The Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) is an American bare-knuckle boxing promotion based in Philadelphia. Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) is the first promotion allowed to hold a legal, sanctioned, and regulated bare knuckle event in the United States since 1889.
Based in Philadelphia, BKFC is headed by President and former professional boxer David Feldman. BKFC is dedicated to preserving the historical legacy of bare knuckle fighting, while utilizing a specifically created rule set that emphasizes fighter safety.
The BKFC "Squared Circle"
BKFC will hold all of its bouts in a revolutionary circular four-rope ring, designed to encourage fast-paced and exciting bouts. The patented BKFC “Squared Circle” contains scratch lines, based on the Broughton Rules which governed bare knuckle fighting in the 19th century, and which requires fighters to “Toe the Line”: start every round face to face, and just inches apart.
In BKFC, only those fighters who are established professionals in boxing, MMA, kickboxing, or Muay Thai will be allowed to compete. The referees and judges will also be required to have extensive professional combat sports experience. All fights will be held under the auspices and control of an Athletic Commission.
Read also: Leadership of AEW
Unlike other fighting organizations and combat sports internationally which claim to be “bare knuckle”, but require wraps, tape, and gauze; BKFC is true to its word as fighters are not allowed to wrap their hands to within one inch of the knuckle. This makes BKFC unquestionably the truest form of bare knuckle fighting.
BKFC is dedicated to not just creating the safest, most exciting, and highest level bare knuckle fighting organization in the world, it’s also leading the way for a new fully recognized professional combat sport.
Key Figures and Ownership
David Feldman is the president of Bare Knuckle FC.
Adding to the intrigue is UFC legend Conor McGregor’s minority ownership stake in BKFC, which he acquired earlier this year. Known for his larger-than-life presence and business ventures, McGregor’s involvement has brought significant attention to the organisation.
In July, 2025, Conor McGregor and David Feldman made a number announcements at the inaugural BKFC 2025 Champions Summit on Hollywood, Florida.
Read also: The Owners of UFC and WWE
Conor McGregor Goes Wild! Sturgis BKFC 63: Sam Shewmaker vs Josh Burns
Conor McGregor
Conor McGregor has become a part-owner of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, it was announced this weekend. McGregor took to social media to reveal the news on Saturday (27 April), during the promotion’s KnuckleMania 4 event, which was headlined by ex-UFC stars Mike Perry and Thiago Alves in Los Angeles.
“‘The Notorious’ Conor McGregor here,” said the Irishman, a former dual-weight UFC champion. “Ladies and gentlemen, the huge announcement that I have for you today: Conor McGregor myself, and McGregor Sports and Entertainment, is now an owner of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.
“Welcome to the big leagues. David Feldman, baby, we did it.”
Feldman said: “Look, you’ve got the biggest guy in all of combat sports right now as a part owner of our company.
Read also: AAA Wrestling Under WWE
“I think it’s just going to move the needle tremendously. We’re going to do a lot of big things, we’re going to open up a lot of new markets.
“Look, we’re partners with Conor McGregor. Everybody in the combat sports world, everybody in the world, knows who that guy is. So Conor, thank you, and let’s blow this s*** up.”
BKFC's Expansion and Tournaments
The Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) has unveiled ambitious plans for a $25 million global tournament, aiming to attract top combat sports athletes from across the world. BKFC’s $25 million tournament is poised to feature fighters from various combat disciplines, offering one of the largest prize pools in combat sports history.
With its $25 million tournament, BKFC is taking bold steps to challenge established combat sports players. McGregor’s connection to BKFC adds both credibility and commercial appeal to the tournament. As a globally recognised figure in combat sports, his association could help BKFC attract new audiences and partnerships.
BKFC's Unique Rules and Ring
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.
BKFC's Global Reach
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.
Bare Knuckle Thai was a officially licensed brand of BKFC in Thailand. Rules were 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 permitted the use of kicks, punches, elbows, and knees, but explicitly prohibit trips and sweeps. Fighters had to remain active in a clinch, which lasts for three seconds.
BKFC Prospects Series
In 2023, BKFC 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; similar in format to Dana White's Contender Series, or the PFL Challenger Series in mixed martial arts.
