Is Bare Knuckle Boxing Too Dangerous? Should Fighters Wear Boxing Gloves?

Bare knuckle boxing has seen a massive resurgence in recent years, with promotions like Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) leading the charge. What was once viewed as an underground spectacle has now grown into a legitimate combat sport with televised events, big-name fighters, and international attention. But as its popularity grows, so does the debate around safety. Is bare knuckle boxing too dangerous? And should fighters be required to wear gloves?

The Rise of Bare Knuckle Fighting

BKFC has transformed bare knuckle boxing from a niche curiosity into a global attraction. Former UFC fighters like Mike Perry, Chad Mendes, and Paige VanZant have brought mainstream credibility to the sport, while viral knockouts and intense brawls have fueled its online following. Fans are drawn to the rawness of bare knuckle fighting—shorter rounds, smaller rings, and the sense that anything can happen in a split second.

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Safety Concerns and Risks

The absence of gloves is the most obvious difference between bare knuckle and traditional boxing. Without padded gloves, fighters are more likely to suffer cuts, broken noses, and hand injuries. The fights often look more brutal because of the blood that comes with even minor cuts. Critics argue that the sport exposes fighters to unnecessary risks and question whether it should be sanctioned at all.

However, some experts suggest that bare knuckle fighting may actually reduce the risk of long-term brain damage compared to gloved boxing. The reasoning is that fighters punch with less volume and more caution to avoid breaking their hands. Without gloves to protect their fists, competitors naturally throw fewer full-power shots to the head, potentially lowering the rate of concussions.

Should Fighters Wear Boxing Gloves?

The question of whether fighters should wear gloves in bare knuckle events is complex. Gloves would certainly reduce cuts and hand injuries, but they would also fundamentally change the nature of the sport. Bare knuckle boxing exists precisely because it is different from traditional boxing. Adding boxing gloves would erase its unique identity.

Instead, promotions like BKFC have implemented safety measures such as medical checks, weight classes, and ringside doctors to protect fighters. While the sport will never be risk-free—just like MMA or boxing—it has begun to find its place within the wider combat sports landscape.