Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship

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Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship
Company typePrivate
IndustryBare-knuckle boxing promotion
Founded2018
FounderDavid Feldman
Headquarters
Philadelphia
,
United States
OwnerTriller
Websitehttps://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 49 "numbered" events held as of August 2023.[2][3][4]

History[edit]

BKFC was founded in April 2018 and is presided over by former American professional boxer David Feldman. After first receiving approval to hold a sanctioned event in Cheyenne, Wyoming, BKFC held the first 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[edit]

Main article: Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship Thailand

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[edit]

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[edit]

On June 24, 2022, BKFC Lightweight Champion Luis Palomino won the Welterweight Championship to become the first double champion in BKFC history.

BKFC UK[edit]

Main article: Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship United Kingdom

In September 2022 it was announced by David Feldman that BKFC had acquired the UK-based Bare Fist Boxing Association (BFBA), forming Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship United Kingdom (BKFC UK).[13]

Bare Knuckle Thai[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

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]

List of BKFC events[edit]

# Event Date Venue Location Ref
85 BKFC Fight Night Mexico: Rubio vs Rey Gallegos May 25, 2024 Auditorio Explanada Pachuca Puebla, Mexico [25]
84 BKFC Fight Night Ohama: Trinidad-Snake vs. Pague May 17, 2024 Liberty First Credit Union Arena Ralston, Nebraska [26]
83 BKFC 61 Connecticut: Hardy vs. Ferea May 11, 2024 Mohegan Sun Arena Uncasville, Connecticut [27]
82 BKFC: Knucklemania IV April 27, 2024 Peacock Theater Los Angeles, California [28]
81 BKFC Fight Night Clearwater: Richman vs. Lozano April 12, 2024 Bert's Barracuda Harley-Davidson Clearwater, Florida [29]
80 BKFC 60 Milton Keynes: Lilley vs. Tenaglia April 6, 2024 Planet Ice Arena Milton Keynes Milton Keynes, England [30]
79 BKFC 59 Albuquerque: Dodson vs. Aguero March 29, 2024 Tingley Coliseum Albuquerque, New Mexico [31]
78 BKFC 58 Bulgaria: Markulev vs. Kolev March 22, 2024 Arena Sofia Sofia, Bulgaria [32]
77 BKFC Fight Night Miami: Davis vs. Wilson March 15, 2024 Dolphin Mall Miami, Florida [33]
76 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 57: Palomino vs. Trout February 2, 2024 Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood Hollywood, Florida [34]
75 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 56: Utah December 2, 2023 Maverik Center West Valley City, Utah [35]
74 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 55: Leeds November 18, 2023 Planet Ice Leeds Leeds, England [36]
73 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 54: Bulgaria November 17, 2023 Arena Sofia Sofia, Bulgaria [37]
72 BKFC Thailand 5: Legends of Siam November 4, 2023 Royal Cliff Beach Hotel Pattaya Pattaya, Thailand [38]
71 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 53: Orlando November 3, 2023 Orange County Convention Center Orlando, Florida [39]
70 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 52: South Carolina October 20, 2023 Colonial Life Arena Columbia, South Carolina [40]
69 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 51: Salem September 29, 2023 Salem Civic Center Salem, Virginia [41]
68 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 50: Denver September 22, 2023 1stBank Center Broomfield, Colorado [42]
67 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 49: Miami August 25, 2023 Miami-Dade County Fairgrounds Miami, Florida [43]
66 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 48: Albuquerque August 11, 2023 Tingley Coliseum Albuquerque, New Mexico [44]
65 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 47: Lakeland July 14, 2023 RP Funding Center Lakeland, Florida [45]
64 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 46: Newcastle July 1, 2023 Walker Activity Dome Newcastle upon Tyne, England [46]
63 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 45: Hollywood June 23, 2023 Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood Hollywood, Florida [47]
62 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 44: Montana June 9, 2023 Four Seasons Arena Great Falls, Montana [48]
61 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 43: Omaha May 19, 2023 Liberty First Credit Union Arena Omaha, Nebraska [49]
60 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 42: Greenville May 12, 2023 Bon Secours Wellness Arena Greenville, South Carolina [50]
59 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 41: Colorado April 29, 2023 1stBank Center Broomfield, Colorado [51]
58 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 40: Holmes vs. Christie April 22, 2023 Planet Ice Leeds Leeds, England [52]
57 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship: Delray Beach April 21, 2023 Delray Beach Tennis Center Delray Beach, Florida [53]
56 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 39: Barnett vs. Alvarez March 24, 2023 Norfolk Scope Norfolk, Virginia [54]
55 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 37: Tierney vs. Lindsey March 4, 2023 Crystal Palace National Sports Centre London, England [55]
54 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 36: Adams vs. Belcher February 24, 2023 Pontchartrain Center Kenner, Louisiana [56]
53 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship: KnuckleMania 3 February 17, 2023 Tingley Coliseum Albuquerque, New Mexico [57]
52 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 35: Cedeno vs. Slaveski January 27, 2023 John T. Rhodes Sports Center Myrtle Beach, South Carolina [58]
51 BKFC Asia 4: The Big Bash December 10, 2022 SpacePlus Bangkok RCA Bangkok, Thailand [59]
50 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 34: Hollywood December 3, 2022 Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood Hollywood, Florida [60]
49 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship UK: November 26, 2022 Walker Activity Dome Newcastle, United Kingdom [61]
48 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 33: Omaha November 18, 2022 Liberty First Credit Union Arena Omaha, Nebraska [62]
