You see it in boxing and in MMA. Fighters walk into the arena with gloves ready to put on a show. There’s nothing wrong with it. Gloves help preserve the hands of fighters and keep from bursting open an opponent's face. But let’s be honest…there’s something primal about two people squaring up, no gloves in sight, and just rockin’ each other’s $#!t. It’s violent, it’s disciplined, it’s respectful, and it’s professional. The art of bare-knuckle fighting is alive thanks to the folks spearheading the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC). Related read: Meet Ken Norton, the Marine Who Beat Muhammad Ali

BKFC Is Committed to Preserving Its Sport

BKFC works to preserve the history and legacy of bare-knuckle fighting. In 1889, they were the first legal, sanctioned, and regulated organizer of the sport in the United States. Additionally, under the leadership of its President David Feldman (a former professional boxer), BKFC prioritizes fighter safety while maintaining the legacy of two opponents respectfully duking it out with their bare hands. Using a circular four-rope ring, known as the BKFC "Squared Circle," fights take place using the Broughton Rules from the 19th century. That is to say, this isn't someplace an average Joe can show up and put on a spectacle. Without doubt, BKFC takes its bouts seriously. Only fighting professionals from established disciplines can compete in BKFC. These include: boxing, MMA, kickboxing, and Muay Thai. The officials, including the judges, must also have extensive combat sports experience. BKFC shows commitment to the truest form of bare-knuckle fighting. To clarify, all tape and wraps for hands are prohibited. Now a fully recognized professional combat sport, BKFC continues to provide spectators and athletes with the highest-level bare-knuckle fighting organization in the world.

Bare-Knuckled Fighting History

Bare-knuckle boxing originated in England, with the first recorded match dating back to 1681. Subsequently, James Figg became England's first bare-knuckle champion in 1719. Notable champions included Jack Broughton, Daniel Mendoza, Tom Cribb, and Jem Mace. Mace is the record-holder for the longest professional career. The longest bare-knuckle fight lasted 6 hours and 15 minutes between James Kelly and Jonathan Smith in 1855. Professional bare-knuckle boxing was illegal in the United States until 2018. In fact, Wyoming was the first state to legalize it. The National Police Gazette sanctioned matches and issued championship belts in the 1880s. The last major championship bout was in 1889 between John L. Sullivan and Jake Kilrain. BKFC is a legal and respected professional entity offering the sport. Spectators can enjoy bouts in a safe, controlled environment. Suggested read: 10 NFL Veterans That Defended Their Turf and Our Country

A Committed Respect to Our Nation’s Military

From its history of helping the military community through partnerships with organizations like the Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) to ringside tributes, BKFC continues to be a huge supporter of the U.S. military. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nU8yVRSD_8o Anyone willing to step into a ring is going to have a bit of grit built into them already, but to put your life on the line for your country is an entirely different level of commitment. BKFC knows this and continues to shine a light on the military community for its service, as well as giving back through proceeds.

Watch BKFC Online and In-Person

In short, if you’re looking for a different type of sporting experience, BKFC is the place to be. There are several events happening throughout the year all over the U.S. but if you aren’t looking for the live experience, you can also stream the fights live and prelims on YouTube. Register your free BKFC account today, and spend a fraction of the cost for combat sport PPVs unlike any other. Read next: The Real Story of Team Lioness That Inspired Taylor Sheridan's New Spy ThrillerThis article is the result of a paid collaboration with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.