we do Birmingham, Alabama, then the following month we're coming back here (Ft. Lauderdale) for a big event on May 16. The only thing we have more of is more lacerations. The participants are being paid well and can fight more often due to the favorable format. The late Sen. John McCain was known for many things his service and subsequent imprisonment in Vietnam, his long career as a legislator, his presidential campaigns and so on. So I had to ram it down peoples throats because they didnt know what it was. newsletter, Israel Adesanya Walkouts to Knockouts T-Shirt, Luke Rockhold reacts to BKFC 41 loss: Im not done. Feldman's father, nicknamed "The Hammer of . Influencers fighting in boxing matches. If they are broke and they can establish an account with $20,000, $30,000, or $40,000 in it for them, it will be a great feeling for them to be able to get their hands on it. [17], 1. def. He has a 73-0 record in bouts that have taken place in parking garages, warehouses, repair shops, and other shady locales, among other things. he's making memories that will keep him busy in the bare-knuckle ring. He would tap it a little bit. We will be self-sustained as far as operations continue, the fighters, everything. Washington Family Magazine Im not going to say that we will take them. Hes had a lot of Fights of the Night. As 2020 nears, Feldman and Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship continue to trend upwards. So what does a fighter, one who saw the seediest side of the business his whole life and found himself disgusted by it, do when hes done fighting? We knew it as we were doing it but now we have data. DF: It is the growth of the sport. Required fields are marked *. At BKFC 3, Arnold Adams defeated Sam Shewmaker in the finals of an eight man tournament to be crowned as the inaugural BKFC Heavyweight Champion. Feldman is excited by the possibilities Lobov has an MMA background, while Malignaggi is a boxer but hes just as excited to further cement bare knuckles place in American combat sport. David Feldman: It was a building year. You brought in Paulie Malignaggi and Ishe Smith from the boxing world and different notable UFC and Bellator guys from the MMA world? How is he telling us that bare knuckle is safer. It was ultimately agreed that Stewart and Feldman would own 40% of the business each, with the remaining 20 % going to a third party, with Stewart providing financial backing, Feldman providing sweat equity, and the third party providing a well-known and respected fighting personality, according to the complaint. Feldman is the founder and CEO of Official Celebrity Boxing. So, I think we're going to get one of two of them a lot faster than the other one. . Then yes, Malignaggi vs. Lobov really turned a corner for us as far as getting us into the boxing world and the mixed martial arts world and put us in that mainstream category where some people were saying that it was the biggest fight of the summer for 2019. I think it is staying the course a little longer, getting these studies behind us. Within a few days following Bec Rawlings triumph, the Bare-Knuckle Boxing Hall of Fame honored this historic achievement by presenting her with the National Police Gazette World Diamond Belt, which was presented to her by the Hall of Fame. But we are here just to do our thing. After deciding to stick to his guns, Feldman is now focused on executing BKFC 19, which is headlined by former UFC strawweights Paige Van Zant and Rachael Ostovich. Lobov made his debut recently winning in a brutal five round war, but president David Feldman's actions have got people talking. Thats what makes them so special. BKFC is the first promotion to hold an official state-sanctioned and commissioned bare-knuckle boxing event in the United States since 1889. If bare knuckle fans didnt think it could get any better than BKFC 5, featuring the first bout between Lobov and Knight, Feldman followed it up with BKFC 6, getting former outspoken boxing world champion Paulie Malignaggi and Artem Lobov to compete in in Tampa, Florida, the most recent state at the time to pass legislation approving bare knuckle fighting. SN: I remember when we talked last year, you were only in WyomingandMississippi. I have no other information at this moment, Feldman said. Taylor Starling at BKFC 28 on August 27, 2022, 1. def. The same three or four employees have been working with me from the beginning of the companys existence. It was a gruesome scene for a featherweight title bout at UWC 43 when Jos Pealozas ear exploded. 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We are here to build our thing up., David Feldman: I dont know how close it was to actually happening. They ultimately agreed they would each would own 40% of the business, per the complaint, and 20% would go to a third party with Stewart providing financial backing, Feldman providing "sweat equity," and the third party providing "a known and respected fighting personality." [7] BKFC recognizes the Police Gazette champions, and they may defend their titles within this promotion. He has a younger brother, David Feldman, who is the founder of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. 