47 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 32: Orlando November 5, 2022 Caribe Royale Orlando, Florida [63]
46 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 31: Denver October 15, 2022 1stBank Center Broomfield, Colorado [64]
45 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 30: Monroe October 1, 2022 Fant-Ewing Coliseum Monroe, Louisiana [65]
44 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 29: Montana September 10, 2022 Pacific Steel & Recycling Arena Great Falls, Montana [66]
43 BKFC Thailand 3: Moment of Truth September 3, 2022 CentralWorld Bangkok, Thailand [67]
42 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 28: Albuquerque August 27, 2022 Rio Rancho Events Center Albuquerque, New Mexico [68]
41 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 27: London August 20, 2022 Wembley Arena London, England [69]
40 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship Fight Night: Tampa 2 July 23, 2022 Florida State Fairgrounds Tampa, Florida [70]
39 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 26: Hollywood June 24, 2022 Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood Hollywood, Florida [71]
38 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship Fight Night: Jackson 2 June 11, 2022 Jackson Convention Complex Jackson, Mississippi [72]
37 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship Fight Night: Omaha May 13, 2022 Liberty First Credit Union Arena Omaha, Nebraska [73]
36 BKFC Thailand 2: Iconic Impact May 7, 2022 Royal Cliff Beach Hotel Pattaya Pattaya, Thailand [74]
35 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 25 May 6, 2022 Caribe Royale Orlando Orlando, Florida [75]
34 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 24 April 30, 2022 Montana ExpoPark Great Falls, Montana [76]
33 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship Fight Night: Ft. Lauderdale April 21, 2022 Charles F. Dodge City Center Pembroke Pines, Florida [77]
32 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 23 April 8, 2022 Intrust Bank Arena Wichita, Kansas [78]
31 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship Fight Night: New York 2 March 12, 2022 Seneca Allegany Casino Salamanca, New York [79]
30 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship: KnuckleMania 2 February 19, 2022 Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood Hollywood, Florida [80]
29 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship Fight Night: Jackson January 29, 2022 Jackson Convention Complex Jackson, Mississippi [81]
28 BKFC Thailand 1: The Game Changer December 18, 2021 Royal Cliff Beach Hotel Pattaya Pattaya, Thailand [82]
27 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship Fight Night: Tampa December 9, 2021 Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tampa Tampa, Florida [83]
26 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 22 November 12, 2021 James L. Knight Center Miami, Florida [84]
25 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship Fight Night: New York November 6, 2021 Seneca Allegany Casino Salamanca, New York [85]
24 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship Fight Night: Wichita October 23, 2021 Hartman Arena Park City, Kansas [86]
23 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship Fight Night: Montana October 9, 2021 First Interstate Arena Billings, Montana [87]
22 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 21 September 10, 2021 Ralston Arena Omaha, Nebraska [88]
21 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 20 August 20, 2021 Mississippi Coast Coliseum Biloxi, Mississippi [89]
20 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 19: VanZant vs. Ostovich July 23, 2021 Florida State Fairgrounds Tampa, Florida [90]
19 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 18: Beltran vs. Shewmaker June 26, 2021 Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood Hollywood, Florida [91]
18 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 17: Tate vs. Burns April 30, 2021 Boutwell Memorial Auditorium Birmingham, Alabama [92]
17 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 16: Garcia vs. Elmore[93] March 19, 2021 Biloxi Civic Center Biloxi, Mississippi [94]
16 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship: Knucklemania February 5, 2021 RP Funding Center Lakeland, Florida [95]
15 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 15: Shewmaker vs. O'Bannon December 11, 2020 Mississippi Coast Coliseum Biloxi, Mississippi [96]
14 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 14: Palomino vs. Alers November 13, 2020 InterContinental Miami Miami, Florida [97]
13 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 13: Beltran vs. Stamps October 10, 2020 Tony's Pizza Events Center Salina, Kansas [98]
12 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 12: Alves vs. Lane September 11, 2020 Ocean Center Daytona Beach, Florida [99]
11 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 11: Palomino vs. Vallie-Flagg July 24, 2020 Lafayette County Multipurpose Arena Oxford, Mississippi [100]
10 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 10: Lombard vs. Mundell February 15, 2020 Broward County Convention Center Fort Lauderdale, Florida [101]
9 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 9: Lobov vs. Knight 2 November 16, 2019 Mississippi Coast Coliseum Biloxi, Mississippi [102]
8 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 8: Silva vs. Gonzaga October 19, 2019 Florida State Fairgrounds Tampa, Florida [103]
7 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 7: Alers vs. Garcia August 10, 2019 Mississippi Coast Coliseum Biloxi, Mississippi [104]
6 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 6: Malignaggi vs. Lobov June 22, 2019 Florida State Fairgrounds Tampa, Florida [105]
5 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 5: Lobov vs Knight April 6, 2019 Mississippi Coast Coliseum Biloxi, Mississippi [106]
4 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 4: USA vs Mexico February 2, 2019 Beto Ávila Stadium Cancun, Mexico [107]
3 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 3: The Takeover October 20, 2018 Mississippi Coast Coliseum Biloxi, Mississippi [108]
2 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 2: A New Era August 25, 2018 Mississippi Coast Coliseum Biloxi, Mississippi [109]
1 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 1: The Beginning June 2, 2018 Cheyenne Ice and Events Center Cheyenne, Wyoming [110]
List of BKFC events

