Modern bare-knuckle boxing is a regulated combat sport, sanctioned by state athletic commissions. BKFC is the largest promotion.
Hands and wraps
Fighters wear gauze and tape around the hands and wrists, but the knuckles are left exposed. No gloves are worn.
Rounds
BKFC rounds last two minutes, shorter than gloved boxing, and fights are scheduled for five rounds.
Strikes
Fighters strike with closed fists. Kicks, knees and elbows are not allowed, and the sport is fought standing.
Scoring
Fights that go the distance are scored by judges on the 10-point must system, as in boxing and MMA.
Legal status
Wyoming became the first US state to sanction bare-knuckle boxing in 2018, and BKFC’s first event was held in Cheyenne that year. Many more states have since approved it.
Bare-knuckle vs. boxing vs. MMA
| Bare-knuckle (BKFC) | Boxing | MMA | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hands | Wraps, knuckles exposed | Padded gloves | Small open-finger gloves |
| Rounds | Two minutes | Three minutes | Five minutes |
| Ring | Circular four-rope ring | Square ring | Cage |
| Kicks and takedowns | No | No | Yes |
The smaller target of a bare fist means more cuts and fewer heavy knockdowns from body accumulation, which shapes how fights are won. See our KnuckleMania 6 results for examples of how title fights end.
FAQ
Do bare-knuckle fighters wear anything on their hands?
Yes. Gauze and tape protect the hands and wrists, but the knuckles stay exposed.
How long is a BKFC round?
Two minutes.