David Feldman, the founder and president of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), has cultivated a strong working relationship with UFC CEO Dana White over the years. While their promotions exist in different realms of combat sports, BKFC’s growing prominence hasn’t gone unnoticed by White.

Both leaders share a mutual respect for their contributions to the fight world, with the duo’s meeting this year in February, hinting at a possible future collaboration. In an exclusive conversation with Essentially Sports’ Andrew Whitelaw, Feldman offered his candid perspective on his relationship with Dana White. Here’s a closer look at what he had to say about their dynamic and how their mutual respect continues to shape the future of combat sports.

David Feldman weighs in on his relationship with Dana White

BKFC has been generating significant buzz in the combat sports world and seems ready to take its biggest steps yet. Despite being a relatively new promotion, it has experienced rapid growth, even catching the attention of the UFC. Over the years, more and more fighters like Eddie Alvarez, Jeremy Stephens, Mike Perry, and Luke Rockhold have transitioned from the MMA juggernaut to BKFC, attracted by its raw, unique approach to combat and fresh opportunities.

While the UFC remains the pinnacle of MMA, BKFC has carved out its own distinct identity. However, BKFC founder and president David Feldman is keen on maintaining a collaborative relationship with the UFC rather than sparking any rivalry. In a candid conversation with Essentially Sports’ Andrew Whitelaw, Feldman shared his respect for head honcho Dana White and the incredible work he’s done to elevate MMA to its current global stature.

Feldman stated, “The whole team there, you know, seems to be really cool with us. And we’re as cool with them, and I don’t need any animosity, man. And I don’t need anybody hating on me and anybody trying to, you know, stop us. We’re trying to work with them as much as we can. They have given us some fighters in the past that really helped the promotion. And if we can do the same back to them, you know, we would.”

Meanwhile, Conor McGregor has been grabbing headlines with his recent involvement as a part-owner of BKFC. Renowned for his bold and flamboyant persona, the Irishman has consistently pushed boundaries in the combat sports world, and this latest partnership is no exception. However, it’s not just his presence that’s creating buzz—it’s the potential fight that BKFC President David Feldman is eager to book next that has fans talking.

David Feldman weighs in on the prospect of McGregor fighting in BKFC

Bloodied fists and bruised faces—that’s the essence of BKFC, the gritty combat sports promotion led by its founder and president, David Feldman. In the same interview with Andrew Whitelaw of Essentially Sports, Feldman addressed a question that’s been buzzing in the combat sports community ever since Conor McGregor’s involvement with BKFC came to light: what’s the ultimate goal for the promotion? Feldman not only outlined his vision for BKFC’s future but also shared his dream matchup—an answer guaranteed to excite fans of bare-knuckle brawls and ‘The Notorious’ himself.

When asked, “What would be your dream fight if I gave you any budget for BKFC?” Feldman didn’t miss a beat. After a brief moment of reflection, he revealed, “I think I’d like to see, not just because he’s with us, but I think it’d be a very, very exciting fight. I think I’d like to see, and you mentioned him, I think Conor versus Jorge Masvidal would actually be a really intriguing fight to me because two guys that like to stand up and bang and two guys that really believe in bare knuckle.”

The prospect of McGregor facing Jorge Masvidal in a bare-knuckle showdown is the stuff of dreams for fight fans. With both fighters known for their striking skills and fearless styles, such a bout would deliver fireworks in the purest form of combat. What do you think of David Feldman’s dream fight for BKFC? Do you believe this blockbuster matchup could ever materialize? Share your thoughts in the comments below!