BKFC weight classes[edit]

Division Upper weight limit Gender
Heavyweight Unlimited Male
Cruiserweight 205 lb (93 kg) Male
Light heavyweight 185 lb (84 kg) Male
Middleweight 175 lb (79 kg) Male
Welterweight 165 lb (75 kg) Male
Lightweight 155 lb (70 kg) Male
Featherweight 145 lb (66 kg) Male
Bantamweight 135 lb (61 kg) Male
Flyweight 125 lb (57 kg) Male / Female
Strawweight 115 lb (52 kg) Female

Current champions[edit]

BKFC Champions[111]
Division Champion Since Defenses
Heavyweight England Mick Terrill December 2, 2023 0
Cruiserweight United States Lorenzo Hunt[112][113] October 1, 2022 1
Light heavyweight November 12, 2021 2
Middleweight
United States David Mundell December 3, 2022 2
Welterweight United States Austin Trout February 2, 2024 0
Lightweight Peru Luis Palomino July 24, 2020 6
Featherweight United States Kai Stewart June 9, 2023 1
Bantamweight United States Keith Richardson October 20, 2023 0
Flyweight United States John Dodson August 11, 2023 1
Women's Flyweight United States Christine Ferea February 19, 2022 3
Women's Strawweight United States Britain Hart September 10, 2022 2
Police Gazette Champions[114]
Division Champion Since Defenses
World Heavyweight United States Arnold Adams November 6, 2021 1
World Light Heavyweight United States Lorenzo Hunt October 10, 2020 1
World Middleweight Wales Barrie Jones April 10, 2021 0
World Welterweight Puerto Rico Elvin Brito January 9, 2022 0
World Lightweight Peru Luis Palomino[115] July 24, 2020 4
World Bantamweight United States Johnny Bedford August 20, 2021 0
World Women's Bantamweight United States Patricia Juarez May 28, 2022 0
World Women's Flyweight United States Christine Ferea February 19, 2022 0
See also: Police Gazette Championship History
BKFC Thailand Champions
Division Champion Since Defenses
Light Heavyweight Thailand Sirimongkol Singmanasak May 7, 2022 0
Featherweight Thailand Krisana Srisang November 4, 2023 0
Women's Strawweight Thailand Po Denman November 4, 2023 0
BKFC UK Champions
Division Champion Since Defenses
Cruiserweight England Anthony Holmes November 26, 2022 0
Light Heavyweight England Danny Christie April 22, 2023 1
Featherweight United Kingdom Ellis Shepherd April 6, 2024 0

