![]() | |
Type | Private |
---|---|
Industry | Bare-knuckle boxing promotion |
Founded | September 2022 |
Founder | Andrew Bakewell |
Headquarters | England, United Kingdom |
Key people | Andrew Bakewell |
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship United Kingdom (BKFC UK) is the British branch of the American bare-knuckle boxing promotion Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC). In September 2022, it was announced that Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship had formed Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship UK (BKFC UK) by acquiring the UK-based Bare Fist Boxing Association (BFBA).[1] As of November 2023, BKFC UK has held 5 events, all of which have taken place in England.
History
The United Kingdom is a significant market for modern bare-knuckle boxing, hosting prominent promotions such as Bare Knuckle Boxing (BKB™) in Coventry, Bad To The Bone (BTTB) in Stoke-on-Trent, and Ultimate Bare Knuckle Boxing (UBKB) in Warrington.
Before acquiring the Bare Fist Boxing Association and officially establishing BKFC UK, Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship made its debut in the United Kingdom with BKFC 27: London, which took place on 20 August 2022. The event was headlined by MMA veterans Mike Perry and Michael Page.[2]
Ring
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BKFC UK hosts its matches in a distinctive circular four-rope ring, colloquially known as the "Squared Circle." The Squared Circle uniquely features two scratch lines, placed three feet apart at the center, a nod to the historic Broughton Rules (particularly the London Prize Ring Rules) that once governed 19th-century bare-knuckle fighting. A key rule mandates that fighters begin each round with their front foot on these scratch lines, a stance commonly referred to as "Toe the Line." This directive, coupled with the subsequent command "Knuckle Up," signals the start of each round. The ring’s design, including these traditional elements, not only pays homage to the sport's heritage but also significantly enhances its appeal within the realm of bare-knuckle boxing.[3]
First event
The inaugural BKFC UK event, BKFC Fight Night: Newcastle, was scheduled for 26 November 2022 in Newcastle upon Tyne. The main event featured a BKFC heavyweight title eliminator between Mick Terrill of Newcastle and Thailand-based American fighter Steve ‘Panda’ Banks. The card also showcased notable matches such as Darren Hendry vs Anthony Holmes and Danny Christie vs Darren Godfrey Jr.[4][5][6][7] Melanie Shah also made history when she faced Sweden's Mathilda Wilson at the event by becoming both the first British female BKFC fighter and first female Muslim bare-knuckle boxer.[8][9][10]
Events
BKFC UK 1 - BKFC Fight Night: Newcastle
BKFC Fight Night: Newcastle | |
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Information | |
Promotion | Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship |
Date | 26 November 2022 |
Venue | Walker Activity Dome |
City | ![]() |
BKFC Fight Night: Newcastle was a bare-knuckle fighting event held by Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship on 26 November 2022 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
Background
BKFC UK 1 took place on 26 November 2022 at The Walker Activity Dome in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, drawing a full house of 1,700 spectators. The event featured a 10-fight card, with the initial three bouts streamed live on YouTube and the subsequent main card bouts available on the BKFC App. In the main event, local contender Mick Terrill faced Steve 'Panda' Banks in a BKFC Heavyweight title eliminator. Terrill was declared the winner after Banks was deemed unable to continue by the ringside doctor due to severe cuts around his eyes. The co-main event featured Darren Hendry and Anthony Holmes vying for the inaugural BKFC UK Cruiserweight title. Holmes clinched the knockout victory in the fourth round following a powerful strike to Hendry's nose. The event was also notable for the debut of Melanie Shah, the UK's first female Muslim fighter, who secured a split decision win against Sweden's Mathilda Wilson.[11]
Results
BKFC Fight Night: Newcastle | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Weight Class | Method | Round | Time | Notes | |||
Heavyweight 120 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
TKO | 2 | 2:00 | BKFC Heavyweight title eliminator |
Cruiserweight 93 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
TKO | 4 | 0:29 | For the inaugural BKFC UK Cruiserweight Championship |
Light heavyweight 84 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
TKO | 1 | 1:07 | |
Welterweight 75 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
TKO | 2 | 0:54 | |
Light heavyweight 84 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Decision (unanimous) | 5 | 2:00 | |
Heavyweight 120 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
TKO | 2 | 0:35 | |
Light heavyweight 84 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Decision (unanimous) | 3 | 1:05 | |
Lightweight 70 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
TKO | 3 | 1:08 | |
Preliminary Card | |||||||
W.Flyweight 57 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Decision (split) | 5 | 2:00 | |
Heavyweight 120 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
TKO | 1 | 1:17 |
BKFC UK 2 - BKFC 37: Tierney vs. Lindsey
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 37: Tierney vs. Lindsey | |
---|---|
Information | |
Promotion | Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship |
Date | 4 March 2023 |
Venue | Crystal Palace National Sports Centre |
City | ![]() |
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 37: Tierney vs. Lindsey was a bare-knuckle fighting event held by Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship on 4 March 2023, at the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre in London, England.
