The Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) recently shocked the combat sports world by announcing a collaboration with NFL great Maxx Crosby. This collaboration between professional football and bare-knuckle boxing is actually something that came out of the blue, leaving fans and pundits surprised. After all, it is not often that the two sports meet outside special guest appearances at events.

Speaking about being a part owner of the BKFC, the NFL star said, “Bare-knuckle fighting is raw, real, and incredibly engaging for fans. I have always been passionate about combat sports, and I see BKFC as a platform that not only showcases the incredible skill, talent, and athleticism of these fighters but also brings a unique and authentic experience to combat sports enthusiasts.” But what are the long-term plans regarding this deal? What are the changes that Crosby as a co-owner would bring to change BKFC’s position in the business? Well, without further ado, let’s find out.

Potential for a bigger streaming deal

BKFC’s collaboration with DAZN has been a significant step toward introducing bare-knuckle fighting to a global audience. However, bringing in someone like The Las Vegas Raiders star as a boss creates a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to negotiate an even more significant streaming agreement. Crosby’s NFL background brings global awareness and a strong fan base, bringing mainstream attention that BKFC may use to approach larger platforms such as Netflix, ESPN+, and Amazon Prime.

For example, the Dana White-led promotion took advantage of its partnership with ESPN to cement its position as the biggest MMA promotion in the world. BKFC might adopt this concept, especially with Crosby’s influence bringing a lot of eyeballs to its events. What would work in their favor is that now streaming companies are investing more in original sports content. Netflix has entered the live sports market through partnerships with the WWE and the NFL, so maybe now it is the BKFC’s time to shine.

After all, a bigger deal for BKFC would give more than just revenue; it would also strengthen its global exposure, something that is highly required to grow while making it a credible player in the combat sports market. Maxx Crosby’s NFL popularity brings a new set of audiences to the sport that could help the BKFC transform from a small promotion to a globally recognized brand.

Greater focus on fighter safety

One of the most common criticisms that the BKFC often faces is their lack of concern for fighter safety. Fighting bare-knuckle is unquestionably brutal, the main reason why it has a niche audience who wants to see some gore and bloodshed. However, the same brutality also brings its own sets of critics. Since the NFL is a league recognized for its emphasis on athlete welfare, Maxx Crosby could urge the BKFC to address these issues by implementing stronger safety procedures.

Under Crosby’s influence, BKFC might implement measures such as increased medical inspections, required fighter insurance, and more in-ring regulations. These measures would not only protect the fighters but would also improve BKFC’s image with the general public and possible sponsors. In the end, it is the money that matters. Despite being less brutal, the UFC is still finding success because it prioritizes fighter health.

Some of the measures taken by the biggest MMA promotion in the world are to finance brain research and provide full medical care. BKFC might follow suit by demonstrating a concern for its fighters’ long-term well-being. This emphasis on safety may also assist in getting the signatures of higher-level fighters who were earlier afraid to be a part of the Conor McGregor co-owned promotion because of the risks involved.

Competition with celebrity/influencer boxing

How can the BKFC not try to capitalize on the biggest sports trend? After all, the celebrity and influencer boxing scene has taken the combat sports world by storm. BKFC, with its brutal nature, can become a new option for these influencers to gain some clout. Having Maxx Crosby as a part of their promotion paves the way for more celebrities and influencers to come to the promotion to have their one-on-ones.

While traditional boxing events concentrate largely on theatrics and flair, BKFC allows these celebrities to get into some really brutal action that many will tune in to see. ‘The Problem Child’ Jake Paul and KSI’s success in merging the world of entertainment with the sporting realm has been the perfect example that non-traditional boxers can also bring in a lot of money. BKFC has the opportunity to capitalize on this trend by marketing itself as the go-to place for celebrities who want to earn credibility by fighting in the most brutal way possible.

Now, with Maxx Crosby as a part of their promotion, his influence will help bring more celebrities to their events as fighters rather than fans. But what do you think? Will the Conor McGregor co-owned promotion’s new deal with the NFL star prove to be a success? Let us know in the comments.