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Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship United Kingdom

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Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship UK
Company typePrivate
IndustryBare-knuckle boxing promotion
FoundedSeptember 2022
FounderAndrew Bakewell
HeadquartersEngland, United Kingdom
Key people
Andrew Bakewell

Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship United Kingdom (BKFC UK) is the British branch of the American bare-knuckle boxing promotion Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC). In September 2022, it was announced that Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship had formed Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship UK (BKFC UK) by acquiring the UK-based Bare Fist Boxing Association (BFBA).[1] As of August 2024, BKFC UK has held 8 events, all of which have taken place in England.

History

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The United Kingdom is a significant market for modern bare-knuckle boxing, hosting prominent promotions such as Bare Knuckle Boxing (BKB™) in Coventry, Bad To The Bone (BTTB) in Stoke-on-Trent, and Ultimate Bare Knuckle Boxing (UBKB) in Warrington.

Before acquiring the Bare Fist Boxing Association and officially establishing BKFC UK, Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship made its debut in the United Kingdom with BKFC 27: London, which took place on 20 August 2022. The event was headlined by MMA veterans Mike Perry and Michael Page.[2]

Ring

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BKFC UK hosts its matches in a distinctive circular four-rope ring, colloquially known as the "Squared Circle." The Squared Circle uniquely features two scratch lines, placed three feet apart at the center, a nod to the historic Broughton Rules (particularly the London Prize Ring Rules) that once governed 19th-century bare-knuckle fighting. A key rule mandates that fighters begin each round with their front foot on these scratch lines, a stance commonly referred to as "Toe the Line." This directive, coupled with the subsequent command "Knuckle Up," signals the start of each round. The ring’s design, including these traditional elements, not only pays homage to the sport's heritage but also significantly enhances its appeal within the realm of bare-knuckle boxing.[3]

First event

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The inaugural BKFC UK event, BKFC Fight Night: Newcastle, was scheduled for 26 November 2022 in Newcastle upon Tyne. The main event featured a BKFC heavyweight title eliminator between Mick Terrill of Newcastle and Thailand-based American fighter Steve ‘Panda’ Banks. The card also showcased notable matches such as Darren Hendry vs Anthony Holmes and Danny Christie vs Darren Godfrey Jr.[4][5][6][7] Melanie Shah also made history when she faced Sweden's Mathilda Wilson at the event by becoming both the first British female BKFC fighter and first female Muslim bare-knuckle boxer.[8][9][10]

Events

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BKFC UK 1 - BKFC Fight Night: Newcastle

[edit]
BKFC Fight Night: Newcastle
PromotionBare Knuckle Fighting Championship
Date26 November 2022
VenueWalker Activity Dome
CityEngland Newcastle upon Tyne

BKFC Fight Night: Newcastle was a bare-knuckle fighting event held by Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship on 26 November 2022 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.

Background

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BKFC UK 1 took place on 26 November 2022 at The Walker Activity Dome in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, drawing a full house of 1,700 spectators. The event featured a 10-fight card, with the initial three bouts streamed live on YouTube and the subsequent main card bouts available on the BKFC App. In the main event, local contender Mick Terrill faced Steve 'Panda' Banks in a BKFC Heavyweight title eliminator. Terrill was declared the winner after Banks was deemed unable to continue by the ringside doctor due to severe cuts around his eyes. The co-main event featured Darren Hendry and Anthony Holmes vying for the inaugural BKFC UK Cruiserweight title. Holmes clinched the knockout victory in the fourth round following a powerful strike to Hendry's nose. The event was also notable for the debut of Melanie Shah, the UK's first female Muslim fighter, who secured a split decision win against Sweden's Mathilda Wilson.[11]

