The Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) made its highly anticipated debut in Hawaii on April 13, 2026, with a thrilling event featuring 13 bouts at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center, marking a new chapter for the organization.
Why it matters: BKFC's expansion into Hawaii highlights the organization's commitment to local talent and community support. The event showcased fighters from the islands and contributed to relief efforts for areas affected by severe flooding.
David Feldman, BKFC founder and president, emphasized the organization's growth since its inception in 2018, with events now held globally, including Thailand and Bulgaria.
The event featured 21 local fighters, allowing them to compete in front of family and friends, enhancing community engagement in combat sports.
A portion of ticket sales was donated to help those impacted by recent Kona Low storms in Hawaii, underscoring BKFC's philanthropic efforts.
Driving the news: The main event showcased Maki Pitolo, a Mākaha native and six-time UFC fighter, making his bare-knuckle debut against Doug Coltrane, who holds a 3-2 BKFC record. The event began at 5 p.m. and was a culmination of years of planning.
Feldman noted the vision to bring BKFC to Hawaii was years in the making, stating, "The vision in 2018 was to get one event done, because I worked nine years to do it."
All 13 fights featured at least one Hawaiian fighter, reinforcing the organization's focus on local talent.
The co-main event featured Ke'ali'i Kanekoa against Joseph Creer, adding to the local flavor of the fight card.
State of play: The BKFC event attracted local fighters and brought in a diverse lineup of participants from outside Hawaii. This blend of talent provided a competitive atmosphere.
Alongside Pitolo and Coltrane, the card included notable matches such as Toby Misech versus Charles Bennett and Zach Zane facing Justin Cornell.
Feldman expressed confidence in the unique appeal of bare-knuckle fighting, highlighting the excitement generated by the absence of gloves.
BKFC fights consist of two five-minute rounds, a format that differs from traditional MMA bouts, which typically last three rounds.
The big picture: The debut event in Hawaii is a strategic move for BKFC, aiming to establish a strong foothold in a state known for its rich fighting culture.
Feldman has long believed in the fighting prowess of Hawaii's athletes, stating, "I always knew that the people there on the Island could really, really fight."
The organization aims to continue hosting events in Hawaii, potentially paving the way for a series of future shows.
This event could inspire more local fighters to pursue careers in bare-knuckle boxing, contributing to the sport's growth in the region.
What they're saying: The enthusiasm surrounding BKFC's debut has been echoed by fighters and fans alike, with many eager to witness the unique format.
"If you want to see the most exciting combat sport that you've ever seen, I promise you that you're going to leave Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship a fan," Feldman said, emphasizing the thrilling nature of the sport.
Fighters expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete at home, with Pitolo's debut particularly celebrated by local supporters.
The event's community impact was highlighted by fans who appreciated the organization's commitment to supporting flood relief efforts.
By the numbers: The BKFC Fight Night Honolulu featured a total of 13 bouts, all with at least one Hawaiian fighter, demonstrating the organization's dedication to local representation.
Ticket sales from the event contributed to relief efforts for areas affected by the Kona Low storms, showing a direct impact on the community.
The event attracted a large audience, eager to witness the action and support their local fighters.
Feldman noted that BKFC has expanded rapidly, with events now held in various countries, illustrating the growing popularity of bare-knuckle boxing.
What's next: Following the successful debut in Hawaii, BKFC plans to explore additional opportunities for events in the state and beyond.
Feldman hinted at the possibility of future events in Hawaii, aiming to build on the momentum generated by the inaugural show.
As bare-knuckle boxing continues to gain traction, BKFC's commitment to local talent and community support will likely remain a focal point.
Fans can expect a return of local fighters to the ring, as BKFC looks to establish itself as a staple in Hawaii's combat sports scene.