The year 2023 was the sixth year in the history of the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, a bare-knuckle fighting promotion based in Philadelphia.
Background The 2023 season started with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 35 on January 27, 2023. BKFC is available on FITE TV PPV.
List of events
# Event Date Venue Location 1 BKFC 35 Myrtle Beach: Cedeno vs. Slaveski John T. Rhodes Sports Center Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA 2 BKFC KnuckleMania 3 Tingley Coliseum Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA 3 BKFC 36 New Orleans: Adams vs. Belcher Pontchartrain Center Kenner, Louisiana, USA 4 BKFC 37 London: Tierney vs. Lindsey Crystal Palace National Sports Centre London, England, U.K. – BKFC 38: Buakaw vs. Saenchai (cancelled) – – – 5 BKFC 39 Norfolk: Barnett vs. Alvarez Norfolk Scope Norfolk, Virginia, USA 6 BKFC 38 Delray Beach: Nguyen vs. Straus Delray Beach Tennis Center Delray Beach, Florida USA 7 BKFC 40 Leeds: Holmes vs. Christie Planet Ice Leeds Leeds, England 8 BKFC 41 Colorado: Perry vs. Rockhold 1stBank Center Denver, Colorado, USA 9 BKFC 42 Greenville: Soto vs. Goodjohn Bon Secours Wellness Arena Greenville, South Carolina, USA 10 BKFC 43 Omaha: Alexander vs. Smith Liberty First Credit Union Arena Omaha, Nebraska, USA 11 BKFC 44 Montana: Stewart vs. Lopez Four Seasons Arena Great Falls, Montana, USA 12 BKFC 45 Hollywood, FL: Palomino vs. Lilley Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood Hollywood, Florida, USA 13 BKFC 46 Newcastle: Franco vs. Harris Walker Activity Dome Newcastle, United Kingdom 14 BKFC 47 Lakeland: Mundell vs. Richman Jenkins Arena Lakeland, Florida, USA 15 BKFC 48 Albuquerque: Dodson vs. Ridge Tingley Coliseum Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA BKFC Prospects Series 1 Miami-Dade Fairgrounds Miami, Florida, USA 16 BKFC 49 Miami: Slaveski vs. Lindsey Miami-Dade Fairgrounds Miami, Florida, USA 17 BKFC 50 Denver: Hunt vs. Camozzi 1stBank Center Denver, Colorado, USA 18 BKFC 51 Salem: Hart vs. Shah Salem Civic Center Salem, Virginia, USA BKFC Prospects Series 2 Liverpool Olympia Liverpool, England 19 BKFC 52 South Carolina: Barnett vs. Richardson Colonial Life Arena Columbia, South Carolina, USA 20 BKFC 53 Orlando: Mundell vs. Coltrane Orange County Convention Center Orlando, Florida, USA 21 BKFC Thailand 5: Legends of Siam Royal Cliff Hotels Group Pattaya, Thailand 22 BKFC 54 Bulgaria: Dimitrov vs. Zhelyakov Arena Sofia Sofia, Bulgaria 23 BKFC 55 Leeds: Christie vs. Warren Planet Ice Leeds Leeds, England 24 BKFC 56 Utah: Perry vs. Alvarez Maverik Center Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
BKFC 35 Myrtle Beach: Cedeno vs. Slaveski
BKFC 35 Myrtle Beach: Cedeno vs. Slaveski was a bare-knuckle fighting event held by Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship on January 27, 2023, at the John T. Rhodes Sports Center in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA.
Background The event featured a welterweight title eliminator bout between Yosdenis Cedeno and Gorjan Slaveski.
The event was expected to have a rematch between BKFC Bantamweight Champion Johnny Bedford and former champion Dat Nguyen; however, the bout was cancelled after Bedford retired from combat sports just a few days into the camp.
Results BKFC 35 Myrtle Beach: Cedeno vs. Slaveski Weight Class Method Round Time NotesWelterweight 75 kg Gorjan Slaveskidef. Yosdenis CedenoTKO (punches)41:53Bantamweight 61 kg Keith Richardsondef. Justin ScogginsDecision (unanimous)52:0048-47, 48–47, 48–47W. Strawweight 52 kg Andy Nguyendef. Nekah DmitryevaDecision (split)52:0046-49, 49–46, 49–46Lightweight 70 kg Brandon Bushawdef. Paul TeagueKO11:02Featherweight 66 kg Robert Armasdef. Jakobi LoweryKO11:10Welterweight 75 kg Murat Kazgandef. Jordan WeeksTKO (doctor stoppage)11:41Lightweight 70 kg Tony Sotodef. Wanya ReidTKO (doctor stoppage)40:31Flyweight 57 kg Albert Inclandef. Devin GibsonDecision (unanimous)52:0050-44, 49–45, 48–46Light Heavyweight Willie Searsdef. Tomar WashingtonDQ (illegal grounded punch)20:57Featherweight 66 kg Trevor Lokendef. Marcus BrimageTKO (punches)10:40 Preliminary CardFeatherweight 66 kg James Browndef. Stevo MorrisDecision (unanimous)52:0049-46, 48–46, 49–46Middleweight 79 kg Doug Coltranedef. Brian JacksonKO20:53
BKFC KnuckleMania 3
BKFC KnuckleMania 3 was a bare-knuckle fighting event held by Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship on February 17, 2023, at the Tingley Coliseum in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA.
