How to Join Backyard Squabbles: Instagram Application Guide
Backyard Squabbles is a Los Angeles-based fighting organization that has established itself as one of the most prominent backyard fight promotions on the West Coast. Operating under the motto "Guns Down, Squabble Up," the organization positions itself in the same philosophical lineage as Streetbeefs -- providing a controlled, supervised alternative to unstructured street violence. The fights are real, the contact is full, and the footage is distributed through social media and streaming platforms to a growing audience.
Backyard Squabbles has built its brand primarily through Instagram and TikTok, with full events distributed through TrillerTV. The organization has cultivated a loyal following in the LA area and beyond, attracting fighters who want a raw, street-level fighting experience captured on camera.
The fighter recruitment process at Backyard Squabbles runs through Instagram. This guide documents how that process works.
What Is Backyard Squabbles?
The Format
Backyard Squabbles hosts supervised fighting events in outdoor settings in the Los Angeles area. Fights follow boxing or MMA-format rules depending on the specific matchup, with referees present to enforce the agreed-upon ruleset and to stop fights when necessary.
Key characteristics:
- Los Angeles-based. Events take place in the greater LA area.
- Boxing and MMA formats. Fighters can compete under boxing rules (striking only with gloves) or MMA rules (striking and grappling), depending on the matchup and both fighters' agreement.
- Gloved fighting. Unlike some backyard promotions, Backyard Squabbles fights typically use boxing gloves, which reduces the risk of hand injuries and facial lacerations compared to bare knuckle formats.
- Refereed bouts. A referee is present at every fight to enforce rules and protect fighters.
- Filmed for distribution. All fights are recorded. Select clips are posted to Instagram and TikTok, while full events are available through TrillerTV.
- Community focus. The "Guns Down, Squabble Up" ethos reflects the organization's self-described mission of channeling aggression and disputes into controlled competition rather than street violence.
The Audience
Backyard Squabbles has built its audience through social media, particularly Instagram (where the main account has accumulated tens of thousands of followers) and TikTok (where fight clips regularly go viral). Full events are distributed through TrillerTV, giving the organization a professional streaming outlet alongside its social media presence.
The Application Process
Step 1: Follow @backyardsquabbles on Instagram
Instagram is the primary communication and recruitment channel for Backyard Squabbles. The first step is to follow the official account. This gives you access to:
- Fighter callouts and sign-up announcements
- Event schedules and card announcements
- Content from previous events (so you can see the format and intensity level)
- Direct communication with the organization's team
Also follow the organization on TikTok for additional content and announcements.
Step 2: Send a Direct Message
To apply to fight, send a direct message to the @backyardsquabbles Instagram account. Your message should include:
- Your name
- Your age (must be 18 or older)
- Your weight and height
- Your location (proximity to Los Angeles is important since events are held locally)
- Your fighting experience -- list any training, gym affiliations, previous fights, or martial arts background. If you have no formal experience, say so. Backyard Squabbles accepts fighters at various experience levels.
- Your preferred format -- boxing or MMA
- Links to any fight footage or training videos -- Instagram posts, YouTube links, or TikTok videos that show your skills
A clear, concise message with all the relevant information will get a better response than a vague inquiry. Include a short video or highlight clip if you have one -- visual evidence of your ability is the strongest thing you can include.
Step 3: Respond to Callout Posts
Backyard Squabbles regularly posts fighter callouts on Instagram. These posts announce upcoming events and seek fighters at specific weights or with specific characteristics. When a callout matches your profile, respond immediately -- either in the comments as instructed or through a DM with your details.
Callout posts are often the fastest path onto a fight card because they represent immediate, concrete needs for specific event lineups. Being ready to respond with your information and commitment when these posts appear gives you a significant advantage over fighters who only send cold-approach DMs.
Step 4: Get Matched
If the Backyard Squabbles team is interested, they will work to match you with an appropriate opponent based on your weight, experience level, and preferred format. You may be asked for additional information or footage during this process.
Once matched, you will receive:
- Event date and location details
- Information about your opponent
- The format and rules for your bout
- What you need to bring
Step 5: Confirm and Prepare
Confirm your participation and begin focused preparation for your fight. Reliability is critical in a community-driven organization. If you commit to a fight and do not show up, you are unlikely to receive another opportunity, and you leave your opponent without a matchup.
Requirements
Age
You must be at least 18 years old to participate.
Geographic Accessibility
Backyard Squabbles events are held in the greater Los Angeles area. Fighters need to be able to travel to LA for events. While there is no strict geographic restriction on who can apply, the practical reality is that LA-based fighters have the easiest access to events and are most likely to be selected.
Experience
Backyard Squabbles accepts fighters across a range of experience levels. The organization has featured trained martial artists alongside less experienced participants. The matchmaking process aims to pair fighters of comparable skill and experience to produce competitive, entertaining bouts.
No formal training is required to apply, but basic preparation is strongly recommended. Even a few weeks of training at a boxing or MMA gym will significantly improve your safety and performance.
Equipment
Fighters should bring:
- Mouthguard (mandatory -- do not show up without one)
- Athletic cup for male fighters (strongly recommended)
- Appropriate athletic clothing (shorts, t-shirt or rash guard)
- Hand wraps (if you have your own)
The organization provides boxing gloves for fights. Confirm equipment details when your fight is arranged to ensure you bring everything needed.
