BKFC 11 the first combat promotion to regularly host an audience during pandemic

Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) becomes the first combat sports promotion to host an event with an audience during the pandemic for BKFC 11.

Question for boxing and MMA fans: Have you wondered when promotions would allow live audiences to attend their fights? Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) has an answer, and it’s Friday, July 24.

Surprised? That’s the date for BKFC 11, which features Isaac Vallie-Flagg vs. Luis Palomino for the 155-pound BKFC title.

Top Ranking Boxing has hosted boxing events without audiences for two months at the MGM Grand in what Bob Arum famously coined as “The Bubble.”

The UFC has operated in Florida, the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, and Fight Island in Abu Dhabi, all without audiences.

BKFC has received permission to host a small audience for their BKFC 11 event at the Lafayette County Multipurpose Arena in Oxford, Mississippi. It’s news that’s flying under the radar but should be making waves considering that the fight is less than two days away.

BKFC is looking ahead and will also have a live audience for their BKFC 12 fight card on Friday, Aug. 21, in Kansas. President Dave Feldman has the dates and locations set.

According to online information, the Lafayette County Multipurpose Arena isn’t a large facility, but BKFC was allowed to admit 25 percent of its total capacity.

“We’re at 25 percent capacity that we’re allowed to do,” BKFC President Dave Feldman told FanSided. “We set it ourself less than that. We set it at about 16 percent, actually is the number that we’re at. We’re very, very safe. They’re in groups of four that they can buy tickets. They’re all set 10 feet apart. Everybody is properly socially distanced.”

COVID-19 death tolls continue to increase nationally, but many states are in different phases due to there being no national policy in dealing with the pandemic. All sporting events in the U.S. are closed to the public, but BKFC 11 is breaking new ground by admitting a small audience.

Ticketholders attending BKFC 11 live will have to follow strict safety precautions. So will fighters and all in attendance.

Similar to Top Rank’s procedures for testing and quarantining athletes, trainers and all event workers, BKFC is following suit.

Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship isn’t the biggest fight promotion, but they’re the first to host an e event in front of a live audience during the pandemic.

“All the fighters coming in will be taking the proper precautions and the cornermen with the COVID tests,” said Feldman. “Staff will get the same. Everybody coming in will sign a waiver and take a temperature check. We’re taking every precaution we can.

“It’s not about the revenue. It’s about the ambiance. You want the fans cheering and stuff like that. But we’re not going to do anything that’s going to put anybody in danger. We were given the green light, so we took advantage of it a little bit. We absolutely made sure we knew all the risks that were involved. We weighed them and thought it would be good to cut the restriction that we had almost in half.”

With the limited amount of fans set by the BKFC, Feldman estimates that the total number of spectators inside the arena will be less than 600. According to Feldman, most tickets are gone. Looking online, some general seating tickets are available, but VIP and ringside seats have sold out.

Masks have unfortunately become a political issue despite CDC recommendations and science proving that they help stop the spread of viral transmission. Feldman assured FanSided that masks are required for all fans and staff members.

“Everybody will have a Bare Knuckle TV App mask,” said Feldman. “We’re giving them out at the door for everybody. Everybody in the entire building is required to wear a mask.”

Feldman was emphatic about ensuring the safety of all people inside the arena and that everyone has to comply with safety measures, or they will not be admitted or will be ejected if necessary.

Fighters were tested for COVID-19 before flying in for the fights but will be tested again on Thursday, July 23, the day before the card.

“They’ve all been tested previously,” explained Feldman. “A lot of guys are flying in, but they got tested before they leave. They all get tested tomorrow morning between 7 and 8, and then they will be quarantined.”

Feldman and BKFC have strictly observed Top Rank’s testing model. They have lost three fighters on the card due to positive tests and anticipate losing more. Those fighters have been replaced. Feldman said that they had eight bouts scheduled, but are hoping to go into BKFC 11 with no less than six after the last rounds of COVID-19 tests conclude.

If you’re not attending BKFC 11, you can watch the fights free on their YouTube channel, Facebook page, or new app Bare Knuckle TV. Event coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET.

While on the phone with FanSided, Feldman stated that there was a contract in his inbox from a major platform to televise BKFC events. They hope to announce that news shortly.

BKFC has a lot of responsibility on its shoulders. If they can handle it, then they can help lead the way in ushering live combat sports events for other promotional companies. They hope to have several monthly shows for 2020.