Results

[edit]
BKFC Fight Night: Newcastle
Weight Class Method Round Time Notes
Heavyweight 120 kg England Mick Terrill def. United States Steve Banks TKO 2 2:00 BKFC Heavyweight title eliminator
Cruiserweight 93 kg England Anthony Holmes def. England Darren Hendry TKO 4 0:29 For the inaugural BKFC UK Cruiserweight Championship
Light heavyweight 84 kg England Danny Christie def. England Darren Godfrey TKO 1 1:07
Welterweight 75 kg Sweden Liam Wilson def. England Will Cairns TKO 2 0:54
Light heavyweight 84 kg England John Ferguson def. England Tom Scott Decision (unanimous) 5 2:00
Heavyweight 120 kg England Lee Browne def. England Billy Hawthorne TKO 2 0:35
Light heavyweight 84 kg England Nathan Owens def. Wales David Round Decision (unanimous) 3 1:05
Lightweight 70 kg England Lewis Keen def. England Lewy Sherriff TKO 3 1:08
Preliminary Card
W.Flyweight 57 kg England Melanie Shah def. Sweden Mathilda Wilson Decision (split) 5 2:00
Heavyweight 120 kg England Agi Faulkner def. England Daniel Robson TKO 1 1:17

BKFC UK 2 - BKFC 37: Tierney vs. Lindsey

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Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 37: Tierney vs. Lindsey
PromotionBare Knuckle Fighting Championship
Date4 March 2023
VenueCrystal Palace National Sports Centre
CityEngland London

Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 37: Tierney vs. Lindsey was a bare-knuckle fighting event held by Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship on 4 March 2023, at the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre in London, England.

Background

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The event was headlined by a bout between Connor Tierney and Jake Lindsey.[12]

Results

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Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 37: Tierney vs. Lindsey
Weight Class Method Round Time Notes
Welterweight 75 kg United States Jake Lindsey def. United Kingdom Connor Tierney KO 5 1:02
Light Heavyweight 84 kg England Rico Franco vs. United Kingdom Darren Godfrey KO 2 0:49
Light Heavyweight 84 kg Wales David Round def. England Terry Brazier KO 3 1:28
Cruiserweight 95 kg United Kingdom Mason Shaw def. United Kingdom Lee Browne Decision (unanimous) 5 2:00
Cruiserweight 95 kg United Kingdom Darren Hendry def. United Kingdom Corey Harrison TKO 2 0:58
Light Heavyweight 84 kg South Africa Chaz Wasserman def. France Cedric Severac Decision (unanimous) 5 2:00
Heavyweight 120 kg England Robbie Kennedy def. United Kingdom Jack Draper KO 2 1:35
Welterweight 75 kg United Kingdom Nathan Hind def. United Kingdom Gary Fox Decision (unanimous) 5 2:00
Welterweight 75 kg United Kingdom Ben Bonnar def. England Jamie Oldfield KO 3 1:16
Preliminary Card
Lightweight 70 kg United Kingdom Ryan Carmichael def. England Will Cairns KO 3 0:35
Light Heavyweight 84 kg United Kingdom Jimmy Millar def. Scotland Kyle Cassidy TKO 2 2:00
Middleweight 79 kg United Kingdom George Thorpe def. United Kingdom Jamie Hendry TKO 3 0:54

BKFC UK 3 - BKFC 40: Holmes vs. Christie

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Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 40: Holmes vs. Christie
PromotionBare Knuckle Fighting Championship
Date22 April 2023
VenuePlanet Ice Leeds
CityEngland Leeds, England

Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 40: Holmes vs. Christie was a bare-knuckle fighting event held by Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship on 22 April 2023.[13]

Background

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The event was initially scheduled to be headlined by welterweight bout between Elvin Brito and Jamie Cox, but the bout was cancelled after Cox withdrew.[citation needed]

Results

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Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 40: Holmes vs. Christie
Weight Class Method Round Time Notes
Light Heavyweight 84 kg United Kingdom Danny Christie def. United Kingdom Anthony Holmes KO 4 For the BKFC UK Light Heavyweight Championship.
Welterweight 75 kg Argentina Franco Tenaglia def. United Kingdom Luke Nevin KO 4
Welterweight 75 kg United Kingdom Rico Franco def. United Kingdom Axel Birbes KO 2 1:07
Cruiserweight 95 kg Northern Ireland Conor Cooke def. United Kingdom Robbie Kennedy KO 4 1:56
Middleweight 79 kg United Kingdom Tom Scott def. Poland Damian Górski KO 4 1:44
Lightweight 70 kg United Kingdom Jonny Graham def. United Kingdom Will Cairns KO 1 1:33
Heavyweight 120 kg United Kingdom Toni Estorer def. United Kingdom Lee Browne Decision (unanimous) 5 2:00
Catchweight 73 kg United Kingdom Morgan Starkey def. United Kingdom Marius Radol KO 1 0:23
Light Heavyweight 84 kg Poland Bart Król def. United Kingdom Ashley Griffiths KO 1 1:04
Heavyweight 120 kg Scotland Rob Cunningham def. United Kingdom Wain Morgan KO 2 1:03
Light Heavyweight 84 kg United Kingdom Arron Blakey def. United Kingdom Naff Higson KO 1 0:50

BKFC UK 4 - BKFC 46: Newcastle

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Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 46: Newcastle
PromotionBare Knuckle Fighting Championship
Date1 July 2023
VenueWalker Activity Dome
CityEngland Newcastle upon Tyne, England

Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 46: Newcastle was a bare-knuckle fighting event held by Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship on 1 July 2023.

Results

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Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 46: Newcastle
Weight Class Method Round Time Notes
Welterweight 75 kg England Ricardo Franco def. United States Kaleb Harris KO 5 0:58
Welterweight 75 kg England Robert Barry def. United Kingdom Ben Bonner KO 5 0:11
Welterweight 75 kg England Lewis Keen def. Czech Republic Zdeněk Pernica KO 3 0:32
Cruiserweight 95 kg Poland Dawid Oskar def. United Kingdom Matty Hill KO 1 1:44
Welterweight 75 kg United Kingdom Paul Cook def. England Aaron Foster KO 1 0:41
Light Heavyweight 84 kg Poland Bart Król def. United Kingdom Sebastian Krautwald Decision (unanimous) 5 2:00
Featherweight 66 kg United Kingdom Gary Fox def. England Hayden Sherriff KO 1 0:38
Featherweight 66 kg Poland Patryk Sagan def. England Morgan Starkey KO 1 0:49
Preliminary Card
Featherweight 66 kg England Robbie Brown def. United Kingdom Ben Hatchett KO 1 1:36
Middleweight 79 kg England Arron Blakey def. Poland Krystian Nadolski KO 1 0:38
Cruiserweight 95 kg United Kingdom Karl Thompson def. United Kingdom Dustin Rabiega KO 1 1:06

BKFC UK 5 - BKFC 55: Leeds

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Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 55
PromotionBare Knuckle Fighting Championship
Date19 November 2023
VenuePlanet Ice Leeds
CityEngland Leeds, England

Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 55: Leeds was a bare-knuckle fighting event held by Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship on 19 November 2023.

