BKFC Increases Offer To Tyson, Pitches Bout With Wanderlei Silva

It appears that Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship President David Feldman is willing to do whatever it takes to add Mike Tyson to his promotion. Speaking to MMA Fighting, Feldman stated that he has increased the $20 million offer he initially tried talking Tyson into taking.

Feldman is also looking to spice things up to woo the former heavyweight champion, even if he’s been denied before.

“I think I know what we need to do to make this thing happen,” Feldman stated. “He did say no immediately. But I think there’s room there.”

Tyson (50-6, 2NC) made it known that he wants to return to the ring for charity. For the first time since 2005, the world will see a new and improved Tyson, who became the youngest heavyweight champion at 20. Since then, several entities have offered their services. A fight that many believe will take place is a trilogy bout with Evander Holyfield. Both “The Real Deal” and “Iron Mike” have expressed interest in a bout with one another.

As far as opponents go, Feldman is looking to find fighters that would entice Tyson. Shannon Briggs, who recently signed with the promotion, has been pushing for a Tyson clash. Current free agent Tito Ortiz stated he has been contacted by Tyson’s representatives. Feldman, however, does not see anything in an Ortiz matchup. He does see something in a fight against MMA legend Wanderlei Silva.

“I didn’t offer that (to Ortiz),” Feldman went on to say. “I don’t know that it really draws. I think a Wanderlei Silva, someone of that nature. No matter how old Silva gets, he’s dangerous, and I think that would be an intriguing matchup. Something like that, but I don’t actually have anything in mind right now.”

Silva (35-14-1, 1NC) is on a two-fight losing streak and hasn’t fought since September 2018. “The Axe Murderer” is a former PRIDE Middleweight Champion. A shadowboxer, the 43-year-old reached out to Feldman to work something out with him and Tyson, according to MMA Fighting.

Has Feldman done enough to convince Tyson? The 53-year-old recently stated he is ready to sign a contract this week. Only time will tell if Feldman’s perseverance will pay off.

“We’re not successful yet in making that Mike thing happen. But I don’t think the door’s shut,” Feldman said.