Ridout joins BKB following his tenure as Executive Vice President, Combat Sports & New Business at DAZN and more than 17 years in senior roles at IMG.
Ridout brings a proven track record in sports media rights, broadcast distribution, commercial development and international partnerships, including involvement in major global boxing events.
Ridout will lead BKB’s UK operations while assuming broader operational and business responsibilities as the organization continues its international expansion.
LONDON, ENGLAND (November 9, 2026) – BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing, the world’s largest professional bare knuckle boxing organization, today announced the appointment of Michael Ridout as Managing Director, UK.
Ridout joins BKB with an extensive background in sports media, commercial strategy and international business development, having most recently served as Executive Vice President, Combat Sports & New Business at DAZN. Prior to that, he spent more than 17 years at IMG, where he held a range of senior commercial positions, including Vice President, Media.
Throughout his career, Ridout has worked with some of the biggest names in combat sports, including the UFC and renowned boxing promoter Frank Warren. His experience across sports media rights, broadcast distribution and commercial development will support BKB’s efforts to expand its international reach and strengthen its position in the global combat sports market.
In his new role, Ridout will lead BKB’s operations in the United Kingdom while taking on wider operational and business responsibilities across the company. He will work closely with BKB’s executive leadership team to strengthen the organization’s commercial platform, develop strategic partnerships and support its continued growth across established and emerging markets.
“Michael brings an exceptional combination of experience, industry relationships and commercial expertise to BKB. His work with DAZN and IMG, particularly across sports media, broadcast distribution and global boxing, makes him a tremendous addition to our executive leadership team. As we continue to grow our international footprint and strengthen the business, his leadership will be instrumental in helping us capitalize on the opportunities ahead. We are delighted to welcome him to BKB,” said David Tetreault, CEO of BKB
“BKB has built an exciting platform in the global combat sports landscape, with significant opportunities to grow its audience, expand its international reach and develop new commercial partnerships. I’m delighted to be joining the executive leadership team at such an important stage in the company’s development. I look forward to working closely with the team in the UK and across the wider organization, drawing on my experience in sports media and combat sports to help drive BKB’s continued growth and build on the strong foundations already in place,” said Michael Ridout.
Ridout’s appointment represents another important step in BKB’s continued development as a global sports property. Over the last few years, the organization has continued to expand its international presence, broadcast reach and commercial partnerships, reinforcing its position at the forefront of the rapidly growing bare knuckle boxing landscape.
ABOUT BKB BARE KNUCKLE BOXING
BKB is the world’s leading bare knuckle boxing organization, hosting premier events across the U.S. and internationally, featuring elite fighters from around the world.
BKB is broadcast and streamed globally to over 100 countries. In 2026, BKB became the most-viewed live sport on TikTok.
For more information, visit BKBBareKnuckle.com and follow BKB on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube.