Jorge Masvidal's $500k bareknuckle MMA tournaments explained

The former UFC star's promotion is staging two 16-man World Grand Prix tournaments in 2026, with separate competitions taking place at heavyweight and lightweight.

There is $500,000 on offer to the winner of each tournament, meaning a combined $1 million is up for grabs across the two competitions.

With Gamebred now coming to DAZN as part of a new global broadcast partnership, here is everything you need to know about Masvidal's $500k tournaments.

What are Jorge Masvidal's $500k bareknuckle MMA tournaments?

(Harry Castiblanco/Fanmio)

Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA is staging two World Grand Prix tournaments, one at heavyweight and another at lightweight.

Each tournament began with a 16-fighter field, with competitors progressing through the brackets towards the eventual final and the huge prize awaiting the winner.

The tournaments are fought under Gamebred's distinctive bareknuckle MMA rules.

Fighters compete without gloves but, unlike traditional bareknuckle boxing, are able to use the wider range of techniques associated with MMA, including kicks, takedowns, grappling and submissions.

How much can the Gamebred tournament winners earn?

The winner of each Gamebred World Grand Prix will receive $500,000.

That means $500,000 is available to the heavyweight champion and another $500,000 to the lightweight winner, putting a combined $1 million on the line across the two tournaments.

Which fighters are competing?

(Getty Images)

Masvidal has brought a number of recognisable names from the MMA world into the tournaments.

Former UFC light heavyweight title challenger Anthony Smith came out of retirement to enter the heavyweight competition and defeated Chase Sherman by submission in the opening round.

Former UFC title challenger Thiago Santos also progressed with a first-round stoppage victory over Guto Inocente.

The tournaments have featured fighters with experience across some of MMA's biggest promotions, with the opportunity to win $500,000 adding significant stakes to every round.

When are the next Gamebred events?

Gamebred has confirmed four upcoming events as part of its new partnership with DAZN.

The first takes place in Russia on September 12, followed by an event in the Dominican Republic on October 2.

Gamebred then heads to Miami for two further events on October 30 and December 12, with the heavyweight and lightweight World Grand Prix tournaments continuing across the upcoming schedule.

How to watch Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA on DAZN

Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA has a new global home on DAZN, with future events available live on the platform.

The first Gamebred event under the new partnership takes place on September 12, with three further cards already confirmed for the remainder of 2026.

Fans can find the latest Gamebred events by searching for "Gamebred" on DAZN and selecting the event they want to watch.