Who we are and where we're headed.

When I share my vision for KTFO, the skeptics usually come out in force. They tell me I’m chasing a ghost. "There are kids today who were toddlers or weren't even born when KTFO was in its prime," "The culture has moved on; they won’t think it’s cool anymore."

I couldn't disagree more. Trends are cyclical, but impact is permanent. To me, anything bearing the KTFO name will always represent the absolute pinnacle of combat sports. This isn't a "get rich quick" scheme hatched last week; this is a twenty-year obsession finally coming to fruition.

My introduction to the world of MMA didn't happen via a slick 4K stream. It happened through my uncle in Arizona, who would record UFC events on VHS tapes and mail them to me. I was a 13-year-old middle schooler, absolutely shocked by the raw, unpolished intensity of it all. I was hooked instantly. I built a library of every event from UFC 1 to 30. While those physical tapes are long gone, the memories of those early brawls became the foundation of my passion.

The Rise and Fall

As the sport hit the mainstream in the mid-to-late 2000s, the era of "big brand" fight gear exploded. Names like Tapout and Affliction were everywhere, but KTFO Fight Gear was the one that truly resonated with me. It felt authentic. Tapout had its place, but let’s be honest: on fight night, nobody is on the edge of their seat hoping for a technical submission—they’re looking for that definitive "Knocked The F Out."

I remember lurking on the Sherdog forums, watching the drama unfold between the KTFO brand owner, disgruntled fighters, and vocal fans. It was chaotic, comical, and raw. Then, suddenly, the brand vanished. It felt like a wasted opportunity for a match made in heaven, especially considering their legendary sponsored roster.

In 2009, I made my first move. I emailed the owner to buy the brand. The deal collapsed because while they wanted $10k for the name, they didn't even own KTFO.com—and that owner wanted a staggering $100k. My dream hit a brick wall.

For the next 17 years, I played the "what if" game with friends. When Powerslap emerged, it screamed KTFO, but the timing was never right—COVID and personal finances kept the dream on ice. That changed this past 4th of July. A casual joke with friends turned into a serious inquiry. After three weeks of intense back-and-forth, I finally acquired the domain KTFO.com.

I finally did it.

The New Vision: KTFO Performance

This isn't just a "fight gear" relaunch; this is KTFO Performance. I want to be clear: I have zero ties to the previous era or its management. My mission is to build a "fan brand" that supports the roots of the sport.

While seeing the logo in the center of the UFC Octagon is the ultimate goal, my heart is with the local and regional fighters. I’ve seen how tight-knit the local scene is, and I want in. I want the success of this brand to elevate the "little guys" who are grinding in the trenches.

I’ve followed this sport for over 20 years. I’m not a trainer; I’m a devotee. If this business never clears a massive profit but allows me to support the community, make friends, and see incredible fights from the front row, then KTFO Performance is already a success.

-Matt