Conor McGregor has acquired an ownership stake in Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC). David Feldman, the BKFC president, has hailed this development as a game changer, citing McGregor’s unparalleled popularity and influence in the world of combat sports.
Feldman expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating, “Conor McGregor, you know, it’s a very exciting time, obviously, for the company and partnering up with Conor McGregor.” He believes that McGregor’s involvement will bring a new level of exposure and attention to BKFC, which will have a profound impact on the organization.
One of the key factors contributing to Feldman’s enthusiasm is McGregor’s immense global appeal. He is widely regarded as one of the most popular and influential figures in combat sports.
Feldman pointed out that McGregor’s presence has driven significant viewership in the past, citing his Amazon film debut as an example. “He’s one of the most popular guys in the entire world… He’s one of the most popular or influential combat sports fighters of all time or personalities of all time.”
Feldman emphasized that McGregor’s Midas touch will be invaluable to BKFC, as anything he is associated with tends to attract massive attention and success. “You get a guy like that, do anything he touches turns to gold,” Feldman said.
The partnership between McGregor and BKFC began to take shape when McGregor attended a BKFC event in Denver last year. He jumped into the ring and playfully called out Mike Perry, sparking a series of conversations that ultimately led to this ownership deal. As part of the agreement, McGregor’s beer company, Forged Irish Stout, has become a sponsor of BKFC.
Feldman praised McGregor’s enthusiasm and commitment to the partnership, jokingly stating, “I was dying for Conor McGregor to call me. Now the guy won’t stop calling me.” He expressed confidence that McGregor’s involvement will elevate BKFC to new heights, saying, “I really think it just takes it to the next level.”
Feldman is optimistic about the opportunities that lie ahead. With McGregor on board, BKFC is well-positioned to capitalize on his global appeal.
But BKFC is also struggling financially.
Triller’s long-awaited access to stock market funds seems imminent as it merges with Hong Kong-based AGBA on the NASDAQ, providing a financial lifeline despite AGBA’s status as a penny stock. The merger, granting Triller 80% ownership of shares, aims to bolster cash reserves for the struggling promotion, which faces lawsuits and owes significant unpaid music royalties.
Despite AGBA’s claim of a $4 billion valuation post-merger, questions linger about its ability to sustain stock value, especially amidst potential regulatory scrutiny from entities like CFIUS. The future of Triller’s assets, including FITE TV and Bare Knuckle FC, hangs in the balance, with bankruptcy looming as a possibility if the merger fails.
Meanwhile, wild fluctuations in AGBA’s stock price underscore the risks associated with penny stocks in combat sports, with past ventures like Elite XC and the International Fight League serving as cautionary tales.
Mike Perry went on record a while ago with the fact that TKO/UFC tried to lowball BKFC and buy them.