If there is one thing that MMA promotions hate the most, it has to be the illegal streamers. Notorious for unauthorized distribution of PPV events, these individuals and groups are known for chewing the revenues of the promotions like nothing else. Thus, hurting one of the most tried and tested revenue models in the fight business. Over the years, many promoters, including UFC’s Dana have been critical of the breach of Intellectual property.
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The latest victim of the illegal streams seems to be the Bare Knuckle Fight Championship or BKFC. Recently, the promotion’s president and CEO, David Feldman, showed his distress over the issue. According to the promoter, the illegal streamers could be blamed for the underwhelming numbers of the BKFC’s 41 PPV. If he is to be believed, the PPV had 734,000 illegal streams from the event.
The recently concluded event had some big names on the card, including former UFC veterans like Luke Rockhold, Mike Perry, Chad Mendes, and Eddie Alvarez. Regardless of the illegal streams, Feldman believes the PPV did some good numbers, though below his expectations. It is noteworthy that the promotion has had trouble with its finances in the past. Feldman himself had to refinance his house, to fuel the operations.
Fans have mixed reactions to this statement
As soon as David Feldman’s statement was out, fans seemed to be polarized in their opinion. While some fans were critical of the illegal streamers, others took a critical stance. If the words of critics are considered, many think the PPV is an obscure format while others criticized the recent hike in the price. Some even took a dig at Feldman himself, alleging him of impersonating Dana White.
Here are some of the top reactions of fans on Twitter.
Because they upped the price from 20 to 50. Ida paid the 20
— Ghislaine Stacks💵Well 🛫🏝😈💸💯 (@rollerstyx) June 3, 2023
Stop. Doing. Pay Per View 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
— Bosshog (@bosshogmma) June 2, 2023
LOL WISH version of Dana talking smack… Welcome to the world of not buying PPVs, you will never stop it, ask the UFC
— COFFTEA 🇺🇸 (@COFFTEA_US) June 2, 2023
BKFC has big ambitions for the future, next major card teased for September
The recently concluded BKFC 41 was arguably the company’s biggest draw to date. From Mike Perry knocking out Luke Rockhold, to Conor McGregor crashing his post-fight celebration; there has hardly been any time that the promotion has been able to get such clout.
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Amidst this success, Feldman is already teasing his next big card, scheduled for September this year. The promoter also expressed his intentions of continuing this momentum and not let this event be a case of one-and-done. In his own words,
Do you think Feldman’s words will ring true? What are your thoughts on illegal streamers and the pay-per-view model? Let us know in the comments.
