Bare-Knuckle Boxing Eyes Middle East Expansion as BKB Targets Saudi Arabia

Bare-knuckle boxing is looking to expand its presence in the Middle East as the sport continues to attract growing audiences and investment across the global combat sports industry.

The latest BKB event, Anarchy in the UK, is scheduled to take place at London’s O2 Arena, featuring a heavyweight bout between Mick Terrill and Florian de la Motte, alongside the bare-knuckle debuts of the Vargas brothers.

However, the sport’s ambitions extend well beyond Europe. Loren Mack, chief marketing officer and executive vice president of strategy at BKB, said Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf region could become important destinations for the organisation as it expands internationally.

“Bare Knuckle Boxing represents one of the biggest growth opportunities in combat sports today,” Mack said. “We’ve already established a strong presence across the US and Europe, we’re expanding into Mexico, and the Middle East is absolutely a market we’re excited about.”

Mack said BKB had already staged an event in the Gulf with BYB 16: Desert Brawl in Dubai and suggested that a return to the region was a matter of timing rather than possibility.

“As Saudi Arabia continues to attract the world’s biggest boxing, MMA and entertainment properties, it stands out as a natural future destination for BKB,” he said.

Bare-knuckle boxing has gained significant attention in recent years, helped by the rise of dedicated promotions, high-profile fighters and digital platforms. The sport’s modern growth has been strongly associated with the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, which helped bring the format to a wider mainstream audience after its launch in 2018.

Mack believes BKB is now seeking to build on that foundation through international expansion and a broad media strategy.

The organisation has secured broadcast partnerships across several markets, including VICE TV in the US and Canada, talkSPORT in the UK and Ireland, and Telemundo Deportes Ahora for Spanish-speaking audiences in the US.

Social media has also become a major part of BKB’s strategy. Mack said BKB 55 became the most-watched live sports event in TikTok history, setting records for viewing time and engagement.

The company is also building a roster featuring former world champions and established combat sports names, including Victor Ortiz, JoJo Diaz, Lee Selby, Lucas Browne and Paulie Malignaggi.

With events planned across the US, Europe and Mexico, Mack said the Middle East remains a key part of BKB’s long-term expansion plans.

“BKB is committed to building a truly global organisation,” he said. “Saudi Arabia stands out as a logical future destination for the sport.”