2. def. We get the local fans and local community involved. BKFC is the first promotion to hold an official state-sanctioned and commissioned bare-knuckle boxing event in the United States since 1889. He aims to allay any fears of a possible bait-and-switch or the notion that anything sinister is in the works in the interim. Mixed martial arts, he said, was akin to human cockfighting, an oft-repeated refrain that was part of his (and others) effort to regulate the sport out of existence. It's not yet been two full years since bare-knuckle fighting made its U.S. revival at Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) 1 in Cheyenne, WY. He writes features and news stories, and provides analysis relating to the world of boxing. I was offered a lot of money just last week to sell, Feldman said to Van Vliet. How To Watch, Who Is Fighting & More! He was 29. Apr 26, 2023. I got three to five years left in this thing. Sign up for the MMA Junkie newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. ONEs Chatri Sityodtong decided not to submit our final offer to Francis Ngannou after meeting. Many sportsbooks including BetOnlineare providing odds for the BKFC events including tonights Lobov vs. Knight main event in Biloxi. Dat was yelling some stuff in the ring and they had some words after the fight. That deal came together a year after BKFC put on one of the most talked about cards in all of combat sports when Artem Lobov faced off with former boxing champion Paulie Malignaggi. Fredericks Child Required fields are marked *. 18:43. The upstart promotion has since held nine more events giving fans such notable scraps as Joey Beltran vs. Tony Lopez 1 and 2 and Conor McGregor protg Artem Lobov vs. Jason Knight 1 and 2 as well as a Lobov grudge match with former boxing champion and one-time McGregor sparring partner Paulie Malignaggi. They memorialized an agreement in writing, Stewart claims, but he does not have a copy. I feel so bad for everyone that lost their life or got seriously injured from this. SN: What are the target states you're looking to get regulated in this year? From there things have just started to explode. Its also providing fighters with another outlet after their mixed martial arts and boxing career to still compete in a combat sport thats arguably safer and more exciting than anything else currently out there. In the year that Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships has been doing business, a lot of things have happened - and not all of it unpleasant. Copyright 2023 Sporting News Holdings Limited. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. I think that's really the thing that took us by surprise was how much the pay-per-view was pirated and how to combat that. You can argue my opinion all you want, but you cant argue the data. The Monday press conference featuring Paul Malignaggi and Artem Lobov, touting their June 22 scrap in Florida on a Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship card the . During 2021, David Feldman, on behalf of the Defendants, approached principals of Inferno seeking funding for the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship League. BKFC already made waves earlier this year when signing former UFC star Paige VanZant to an exclusive contract after she reached free agency. Feldman represented that BKFC needed immediate funding to be able to continue its operations, planning and holding events and for the viability of the League in general. With another action-packed month of MMA in the books, MMA Junkie looks at the best knockouts from April 2023. I think we can certainly open up a new fanbase. So, I think just combating that and finding different platforms. Mississippi, and 20 more states have now allowed bare-knuckle fights. Feldman said bare-knuckle boxing is currently legal in 14 states, with the goal of reaching 22 by the end of 2022. I gave ten years of my life to try and get this thing sanctioned. Longtime UFC veteran Nate Diaz is just entering the world of free agency, but it seems suitors are already happily lining up for his services. Im not in it for the money. I mean its good that we have competition around the world. Are you looking to expand into kickboxing and possibly jiu jitsu? I think everybody in the company was hoping it was going to get there but never really thought it would be this fast. That was a tremendous setback for those individuals and I feel really bad., But on that note we had to make something happen. Feldman has given a platform for both boxers and mixed martial artists to compete against each other in the most purest form of standup