The Rules of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship

Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) has rapidly grown in popularity as a modern revival of one of the oldest forms of combat sports. While it may seem like a return to the raw, primal roots of fighting, BKFC is a carefully regulated sport with its own set of rules designed to ensure fairness and safety. This article will explore the rules of BKFC, including the ring size and shape, weight categories, champions, and, most importantly, the rules of combat.

The Rules of Combat

While BKFC may evoke images of old-school bare-knuckle brawls, it operates under a strict set of rules designed to protect fighters and maintain the integrity of the sport. Here are the key rules governing BKFC bouts:

1. Rounds:
   • BKFC fights are typically scheduled for five rounds, each lasting two minutes. This shorter round length and total fight duration promote aggressive, fast-paced action, with little room for fighters to rest or coast.
2. Gloves and Hand Wraps:
   • True to its name, BKFC does not allow fighters to wear gloves. However, fighters are permitted to wrap their hands, though the wraps cannot cover the knuckles. This ensures that punches are delivered with bare knuckles, which is central to the sport’s identity.
3. Legal Strikes:
   • Only punches are allowed in BKFC. Fighters can throw straight punches, hooks, uppercuts, and overhand shots, but techniques like elbows, knees, kicks, and grappling are strictly prohibited.
   • Punches can be thrown to the head and body, but not to the back of the head (known as “rabbit punches”) or below the belt.
4. Clinch Fighting:
   • BKFC permits limited clinch fighting. Fighters are allowed to clinch with one hand and punch with the other, as long as they continue to be active in the clinch. However, excessive holding or stalling will result in a break called by the referee.
5. Knockdowns:
   • If a fighter is knocked down, they have a 10-second count to get back to their feet and demonstrate that they are able to continue. If a fighter is knocked down three times in one round, the fight is stopped under the “three knockdown rule.”
   • A fighter cannot be hit while downed; if this occurs, it can result in a point deduction or disqualification.
6. Doctor’s Stoppage:
   • Due to the nature of bare-knuckle boxing, cuts and facial injuries are common. A ringside doctor is always present and has the authority to stop the fight if they deem a fighter unable to continue safely. This rule is crucial for the fighters’ health and safety, given the increased risk of facial damage in bare-knuckle bouts.
7. Judging Criteria:
   • BKFC fights are scored by three ringside judges using a 10-point must system, similar to traditional boxing. Fights are judged based on the effectiveness of strikes, aggression, defense, and ring control. If a fight goes the distance, the winner is determined by the judges’ scorecards.
8. Illegal Actions:
   • Certain actions are strictly prohibited in BKFC, including headbutting, eye gouging, biting, kicking, elbowing, and any other form of unsportsmanlike conduct. Boxers who violate these rules can be penalized with point deductions, disqualification, or even suspension from future events.
9. Corner and Referee:
   • Fighters have a corner team that can throw in the towel if they believe their fighter is in danger and unable to continue. The referee has the ultimate authority in the ring, ensuring that the fight is conducted according to the rules and stepping in when necessary to protect the fighters.

The Squared Circle: Ring Size and Shape

One of the most distinctive features of BKFC is its unique ring, known as the “Squared Circle.” Unlike the traditional boxing ring, which is square, the Squared Circle is an actual circular ring, designed to encourage continuous action and minimize the ability for fighters to retreat or corner themselves.

The Squared Circle has a diameter of 22 feet, making it slightly smaller than a standard boxing ring, which typically ranges from 16 to 24 feet on each side. This smaller size contributes to the high-paced, aggressive nature of BKFC bouts, as fighters have less room to maneuver and are more likely to engage in toe-to-toe exchanges.

Weight Categories

BKFC features a range of weight categories, similar to other combat sports, to ensure that fighters compete against opponents of similar size and weight. The weight classes in BKFC are as follows:

• Flyweight: 125 lbs (57 kg)
• Bantamweight: 135 lbs (61 kg)
• Featherweight: 145 lbs (66 kg)
• Lightweight: 155 lbs (70 kg)
• Welterweight: 165 lbs (75 kg)
• Middleweight: 175 lbs (79 kg)
• Light Heavyweight: 185 lbs (84 kg)
• Cruiserweight: 205 lbs (93 kg)
• Heavyweight: 265 lbs (120 kg) and above

These weight classes help maintain competitive balance and ensure fighters are matched with opponents of similar physical stature.

Conclusion

BKFC is a unique and intense sport that combines the rawness of bare-knuckle fighting with the structure and safety measures of modern combat sports. The carefully defined rules of combat, the distinct Squared Circle ring, and the clearly defined weight categories all contribute to making BKFC a thrilling and unpredictable spectacle.

While the sport is not without its risks, the organization has taken significant steps to ensure fighter safety, even in the heat of bare-knuckle battle. As the sport continues to grow, so too will its roster of champions and legendary moments, solidifying BKFC’s place in the world of combat sports.