Men's championship history[edit]

Heavyweight Championship[edit]

Weight limit: above 210 lbs (95.3 kg)
The inaugural champion was determined by an 8-man tournament.[116]
No. Name Event Date Defenses
1 United States Arnold Adams
def. Sam Shewmaker 		BKFC 3
Biloxi, Mississippi 		October 20, 2018
2 United States Chase Sherman BKFC 7
Biloxi, Mississippi 		August 10, 2019
3 United States Joey Beltran BKFC 9
Biloxi, Mississippi 		November 16, 2019 1. def. Marcel Stamps at BKFC 13 on October 10, 2020
2. def. Sam Shewmaker at BKFC 18 on June 26, 2021
4 United States Arnold Adams (2) BKFC Fight Night: New York
Salamanca, New York 		November 6, 2021 1. def. Dillon Cleckler at BKFC 25 on May 6, 2022
5 United States Alan Belcher BKFC 36: Adams vs. Belcher
Kenner, Louisiana 		February 24, 2023
Belcher was stripped of the title in June 2023 after he accepted a boxing fight outside the organization against Chase DeMoor[117]
6 England Mick Terrill
def. Arnold Adams 		BKFC 56: Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah 		December 2, 2023

Cruiserweight Championship[edit]

Weight limit: 210 lbs (95.3 kg)
No. Name Event Date Defenses
1 Australia Héctor Lombard
def. Joe Riggs 		BKFC 18
Miami, Florida 		June 26, 2021
The Cruiserweight title was vacated.
2 United States Lorenzo Hunt
def. Quentin Henry 		BKFC 30: Monroe
Monroe, Louisiana 		October 1, 2022

1. def. Chris Camozzi at BKFC 50 on September 22, 2023

Light Heavyweight Championship[edit]

Weight limit: 190 lbs (86.2 kg)
No. Name Event Date Defenses
1 United States Lorenzo Hunt
def. Héctor Lombard 		BKFC 22
Miami, Florida 		November 12, 2021

1. def. Joe Riggs at BKFC 24 on April 30, 2022
2. def. interim champion Mike Richman at KnuckleMania 3 on February 17, 2023

- United States Mike Richman
def. Isaac Doolittle for interim title 		BKFC 31
Broomfield, Colorado 		October 15, 2022
Josh Dyer and Jared Warren fought to a No-Contest on July 14, 2023, at BKFC 47 for the BKFC Light Heavyweight interim title.

Middleweight Championship[edit]

Weight limit: 175 lbs (79.3 kg)
No. Name Event Date Defenses
1 Brazil Thiago Alves
def. Ulysses Diaz 		BKFC 18
Miami, Florida 		June 26, 2021
Alves was stripped of the title in June 2022 after he and the organization were not able to reach agreement on new contract.[118]
- United States Francesco Ricchi
def. Ulysses Diaz for the interim title 		BKFC 26
Hollywood, Florida 		June 24, 2022
2 United States David Mundell
def. Francesco Ricchi for undisputed title 		BKFC 34
Hollywood, Florida 		December 3, 2022

1. def. Mike Richman at BKFC 47 on July 14, 2023
2. def. Doug Coltrane at BKFC 53 on November 3, 2023

Welterweight Championship[edit]

Weight limit: 165 lbs (74.8 kg)
No. Name Event Date Defenses
1 Puerto Rico Elvin Brito
def. Kaleb Harris 		BKFC Fight Night: Jackson
Jackson, Mississippi 		January 29, 2022
2 Peru Luis Palomino BKFC 26
Hollywood, Florida 		June 24, 2022
The Welterweight title was vacated.
3 North Macedonia Gorjan Slaveski
def. Jake Lindsey 		BKFC 49 Miami August 25, 2023
Slaveski was stripped of the title on December 14, 2023, after he accepted a karate fight against Brandon Jenkins without the permission of BKFC.[119]
1 United States Austin Trout
def. Luis Palomino 		BKFC 57
Hollywood, California 		February 2, 2024

Lightweight Championship[edit]

Weight limit: 155 lbs (70.3 kg)
The inaugural champion was determined by a 4-man tournament. This title was previously referred to as the BKFC Super Welterweight Championship before being renamed.
No. Name Event Date Defenses
1 Peru Luis Palomino
def. Isaac Vallie-Flagg 		BKFC 11
Oxford, Mississippi 		July 24, 2020

