Tiger Shroff Teams with Conor McGregor for BKFC India Launch

Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff has joined forces with UFC star Conor McGregor as the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) launches in India. The expansion, driven by the World League of Fighters group, aims to tap into India's massive fan base for combat sports. Events are set to start soon in major cities.

Background

Bare knuckle fighting has grown fast around the world since BKFC started in 2018. Fighters wrap their fists but no gloves, making punches land harder. The sport mixes boxing skills with tough endurance. BKFC has held big events in the US, like Knucklemania shows that draw thousands.

India has a huge appetite for fights. Mixed martial arts events pack stadiums, and boxing has deep roots. Stars like the Singh brothers have put India on the global map. Now BKFC sees a chance to bring bare knuckle action here. The World League of Fighters, co-founded by Rajesh Banga, Sunil Mathew, and Siraj Gill, holds the license for BKFC in India. These men have years in sports promotion and know the local scene well.

Conor McGregor, who invests in BKFC, has pushed its growth. His name brings eyes from MMA fans everywhere. Tiger Shroff, known for action films like 'Heropanti' and 'Baaghi', fits right in. He trains in martial arts and has a big following among young Indians who love fitness and fights.

Key Details

The launch includes training camps and tryouts across India to find local talent. BKFC plans debut events in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore by mid-2026. They aim for arenas that hold 10,000 fans or more. Fighters from India will mix with international stars.

Early Plans for Events

First bouts could feature Indian newcomers against BKFC veterans. Promoters talk about title eliminators to build hype. Tiger Shroff will help scout talent and promote fights. McGregor might appear at launch events to boost tickets.

World League of Fighters has lined up sponsors from fitness brands and energy drinks. They partner with streaming platforms to reach fans online. Broadcasts will go live on apps popular in India, with Hindi commentary.

"India has millions of fight fans ready for something new like bare knuckle," said Rajesh Banga, co-founder of World League of Fighters. "With Tiger and Conor, we will fill arenas fast."

Shroff has shared workout videos hitting pads without gloves, hinting at his interest. BKFC rules require medical checks and strict training standards. Indian fighters must pass these to compete.

What This Means

This move opens doors for Indian athletes to earn from pro fighting at home. No more trips abroad for big paydays. Local gyms will add bare knuckle classes, growing the sport from the ground up.

Fans get top action without leaving the country. Ticket prices will start low to draw crowds, then rise for main cards. It could spark rival promotions and more investment in combat sports.

For BKFC, India means new revenue from tickets, TV rights, and merch. The market has over 1.4 billion people, many under 30 and glued to sports. Success here could lead to events in nearby countries like Pakistan or Bangladesh.

Tiger Shroff's role bridges Bollywood and sports. His films often show fight scenes, so he pulls in movie fans too. McGregor's trash talk and star power will hype press conferences. Together, they make BKFC feel like a blockbuster.

Promoters expect 50,000 attendees across first events. They train refs and judges locally to handle rules. Safety teams will be on site, as bare knuckle demands quick medical response.

India's sports ministry supports combat growth, with programs for youth training. BKFC ties into this by offering scholarships for top talents. Women fighters get a push too, with plans for female bouts.

Challenges include weather in summer months and matching US production quality. But with local know-how, they plan smooth rollouts. By late 2026, India could host a Knucklemania-style event.

The expansion builds on BKFC's 2026 US schedule, like BKFC 86 on January 17 at Mohegan Sun and Knucklemania VI on February 7 in Philadelphia. India adds to this global push.