Results

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Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 55
Weight Class Method Round Time Notes
Light heavyweight 84 kg United States Jared Warren def. United Kingdom Danny Christie TKO (referee stoppage) 1 1:56
Middleweight 79 kg Poland Bartlomiej Krol def. United Kingdom Anthony Holmes TKO (corner stoppage) 4 2:00
Cruiserweight 93 kg United Kingdom Matty Hodgson def. United Kingdom Mason Shaw TKO (punches) 2 0:29
Light heavyweight 84 kg United Kingdom Danny Mitchell def. United Kingdom John Ferguson Decision (unanimous) 5 2:00
Cruiserweight 93 kg United Kingdom Darren Hendry def. United Kingdom Luke Atkin TKO (punches) 2 0:25
Featherweight 66 kg United Kingdom Gary Fox def. United Kingdom Robbie Brown Decision (unanimous) 5 2:00
Light heavyweight 84 kg United Kingdom Conor Cooke def. United Kingdom Nathan Owens TKO (punches) 3 1:12
Cruiserweight 93 kg United Kingdom Karl Thompson def. Poland Dawid Oskar Decision (unanimous) 5 2:00
Lightweight 70 kg Italy Antonio Moscatiello def. Czech Republic Hynek Hospodarsky KO 1 1:58
Preliminary Card
Welterweight 75 kg United Kingdom Paul Cook def. United Kingdom Luke Nevin Decision (unanimous) 5 2:00
Welterweight 75 kg United Kingdom Jonny Graham def. United Kingdom Abel Radomski TKO (punches) 2 1:40
Heavyweight 120 kg United Kingdom Agi Faulkner def. United Kingdom Rob Cunningham TKO (punches) 1 0:57

BKFC UK 6 - BKFC 60: Milton Keynes

[edit]
BKFC 60 Milton Keynes: Lilley vs. Tenaglia
PromotionBare Knuckle Fighting Championship
Date6 April 2024
VenuePlanet Ice Arena Milton Keynes
CityEngland Milton Keynes, England

BKFC 60 Milton Keynes: Lilley vs. Tenaglia was a bare-knuckle fighting event held by Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship on 6 April 2024.

Background

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The event featured three title fights and was headlined by James Lilley against Franco Tenaglia for the first ever BKFC Lightweight European Championship. BKFC UK Light Heavyweight Champion Danny Christie defended his title against David Round. Gary Fox faced Ellis Shephard for the vacant BKFC UK Featherweight Championship.[14]

Results

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BKFC 60 Milton Keynes: Lilley vs. Tenaglia[15][16]
Weight Class Method Round Time Notes
Lightweight 70 kg Argentina Franco Tenaglia def. Wales James Lilley Decision (majority) 5 2:00 For the inaugural BKFC European Lightweight Championship. Judges' scorecards not read.
Light Heavyweight 84 kg United Kingdom Danny Christie (c) def. Wales David Round TKO 1 1:38 For the BKFC UK Light Heavyweight Championship.
Featherweight 66 kg United Kingdom Ellis Shepherd def. United Kingdom Gary Fox Decision (unanimous) 5 2:00 For the vacant BKFC UK Featherweight Championship. 49-46, 49-46, 49-46.
Light Heavyweight 84 kg United Kingdom Matty Hodgson def. South Africa Chaz Wasserman KO 3 1:38
Bantamweight 61 kg United Kingdom Jonno Chipchase def. United Kingdom Robbie Brown TKO (doctor stoppage) 1 2:00
Cruiserweight 93 kg Poland Dawid Oskar def. United Kingdom Conor Cooke KO 1 2:00
Cruiserweight 93 kg United Kingdom Rob Boardman def. United Kingdom Danny McIntosh KO (body shot) 1 1:13
Lightweight 70 kg United Kingdom Ben Bonner def. United Kingdom Ray Putterill KO (left hook) 1 1:08
Preliminary Card[17]
Middleweight 79 kg United Kingdom Toby Bindon def. United Kingdom Marcus Pond TKO 2 1:44
Heavyweight 120 kg United Kingdom Jack Draper def. Germany Bubu TKO 1 1:41
Lightweight 70 kg United Kingdom Bartek Kanabey def. United Kingdom Bakhtyor Kudratov TKO (referee stoppage) 1 0:54

BKFC UK 7 - BKFC Fight Night Prospects: Newcastle

[edit]
BKFC Fight Night Prospects: Newcastle
PromotionBare Knuckle Fighting Championship
DateJune 8, 2024
VenueWalker Activity Dome
CityEngland Newcastle upon Tyne, England

BKFC Fight Night Prospects: Newcastle is a bare-knuckle fighting event held by Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship on June 8, 2024.

