Upcoming BKFC Event: A New Era of Bare Knuckle Fighting in Dubai
The Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) is making waves as it prepares to return to the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium for a thrilling two-night event on November 21-22. Following the groundbreaking success of its inaugural season, this upcoming event promises to push the boundaries of combat sports even further.
A New Format: Introducing Knuckle Kings
In a groundbreaking move, BKFC is debuting an exciting new team-based format called Knuckle Kings, hosted in collaboration with the World League of Fighters (WLF) and the Dubai Sports Council. This innovative structure is set to revolutionize how bare-knuckle fighting is viewed and experienced, introducing fans to the electrifying dynamic of franchise-based competition.
Franchise-Based Teams Take Center Stage
For the first time in combat sports history, fighters will not only compete for personal glory but also for franchise supremacy. The event will feature four powerhouse teams—the Punishers, Infernos, Ironclad, and Crushers—with each team fielding eight of the world’s most fearsome bare-knuckle warriors across four weight divisions. This means fans can look forward to head-to-head matchups that combine the strategic elements of team competition with the raw and intense nature of individual fighting.
The Vision Behind the Innovation
Sunil Mathew, Co-Founder of World League of Fighters, articulated the vision behind Knuckle Kings, stating, “Season 1 demonstrated the incredible passion for combat sports in Dubai. This year, with our revolutionary team format, we’re not just hosting an event; we’re rewriting combat sports entertainment.” Such a dynamic shift signals a new era not only for BKFC but also for the landscape of combat sports in the region.
Support for this innovative framework is echoed by co-founder Rajesh Banga, who noted that “Dubai has always embraced innovation and pushed boundaries. Knuckle Kings represents a world-first achievement that seamlessly blends the excitement of franchise-based team sport with pure bare-knuckle authenticity.”
The Role of WLF in BKFC’s Success
The World League of Fighters has played a crucial role in BKFC’s initial success, previously hosting back-to-back events—BKFC 71 and 72—in April 2025. These events showcased 44 world-class fighters and elicited immense excitement among fans, demonstrating the strong appetite for this raw and athletic form of combat in the region. The collaboration between BKFC and WLF, bolstered by the support of the Dubai Sports Council, aims to entertain while contributing significantly to Dubai’s aspiration of becoming a global sports capital.
Commitment to Dubai’s Combat Sports Community
BKFC’s Founder, David Feldman, has expressed a deep commitment to the Emirates, emphasizing that “Dubai holds a special place in BKFC’s global expansion.” The overwhelming support BKFC has received in the region drives their ambition to return “bigger, bolder, and better” with each new season. He sees Knuckle Kings as a special offering to the UAE’s passionate combat sports community, promising an exciting spectacle that honors the spirit of the sport.
Celebrity Endorsements: McGregor’s Take
Combat sports icon Conor McGregor has also publicly endorsed BKFC’s expansion into Dubai. Describing it as a “world sensation,” he stated that Dubai, being the “City of Gold, where champions are forged and legends are born,” sets the perfect stage for such an event. McGregor is convinced that Season 2 of BKFC will be a stellar affair, destined to shine even brighter than the iconic skyline of Dubai.
Official Support and Regulatory Framework
Supporting this landmark event, the Dubai Sports Council has reaffirmed its commitment to both the World League of Fighters and Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. They emphasized their leadership in sporting innovation and their commitment to establishing a safe, sustainable regulatory framework that advances athletes’ professional development while reinforcing combat sports pathways in the region.
A Promising Future for Combat Sports in Dubai
The success of Season 1 has solidified Dubai’s position as a thriving hub for cutting-edge combat sports entertainment. The emirate’s forward-thinking approach makes it the ideal venue for the Knuckle Kings format, poised to attract new audiences while honoring the authentic essence of bare-knuckle fighting.
As anticipation builds, the two-day spectacle at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium is set to be an event like no other. The innovative Knuckle Kings team tournament promises to deliver high-octane competition, paired with championship-caliber BKFC main events. Each of the four teams—Punishers, Infernos, Ironclad, and Crushers—will showcase their elite fighters, making this event a must-see for fans and newcomers alike.
Get ready for a memorable experience as BKFC and its revolutionary team format make history in the world of combat sports!
