Have you ever wondered what it would be like if the sport of ice hockey was stripped of pucks, sticks, and goals? Well, look no further than Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) Ice Wars.
Yep, there’s going to be a combat sport where two fighters scrap on ice with mixed martial arts (MMA) gloves—and this isn’t some crazy Russian sport you might stumble across on social media.
Today, BKFC announced its newest venture in a press release:
“BKFC, the world’s fastest-growing combat sports promotion, continues its explosive expansion beyond the traditional ring by acquiring a stake in Ice Wars, an innovative combat sport founded by BKFC Executive Charlie Nama, that pits fighters from around the world against each other on a sheet of ice.
This groundbreaking partnership brings together two fiercely competitive disciplines—combat sports and ice hockey—to form BKFC Ice Wars, a thrilling new league that combines the best of both worlds. As demand for high-adrenaline, innovative fighting formats continues to grow worldwide, BKFC Ice Wars will deliver a unique and electrifying spectacle that pushes the boundaries of traditional competition.”
According to the press release, the inaugural event will take place inside Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, on Sat., June 14, 2025. It will feature 12 head-to-head bouts between the United States and Canada. The athletes will consist of “former hockey enforcers and current combat fighters in top fighting condition.”
BKFC Ice Wars plans to host at least six events in 2025.
As for where the fighters will compete, it will be called “The Ice Box,” a 900-square-foot ice enclosure designed specifically for ice fighting.
The new promotion also revealed the rules and regulations:
Length and Number of Rounds
Each bout shall consist of at least three rounds and a maximum of five rounds. Each round shall be no more than 90 seconds in length, with one-minute rest periods between rounds.
Scoring Criteria
Judges shall evaluate the bout based on effective striking (Plan A), effective aggressiveness (Plan B), and control of the fighting area (Plan C). Plans B and C are only taken into consideration if Plan A is deemed even. Effective striking is judged by determining the impact/effect of legal strikes landed by a fighter, based solely on the results of such legal strikes. Effective aggressiveness means aggressively attempting to finish the fight. Fighting area control is assessed by determining who is dictating the pace, place, and position of the bout.
Judging
If the fight goes the distance, three judges will score it in its entirety, not round by round.
Weight Classes
Heavyweight (over 200 lbs.)
Cruiserweight (175 to 200 lbs.)
Middleweight (150 to 175 lbs.)
Lightweight (under 150 lbs.)
Equipment
Four-ounce MMA gloves are worn, and fighters will wear traditional hockey jerseys and equipment.
Get ready for this:
