BKB brings on former DAZN executive Michael Ridout as UK managing director
The former DAZN combat sports executive, who spent more than 17 years at IMG handling UFC broadcaster relationships and Frank Warren's boxing sales, will run the bare-knuckle promotion's British business.
Michael Ridout has been appointed managing director, UK at BKB, the bare-knuckle promotion announced on 9 November. He will oversee its British operation and take on responsibilities across its international business, with a brief covering commercial development, partnerships and reaching a wider audience.
The appointment puts an executive whose career has been built on selling fight broadcasts in charge of BKB's UK arm. At IMG, where his roles included vice president, media, Ridout handled UK media sales and client relationships. He managed the UFC's broadcaster relationships and IMG's relationship with Frank Warren, as well as global sales of Warren's boxing events. He moved to DAZN in May 2024 as executive vice president, combat sports and new business, a role that ran until August 2026.
He arrives as BKB tries different ways of putting fights in front of viewers. In June, the promotion broadcast the preliminary card of BKB 55 in Cardiff on TikTok, while the main card was shown on talkSPORT in the UK and Ireland and on VICE TV's YouTube channel elsewhere.
BKB chief executive David Tetreault cited Ridout's experience in sports rights, broadcast distribution and international boxing. Tetreault said: “We are delighted to welcome him to BKB.” Ridout's role is not limited to broadcast sales. Alongside running the UK operation, he will work with the executive team on commercial opportunities and strategic partnerships, linking the British business with BKB's plans overseas.
Ridout named audience growth, international reach and new commercial partnerships as opportunities for the company. He said: “I’m delighted to be joining the executive leadership team at such an important stage in the company’s development.”
Every UK fight result and what's next, every Friday. Get the free UK fight briefing
More MMA from Combat Sports UK
- Davey Grant to fight on in 2027 after first KO loss at UFC Vegas 124
- Sergio Pettis quits Roufusport after Duke Roufus died: going to the gym 'didn't feel right'
- Zabit Magomedsharipov wants Raul Rosas Jr after brother's loss: 'I felt he wasn't that strong'
- Trump on Dana White press secretary offer: 'I was only kidding. But Dana loves the idea'
The UK fight briefing
The stories, results and upcoming fights worth knowing. Every Friday.