BKFC runs 13 divisions: ten for men, from flyweight (125 lbs) to heavyweight, and three for women, from strawweight (115 lbs) to featherweight (145 lbs). It ran twelve until July 2026, when it added Ironweight (225 lbs) between cruiserweight and heavyweight. This structure ensures competitive matchups across a wide range of body sizes and provides opportunities for fighters of virtually any weight to compete professionally in bare knuckle boxing.
Complete BKFC Weight Class Chart
| Division | Weight Limit | Gender | Champion (bkfc.com, Sept 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strawweight | 115 lbs | Women | Britain Hart |
| Flyweight | 125 lbs | Men | John Dodson |
| Flyweight | 125 lbs | Women | Christine Ferea |
| Bantamweight | 135 lbs | Men | Jamel Herring |
| Featherweight | 145 lbs | Men | Kai Stewart |
| Featherweight | 145 lbs | Women | Jessica Borga |
| Lightweight | 155 lbs | Men | Ben Bonner |
| Welterweight | 165 lbs | Men | Dustin Pague |
| Middleweight | 175 lbs | Men | David Mundell |
| Light Heavyweight | 185 lbs | Men | Lorenzo Hunt |
| Cruiserweight | 205 lbs | Men | Esteban Rodriguez |
| Ironweight | 225 lbs | Men | Lorenzo Hunt |
| Heavyweight | Over 225 lbs (no upper limit) | Men | Andrei Arlovski |
BKFC does not publish a limits table; each limit here matches how BKFC and the outlets covering its title fights describe the division. The commissions' unified bare-knuckle rules use a different naming scheme (their "welterweight" tops out at 155 lbs), so do not read BKFC's divisions off that table. The full ruleset is in the BKFC rules breakdown.
Division Breakdown
Strawweight (115 lbs) - Women
The smallest BKFC division, featuring female fighters at the 115 lb limit. Strawweight bouts showcase speed and technical precision, with the reduced power offset by higher output and combination volume.
Flyweight (125 lbs)
Open to both men and women, with a separate title for each. The flyweight division features explosive, fast-paced action. Fighters at this weight rely on speed, timing, and technical striking rather than raw knockout power.
Bantamweight (135 lbs)
A men's division. At 135 lbs, fighters possess a compelling balance of speed and power.
Featherweight (145 lbs)
Open to both men and women. The featherweight division is where speed and power begin to converge. Fighters at 145 lbs can crack, and bare knuckle at this weight produces frequent stoppages and dramatic cuts.
Lightweight (155 lbs)
A deep and competitive division. Lightweight fighters bring significant power in bare knuckle competition, and the division depth creates clear contender hierarchies and compelling title pictures.
Welterweight (165 lbs)
One of BKFC's marquee divisions, and five pounds lighter than the UFC's 170-lb welterweight. Many MMA and boxing crossover fighters compete here, making it one of the most talent-rich divisions.
Middleweight (175 lbs)
The middleweight division features genuine knockout artists. At 175 lbs with no gloves, single shots routinely end fights. Technical defense and proper footwork become critical survival tools.
Light Heavyweight (185 lbs)
Big men who can still move. Light heavyweights combine significant power with enough mobility to box technically. This division often produces the most dramatic finishes on any given card.
Cruiserweight (205 lbs)
The division between light heavyweight and the big men. At 205 lbs, BKFC's cruiserweight sits where the UFC's light heavyweight does.
Ironweight (225 lbs)
BKFC's newest division, added in July 2026 for fighters between 205 and 225 lbs. Lorenzo Hunt won the inaugural title at BKFC 91.
Heavyweight (no upper limit)
The big show. Since Ironweight arrived, heavyweight starts above 225 lbs and has no upper limit. Every punch carries fight-ending power, and the absence of gloves makes the exchanges even more consequential.
How BKFC Weight Classes Compare
| BKFC Division | UFC/MMA Division at the Same Weight |
|---|---|
| Strawweight (115, women) | Strawweight (115, women) |
| Flyweight (125) | Flyweight (125) |
| Bantamweight (135) | Bantamweight (135) |
| Featherweight (145) | Featherweight (145) |
| Lightweight (155) | Lightweight (155) |
| Welterweight (165) | None; between Lightweight (155) and Welterweight (170) |
| Middleweight (175) | None; between Welterweight (170) and Middleweight (185) |
| Light Heavyweight (185) | Middleweight (185) |
| Cruiserweight (205) | Light Heavyweight (205) |
| Ironweight (225) | None |
| Heavyweight (no limit) | Heavyweight (up to 265) |
From welterweight up, BKFC's division names sit one step lighter than the UFC's: a BKFC light heavyweight weighs what a UFC middleweight does. That trips up anyone converting records between the two.
Choosing Your Weight Class
If you are considering trying out for BKFC, selecting the right weight class is critical:
Fight at your natural weight for your first fight. The temptation to cut weight and fight smaller opponents is strong, but bare knuckle fighting with depleted hydration and energy is dangerous.
Consider the division depth. Some divisions are deeper than others. A shallow division means fewer fights but faster access to title contention. A deep division means more opponents but a longer path to the championship.
Assess your body type honestly:
- If you walk around at 170 lbs, BKFC welterweight (165) is a modest cut
- Cutting to 155 is possible but adds unnecessary risk in your first fights
- Moving up to 175 puts you against naturally larger fighters
Weight Cutting in BKFC
BKFC uses day-before weigh-ins for most events, allowing fighters approximately 24 hours to rehydrate before competing. This is consistent with most combat sports but creates specific considerations for bare knuckle:
- Dehydration affects hand durability. Fighters who cut too aggressively may experience more hand injuries due to reduced tissue hydration.
- Cognitive function matters more without gloves. Dehydration impairs reaction time and decision-making, which are more consequential when you cannot hide behind a guard.
- The size advantage diminishes. In bare knuckle, a precise smaller fighter often defeats a larger but slower opponent. The advantage of weight cutting is less pronounced than in grappling-heavy sports.
For detailed weight cutting strategies, see our complete weight cutting guide.
Women's Divisions
BKFC has been a leader in promoting women's bare knuckle fighting:
- Strawweight (115 lbs), Flyweight (125 lbs) and Featherweight (145 lbs) are the three women's divisions, each with its own title
- BKFC has no women's bantamweight division
- Several women's fights have headlined or co-headlined major events
The women's divisions have produced some of BKFC's most exciting fights, with high output and dramatic stoppages that rival or exceed the entertainment value of the men's divisions.
Understanding the weight class structure is essential whether you are a fan following the sport or a fighter planning your BKFC career. Each division has its own character, and matching your abilities to the right weight class is one of the most important decisions in a fighter's career.