In a groundbreaking rendezvous, BKFC President David Feldman strategically aligns forces with UFC CEO Dana White, heralding a new era in the world of combat sports.
Fresh off the intensity of BKFC 57, Feldman, in an exclusive interview with MMA Fighting, sheds light on a recent meeting with White that left the combat sports community buzzing. While details are scant, the evident camaraderie suggests a powerful alliance in the making.
BKFC President David Feldman ‘creating an ally’ during recent meeting with UFC CEO Dana White https://t.co/BQSh5Z7R8n
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) February 4, 2024
As the night unfolded after BKFC 57, a revealing photo surfaced, capturing Feldman and White in conversation. With BKFC’s recent expansions in California and Nevada, this meeting carries significant implications for the future landscape of bare-knuckle fighting.
California’s approval of bare-knuckle fighting sets the stage for BKFC’s grand spectacle, KnuckleMania IV, scheduled for Los Angeles on April 27. Feldman’s vision extends beyond mere competition with the UFC; it’s a bold assertion that BKFC will ascend to become the premier combat sport globally.
Feldman dismisses the notion of competition with the UFC, emphasizing the distinct nature of bare-knuckle fighting compared to MMA. Despite this, BKFC stands out as one of the few major combat sports promotions consistently drawing sizable crowds, evident in the over 8,000 tickets sold at BKFC 56 in Utah last December.
Open to future collaborations with the UFC, Feldman envisions cross-promotion deals that could see fighters seamlessly transitioning between the two organizations. This echoes BKFC’s past success with Bellator MMA, exemplified by Michael “Venom” Page’s foray into bare-knuckle combat against Mike Perry.
In a strategic move towards global dominance, Feldman discloses a recent meeting with RIZIN president Nobuyuki Sakakibara and the gracious presence of dignitaries from Abu Dhabi at BKFC 57. These interactions form a crucial part of BKFC’s ambitious plans for global expansion, building on past events in locations like Thailand and the U.K.
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The international acclaim BKFC receives is evident as Feldman proudly states, “We had people from all over the world in attendance tonight. They all loved it, and we’re going to expand everywhere.”
As BKFC positions itself at the forefront of combat sports, Feldman’s commitment to growth, collaboration, and global expansion becomes a beacon of change. The strategic meetings and cross-cultural interactions signify a paradigm shift, propelling BKFC towards its vision of becoming the unrivaled combat sports phenomenon on a global scale.
KAIRA’S VIEW
In the unfolding narrative of BKFC’s ascent, President David Feldman’s recent meeting with UFC CEO Dana White emerges as a pivotal chapter, characterized by the nuanced dance of combat sports diplomacy. The photograph capturing the two leaders in conversation after BKFC 57 speaks volumes, hinting at a newfound camaraderie in an arena often dominated by fierce competition. Feldman, with a blend of diplomacy and determination, describes the encounter as more than a meeting—it’s about “creating an ally.” His vision for BKFC’s future, underscored by rapid expansion and the approval of bare-knuckle fighting in California, transcends the conventional boundaries of competition. Feldman’s openness to collaboration with the UFC reflects a humanized approach, emphasizing growth, shared opportunities, and a genuine passion for making bare-knuckle fighting a global phenomenon. As he reveals interactions with RIZIN’s president and welcomes dignitaries from Abu Dhabi, Feldman humanizes the global outreach, portraying BKFC as a melting pot of cultures united by a common love for the sport. In his words, “We had people from all over the world in attendance tonight—they all loved it, and we’re going to expand everywhere.” This narrative paints a picture not just of strategic alliances but of a shared journey towards the pinnacle of combat sports, one that transcends borders and resonates with enthusiasts worldwide.
