Who Owns BKFC? (Conor McGregor's Role Explained)
Short answer: BKFC was founded and is led by David Feldman, who has been the promotion's president since its 2018 launch. In 2024, Conor McGregor became a significant investor and part-owner, bringing mainstream attention and his promotional acumen to the bare knuckle brand. The exact ownership split has not been publicly disclosed.
The Full Answer
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) was founded by David Feldman, a Philadelphia-based boxing promoter who saw an opportunity to revive regulated bare knuckle fighting in the United States. Feldman organized the first sanctioned bare knuckle event in Wyoming in 2018 and has served as the promotion's president and driving force ever since. Under his leadership, BKFC grew from a niche curiosity to the largest bare knuckle promotion in the world.
In 2024, Conor McGregor announced his investment in BKFC, acquiring an ownership stake that made him a partner in the promotion. McGregor's involvement was more than financial -- he took on an active role as a brand ambassador and strategic advisor, appearing at events, promoting fights on social media, and helping recruit talent. His star power brought a wave of mainstream media coverage and new fans to the sport. McGregor has spoken publicly about his belief that bare knuckle fighting is the future of combat sports.
The promotion's corporate structure includes Feldman's original ownership group along with McGregor's investment entity. While the exact percentages have not been publicly detailed, Feldman remains the operational leader and president. BKFC has since expanded internationally, with events in the UK, Thailand, and across the United States, and announced the landmark $25 million tournament that raised the sport's profile further.
Key Details
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founder and President | David Feldman |
| Major investor (2024) | Conor McGregor |
| Founded | 2018 |
| First event location | Cheyenne, Wyoming |
| Headquarters | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| International expansion | UK, Thailand, multiple US states |
| Landmark initiative | $25M tournament announcement |
Related Questions
- How Do You Qualify for the BKFC $25M Tournament? -- tournament entry and requirements
- What Is the Biggest Bare Knuckle Purse Ever? -- record paydays in bare knuckle
- Does BKFC Drug Test Fighters? -- testing protocols
Further Reading
- BKFC Complete History -- from first event to global brand
- Conor McGregor's Business Ventures -- Proper No. Twelve to BKFC