1. def. Jim Alers at BKFC 14 on November 13, 2020
2. def. Tyler Goodjohn at BKFC 18 on June 26, 2021
3. def. Dat Nguyen at BKFC 22 on November 12, 2021
4. def. Martin Brown at BKFC: KnuckleMania 2 on February 19, 2022
5. def. Tom Shoaff at BKFC 34 on December 3, 2022
6. def. James Lilley at BKFC 45 on June 23, 2023

Featherweight Championship[edit]

Weight limit: 145 lbs (65.8 kg)
No. Name Event Date Defenses
1 United States Kai Stewart
def. Louie Lopez 		BKFC 44
Great Falls, Montana 		June 9, 2023

1. def. Howard Davis at BKFC 56 on December 2, 2023

Bantamweight Championship[edit]

Weight limit: 135 lbs (61.2 kg)
The inaugural champion was determined by an 8-man tournament. This title was previously referred to as the BKFC Lightweight Championship before being renamed.
No. Name Event Date Defenses
1 United States Johnny Bedford
def. Reggie Barnett Jr. 		BKFC 6
Tampa, Florida 		June 22, 2019
2 United States Dat Nguyen BKFC: KnuckleMania
Lakeland, Florida 		February 5, 2021
Nguyen was stripped of the title in June 2021 after he and the organization were not able to reach agreement on new contract.[118]
3 United States Johnny Bedford (2)
def. Reggie Barnett Jr. 		BKFC 20
Biloxi, Mississippi 		August 20, 2021
— United States Jarod Grant
def. Anthony Retic for interim title 		BKFC Fight Night: New York 2
Salamanca, New York 		March 12, 2022
— United States Reggie Barnett Jr.
def. Jarod Grant for interim title 		BKFC FN: Tampa 2
Tampa, Florida 		July 23, 2022 1. def. Geane Herrera at BKFC 32 on November 5, 2022
Bedford retired from combat sports.
4 United States Reggie Barnett Jr.
promoted to undisputed champion 		January, 2023 1. def. Daniel Alvarez at BKFC 39 on March 24, 2023
5 United States Keith Richardson BKFC 52: South Carolina
Columbia, South Carolina 		October 20, 2023

Flyweight Championship[edit]

Weight limit: 125 lbs (57.2 kg)
No. Name Event Date Defenses
1 United States John Dodson
def. JR Ridge 		BKFC 48
Albuquerque, New Mexico 		August 11, 2023 1. drew with Dagoberto Aguero at BKFC 59 on March 29, 2024

Women's championship history[edit]

Women's Flyweight Championship[edit]

Weight limit: 125 lbs (56.7 kg)
No. Name Event Date Defenses
1 United States Christine Ferea
def. Britain Hart 		BKFC KnuckleMania 2
Hollywood, Florida 		February 19, 2022

1. def. Taylor Starling at BKFC 28 on August 27, 2022
2. def. Bec Rawlings at BKFC 41 on April 29, 2023
3. def. Bec Rawlings at BKFC 56 on December 2, 2023

Women's Strawweight Championship[edit]

Weight limit: 115 lbs (52.2 kg)
No. Name Event Date Defenses
1 United States Britain Hart
def. Charisa Sigala 		BKFC 29
Great Falls, Montana 		September 10, 2022

1. def. Jenny Clausius at BKFC 39 on March 24, 2023
2. def. Melanie Shah at BKFC 51 on September 29, 2023

Tournament winners[edit]

Weight Class Champion Runner-up Event Date Tournament Bracket
Heavyweight Championship Tournament United States Arnold Adams United States Sam Shewmaker BKFC 3: The Takeover October 20, 2018 Heavyweight Tournament Bracket
Lightweight Championship Tournament United States Johnny Bedford United States Reggie Barnett Jr. BKFC 6: Malignaggi vs. Lobov June 22, 2019 Lightweight Tournament Bracket
Super Welterweight Championship Tournament Peru Luis Palomino United States Isaac Vallie-Flagg BKFC 11: Palomino vs. Vallie-Flagg July 24, 2020 Super Welterweight Tournament Bracket

BKFC records[edit]

Oldest champion Australia Héctor Lombard 43 years, 8 months
Youngest champion United States Kai Stewart 22 years, 11 months
Longest championship reign Peru Luis Palomino 1365 days
(incumbent)
Shortest championship reign United States Chase Sherman 98 days
Most title fight wins Peru Luis Palomino 8
Most wins United States Lorenzo Hunt 11
Most consecutive title defenses Peru Luis Palomino 6

See also[edit]

References[edit]

