Discover how much BKFC fighters make in 2025, from base pay to bonuses and real fight examples! Learn who earns big in bare-knuckle boxing today!
The Rise of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC)
Do you know what is BKFC? Maybe some of you know, maybe some of you don’t. By 2025, BKFC has grown into one of the world’s fastest-growing fight promotions. No one expected this. Me either. What began as a risky experiment turned into a worldwide sensation. Many fans who are hungry for unadulterated action filling arenas and being streamed live on DAZN. I’m one of those people! Can you believe it?
But, the always big question is “how much BKFC fighters earn per fight in 2025?” I actually know nothing before I wrote this article. But, I confident that you definitely be surprised how the real earnings are. So, Let’s dive in and discover how BKFC’ fighters really make! Prepare your snack, guys!
Overview of BKFC Fighter Pay Structure
So, how does BKFC’s financial system actually operate? Now, try to imagine it as a cake with layers: a base pay, a win bonus, and occasionally a little extra frosting in the form of performance bonuses. The real unbelievable thing is when you consider what a fighter can make just by performing, but every fighter enters the ring with a guaranteed purse. At BKFC, there are plenty of opportunities for a bloody battle or a spectacular knockout to earn extra money. Sounds crazy, right?
BKFC allows its athletes to wear their own logos and sign personal sponsorship deals, unlike the UFC. BKFC gives freedom! A mid-tier salary can become much more substantial with that freedom. Can you magine leaving with a $10,000 guarantee that has been doubled or tripled by your own brand deals? You want it? Yeah, me too.
Then there’s the possibility of a bonus. A little surprise is usually in store for fighters who produce highlight-reel moments, like furious fights, fast knockouts, or spectacular comebacks. Putting on a show is the goal. I think it’s more like entertainment show!
Average BKFC Fighter Salaries in 2025
The huge disparity in compensation between headliners and newcomers at BKFC is, to be honest, part of its allure. Depending on their level of experience and how early they appear on the card, novice fighters can anticipate earning between $2,000 and $9,000 per fight. Yeah I know, you think that’s not glamorous money? But, it’s a first step toward one of the fight promotions with the fastest rate of growth.
As you know, things begin to get better. Fighters in the mid-tier, those with a growing fan base or a few victories under their belt, typically earn between $20,000 and $30,000 per show. You feel that growing? That’s already more than many made in regional mixed martial arts! That salary can easily reach the high 5 figures when you include the personal sponsorships and a little bonus. Many more money comes to your pocket!
And the unique one, the celebrities. The ones that everyone watches. The real showstoppers, those high-profile pay-per-view events, can earn 7 figures. You know Jeremy Stephens and Mike Perry? They are making a lot of money, earning between $400,000 and $700,000 per fight in 2025. Hahaha, it’s more way better than the previous one, right? Finally, BKFC has reached a point where some of its best fighters are on par with, and sometimes even better than, their UFC earnings.
BKFC Payout Examples from Real Events
Okay, so in order to truly comprehend how BKFC compensates its fighters, you must examine the figures from the real actual fight nights. Watch out guys, it maybe make your jaw drop! Let’s begin with BKFC 28, the bare-knuckle debut of former UFC star John Dodson. In just 40 seconds, Dodson defeated his opponent and took home a cool 75 thousand dollars, topping the entire card. It’s not bad for less than a minute of work, is it? Other fighters made between $2,000 and $22,000, while his opponent, Ryan Benoit, took home $20,000.
Okay now let’s fast-forward to BKFC 78, the stakes and the profits increased even more better. Arnold Adams made $100,000, half of the estimated $200,000 earned by headliner Leonardo Perdomo. The remainder of the card was quite diverse, ranging from just $2,000 for newcomers to $25,000 for well-known names like Gee Perez. What I want to show you is, the promotion gives up-and-coming talent the chance to shine and advance while also rewarding star power.
And then in 2025, BKFC 82 arrived, and things are going wild! According to reports, Jeremy Stephens earned almost $400,000 from the co-main event bout. Mike Perry, the fan favorite, earned almost $700,000. The women’s division also began to grow significantly. You know Christine Ferea? She earning over $50,000 and Jessica Borga reportedly earning $150,000. Without no doubt, BKFC has changed from a scrappy payday to serious money, especially for fighters who can bring attention, drama, and mayhem to the ring. The grow is really stunning!
Extra Streams of Income for BKFC Fighters
The real money at BKFC isn’t just in the fight purse, which is something that most people outside the fight world are unaware of. Through sponsorships, bonuses, and even the sale of merchandise, many fighters are covertly hoarding additional cash. Remember what I said in earlier, that BKFC gives freedom? BKFC allows competitors to wear their own sponsors in the ring, in contrast to the UFC, which strictly regulates branding. This freedom is enormous because it means that even a small person with a strong personal brand can generate thousands of dollars in side business before the first punch is thrown.