Background The event was headlined by the BKFC Light Heavyweight Championship unification bout between the reigning champion Lorenzo Hunt and the interim champion Mike Richman
The event also featured the bare-knuckle debut of former WBA (Regular) Light Middleweight champion Austin Trout as he faced UFC Hall of Famer Diego Sanchez.
Also, former NFL defensive end and mixed martial artist Greg Hardy made his bare-knuckle debut on the card against Josh Watson. Additionally, the Albuquerque native, The Ultimate Fighter 14 winner and two-time UFC title challenger John Dodson and his brother Eric appeared on the card.
Results BKFC KnuckleMania 3 Weight Class Method Round Time NotesLight Heavyweight 84 kg Lorenzo Hunt (c)def. Mike Richman (ic)KO (punch)11:50Welterweight 75 kg Austin Troutdef. Diego SanchezTKO (doctor stoppage)41:44Flyweight 57 kg John Dodsondef. Jarod GrantKO (punches)11:41Heavyweight 120 kg Josh Watsondef. Greg HardyKO (punch)20:19W. Strawweight 52 kg Jayme Hinshawdef. Charisa SigalaTKO (leg injury)10:38Middleweight 79 kg Will Santiagodef. Noah CutterTKO (doctor stoppage)12:00Lightweight 70 kg Gaston Reynodef. Daniel Van SickleTKO (doctor stoppage)11:26Middleweight 79 kg Joshua Morenodef. Christian TorresTKO (uppercut)21:02Lightweight 70 kg Kevin Croomdef. Chevvy BridgesKO (punches)11:11 Preliminary CardFeatherweight 66 kg Eric Dodsondef. Gene PerezKO 11:32Bantamweight 61 kg Nick Gonzalezdef. Lardy NavarroKO10:41Bantamweight 61 kg Derek Perezdef. Anthony SanchezDecision (unanimous)52:0049-45, 49–45, 50–44
BKFC 36 New Orleans: Adams vs. Belcher
BKFC 36 New Orleans: Adams vs. Belcher was a bare-knuckle fighting event held by Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship on February 24, 2023, at the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner, Louisiana, USA.
Background The event was headlined by the heavyweight contender Alan Belcher challenging the reigning champion Arnold Adams.
Results BKFC 36 New Orleans: Adams vs. Belcher Weight Class Method Round Time NotesHeavyweight 120 kg Alan Belcherdef. Arnold Adams (c)KO (punch)30:55Lightweight 70 kg James Lilleydef. Bobby TaylorTKO (doctor stoppage)32:00Catchweight 77 kg Kaleb Harrisdef. Brad KellyKO10:39Middleweight 79 kg Duke Sensleydef. Joseph CreerDecision (unanimous)52:0050-45, 48–47, 48–47Light Heavyweight 84 kg Dennis LaBruzzadef. Stephon ReeseKO21:24Middleweight 79 kg Tony Jenkinsdef. Dillion WinemillerTKO (referee stoppage)31:25Lightweight 70 kg Bryce Henrydef. Brandon ShaversKO41:53Featherweight 66 kg Andrew Angelcorvs. David BosnickDraw (unanimous)52:0047-47, 47-47, 47-47 Preliminary CardFeatherweight 66 kg Tyler Sammisdef. Cody SchieveKO11:32Light Heavyweight 84 kg Blake LaCazedef. Joseph Brett WilliamsTKO (corner stoppage)32:00Featherweight 66 kg Brandon Menesesvs. Cody MitchellDraw (majority)52:0048-46, 47-47, 47-47Middleweight 79 kg Michael Mannodef. Frankie ShughartKO10:25
BKFC 37 London: Tierney vs. Lindsey
BKFC 37 London: Tierney vs. Lindsey (also known as BKFC UK 2) was a bare-knuckle fighting event held by Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship on March 4, 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.