Champions and Notable Events
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.
Here's a list of some notable BKFC events:
- BKFC 86 Hollywood, FL: Trout vs. Palomino 2
- BKFC 84 Palm Desert: Dyer vs. Hunt 2
- BKFC Fight Night Michigan: Rodriguez vs. Cavender
- BKFC 83 Italy: Camozzi vs.
- BKFC Fight Night Hammond: Henry vs. Lindsey
- BKFC 82 Newark: Perry vs.
- BKFC 81 Manchester: DeGale vs.
- BKFC 80 Hollywood, FL: Perdomo vs.
- BKFC Fight Night Montenegro: Bakočević vs.
- BKFC Fight Night Edmonton: Stuve vs.
- BKFC 73 Italy: Camozzi vs.
- BKFC Fight Night Sturgis: Gogo vs.
- BKFC Fight Night Philly: Pague vs.
- BKFC 78 Hollywood, FL: Perdomo vs.
- BKFC 77 Birmingham: Tierney vs.
- BKFC 76 Texas: Tenaglia vs.
- BKFC Fight Night Mohegan Sun: Porter vs.
- BKFC 75 Albuquerque: Mundell vs.
- BKFC 74 Salt Lake City: Richman vs.
- BKFC Fight Night Clearwater: Warren vs.
- BKFC 72 Dubai Day 2: Stewart vs.
- BKFC 71 Dubai Day 1: Trout vs.
- BKFC Fight Night Manchester: Chipchase vs.
- BKFC 70 Hollywood, FL: Palomino vs.
- BKFC Fight Night Philly: Pague vs.
- BKFC Fight Night Albuquerque: Richardson vs.
- BKFC Fight Night Newcastle: Thompson vs.
- BKFC on DAZN Mohegan Sun: Lane vs.
- BKFC Fight Night Pechanga: Kurdanov vs.
- BKFC on DAZN Hollywood, FL: Warren vs.
- BKFC 69 Atlanta: Richardson vs.
- BKFC Fight Night Los Angeles: Warr vs.
- BKFC on DAZN Montana: Stewart vs.
- BKFC 68 Newcastle: Faulkner vs. John T.
- BKFC 67 Denver: Camozzi vs.
- BKFC on DAZN: Tenaglia vs.
- BKFC 66 Hollywood, FL: Blas vs.
- BKFC 65 Salt Lake City: Ferea vs.
- BKFC Fight Night Kansas City: Lindsay vs.
- BKFC 64 Coventry: Tierney vs.
- BKFC 63 Sturgis: Hart vs.
- BKFC Fight Night Pechanga: Peralta vs.
- BKFC 62 Hollywood, FL: Stewart vs.
- BKFC Fight Night Omaha: Trinidad-Snake vs.
- BKFC 61 Connecticut: Rivera vs.
- BKFC Fight Night Clearwater: Richman vs.
- BKFC 60 Milton Keynes: Lilley vs.
- BKFC 59 Albuquerque: Dodson vs.
- BKFC 58 Bulgaria: Markulev vs.
- BKFC Fight Night Miami: Davis vs.
- BKFC 57: Palomino vs.
- BKFC 40: Holmes vs.
- BKFC 39: Barnett vs.
- BKFC 37: Tierney vs.
- BKFC 36: Adams vs.
- BKFC 35: Cedeno vs. John T.
- BKFC 25: Adams vs.
- BKFC 24: Hunt vs.
- BKFC Fight Night: Ft. Charles F.
- BKFC 23: Richman vs.
- BKFC 22: Lombard vs. James L.
- BKFC 21: Cochrane vs.
- BKFC 20: Bedford vs.
- BKFC 19: VanZant vs.
- BKFC 18: Beltran vs.
- BKFC 17: Tate vs.
- BKFC 16: Garcia vs.
- BKFC 15: Shewmaker vs.
- BKFC 14: Palomino vs.
- BKFC 13: Beltran vs.
- BKFC 12: Alves vs.
- BKFC 11: Palomino vs.
- BKFC 10: Lombard vs.
- BKFC 9: Lobov vs.
- BKFC 8: Silva vs.
- BKFC 7: Alers vs.
- BKFC 6: Malignaggi vs.