Background

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The event was headlined by Paul Venis against former World Sambo Championships silver medalist Stanov Tabakov.[18][19]

Results

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BKFC Fight Night Prospects: Newcastle[20]
Weight Class Method Round Time Notes
Cruiserweight 93 kg United Kingdom Paul Venis def. Bulgaria Stanoy Tabakov TKO 3 0:47
Light Heavyweight 84 kg United Kingdom Pic Jardine def. Poland Bartlomiej Krol TKO 3 0:35
Middleweight 79 kg United Kingdom Danny Christie def. United Kingdom Jimmy Millar Decision (unanimous) 5 2:00 50-44, 49-45, 49-44.
Light Heavyweight 84 kg United Kingdom Danny Moir def. United Kingdom John Ferguson Decision (split) 5 2:00 Judges' scorecards not read.
Lightweight 70 kg United Kingdom Jack Culshaw def. United Kingdom Bartek Kanabey TKO 3 1:35
Bantamweight 61 kg United Kingdom Cameron Hardy def. United Kingdom Bryan Creighton KO 5 0:43
Cruiserweight 93 kg United Kingdom Stevie Taylor def. United Kingdom Jakub Kosicki TKO 4 1:51
Bantamweight 61 kg United Kingdom Bradley Taylor def. United Kingdom Dan Mohammed TKO 1 0:43
Heavyweight 120 kg United Kingdom Gary Slator def. United Kingdom Rob Cunningham TKO (punches) 1 0:56
Welterweight 75 kg United Kingdom Luke Beamish def. United Kingdom Will Rochester Decision (unanimous) 5 2:00 Judges' scorecards not read.
Welterweight 75 kg United Kingdom Ryan Sanson def. United Kingdom Jeremy Waltron Decision (unanimous) 5 2:00 Judges' scorecards not read.

BKFC UK 8 - BKFC 64 Coventry: Tierney vs. Graham

[edit]
BKFC 64 Coventry: Tierney vs. Graham
PromotionBare Knuckle Fighting Championship
DateAugust 10, 2024
VenueCoventry Skydome
CityEngland Coventry, England

BKFC 64 Coventry: Tierney vs. Graham was a bare-knuckle fighting event held by Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship on August 10, 2024.

Background

[edit]

The event was headlined by Conor Tierney against Jonny Graham for the inaugural UK BKFC Welterweight Championship.[21]

Results

[edit]
BKFC 64 Coventry: Tierney vs. Graham[22]
Weight Class Method Round Time Notes
Welterweight 75 kg United Kingdom Connor Tierney def. United Kingdom Jonny Graham Decision (unanimous) 5 2:00 For the inaugural UK BKFC Welterweight Championship. 48-45, 48-46, 48-45.
Lightweight 70 kg United Kingdom Jonno Chipchase def. United Kingdom Toby Bindon TKO 1 1:58
Cruiserweight 93 kg United Kingdom Conor Cooke def. United Kingdom Mason Shaw KO 1 1:34
Cruiserweight 93 kg United Kingdom Rob Boardman def. United Kingdom Lee Browne TKO 4 0:47
Welterweight 75 kg United Kingdom Luke Nevin def. United Kingdom Sahin Omer Decision (unanimous) 5 2:00 50-43, 50-43, 50-43.
Middleweight 79 kg United Kingdom Mac Bygraves def. United Kingdom Paul O'Sullivan Decision (split) 5 2:00 50-47, 50-46, 47-48.
Middleweight 79 kg United Kingdom George Thorpe def. United Kingdom Conan Barbaru Decision (unanimous) 5 2:00 49-45, 50-45, 49-45.
Lightweight 70 kg United Kingdom Ryan McCarthy def. United Kingdom Alec Connelly Decision (unanimous) 5 2:00 50-45, 50-46, 50-45.
Bantamweight 61 kg United Kingdom Robbie Brown def. United Kingdom Jordan Ward Decision (unanimous) 5 2:00 50-46, 49-46, 48-47.
Preliminary Card
Bantamweight 61 kg United Kingdom James Dixon def. United Kingdom Tom Mowbray TKO 2 0:43
W. Bantamweight 61 kg Italy Sara Bitto def. Spain Yamila Sanchez Decision (unanimous) 5 2:00 49-45, 50-44, 49-45.
Middleweight 79 kg United Kingdom Simeon Ottley def. United Kingdom Connor Warden TKO 4 1:45

