
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) is taking combat sports in an unexpected direction with the launch of BKFC Ice Wars, a league dedicated to legal, sanctioned, and regulated hockey fights. With this innovative expansion, BKFC aims to elevate the long-standing tradition of on-ice brawling into an official combat sport.
The promotion announced on Wednesday that it has invested in a league founded by BKFC executive Charlie Nama, where fighters worldwide will compete on ice. These matchups will take place in "The Ice Box", a specially designed 900-square-foot enclosure built exclusively for ice fighting.
BKFC president and founder David Feldman expressed enthusiasm about the new venture, highlighting how the concept aligns with BKFC’s mission to bring fans high-intensity combat sports.
“We’ve been watching what the team at Ice Wars has been building, and it’s been incredible to see the passionate response they’ve received from audiences,” Feldman stated. “Their vision and energy align perfectly with what we do at BKFC—bringing raw, high-adrenaline combat sports to fans in a way they’ve never seen before. Partnering with them to create BKFC Ice Wars was an easy decision, and we’re excited to take this to the next level together.”
The first BKFC Ice Wars event is scheduled for June 14 at Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, with a second card set for June 28 at River Cree Casino & Resort in Enoch, Alberta, Canada. Plans for at least six events in 2025 are in place, with further expansion to as many as 24 events in 2026.
BKFC Ice Wars Rules and Regulations:
Rounds: Each fight consists of 3 to 5 rounds, each lasting 90 seconds, with 1-minute rest periods in between.
Officials: The bout is overseen by 2 referees (one lead referee), and 3 judges score fights in their entirety rather than round by round.
Scoring Criteria: Judges assess bouts based on effective striking (Plan A), effective aggressiveness (Plan B), and control of the fighting area (Plan C). Plan B and C come into play only if Plan A is scored evenly.
Weight Classes: Heavyweight: Over 200 lbs.
Cruiserweight: 175-200 lbs.
Middleweight: 150-175 lbs.
Lightweight: Under 150 lbs.
Equipment: Fighters will wear four-ounce MMA gloves along with traditional hockey jerseys and gear.
BKFC officials have confirmed that the fight lineup for the inaugural Ice Wars event will be announced in the coming weeks. This unique hybrid of hockey culture and combat sports promises an electrifying experience for fight fans worldwide.