Jorge Masvidal is making a thunderous return to the combat sports promotion game, announcing an ambitious $1 million tournament series that will see former UFC stars compete in bare-knuckle MMA for life-changing money. The former UFC welterweight star revealed plans for dual 16-fighter tournaments at heavyweight and lightweight divisions, each carrying a staggering $500,000 grand prize under his Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA banner.

The announcement comes after a 17-month hiatus for the promotion, which last held an event on November 15, 2024. Masvidal's return to the promotional landscape brings with it a shocking revelation: former UFC light heavyweight title challenger Anthony Smith is coming out of retirement to compete in the heavyweight tournament.

Anthony Smith's Surprising Return

Perhaps the most eyebrow-raising element of Masvidal's announcement is the inclusion of Anthony Smith, who retired from active competition in April 2025 following a first-round TKO loss to Zhang Mingyang in what was meant to be his UFC swan song. The 37-year-old "Lionheart" has since transitioned to a role as a UFC broadcast analyst, making his decision to return for bare-knuckle competition all the more surprising.

Smith will face fellow UFC veteran Chase Sherman in one of the confirmed opening-round matchups, marking a significant comeback story that adds considerable star power to Masvidal's tournament series. The former title challenger's willingness to compete without gloves demonstrates both the financial appeal of the $500,000 prize and the evolving landscape of combat sports opportunities for veteran fighters.

Tournament Structure and Timeline

The tournament series is structured as an ambitious year-long endeavor, with all four rounds of both tournaments scheduled throughout 2026. The action kicks off on April 10 in the Dominican Republic, followed by a second event planned for May 1 in Miami. This timeline suggests Masvidal is committed to providing consistent content and maintaining momentum throughout the tournament brackets.

The heavyweight division has already revealed several compelling matchups beyond Smith vs. Sherman. UFC veterans will feature prominently throughout the bracket, including:

• Guto Inocente facing Mohammed Usman
• Alexandr Romanov taking on Russian prospect Nikolay Kovalenko
• Todd Duffee squaring off against former PFL tournament champion Bruno Cappelozza

Financial Commitment and Fighter Compensation

Masvidal's commitment to fighter compensation appears to be a driving force behind the tournament series. Speaking to MMA Junkie Radio, the former UFC star emphasized his willingness to prioritize fighter pay over gate revenue, positioning Gamebred as a fighter-friendly alternative in the current combat sports landscape.

"I don't mind taking the loss (from a smaller gate) for making a huge statement online," Masvidal explained. "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."

This approach reflects a broader trend in combat sports where promoters are increasingly recognizing the importance of competitive fighter compensation to attract top talent. The $500,000 grand prizes represent significant paydays that could potentially exceed what many of these veterans earned in their final UFC appearances.

Filling a Market Gap

Masvidal's timing appears strategic, as he positions Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA to fill what he perceives as a void in the current MMA landscape. During the promotion's hiatus, Masvidal was actively working behind the scenes to secure funding and partnerships necessary for a sustained return.

"I never wanted to leave," Masvidal said. "The whole time I was working, in the shadows in the back. It's what business owners do. I was just hustling, brother. Seeing what I could do, what networks I could get on, what sponsors I could bring on board. I did everything to keep the dream alive, just like fighting."

The extended break allowed Masvidal to secure the financial backing necessary to commit to a full year of events, suggesting a more sustainable business model than the promotion's previous iteration. This preparation period appears to have positioned Gamebred to make a significant impact upon its return.

Bare-Knuckle MMA Format

Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA operates under a unique ruleset that mirrors the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts with one crucial difference: fighters compete without the customary 4-ounce gloves used in traditional MMA. This format creates a more visceral viewing experience while potentially increasing the likelihood of finishes due to the increased cutting potential and different striking dynamics.

The bare-knuckle format has gained popularity in recent years across various combat sports, with organizations like Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship finding success in boxing. Masvidal's application of this concept to full MMA creates a unique product that differentiates Gamebred from traditional MMA promotions.

Historical Context and Previous Success

From mid-2023 to late 2024, Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA held five events under this ruleset, featuring notable UFC veterans including former heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos, Roy Nelson, Alan Belcher, Hector Lombard, and Francisco Trinaldo. This track record demonstrates Masvidal's ability to attract recognizable names and suggests established relationships within the veteran fighter community.

The promotion's previous success in securing notable participants provides credibility for the current tournament announcement and suggests that other high-profile names may be revealed as the remaining brackets are filled out.

Industry Implications

Masvidal's tournament series represents a significant development in the regional MMA scene, potentially setting new standards for fighter compensation and tournament structure. The $1 million total prize pool rivals major organizational payouts and could influence how other promotions approach fighter pay and tournament formats.

The success or failure of this venture could have broader implications for the viability of alternative MMA formats and the market for veteran UFC fighters seeking lucrative opportunities outside the sport's premier organization.

Looking Forward

As Masvidal prepares to reveal the remaining participants in both tournaments, the combat sports community will be watching closely to see what other surprises emerge. The combination of significant financial incentives, a unique format, and the shocking return of Anthony Smith has already generated considerable buzz around the April 10 launch date.

The success of this tournament series could establish Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA as a legitimate player in the combat sports landscape while providing a new model for how regional promotions can attract top talent and create compelling content. For the participating fighters, it represents an opportunity to compete for career-high paydays while showcasing their skills in a format that rewards aggression and finishing ability.

With the Dominican Republic event rapidly approaching and additional announcements promised, Jorge Masvidal's ambitious return to MMA promotion appears poised to make a significant impact on the sport's regional scene and potentially influence how the industry approaches veteran fighter opportunities and compensation moving forward.