List of current champions

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Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship UK (BKFC UK)

[edit]
Weight Class Holder
BKFC UK
Cruiserweight / 205 lb (93 kg; 15 st) Anthony Holmes
Light Heavyweight / 185 lb (84 kg; 13 st) Danny Christie
Welterweight / 165 lb (75 kg; 12 st) Connor Tierney
Featherweight / 145 lb (66 kg; 10 st) Ellis Shepherd

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "BKFC Acquires England's Bare Fist Boxing Association". Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. Retrieved 10 November 2022.
  2. ^ "Report | Michael 'Venom' Page Set To Fight Mike Perry At BKFC 27". LowKickMMA. 9 June 2022. Retrieved 13 November 2023.
  3. ^ Bosco, Nicole (30 May 2018). "Everything you need to know about Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship". Retrieved 11 November 2022.
  4. ^ "BoxRec: Event". boxrec.com. Retrieved 11 November 2022.
  5. ^ "Yorkshire Warrior Anthony Holmes ready for return to action after switching to BKFC promotion". www.wakefieldexpress.co.uk. 10 November 2022. Retrieved 10 November 2022.
  6. ^ "New opponent for Carlisle bare-knuckle boxer". News and Star. Retrieved 10 November 2022.
  7. ^ "Carlisle bare-knuckle boxer's next fight revealed". News and Star. Retrieved 10 November 2022.
  8. ^ "Melanie set to become first female Muslim bare knuckle fighter".
  9. ^ "Asian Express Newspaper - VALIANT: UK's first female Muslim bare knuckle fighter makes winning debut". 12 December 2022.
  10. ^ Williams, Rebecca (24 August 2020). "Jawahir Roble: UK's first female Muslim official dreams of refereeing Premier League games". Sky Sports. Retrieved 9 April 2023.
  11. ^ "'BKFC Fight Night: Newcastle' results: Mick Terrill to challenge for heavyweight title after slicing Steven Banks". MMA Junkie. 27 November 2022. Retrieved 14 November 2023.
  12. ^ Parviz Iskenderov (5 January 2023). "Connor Tierney vs Jake Lindsey tops BKFC 37 in London on March 4". fightmag.com.au.
  13. ^ "BKFC LEEDS". Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.
  14. ^ "BKFC 60 MILTON KEYNES". Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships. Retrieved 30 March 2024.
  15. ^ Staff (6 April 2024). "BKFC 60: Lilley vs. Tenaglia Full Results". Cageside Press. Retrieved 6 April 2024.
  16. ^ "BKFC-60 RESULTS: FRANCO TENAGLIA, DANNY CHRISTIE AND ELLIS SHEPHERD WIN BKFC TITLE FIGHTS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM | BKFC". Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. Retrieved 7 April 2024.
  17. ^ BKFC 60: MILTON KEYNES | Countdown Show and Free Prelims!. Retrieved 6 April 2024 – via www.youtube.com.
  18. ^ "BKFC PROSPECTS NEWCASTLE". Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships. Retrieved 17 April 2024.
  19. ^ "BKFC Prospects Series: Newcastle UK". allevents.in. Retrieved 21 April 2024.
  20. ^ "BKFC Prospect Series: Newcastle Results | BKFC". Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. Retrieved 9 June 2024.
  21. ^ "BKFC 64 COVENTRY". Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships. Retrieved 9 June 2024.
  22. ^ Staff (10 August 2024). "BKFC 64: Tierney vs. Graham Full Results". Cageside Press. Retrieved 10 August 2024.