Results BKFC 37 London: Tierney vs. Lindsey Weight Class Method Round Time NotesWelterweight 75 kg Jake Lindseydef. Connor TierneyKO51:02Light Heavyweight 84 kg Rico Francovs. Darren Godfrey KO20:49Light Heavyweight 84 kg David Rounddef. Terry BrazierKO 31:28Cruiserweight 95 kg Mason Shawdef. Lee BrowneDecision (unanimous)52:0050-45, 49–46, 49–46Cruiserweight 95 kg Darren Hendrydef. Corey HarrisonTKO20:58Light Heavyweight 84 kg Chaz Wasserman def. Cedric SeveracDecision (unanimous)52:0047-44, 47–44, 47–44Heavyweight 120 kg Robbie Kennedydef. Jack DraperKO21:35Welterweight 75 kg Nathan Hinddef. Gary FoxDecision (unanimous)52:0050-44, 50–44, 48–46Welterweight 75 kg Ben Bonnardef. Jamie OldfieldKO31:16 Preliminary CardLightweight 70 kg Ryan Carmichael def. Will Cairns KO30:35Light Heavyweight 84 kg Jimmy Millardef. Kyle CassidyTKO22:00Middleweight 79 kg George Thorpedef. Jamie HendryTKO30:54
BKFC 38: Buakaw vs. Saenchai (cancelled)
BKFC 38: Buakaw vs. Saenchai was scheduled to be a bare-knuckle fighting event held by Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship on March 18, 2023.
Background The event was scheduled to be headlined by a special rules bare-knuckle Muay Thai bout between Muay Thai legends Buakaw Banchamek and Saenchai. However, In mid-February it was announced that due to legal implications regarding the use of name muay thai in marketing, the bout was indefinitely postponed. Being the only published bout, the event was removed from the organization's event schedule altogether.
Results BKFC 38: Buakaw vs. Saenchai Weight Class Method Round Time Notes Buakaw Banchamekvs. Saenchai
BKFC 39 Norfolk: Barnett vs. Alvarez
BKFC 39 Norfolk: Barnett vs. Alvarez was a bare-knuckle fighting event held by Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship on March 24, 2023.
Background The event was initially scheduled to be headlined by the BKFC Bantamweight Championship bout between Reggie Barnett Jr. and Gustaf Cedermalm. However, Cedermalm withdrew from the bout and was replaced by Daniel Alvarez.
Results Source:
BKFC 39 Norfolk: Barnett vs. Alvarez Weight Class Method Round Time NotesBantamweight 61 kg Reggie Barnett Jr. (c)def. Daniel AlvarezTKO (doctor stoppage)32:00 W.Strawweight 52 kg Britain Hart (c)def. Jenny ClausiusDecision (unanimous) 52:00Catchweight 73 kg Will Worleydef. Dimitri AngeliniKO11:10Featherweight 66 kg Ka'Sim Ruffindef. Trai SantosKO (punches)41:47Light Heavyweight 84 kg Jay Jacksondef. David SimpsonTKO (doctor stoppage)21:32Middleweight 79 kg Stanislav Grosudef. Quartus StittKO21:59Light Heavyweight 84 kg Kyle Wrightdef. Pat CaseyKO (punches)31:18 Preliminary CardHeavyweight 120 kg Zachary Calmusdef. Mikey FurnierKO (punches)20:49Featherweight 66 kg Anthony Foyedef. Cody JenkinsDecision (unanimous)52:0049-46, 49–46, 49–46Light Heavyweight 84 kg Brian Maxwelldef. Dan BunyanTKO (doctor stoppage)10:59
BKFC 38 Delray Beach: Nguyen vs. Straus
BKFC 38 Delray Beach: Nguyen vs. Straus was a bare-knuckle fighting event held by Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship on April 21, 2023. The event was initially scheduled to take place on March 17, but due to undisclosed reasons it was postponed on the day of the event.
Results BKFC 38 Delray Beach: Nguyen vs. Straus Weight Class Method Round Time NotesFeatherweight 66 kg Dat Nguyendef. Daniel StrausDecision (unanimous)62:00Middleweight 79 kg Jake Bostwickvs. Isaac Doolittle Draw (majority)52:0048-46, 47-47, 47-47Flyweight 57 kg Chancey Wilsondef. Tyler RandallDecision (split)52:0049-46, 46–49, 48–47Light Heavyweight 84 kg Erick Lozanodef. Francesco RicchiKO10:54Bantamweight 61 kg Rene Rodriguezdef. Mark JohnsonTKO30:45Bantamweight 61 kg Justin Sanchezdef. Gilberto AguilarDecision (unanimous)52:0049-46, 49–46, 48–47Bantamweight 61 kg Gee Perezdef. Josh RicheyKO20:50Cruiserweight 93 kg Stephen Townseldef. Chris Sarro KO32:00 Preliminary CardFlyweight 57 kg Howard Davisdef. Trevor MorrisTKO (corner stoppage)42:00Featherweight 66 kg Bovar Khanakovdef. Freddy MasaboDecision (unanimous)52:0049-46, 49–46, 48–47Bantamweight 61 kg Chris Garciadef. Philip Carroll KO30:27
BKFC 40 Leeds: Holmes vs. Christie
BKFC 40 Leeds: Holmes vs. Christie (also known as BKFC UK 3) was a bare-knuckle fighting event held by Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship on April 22, 2023.
Background