Background
The event was headlined by a bout between Connor Tierney and Jake Lindsey.[12]
Results
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 37: Tierney vs. Lindsey | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Weight Class | Method | Round | Time | Notes | |||
Welterweight 75 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
KO | 5 | 1:02 | |
Light Heavyweight 84 kg | ![]() |
vs. | ![]() |
KO | 2 | 0:49 | |
Light Heavyweight 84 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
KO | 3 | 1:28 | |
Cruiserweight 95 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Decision (unanimous) | 5 | 2:00 | |
Cruiserweight 95 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
TKO | 2 | 0:58 | |
Light Heavyweight 84 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Decision (unanimous) | 5 | 2:00 | |
Heavyweight 120 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
KO | 2 | 1:35 | |
Welterweight 75 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Decision (unanimous) | 5 | 2:00 | |
Welterweight 75 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
KO | 3 | 1:16 | |
Preliminary Card | |||||||
Lightweight 70 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
KO | 3 | 0:35 | |
Light Heavyweight 84 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
TKO | 2 | 2:00 | |
Middleweight 79 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
TKO | 3 | 0:54 |
BKFC UK 3 - BKFC 40: Holmes vs. Christie
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 40: Holmes vs. Christie | |
---|---|
Information | |
Promotion | Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship |
Date | 22 April 2023 |
Venue | Planet Ice Leeds |
City | ![]() |
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 40: Holmes vs. Christie was a bare-knuckle fighting event held by Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship on 22 April 2023.[13]
Background
The event was initially scheduled to be headlined by welterweight bout between Elvin Brito and Jamie Cox, but the bout was cancelled after Cox withdrew.
Results
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 40: Holmes vs. Christie | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Weight Class | Method | Round | Time | Notes | |||
Light Heavyweight 84 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
KO | 4 | For the BKFC UK Light Heavyweight Championship. | |
Welterweight 75 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
KO | 4 | ||
Welterweight 75 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
KO | 2 | 1:07 | |
Cruiserweight 95 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
KO | 4 | 1:56 | |
Middleweight 79 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
KO | 4 | 1:44 | |
Lightweight 70 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
KO | 1 | 1:33 | |
Heavyweight 120 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Decision (unanimous) | 5 | 2:00 | |
Catchweight 73 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
KO | 1 | 0:23 | |
Light Heavyweight 84 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
KO | 1 | 1:04 | |
Heavyweight 120 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
KO | 2 | 1:03 | |
Light Heavyweight 84 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
KO | 1 | 0:50 |
BKFC UK 4 - BKFC 46: Newcastle
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 46: Newcastle | |
---|---|
Information | |
Promotion | Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship |
Date | 1 July 2023 |
Venue | Walker Activity Dome |
City | ![]() |
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 46: Newcastle was a bare-knuckle fighting event held by Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship on 1 July 2023.
