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| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Bare-knuckle boxing promotion |
| Founded | 2018 |
| Founder | David Feldman |
| Headquarters | , |
| Owner | David Feldman / Triller / Conor McGregor |
| Website | https://www.bareknuckle.tv |
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) is an American bare-knuckle boxing promotion based in Philadelphia. BKFC is the first promotion to hold an official state-sanctioned and commissioned bare-knuckle boxing event in the United States since 1889.[1] Its first event was held in 2018, with 82 "numbered" events held as of April 2024.[2][3][4]
History
BKFC was founded in April 2018 and is presided over by David Feldman, Bobby Gun and Danny Provenzano. After first receiving approval to hold a sanctioned event in Cheyenne, Wyoming, BKFC held the second state sanctioned bare-knuckle boxing event in the United States since 1889. Each fight takes place in a specialized circular four-rope ring, referred to as the "Squared Circle.” BKFC 1, which took place on June 2, 2018, featured the first American sanctioned women's bare-knuckle fight in modern history.[5] The Bare-Knuckle Boxing Hall of Fame recognized this milestone and awarded the victor of this contest, Bec Rawlings, with the National Police Gazette World Diamond Belt several days after her victory.[6] BKFC recognizes the Police Gazette champions, and they may defend their titles within this promotion. At BKFC 3, Arnold Adams defeated Sam Shewmaker in the finals of an eight-man tournament to be crowned as the inaugural BKFC Heavyweight Champion. This event also hosted the quarterfinals of a tournament to crown a Lightweight champion.[7] In February, 2019, former UFC light heavyweight title contender Anthony Johnson announced that he will be joining the company in an administrative role.[8]
BKFC Thailand / BKFC Asia
In October 2021, Nick Chapman established Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship Thailand (BKFC Thailand), the officially licensed branch of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) in Asia.[9] BKFC Thailand held its inaugural event on December 18, 2021, titled BKFC Thailand 1: The Game Changer.[10] The event featured big names like former two-division WBC boxing champion Sirimongkol Singmanasak and Muay Thai fighter Sinsamut Klinmee.[11] As the organization continued to expand, BKFC Thailand underwent a rebranding to BKFC Asia on November 14, 2022. Despite the name change, events hosted in Thailand retained the BKFC Thailand designation to maintain regional recognition.
Triller acquisition
On February 24, 2022, David Feldman announced on Ariel Helwani's show that TrillerNet had acquired a majority stake of BKFC, while not disclosing the value of the deal or percentages of the stake.[12]
First double champion
On June 24, 2022, BKFC Lightweight Champion Luis Palomino won the Welterweight Championship to become the first double champion in BKFC history.
BKFC UK
In September 2022 it was announced by David Feldman that BKFC had acquired the UK-based Bare Fist Boxing Association (BFBA), forming Bare FIST Fighting Championship United Kingdom (BKFC UK).[13]
Bare Knuckle Thai
Bare Knuckle Thai rules are similar to Muay Thai, with the notable exception that competitors fight without gloves. Matches consist of five rounds, with each round lasting two minutes. The rules permit the use of kicks, punches, elbows, and knees, but explicitly prohibit trips and sweeps. Fighters must also remain active in a clinch, which lasts for three seconds. In the event of a draw, a sixth extension round will be fought to determine a winner.[14][15] BKFC Thailand held the first special rules Bare Knuckle Thai bout, featuring Muay Thai legends Buakaw Banchamek and Saenchai, at BKFC Thailand 5: Legends of Siam on November 4, 2023.
Death of Justin Thornton
On August 20, 2021, BKFC was involved in controversy after the death of boxer Justin Thornton at BKFC 20.[16] Justin Thornton died as a result of spinal injury suffered during his BKFC debut.[17] Thornton had been on a five-fight losing streak ahead of the fight. The matchmaking and regulations were criticised following the news on social media and by UFC president Dana White.[18]
BKFC Prospects Series
In 2023, Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship announced the launch of the BKFC Prospects Series. Fighters on the Prospects Series will compete in front of BKFC President David Feldman for a chance at a contract with BKFC. The series is similar in format to Dana White's Contender Series or the PFL Challenger Series in mixed martial arts. Competitors in the Prospects Series include previous participants at BKFC open tryouts, as well as athletes with backgrounds in boxing, Muay Thai, and mixed martial arts.[19][20] The first edition of the BKFC Prospects Series premiered on August 24, 2023, in Miami, with six contracts being awarded.[21]
Broadcasting partners
Initially, BKFC pay-per-view bouts were carried worldwide via FITE TV. On July 24, 2020, it was announced that starting on August, DAZN will be streaming BKFC events.[22] In February 2023, Fite announced to include all events to its Fite+ subscription service.[23]
Squared Circle
BKFC holds all bouts in a circular four-rope ring, referred to as the "Squared Circle". This ring incorporates elements of historical bare knuckle fighting by containing two scratch lines, three feet apart and in the middle of the ring. These scratch lines are based on the Broughton Rules, which governed bare knuckle fighting in the 19th century. It is a requirement that each fighter must start each round with their front foot on their scratch line. This is referred to as “Toe the Line”, and it is an instruction given to the fighters at the beginning of each round, followed by "Knuckle Up" which signals the beginning of the round.[24]
Partnership with Conor McGregor
At BKFC: Knucklemania IV on April 27, 2024, it was announced that Conor McGregor and his company "McGregor Sports and Entertainment" were now part owners of BKFC.[25][26][27]
Rizin Fighting Federation
On June 5, 2024, it was announced that BKFC has partnered with Rizin Fighting Federation in a talent-sharing program which allows both companies to have talent fight in each other's organizations in bareknuckle bouts.[28]