When was bkfc 86

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Last updated: April 17, 2026

Quick Answer: BKFC 86 took place on February 17, 2024, at the Tingley Coliseum in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The main event featured Mike Richman defeating Johnny Bedford via split decision.

Key Facts

BKFC 86 occurred on February 17, 2024
The event was held at Tingley Coliseum in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Main event fighter Mike Richman won via split decision over Johnny Bedford
This was the first BKFC event held in New Mexico
BKFC 86 featured 12 total bouts, including four on the main card

Overview

Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) 86 marked a significant milestone in the organization’s expansion into new regional markets. Held on February 17, 2024, the event showcased a blend of veteran fighters and rising contenders in the bare-knuckle circuit.

The night culminated in a closely contested main event that sparked debate among fans and analysts alike. BKFC 86 also introduced enhanced safety protocols, including updated ring padding and real-time medical monitoring.

Event Date: BKFC 86 took place on February 17, 2024, marking the first BKFC event in the Southwest U.S.
Venue: The fights were held at the Tingley Coliseum in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with a capacity crowd of over 8,500 attendees.
Main Event:Mike Richman defeated Johnny Bedford in the headline bout via split decision after six rounds.
Undercard Standout: Women’s flyweight Liz Carmouche secured a knockout in round two against Tiana Nogueira.
Viewership: The event drew an estimated 520,000 live viewers on BKFC’s streaming platform and FITE TV.

How It Works

BKFC events follow a strict set of rules designed to ensure fighter safety while preserving the raw nature of bare-knuckle boxing. Each bout is structured around timed rounds with specific judging criteria and medical oversight.

Round Duration: Each round lasts two minutes, with championship bouts extending to six rounds and non-title fights to five.
Ring Surface: Fighters compete on a canvas-covered elevated platform with padded ring posts to minimize injury risk.
Gloves: Competitors wear custom 4-ounce padded gloves designed to protect fists while allowing striking clarity.
Scoring: Judges use a 10-point must system, prioritizing effective aggression, defense, and clean blows.
Medical Checks:Pre- and post-fight neurological exams are mandatory, with ringside physicians authorized to stop bouts.
Weight Classes: BKFC recognizes eight weight divisions, from flyweight (125 lbs) to heavyweight (205+ lbs).

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares BKFC 86 with previous major events in terms of location, attendance, and broadcast metrics:

Event	Date	Location	Attendance	Viewership
BKFC 86	February 17, 2024	Albuquerque, NM	8,500	520,000
BKFC 85	December 2, 2023	Tampa, FL	7,200	480,000
BKFC 84	October 20, 2023	London, UK	4,100	390,000
BKFC 83	September 8, 2023	Los Angeles, CA	9,000	550,000
BKFC 82	July 14, 2023	Tallahassee, FL	6,800	410,000

BKFC 86 ranked third in viewership among 2023–2024 events, despite being the first held in New Mexico. Its success has prompted BKFC to consider additional Southwest dates in 2025.

Why It Matters

The success of BKFC 86 signals growing mainstream acceptance of bare-knuckle fighting as a regulated sport. With increasing investment and media coverage, BKFC continues to expand its footprint across the U.S. and internationally.

Market Expansion: BKFC 86 demonstrated strong regional interest, with ticket sales 94% higher than projected for New Mexico.
Media Coverage: The event received coverage from ESPN, MMA Fighting, and CBS Sports, boosting public visibility.
Fighter Safety: Medical staff treated three minor injuries, all resolved onsite, reinforcing BKFC’s safety standards.
Regulatory Approval: New Mexico’s athletic commission granted full sanctioning, setting a precedent for future events.
Women’s Division Growth: Liz Carmouche’s victory highlighted the rising prominence of female fighters in BKFC.
Future Events: BKFC announced BKFC 90 will be held in Denver in June 2024, building on this momentum.

As BKFC continues to grow, events like BKFC 86 play a crucial role in shaping the future of combat sports, blending tradition with modern safety and entertainment standards.