BKFC 56: Bec Rawlings’ world title shot on controversial bare knuckle boxing card

WARNING GRAPHIC: Bare knuckle boxing is bloody, brutal and very controversial – this weekend Aussie title contender Bec Rawlings enters the ring with revenge on her mind.

There’s an Aussie fighting for a world title this weekend.

You won’t hear much about it though.

That’s because Bare Knuckle Boxing remains one of the most controversial disciplines in combat sports.

It’s boxing, but without the gloves. Just a bit of wrapping to protect the wrist and thumb.

It’s bloody, violent, and was once described by UFC commentator Joe Rogan as, “Hillbilly bulls**t.”

Nevertheless, Queensland’s Bec Rawlings will fight for the organisation’s flyweight world title in Salt Lake City, Utah this weekend on a card featuring a host of other former UFC fighters.

Watch BKFC 56: Perry v Alvarez and Ferea v Rawlings | SUN 3rd DEC 2PM AEDT | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports

Rawlings has fought with the UFC, Bellator and Invicta. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Rawlings, who went 2-5 in the UFC, takes on Christine ‘Misfit’ Ferea in a rematch of their April world title showdown.

The Aussie lost that first encounter via second round TKO when the doctor waved it off due to an awful cut over Rawlings’ eye.

Cuts, blood and broken hands are common. If MMA is too extreme for your tastes, bare knuckle boxing is in another league altogether.

Just take a look at the state of UFC alums Jason Knight and Artem Lobov after their five round fight in 2019.

Jason Knight shows off his battle scars after fighting Artem Lobov. Picture: Supplied

Knight beat former Conor McGregor sparring partner Artem Lobov. Picture: Supplied

That’s what fans of the sport seem to love.

This weekend’s card will be the promotion’s 56th since its debut in 2018.

Critics point to the obvious gruesome injuries and lax oversight. In 2018, 27 states refused to sanction bare knuckle fighting because it was deemed too dangerous.

Three years later, heavyweight fighter Justin Thornton died as a result of injuries he sustained when he was knocked out just 19 seconds into the first round of his only fight with the promotion.

In 2019, BKFC boss Dave Feldman said he would halve a fighter’s pay after putting on a lacklustre performance.

Eddie Alvarez (R), headlined the UFC’s debut at Madison Square Garden against Conor McGregor in 2016. Picture: Brandon Magnus/Zuffa LLC/Getty Images

Fans of the nascent sport say they enjoy the spectacle. They argue that the cuts that are so common actually do less long term damage than serious repeated concussive head knocks sustained in MMA and boxing.

But there’s not a young fighter on the planet who walks into a boxing gym dreaming of fighting in the BKFC.

Any bare knuckle fighter with a hint of a profile was previously a star in more legitimate sports and promotions.

Former UFC lightweight world champion Eddie Alvarez, who fought Conor McGregor at Madison Square Garden in 2016, headlines this weekend’s card. He’ll fight 15-time UFC veteran Mike Perry.

Former UFC heavyweights Ben Rothwell and Todd Duffee are also on the card.

Rawlings (L) and Paige Vanzant (R) fought each other in the UFC before they both moved to BKFC. Picture: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Getty Images

Over the past five years, former middleweight champion Luke Rockhold, title challenger Chad Mendes, Paige VanZant, and two-time world champion boxer Paulie Malignaggi have all fought for BKFC.

All of them went to the promotion after a string of MMA or boxing, and were looking for a quick payday. Most BKFC fighters say the money is good, even compared to the UFC.

And in Rawlings’ case, there’s a world title on the line and revenge on her mind.

“I feel if she’s considering her last fight with me a win, then that’s pretty pathetic,” Rowdy Bec said this week. “I don’t think she’ll change up anything. She hasn’t changed in a long time.

“It’s not going to cut it with me. I’m strong, I’m skilled and I’m fit. Skills pay the bills.”

Originally published as BKFC 56: Bec Rawlings’ world title shot on controversial bare knuckle boxing card