Then there are bonuses for performance. Although not as formal as the UFC’s “Fight of the Night” awards, BKFC frequently expresses gratitude to competitors who successfully get the audience to stand. Like I said, it’s a show! Outstanding performances usually draw the attention of the promoter, and a little extra money usually follows. They don’t care whether it’s a spectacular knockout or a brutal 5-round battle. This system essentially states, “We’ll give you something extra if you give us fireworks.” And to be honest, we adore that; it keeps battles real and fierce. So excited to watch!
Last but not least, some astute combatants are learning how to turn their BKFC notoriety into revenue by collaborating with combat sports companies, starting YouTube channels, or selling branded merchandise. That, in my opinion, is how combat will develop in the future. BKFC allows its athletes to focus on building their empires rather than just chasing bonuses. It’s a venue for hustlers with marketing and punching skills.
Trends and Salary Growth in BKFC, 2022-2025
You’ve undoubtedly noticed how quickly the money has started to move if you’ve been following BKFC since its inception. One of the biggest names, like John Dodson, who headlined an event in 2022, was earning up to $75,000. It was a respectable salary, to be sure, but not nearly enough to warrant headlines outside of the combat community. By 2025, fighters like Jeremy Stephens and Mike Perry are earning at least half a million dollars per bout. That’s an explosion man, not growth!
What changed, then? A few things. First, the sport was made accessible to a huge worldwide audience through BKFC’s collaboration with DAZN and YouTube streaming. There are more advertisers when there are more viewers, which leads to larger profits. And the second is, BKFC started to use pay-per-view fights with former Bellator and UFC fighters. The sport gains a certain amount of legitimacy each time a fighter with name value enters that squared circle, and the money follows suit.
You guys can also recognize the positive change that has occurred with regard to female fighters. Celebrities like Jessica Borga and Christine Ferea have joined the $50,000–$150,000 range. That’s a proof that BKFC is no longer solely a boys’ club. One of the best indicators of growth, in my opinion, is when everyone, not just the stars, begins to reap the rewards. And with salaries that finally reflect it, BKFC developing into a significant force in international combat sports.
Projected BKFC Fighter Salaries for 2025 and Beyond
Okay now let’s talk about present and the future of BKFC salaries. Top-tier fighters could soon earn anywhere from $500,000 to more than $1 million per fight, mid-tier fighters between $25,000 and $40,000, and entry-level fighters between $5,000 and $10,000 per fight, taking into account current data and contracts.
Of course, fighters can negotiate their own contracts, earn money through sponsorship deals, and in certain situations, even receive a portion of the PPV revenue thanks to BKFC’s flexibility. That kind of financial independence is uncommon in combat sports. It’s rare! I firmly believe that BKFC is creating a new model, one that incentivizes competitors for being marketable, innovative, and able to connect with their fans in addition to winning.
In the future, 2026 might mark BKFC’s real mainstream debut. Salaries could increase by another 15–25% at all levels if the promotion keeps drawing in former UFC and boxing stars while nurturing its own talent. And who knows? With a few more well-known signings and viral knockouts, BKFC may soon be on par with the UFC in terms of both excitement and financial strength. No one knows the future, right? But that’s all the possibility.
Is BKFC Financially Worth It for Fighters?
So, is it really worth it to fight bare-knuckle? I would gladly say yes, in terms of money, for a lot of fighters. For people who wish to escape traditional MMA contracts and take charge of their own income, BKFC has developed into a safe haven. Did you know that fighters like Mike Perry have been open about making double what he earned in the UFC, and Paige VanZant famously said she makes “ten times more” fighting bare-knuckle. Unbelievable! Flexible contracts, sponsor autonomy, and performance bonuses allow BKFC to provide autonomy, something that most promotions are unable to do.
I really believe that freedom and upside are the greatest benefits BKFC can provide. Individuality is rewarded in this promotion; fighters who work hard, establish their reputation, and perform well can advance quickly. Yeah I know that’s not the safest course of action, but that’s sort of the point. BKFC appeals to both fighters and fans because it is unvarnished, dangerous, and authentic. It may be the most thrilling bet in combat sports right now for those prepared to take the financial and physical toll.
One thing is certain regarding BKFC’s future: both financially and figuratively, the gloves are off. Remarkably, what began as a wild experiment has evolved into a legitimate contender in the fight industry. BKFC providing a stage and a salary to anyone who is brave enough to accept it. I know the trend is rapidly shifting in that direction, not everyone is cashing six-figure checks. BKFC’s reputation, and fighter salaries, keep growing with every high-profile signing and viral knockout. Therefore, one thing is certain: BKFC is here to stay, and the payouts will continue to grow! Regardless of whether you are a fighter looking for your next contract or just a fan who enjoys watching how the sport changes.
So, what do you think guys? Is the BKFC pay worth the risk, or would you stick with gloves on? Let’s talk about it in the comments!
