BKB lands former DAZN and IMG executive Michael Ridout to head UK operations

BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing has named Michael Ridout as its managing director for the United Kingdom, tasking the veteran sports media executive with overseeing domestic operations and taking on broader commercial responsibilities across the organisation.

Ridout arrives with one of the more substantial CVs in combat sports business. He spent more than 17 years at IMG in senior commercial roles, including vice president of media, before moving to DAZN where he served as executive vice president of combat sports and new business. During his career he has also worked alongside the UFC and boxing promoter Frank Warren.

BKB chief executive David Tetreault said the hire was driven by Ridout’s blend of industry relationships and commercial know-how. “Michael brings an exceptional combination of experience, industry relationships and commercial expertise to BKB,” Tetreault said. “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.”

Ridout framed the appointment as an opportunity to accelerate the promotion’s growth at a pivotal moment. “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,” he said. “I’m delighted to be joining the executive leadership team at such an important stage in the company’s development.”

BKB positions itself as one of the leading promotions in the resurgent bare-knuckle boxing space, and the addition of an executive with Ridout’s background in media rights and global distribution signals an intent to push further into mainstream combat sports markets.