fighting. Do we do a closed door show? David Feldman grew up the son of a boxing trainer and became a professional boxer himself, going 4-1 in his career. As previously expressed The five, two minutes per round format is perfect for this type of combat sport. Ultimately the answer was no. Then boom, he would crack it. The main event features former Bellator middleweight champion Hector Lombard taking on David Mundell. DF: I think it was actually the Artem Lobov vs. Jason Knight fight. We've always given to the fans and we will continue to do that. He didnt expect to like promoting, and he still doesnt like promoting qua promoting. It is the largest bare knuckle boxing promotion company in the world, and has featured notable talents such as Luis Palomino, Elvin Leon Brito, Jim Alers, Artem Lobov, Ricco Rodriguez, Charles Bennett, Kendall Grove, Chris Lytle, Joe Riggs, Chase Sherman, Leonard Garcia, Eric Prindle, Joey Beltran, Bec Rawlings, Shannon Ritch, Reggie Barnett Jr., Bobby Gunn, Jason Knight, Johnny Bedford, Paulie Malignaggi, Rolando Dy, Reza Goodary, Souris Manfredi, Fani Peloumpi, Steve Banks, Sirimongkol Singmanasak, Buakaw Banchamek, Saenchai, Robert Morrow, and Chris Leben. In June I expressed how the sport skyrocketed after Malignaggi vs. Lobov, including my five takeaways from the historic event. Credit to founder and president David Feldman and his . While other companies were bidding for her and we won that bid, people were like wow this is serious. . I think they went in there as more of a show. He doesnt have that in him. Neither of them has a reverse gear, Feldman said about Alers vs. Palomino. He continued to explain how the acquisition by Triller will not change how BKFC events are currently promoted, nor cause a change in broadcasting plans. MetroKids A lot of guys might go I dont want competition I want competition. I'm not going lie to you. It was all worth it. Ahead of BKFCs 14th flagship show on Friday, the promotions president is happy to say he was right, especially given the growth of the sport worldwide. I was just done, Feldman said. Its action packed, fast paced excitement. And by bringing in some of these bigger names and we're going to have more and bigger names by the end of the year. Feldman first learned about bare-knuckle fighting when he was promoting fights in Arizona, and met a fighter named Bobby Gunn. A new video from BKFC 41 shows the moment when Mike Perry connected with a punch that broke Luke Rockholds tooth and sent it flying into the air. Its simply something I believe has to be done, Feldman said in an interview with MMA Junkie. It got everybody talking because it was an unbelievable war, and that fight got out, the pictures went viral. The lightweights have engaged in a fiery war of words after an altercation erupted as a BKFC press conference earlier this year and Feldman believes thats going to translate into a crowd-pleasing battle on Friday night. Its a dream but its seeing everything come to fruition. I cant just sit at home, but in three to five years I can get it to a point where I dont want to walk away from it, but I can consult whoever would be the predecessor. Thats been the bulk of his life since then. And why are we acting in this manner? As the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship continues to court free agents to join their roster, promotion officials will have a one-of-a-kind incentive to provide as an incentive to prospective fighters. As the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship continues to court free agents to join their roster, promotion officials will have a one-of-a-kind incentive to provide as an incentive to prospective fighters. But it didnt have the atmosphere as much there. David Feldman (brother) Damon Richard Feldman (born October 5, 1975) is an American businessman, boxing promoter, producer, and author. The event on June 22, which is available on pay-per-view, will feature 10 fights, though with bigger names than in the past. [6] The Bare-Knuckle Boxing Hall of Fame recognized this milestone and awarded the victor of this contest, Bec Rawlings, with the National Police Gazette World Diamond Belt several days after her victory. Then I would ask So why cant I do this? BKFC president David Feldman reveals why Luke Rockhold couldn't continue in BKFC 41 main . To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. David Feldman is the Founder and President of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. So what does he like about it? Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019. Every fight people go to, they watch it and they love it, especially live. Because I know what we do right and in order for anyone to catch us, its not going to be easy. Your email address will not be published. And if this gets to where were planning to be, its going to be a monster. Justin Thornton died as a result of spinal injury suffered during his BKFC debut. You cant get any more pure than two guys hitting each other with bare knuckles. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. A number of UFC veterans have tested their skills under the BKFC banner, including Mike Perry, Chad Mendes, Artem Lobov, Jason Knight, Paige VanZant, Rachael Ostovich, Bec Rawlings, and more. 2 talking about this. The challenge.. He is the number one fight doctor is all of the country, he is our consultant. The popularity of the promotion has attracted many notable combat sports athletes who made their names in traditional boxing and mixed martial arts. The really great thing is that next Wednesday BKFC becomes part of the Association of Boxing Comiisioners. So we'll go from anywhere, but they have to be able to want to fight. The fight lasted 15 rounds before Feldman emerged victorious, solidifying himself as one of the highest earners in bare knuckle boxing history. This event also hosted the quarterfinals of a tournament to crown a Lightweight champion. Mind you, theyre only in their ninth event and have already garnered such a large piece of the combat sports market share. after tragic death of bare-knuckle fighter", "BKFC and DAZN agree to broadcast partnership starting in August", "BKFC Live Events Headed to FITE+ Subscription Service", "Everything you need to know about Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship", "Paige VanZant vs. Rachael Ostovich official for BKFC 19 on July 23", "BKFC 7 | Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships | Home", "NEWS | Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships | Home", "Bare Knuckle FC 5 fight card for 'Lobov vs Knight' on April 6", "Bare Knuckle FC 4 Complete Guide! By. Some have been working for free for more than two years. Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship presents its first event of 2020 with BKFC 10from the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Born October 4, 1970, Broomall, Pennsylvania, United States. We just made a big splash that day. Although money wasn't a factor with ONE, this development comes a month after Bare Knuckle FC president David Feldman revealed Ngannou was asking for too much money. Sign up for the Everybody either has A.D.D. BKFCs interest has grown overseas as well with a lot of interest in Europe and Asia, where international rights are in demand to not only broadcast the events, but to host live events in the future. But I see thata little bit down the road for us because we have to prove ourselves a little more. Baltimores Child We're growing exponentially, only way faster than we ever thought we were going to be. Then I would put a glove on him and ask him to do it again. Now, with Bare Knuckle 6 approaching on June 22, featuring brand-name fighters like Artem Lobov and Paulie Malignaggi, Feldman is ready for everything to take another step forward. Home Services Magazine It was KnuckleMania, a tremendous event for us. Until I can change their lives and change my life at the same time, leave money for the next generation, thats when I know it is time to go. One wonders what he would make of David Feldmans venture. When Lobov and Knight knuckle up this evening in Biloxi, Mississippi, it will further illustrate how BKFC boss David Feldmans vision continues to soar and how the sport resonates with both mixed martial arts fans and boxing fans. His brother, Damon Feldman, is the promoter of Celebrity Boxing. Now, you're doing events in Florida too. Feldman is not . Jason Knight (left) and Artem Lobov trade punches, Artem Lobov, David Feldman and Jason Knight at the. And now, BKFC. And it's working. In September 2022 it was announced by David Feldman that BKFC had acquired the U.K. based Bare Fist Boxing Association (BFBA) forming Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship UK (BKFC UK). Which brings us to bare-knuckle fighting. Bobby Gunn is the undisputed ruler of the underground world of bare-knuckle boxing. So I think that it could fit in to todays society and they love it. Sep 13, 2022. Bare-knuckle fighting has long been an underground hit, but until last March, when Wyoming got into the game, no state or federal body had legally sanctioned it. Some have worked for free for two years. DF: I mean, everybody wants Nevada. ", "Bare Knuckle FC 3 Complete Guide! Im not in it for the money. Waiting to find the greatest restaurant to celebrate at, as well as the nearest bridge to leap out of [laughs]. The ride has certainly been wild and crazy, but its also been an incredible experience that I could never have imagined when the idea for this project first came to me. Paige did wonders for us. Perry took the win by TKO. Russias doing some smaller leagues over there and I have TV rights deals over there so were going to be doing an event in Russia soon. BKFC was founded in 2018, bringing sanctioned bare-knuckle boxing events to the U.S. for the first time since the late 1800s. And on that same shows where we're building our undercard, we're building our future stars. We have a fantastic staff, and they did a fantastic job of coming together and supporting one another during the process. This is a voluntary contribution. I want to be able to do those things and I cant right now, they understand why. 2021 What an awesome time to be alive for a Combat Sports fan. Im not taking light of it. Bare Knuckle FC president David Feldman confirmed to MMA Fighting on Monday that fighter Justin Thornton had died after a loss to Dillon Cleckler on the BKFC 20 card Aug. 20 in Biloxi, Mississippi. No comments yet. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. I have a core three or four people that have worked with me since the beginning. Glorifying bloodsport. Unfortunately, Johnny Bedford got injured and had to pull out and Reggie Barnett stepped up and ironically he had some words with Dat Nguyen at his last fight, Feldman revealed. SN: Did the success of not just that event but the entire year surprise you? I hatched it and made it happen. They both have a killer instinct as you saw with Jim Alers jumping off in each and every one of his fights trying to crack the guys. Thats definitely sitting on an island somewhere. BKFC president David Feldman had an idea that fight fans would fall in love with bare-knuckle competition but even he couldn't have predicted the response the sport has received globally. Despite his considerations of discontinuing the promotion, he finally opted to stick with the original plan. He just moves forward and he fights. The card airs live on the BKFC app as well as FITE TV with 11 total fights including the prelims, which air on the BKFC YouTube channel. I would do two simple things. Still, Feldman believed that with the correct promotion, along with the best possible matchups, people would be drawn to bare-knuckle fighting. Founded Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) We know what the fans want. Were doing an event in Thailand in December. When Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships launched just over two years ago, company founder and president David Feldman predicted that fight fans would fall in love with the sport. It should be a lot easier for us to then open up these doors., David Feldman: I was offered a lot of money just last week to sell. Why dont you start the discussion? Trillers first Triad Combat event, which pitted teams of MMA fighters against boxers with special rules inside a triangular boxing ring, was headlined by former UFC champion Frank Mir against boxings Kubrat Pulev. I have to tell you I stayed up for two nights in a row just thinking do I take the money?. We have two very big either platform or network deals in talks right now and hoping to close that out within the next 30 to 60 days. You are still required to renew your free subscription. His . I thought that if you could do something that is a little bit more fast paced in todays environment, I like to call it the A.D.D [attention deficit disorder] environment. Now, of course, the end game is I want to make a lot of money, right, but who doesnt? he said. The popularity is through the roof. Felipe Colares, a former UFC fighter, has died. "Look, it might not be life-changing for them, but at that time, it could be," Feldman said. Each fight takes place in a specialized circular four-rope ring, referred to as the "Squared Circle. BKFC 1, which took place on June 2, 2018, featured the first American sanctioned women's bare-knuckle fight in modern history. I then say thats my case. I didnt have to explain it, they would get it. Feldman promises thats just the tip of the iceberg in terms of the plans he has in place for BKFC as he continues to conquer new mountains in the combat sports space. And any chance to bring more of that into the world is one he wants to take. And we've always given the fans what they want. Oops. The former four-time NBA champion previously marveled at bare knuckle athletes, and called BKFC "the future of fighting" after he watched from ringside the combat sport firm's KnuckleMania event in February.. Feldman said last month that he was talking to O . McCain eventually recanted the sport had cleaned up, he said but the phrase remained. Were doing things we never thought wed be doing with some network TV deals, some syndication deals were going to be doing with different networks around the country. Video: Brutal replay shows Mike Perry punch that sent Luke Rockholds tooth flying at BKFC 41. And then another. Bare Knuckle FC has a new majority stakeholder. I started researching it, and I was like, Wow, this stuff is really cool, man, he said. I mean, its truly been an unbelievable experience that I could never have imagined when the idea for this project first came to me.
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