BKFC President David Feldman spoke with Damon Martin of MMA Fighting about the massive KnuckleMania V event taking place in Philadelphia on 25 January. It’s BKFC’s debut in “The City of Brotherly Love”, and local lad Feldman says tickets are selling like hot cakes.
“We’re almost 80 percent sold out. It’s a fantastic feeling just to know we have the support from Philadelphians, and everybody around the area.”
“It’s truly amazing to bring our biggest show that we’ve ever done. Our biggest crowd that we’ve ever done. Our highest gate that we’ve ever done, to our home city of Philadelpha. It’s just truly amazing for us.”
The Knucklemania V fight card is headlined by a showdown between hometown hero and former UFC champ Eddie Alvarez and fellow UFC veteran Jeremy Stephens. Britain’s Mick Terrill defends his heavyweight belt against another UFC vet, “Big” Ben Rothwell. Social media star Bryce Hall is also in action against Kimbo Slice Jr.
“He’s promoting the sport. He’s promoting the brand. We’ve got a great relationship with Eddie,” Feldman said of Alvarez.
BKFC: Huge Growth in 2024
Feldman and Martin discussed BKFC’s growth in 2024. The promotion held 31 events, seven more than in 2023.
The promotion also partnered with UFC superstar Conor McGregor, who became a part owner. McGregor regularly promotes BKFC fights to his massive social media audience.
BKFC also entered new markets in 2024. It debuted in California and South Dakota, and also held a massive event in a bullring in Marbella, Spain. The Spain event was the first BKFC event broadcast exclusively on global streaming service DAZN under a new multi-year broadcast partnership.
“By far the biggest year of BKFC history. It grew us by leaps and bounds,” said Feldman.
“I think it put us in a really great position in combat sports.”
BKFC in 2025: Dubai and Italy
Like 2024, BKFC is expanding into new territories in 2025. A two-day event is planned for Dubai in April, and the promotion is also holding its first event in Italy this year.
“There’s just so many more things coming up for 2025. It’s gonna be incredible,” Feldman told Martin.
“We’re trucking along. We’re happy where we’re going. The fighters are happy. I think 2025’s gonna be incredible.”
The next BKFC event takes place on 18 January. Former welterweight champion Elvin Brito takes on Russia’s Evgeny Kurdanov. The event streams live exclusively on the BKFC app.