What to Expect at a Backyard Squabbles Event
The Setting
Events take place in outdoor locations in the LA area. The setting is consistent with the "backyard" branding -- these are not arena events. The fighting area is a designated space outdoors, with cameras positioned to capture the action from multiple angles.
The Atmosphere
Backyard Squabbles events have the energy of a neighborhood block party crossed with a fight night. Music, a vocal crowd, and the LA sun create an environment that is simultaneously relaxed and intense. The crowd is close to the action, and the fighters can feel the energy of the spectators throughout their bouts.
The Fight
Fights proceed according to the agreed-upon rules. A referee oversees the action and will intervene if necessary. The pace of fights is typically fast -- fighters are expected to engage, and the crowd and format both incentivize action over cautious circling.
Fights can end by:
- Knockout or TKO
- Submission (in MMA-format bouts)
- Referee stoppage
- Decision (if the fight goes the full duration)
The Content
Your fight will be filmed and distributed through Backyard Squabbles' media channels. Select clips will appear on their Instagram and TikTok accounts, and full events are available on TrillerTV. Strong performances generate views, engagement, and potential invitations to return for future events.
The "Guns Down, Squabble Up" Philosophy
Backyard Squabbles positions itself not just as a fight promotion but as a community initiative. The "Guns Down, Squabble Up" message -- echoing the Streetbeefs "Fists Up, Guns Down" philosophy -- frames the organization as an alternative to the gun violence that plagues many communities in Los Angeles and other major cities.
The idea is that if two people have a dispute, they can settle it with their fists in a supervised, refereed setting rather than resorting to weapons or uncontrolled street violence. Whether you are fighting to settle a disagreement, to test yourself, or simply for the experience, the organization's culture emphasizes respect, sportsmanship, and controlled aggression.
Career Pathway and Next Steps
For fighters who perform well at Backyard Squabbles, the experience can serve as a launching pad:
- Build a visible fight record. Your fights are recorded and distributed to a substantial audience. Strong performances create a visual resume that can be shared with other promotions.
- Attract attention from larger organizations. Scouts and matchmakers from larger promotions monitor social media fight content. A standout performance at Backyard Squabbles can lead to opportunities at BKFC, Rough N Rowdy, or other promotions with larger platforms and fighter compensation.
- Develop your skills in a real fighting environment. The experience of fighting in front of a crowd, managing adrenaline, and performing under pressure is invaluable preparation for anyone who wants to pursue competitive combat sports at a higher level.
- Transition to amateur or professional boxing/MMA. Fighters who discover a passion for competing through Backyard Squabbles can transition to sanctioned amateur or professional events through local gyms and regional promotions.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Have content ready. If you have any sparring footage, training clips, or previous fight videos, have them accessible and ready to share via Instagram links or DMs. Visual evidence of your abilities dramatically strengthens your application.
- Be local and available. Fighters in the LA area who can commit to events on short notice are easier to book than out-of-town applicants who need significant planning time.
- Show personality. Backyard Squabbles is a content brand. Fighters who are entertaining, charismatic, or have compelling stories are attractive to the promotion beyond their pure fighting ability.
- Engage with the account. Like, comment on, and share Backyard Squabbles content. Being an active member of the community increases your visibility.
- Be honest about your experience. The matchmaking process works best when the organization has accurate information about both fighters. Overstating your experience can result in a dangerous mismatch.
- Train before you apply. Even if Backyard Squabbles accepts beginners, showing up prepared demonstrates seriousness and professionalism. Our training guide covers everything you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need fighting experience to participate?
No formal fighting experience is required. Backyard Squabbles accepts fighters at various skill levels and attempts to match opponents of comparable ability. However, basic training is strongly recommended.
Do fighters get paid?
Compensation arrangements at Backyard Squabbles are not publicly documented in detail. Contact the organization directly to discuss any compensation terms before committing to a fight.
Is Backyard Squabbles sanctioned?
Backyard Squabbles operates independently of state athletic commission oversight. It is not sanctioned in the same way that BKFC or Rough N Rowdy are.
Where can I watch Backyard Squabbles events?
Fight clips are posted on Instagram (@backyardsquabbles) and TikTok. Full events are available on TrillerTV. See the streaming guide for details.
How often are events held?
Event frequency varies. Follow @backyardsquabbles on Instagram for the most current schedule and callout information.
Can I request a specific opponent?
If you and another person both want to fight each other, you can communicate this to the organization. Backyard Squabbles, like Streetbeefs, facilitates both matched competitive fights and "beef" fights between specific individuals.
I do not live in LA. Can I still apply?
You can apply, but you will need to be able to travel to Los Angeles for the event. LA-based fighters are naturally prioritized due to logistics.
Summary
To apply to fight at Backyard Squabbles, follow @backyardsquabbles on Instagram and send a direct message with your name, weight, experience, and any available fight footage. Respond promptly to fighter callout posts for the fastest path onto an event card. The organization is LA-based, community-focused, and operates under the "Guns Down, Squabble Up" philosophy.
For preparation, consult the underground fighter training guide and the mental preparation guide.