Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship

Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) has carved out a significant niche in the combat sports industry by resurrecting sanctioned bare-knuckle boxing. Founded in April 2018 by David Feldman, a former professional boxer, the Philadelphia-based promotion held the first state-sanctioned bare-knuckle event in the United States since 1889. Feldman, who grew up immersed in the boxing world at his father's gym, leveraged his experience promoting various combat sports to legitimize an underground fighting style. His journey involved overcoming rejections from numerous state athletic commissions before finally securing sanctioning in Wyoming for BKFC's inaugural event on June 2, 2018.

The company's business model is centered on live event promotion, generating revenue through multiple streams including ticket sales, pay-per-view (PPV) purchases via its BKTV app and partnerships with platforms like DAZN, merchandise, and sponsorships. In February 2022, TrillerNet acquired a majority stake in BKFC, a move intended to accelerate growth by leveraging Triller's marketing capabilities and digital platforms. This acquisition integrated BKFC into a portfolio that includes TrillerTV (formerly FITE TV), which was already a broadcast partner. The promotion has demonstrated consistent growth, reportedly doubling its revenue year-over-year and expanding its global footprint with events in the UK, Thailand, and plans for further international shows.

BKFC's product is a raw, fast-paced form of combat sports that appeals to a specific demographic of fight fans. It uniquely recruits established professional fighters from boxing, MMA, kickboxing, and Muay Thai. The fights take place in a circular four-rope ring called the "Squared Circle," which features "scratch lines" based on the 19th-century Broughton Rules. These rules require fighters to start each round inches apart, or "Toe the Line," to encourage action. A key differentiator is the rule against wrapping hands within one inch of the knuckles, ensuring a true bare-knuckle contest. The promotion has successfully attracted former UFC stars by offering substantial purses, with some fighters reporting earnings significantly higher than their previous UFC paydays. In April 2024, combat sports superstar Conor McGregor became a part-owner, further elevating the promotion's profile. In January 2025, celebrity investor Derik Fay also acquired an ownership stake.

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