Bare Knuckle Boxing CEO Shares Growth Plan And TikTok Success

Bare Knuckle Boxing (BKB) has amassed over 53 million likes on TikTok, signaling a digital revolution for the combat sport that was once relegated to underground spectacles. In a Forbes interview, CEO David Tetreault detailed BKB's growth plan and TikTok strategy, revealing a record live pilot event and a surge in social media engagement that is driving mainstream adoption.

Bare knuckle boxing has long existed on the fringes of combat sports, but under Tetreault's leadership, the organization is leveraging short-form video to attract a younger, digital-native audience. The sport's raw, unfiltered nature resonates on platforms like TikTok, where authenticity drives virality. While traditional boxing and MMA rely on major broadcast deals, BKB is proving that a focused digital strategy can build a passionate fanbase from the ground up.

According to the Forbes piece, BKB's TikTok account has earned more than 53 million likes, with a record-breaking live pilot that drew massive viewership. Tetreault outlined plans to expand fight cards, increase production quality, and forge media partnerships to capitalize on the momentum. The CEO emphasized that the Bare Knuckle Boxing growth strategy centers on meeting fans where they are—on their phones, scrolling for authentic, high-impact content.

This digital-first growth mirrors strategies used by other combat sports leagues like the UFC and Bellator, but BKB's TikTok success is particularly notable because it demonstrates how even niche sports can build massive followings without traditional TV contracts. The platform's algorithmic discovery rewards consistent, engaging content, and BKB has mastered that formula by posting fight highlights, behind-the-scenes footage, and athlete stories. The record live pilot further validates that audiences crave the raw intensity of bare knuckle fighting.

Observers note that the Bare Knuckle Boxing growth strategy is a case study in modern sports marketing. By prioritizing social media over traditional broadcasting, BKB bypasses gatekeepers and builds direct relationships with fans. This approach also lowers the barrier to entry for new viewers, who can sample the sport through 60-second clips before committing to pay-per-view events. Tetreault's emphasis on digital engagement suggests that BKB is betting big on the creator economy.

With TikTok engagement translating into ticket sales and pay-per-view buys, BKB is poised for further expansion. Tetreault hinted at international events and potential broadcast deals as the next milestones. If BKB maintains its social media momentum, it could follow the path of the UFC—which leveraged early reality TV to go mainstream—and become a major player in combat sports. The key will be sustaining that growth while navigating the regulatory challenges that still surround bare knuckle fighting in many jurisdictions.