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  34. ^ "BKFC 57 Hollywood". Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships. Retrieved 2024-03-29.
  35. ^ "BKFC 56 UTAH". Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships. Retrieved 2024-03-29.
  36. ^ "BKFC 55 LEEDS". Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships. Retrieved 2024-03-29.
  37. ^ "BKFC 54 BULGARIA". Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships. Retrieved 2024-03-29.
  38. ^ "BKFC Thailand 5". Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships. Retrieved 2024-03-29.
  39. ^ "BKFC 53 ORLANDO". Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships. Retrieved 2024-03-29.
  40. ^ "BKFC 52 SOUTH CAROLINA". Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships. Retrieved 2024-03-29.
  41. ^ "BKFC 51 SALEM". Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships. Retrieved 2024-03-29.
  42. ^ "BKFC 50 DENVER". Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships. Retrieved 2024-03-29.
  43. ^ "BKFC 49 MIAMI". Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships. Retrieved 2024-03-29.
  44. ^ "BKFC 48 ALBUQUERQUE". Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships. Retrieved 2024-03-29.
  45. ^ "BKFC 47 LAKELAND MUNDELL vs RICHMAN". Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships. Retrieved 2024-03-29.
  46. ^ "BKFC 46 NEWCASTLE FRANCO vs HARRIS". Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships. Retrieved 2024-03-29.
  47. ^ "BKFC 45 PALOMINO vs LILLEY". Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships. Retrieved 2024-03-29.
  48. ^ "BKFC 44 MONTANA". Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships. Retrieved 2024-03-29.
  49. ^ "BKFC 43 OMAHA Alexander vs Smith". Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships. Retrieved 2024-03-29.
  50. ^ "BKFC 42 GREENVILLE". Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships. Retrieved 2024-03-29.
  51. ^ "BKFC 41 COLORADO". Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships. Retrieved 2024-03-29.
  52. ^ "BKFC 40 HOLMES vs CHRISTIE". Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships. Retrieved 2024-03-29.
  53. ^ "BKFC 38 NGUYEN vs STRAUS". Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships. Retrieved 2024-03-29.
  54. ^ "BKFC 39 NORFOLK". Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships. Retrieved 2024-03-29.
  55. ^ "BKFC 37 LONDON". Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships. Retrieved 2024-03-29.
  56. ^ "BKFC 36 NEW ORLEANS". Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships. Retrieved 2024-03-29.
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  60. ^ "BKFC 34 HOLLYWOOD". Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships. Retrieved 2024-03-29.
  61. ^ "BKFC NEWCASTLE: TERRILL vs BANKS". Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships. Retrieved 2024-03-29.
  62. ^ "BKFC 33 OMAHA Beltran vs Alexander". Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships. Retrieved 2024-03-29.
  63. ^ "BKFC 32 ORLANDO". Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships. Retrieved 2024-03-29.
  64. ^ "BKFC 31 DENVER: RICHMAN vs DOOLITTLE". Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships. Retrieved 2024-03-29.
  65. ^ "BKFC 30 Hunt vs Henry". Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships. Retrieved 2024-03-29.
  66. ^ "BKFC 29 MONTANA 2". Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships. Retrieved 2024-03-29.
  67. ^ "BKFC ประเทศไทย 3: Buakaw vs Varol". Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships. Retrieved 2024-03-29.
  68. ^ "BKFC 28 ALBUQUERQUE". Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships. Retrieved 2024-03-29.
  69. ^ "BKFC 27 LONDON". Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships. Retrieved 2024-03-29.
  70. ^ "BKFC Fight Night: Tampa 2". Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships. Retrieved 2024-03-29.
  71. ^ "BKFC 26 Brito vs Palomino". Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships. Retrieved 2024-03-29.
  72. ^ "BKFC Fight Night Belcher vs Tate". Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships. Retrieved 2024-03-29.
  73. ^ "BKFC Fight Night Cochrane vs Dyer". Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships. Retrieved 2024-03-29.
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  75. ^ "BKFC 25 Adams vs Cleckler". Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships. Retrieved 2024-03-29.
  76. ^ "BKFC 24 Hunt vs Riggs". Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships. Retrieved 2024-03-29.
  77. ^ "BKFC FT LAUDERDALE". Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships. Retrieved 2024-03-29.
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  79. ^ "BKFC NEW YORK II". Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships. Retrieved 2024-03-29.
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  86. ^ "BKFC WICHITA". Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships. Retrieved 2024-03-29.
  87. ^ "BKFC Montana". Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships. Retrieved 2024-03-29.
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External links[edit]

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