Results
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 46: Newcastle | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Weight Class | Method | Round | Time | Notes | |||
Welterweight 75 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
KO | 5 | 0:58 | |
Welterweight 75 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
KO | 5 | 0:11 | |
Welterweight 75 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
KO | 3 | 0:32 | |
Cruiserweight 95 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
KO | 1 | 1:44 | |
Welterweight 75 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
KO | 1 | 0:41 | |
Light Heavyweight 84 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Decision (unanimous) | 5 | 2:00 | |
Featherweight 66 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
KO | 1 | 0:38 | |
Featherweight 66 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
KO | 1 | 0:49 | |
Preliminary Card | |||||||
Featherweight 66 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
KO | 1 | 1:36 | |
Middleweight 79 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
KO | 1 | 0:38 | |
Cruiserweight 95 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
KO | 1 | 1:06 |
BKFC UK 5 - BKFC 55: Leeds
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 55 | |
---|---|
Information | |
Promotion | Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship |
Date | 19 November 2023 |
Venue | Planet Ice Leeds |
City | ![]() |
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 55: Leeds was a bare-knuckle fighting event held by Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship on 19 November 2023.
Results
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 55 | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Weight Class | Method | Round | Time | Notes | |||
Light heavyweight 84 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
TKO (referee stoppage) | 1 | 1:56 | |
Middleweight 79 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
TKO (corner stoppage) | 4 | 2:00 | |
Cruiserweight 93 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
TKO (punches) | 2 | 0:29 | |
Light heavyweight 84 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Decision (unanimous) | 5 | 2:00 | |
Cruiserweight 93 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
TKO (punches) | 2 | 0:25 | |
Featherweight 66 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Decision (unanimous) | 5 | 2:00 | |
Light heavyweight 84 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
TKO (punches) | 3 | 1:12 | |
Cruiserweight 93 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Decision (unanimous) | 5 | 2:00 | |
Lightweight 70 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
KO | 1 | 1:58 | |
Preliminary Card | |||||||
Welterweight 75 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
Decision (unanimous) | 5 | 2:00 | |
Welterweight 75 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
TKO (punches) | 2 | 1:40 | |
Heavyweight 120 kg | ![]() |
def. | ![]() |
TKO (punches) | 1 | 0:57 |
List of current champions
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship UK (BKFC UK)
Weight Class | Holder |
---|---|
BKFC UK | |
Cruiserweight / 205 lb (93 kg; 15 st) | Anthony Holmes |
Light Heavyweight / 185 lb (84 kg; 13 st) | Danny Christie |
See also
References
- ↑ "BKFC Acquires England's Bare Fist Boxing Association". Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. Retrieved 10 November 2022.
- ↑ "Report | Michael 'Venom' Page Set To Fight Mike Perry At BKFC 27". LowKickMMA. 9 June 2022. Retrieved 13 November 2023.
- ↑ Bosco, Nicole (30 May 2018). "Everything you need to know about Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship". Retrieved 11 November 2022.
- ↑ "BoxRec: Event". boxrec.com. Retrieved 11 November 2022.
- ↑ "Yorkshire Warrior Anthony Holmes ready for return to action after switching to BKFC promotion". www.wakefieldexpress.co.uk. 10 November 2022. Retrieved 10 November 2022.
- ↑ "New opponent for Carlisle bare-knuckle boxer". News and Star. Retrieved 10 November 2022.
- ↑ "Carlisle bare-knuckle boxer's next fight revealed". News and Star. Retrieved 10 November 2022.
- ↑ "Melanie set to become first female Muslim bare knuckle fighter".
- ↑ "Asian Express Newspaper - VALIANT: UK's first female Muslim bare knuckle fighter makes winning debut". 12 December 2022.
- ↑ Williams, Rebecca (24 August 2020). "Jawahir Roble: UK's first female Muslim official dreams of refereeing Premier League games". Sky Sports. Retrieved 9 April 2023.
- ↑ "'BKFC Fight Night: Newcastle' results: Mick Terrill to challenge for heavyweight title after slicing Steven Banks". MMA Junkie. 27 November 2022. Retrieved 14 November 2023.
- ↑ Parviz Iskenderov (5 January 2023). "Connor Tierney vs Jake Lindsey tops BKFC 37 in London on March 4". fightmag.com.au.
- ↑ "BKFC LEEDS". Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.