Jorge Masvidal Announces $500k 'Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA' Tourney

Former UFC star brings back his promotion with heavyweight and lightweight tournaments in April and May 2026.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Jorge Masvidal, the former UFC welterweight title challenger, is relaunching his Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA promotion in 2026 with two tournaments - a 16-man heavyweight event on April 10 in the Dominican Republic and a 16-man lightweight tournament on May 1 in Miami. Each tournament will have a $500,000 prize pool.

Why it matters

Masvidal's Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA promotion was popular in 2024 but went on hiatus in 2025. Its return with significant prize money signals Masvidal's commitment to building an alternative to the UFC, providing more earning opportunities for fighters outside the industry leader.

The details

The April 10 heavyweight tournament features a lineup of UFC veterans including Anthony Smith, Mohammed Usman, Alexandr Romanov, and Todd Duffee. The May 1 lightweight tournament in Miami has not yet been announced. Masvidal says he was 'working in the shadows' to secure funding and sponsors to bring the promotion back after its 2025 break.

  • The April 10 event will take place in the Dominican Republic.
  • The May 1 event will take place in Miami, Florida.

The players

Jorge Masvidal

A former UFC welterweight title challenger who is the founder and promoter of Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA.

Anthony Smith

A UFC veteran who will compete in the Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA heavyweight tournament on April 10.

Mohammed Usman

A UFC veteran who will compete in the Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA heavyweight tournament on April 10.

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What they’re saying

“I don't mind taking the loss (from a smaller gate) for making a huge statement online. We're giving as much money as we can to the fighters. Really, who's doing anything right now? It's just worked out perfectly.”

— Jorge Masvidal, Founder and Promoter, Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA (MMA Junkie Radio)

What’s next

Masvidal is expected to announce the full lineup for the May 1 lightweight tournament in Miami in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

Masvidal's return to promoting with significant prize money shows his commitment to building an alternative to the UFC and providing more earning opportunities for fighters outside the industry leader.