World’s Baddest Man Tournament: Conor McGregor to Host $25 Million Showdown
Away from professional fighting, Conor McGregor devoted significant time promoting BKFC, where he serves as co-founder. Throughout this year, BKFC experienced massive growth, largely fueled by aggressive marketing strategies and McGregor’s unmatched promotional abilities. As 2025 ends, President David Feldman announced a shocking $25 million tournament, instantly electrifying fans and fighters alike globally.
The World’s Baddest Man is a $25 million BKFC tournament and reality docu-series led by Conor McGregor, launching globally in 2026. Positioned as the most lucrative tournament in combat sports history, it further strengthens McGregor’s business partnership and co-ownership with Feldman.
The concept focuses on discovering the World’s Baddest Man through a global search, combining reality television storytelling with high-stakes bare-knuckle tournament action. The total prize pool is $25 million, including $15 million for the winner and $1 million for second place overall.
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Third and fourth place fighters will earn at least $500,000 each, making payouts unprecedented compared to traditional boxing and MMA tournaments. The men’s tournament features 32 fighters in an open-weight format, ranging roughly from 185 pounds to heavyweight limits.
“It’s a $25 million tournament, the highest prize in any fighting tournament in history. We will search the world. We’re going all over the world to find who is the World’s Baddest Man. The docu-series is going to follow these fighters. Conor McGregor is going to be the host of the show. It’s going to be an amazing show,” said David Feldman via a press conference.
According to David Feldman, the tournament is scheduled to begin in March 2026 and will run for nearly a year. The extended timeline is designed to accommodate injuries, recovery periods, and flexible scheduling across multiple high-profile fight stages.
Events are expected to start in Los Angeles before traveling globally, with the grand finale planned for the Middle East. BKFC has also partnered with Kiss Fly Productions to create a multi-episode docu-series following fighters worldwide.
Conor McGregor’s role in the project
Conor McGregor is set to serve as the on-screen host for the docu-series and tournament broadcasts, leveraging star power to attract viewers. His role mirrors the impact he previously delivered on The Ultimate Fighter, where his presence consistently elevated interest, ratings, and mainstream engagement.
During TUF 31, McGregor impressed fans as a coach, bringing intensity, mentorship, and entertainment that kept audiences invested weekly. He actively motivated fighters and created viral moments, proving his effectiveness beyond fighting inside the Octagon.
McGregor has branded the BKFC project as the most lucrative tournament in combat sports, blending global scouting with championship ambition. This marks a major venture as McGregor balances a potential UFC return while expanding his influence as promoter and media personality.
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