Just hours away from BKFC’s biggest annual show we look at the exciting history of KnuckleMania.
On April 27th KnuckleMania will take centre stage. This isn’t just a stand-alone event, but a continuation of excitement preceded by years prior. So, while we all eagerly await the opening bell, let’s take a look at the best fight from each previous KnuckleMania and get a feel for what to expect from bare knuckle’s biggest night.
(Photo Courtesy: BKFC)
KnuckleMania I: Chris “The Crippler” Leben retires with an emphatic knockout.
The beginning of the KnuckleMania era saw the end of a fighting legend's career. Chris Leben was part of the UFC’s debut reality series “The Ultimate Fighter”, a show that springboarded the popularity of the combat sports cornerstone. After a long MMA career, Leben was integral in the kickstart of BKFC, appearing as the co-main event on both BKFC 5 and 6 giving extra star power to the events.
In the lead-up to KnuckleMania I Leben announced that his fight with Quentin Henry would be his final appearance. And in pure “Crippler” fashion it took him just 67 seconds to stop Henry, using the clinch strikes to perfection to crumble his opponent in a heap.
Not quite on the level of John L. Sullivan being the last bare knuckle champion and the first Queensberry rules champion, this was still a passing of the torch moment with Leben leaving his mark on BKFC before its launch to the mainstream.
(Photo Courtesy: BKFC)
KnuckleMania II: Christine Ferea wins the inaugural BKFC Women's Championship.
The second edition of KnuckleMania would see the first installment of BKFC’s Flyweight Title. And who better to compete for it than two of the all-time greats Christine Ferea and Britain Hart?
The bout would be a rematch between the two and would go the full five rounds with both athletes having their moments. Ultimately, Ferea would come away with the decision. This fight has aged perfectly, Ferea still holds the 125-lb. title to this day. Hart would go on to become the first strawweight champion, a title that is still firmly wrapped around her waist.
Two of the best to ever fight bare knuckle added legitimacy to the women's division, a piece that has been a pillar of the company ever since.
(Photo Courtesy: BKFC)
KnuckleMania III: Lorenzo Hunt with the best knockout in company history.
After moving up to cruiserweight and capturing his second world title, Lorenzo Hunt would return to 185-lbs. to reclaim his crown against the interim champion Mike Richman. From the opening bell this fight would prove why it was slated as the main event.
Richman would hold a speed advantage over Hunt using fast combinations to work the body and the head leaving “The Juggernaut” stymied. Another quick flurry of punches would send Hunt to the floor near the end of the first round. The two-division champion looked out of sorts but still made it back to his feet before the 10-count.
With Richman moving in for the finish, the crowd was on the edge of their seats wondering if Richman was going to send him down again or if Hunt could hold on and make it to the end of the round. The Juggernaut had plans of his own. A right hook from hell would put Richman out cold, flat on his back, the count was waved off immediately. Comeback, Knockout, and Fight of the Year, all wrapped into one right hand. This bout was the exclamation point on the end of an all-time card that already saw 10 of the first 11 bouts end in a stoppage, none of them can beat our best moment from KnuckleMania III.
With a tough act to follow, one can only assume we are in for another historic night with KnuckleMania IV.
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