Jon Jones and IBA Bare Knuckle — A Statement to the Industry

IBA Bare Knuckle is no longer just part of the conversation — it is changing it.

In a move that has already drawn attention across the combat sports world, MMA legend Jon Jones is joining the organization as a host for its upcoming event in Saint Petersburg, headlined by Yoel Romero vs Vagab Vagabov.

But this is more than just adding a high-profile name to a broadcast.

It is a statement.

IBA Bare Knuckle CEO Alibek Gitinov made it clear that the organization is building something different — and fighters are taking notice.

“We have known Jon Jones for a long time. He attended our first event and saw everything firsthand — the atmosphere, the level, the organization. He liked our product.”

And the key factor was the approach.

“We treated Jon Jones with the respect he deserves. That is why he chose to join us.”

At a time when major organizations are increasingly being questioned over how they treat their top athletes, IBA Bare Knuckle is positioning itself differently.

Not just as a promotion — but as a platform.

“If the world’s biggest organizations are not appreciating their greatest fighters, we are ready to offer them a platform — along with respect and loyalty.”

This is more than a message.

It is a position.

With Jon Jones now stepping into the spotlight with IBA Bare Knuckle, one thing is becoming clear.

The balance of power in combat sports is shifting.
Respect is becoming a new currency.
And new players are no longer asking for attention — they are taking it.