UPDATED POUND FOR POUND BARE KNUCKLE RANKINGS

With a slower start than usual to the year, BK Nation unveils its first list of 2025.

Some time had passed since the last instalment of our monthly pound for pound lists. There were all kinds of movement on both lists but not in ways we would’ve liked. Regardless it's time to update our bare knuckle rankings! Let's start with the mens list pictured below.

Two guys, Luis Palomino (former #2) and Mike Perry (Former #6) were both removed due to our inactivity rule of 12 months without a fight. Mick Terrill (Former #8) was dropped after he got knocked out cold in the first round by Ben Rothwell who takes his place as number 10. 

Barrie Jones, who wasn’t on the list previously due to him being so indecisive on his retirement status, has stated he’s sticking around after defeating BYB Light Heavyweight champion Gregoris Cisneros by knockout in 16 seconds, he slots in at number #8. 

The #9 spot holds unprecedented stakes. Both BYB Super Lightweight Champion Harry Gigliotti and #1 contender Jon Barnard have proven to be world class talents. That is why both are being considered. Whoever wins their fight on February 22nd, takes sole possession of #9. 

With both Palomino, Perry, and Terrill exiting the list, all previously ranked fighters except for Austin Trout received a bump in the ranks, with Alberto Blas and Marko Martinjak moving three spots, now holding the six and seven ranks.

Now on to the women's list who also saw some movement, although none as drastic as the men's side. 

BYB Flyweight champion and former #4 ranked fighter, Agnesa Kirakosian falls off the list due to inactivity. 

Rosalina Rodriguez who has held down the #8 spot is also removed for inactivity.

BYB Welterweight Champion Jamie Driver was the biggest mover going from #9 to #6.

Bec Rawlings, finally back in the mix, takes the #7 spot following her win over Taylor Starling at KnuckleMania V. 

Khortni Kamyron bumps up two spots following the movement further up the list. 

Christine Vicens in another unprecedented move, joins the list at #9, following her loss to Christine Ferea in December of 2024. While she did come up short, it was still a great performance, and she more than proved to be one of the best fighters in the world. 

Taylor Starling, now reeling off of back to back defeats drops from #7 to #10. 

There’s three fights we’re watching out for to finish off February; Gigliotti vs. Barnard & Helen Peralta vs. Lailane Mota on the 22nd, and Keith Richardson vs Bekhzod Usomonov on the 28th. 

Top Photo Courtesy of BYB.