Bare knuckle boxing is not a monolith. If you are trying to bet on fights this December, you need to know exactly which promotion you are looking at because the rules are not the same.

We are in a unique month. We just saw BKB 49 wrap up the year for the “Trigon” ring enthusiasts in Cardiff, but the betting calendar is far from over. The American giant, BKFC, is bringing its squared circle to the UK on December 13 for a massive card in Derby.

This guide is your roadmap. I am going to explain why ring shape matters more than chin health, how the new “10-count” rule is killing long-shot parlays, and where the smart money is going for the Cooke vs. Holmes title fight.

The Golden Rule: Know Your Geometry

Before you place a single wager, you have to understand the physical difference between the two main promotions operating this month.

1. The Trigon (BKB™ / BYB)

This is what you saw at BKB 49. The ring is a triangle. It has 60-degree corners.

• The Betting Edge: There is nowhere to hide. In a square ring, a fighter can circle out. In a triangle, lateral movement hits a wall instantly.
• Strategy: Blindly betting the “Under” on round totals in the Trigon is profitable long-term, especially in weight classes above 175 lbs. The geometry forces engagement.

2. The Squared Circle (BKFC)

This is what we will see on Dec 13 in Derby. It is a standard 4-sided ring with ropes.

• The Betting Edge: Space creates time. Fighters can survive longer here.
• Strategy: “Over” bets are viable. A technical boxer like Conor Cooke can use the ring to pot-shot without being forced into a clinch war every 10 seconds.

Market Watch: BKFC Fight Night Derby (Dec 13)

Main Event: Conor Cooke vs. Anthony Holmes

Location: Derby, UK

Ring: Squared Circle

This is the biggest betting opportunity left in the UK this year. The bookmakers are reacting to recent form, but there is value if you look at the styles.

The Favorite: Conor “Da Crook” Cooke

Cooke is riding high. He is a ranged striker who uses his height well.

• Implied Odds: Expect him to be a comfortable favorite (approx. -200 to -240).
• Win Condition: Cooke wins if he keeps it at range. He has the power to finish, but he doesn’t need to force it.

The Underdog: Anthony Holmes

Holmes is the veteran, but he has miles on the odometer. His losses to Danny Christie and Bart Krol showed that he struggles when the pace gets pushed into the “red zone” in rounds 3 and 4.

• The Trap: Do not bet Holmes by Decision. If he wins, it is likely by an early, chaotic stoppage or a cut. He does not have the volume to out-point Cooke over 5 rounds in a large ring.

The Sharp Bet

Take Conor Cooke by TKO/KO.

Why? Holmes has been stopped in the mid-rounds before. Cooke is a finisher. The “Squared Circle” allows Cooke to set traps. If you want a safety net, parlay Cooke Moneyline with the “Over 1.5 Rounds”. Holmes is tough enough to survive the first 4 minutes, but he likely folds in the second half.

Market Watch: BKFC Mohegan Sun (Dec 20)

Main Event: Parker Porter vs. Josh Copeland

Location: Connecticut, USA

This is a heavyweight fight. The physics are simple: 260+ lbs men with no gloves.

Parker Porter Analysis

Porter is seeking his 3rd straight 1st-round knockout. That is not a typo. He has adapted from the UFC to BKFC perfectly because he uses volume, not just power.

• The Stat: Porter’s “Time to Finish” average in BKFC is under 3 minutes.
• The Play: Parker Porter Inside the Distance (ITD). The books might price this wide (e.g., -300), so look for “Porter Round 1 or 2” props to get better value.

The “Silent” Rule Change: The 10-Count

If you are an old-school BKB bettor, you might remember the “18-second count” or “20-count” that allowed fighters to recover from knockdowns.

That is gone.

Since BYB acquired BKB, the rules are standardizing. The count is now a strict 10 seconds in most major bouts.

• Betting Implication: Flash knockdowns are now fight-ending knockouts. A fighter cannot take a knee, breathe for 15 seconds, and get up. This increases the value of “Under” bets significantly.

BKB vs. BKFC: The Bettor’s Cheat Sheet

Final Strategy for December

You have two clear shots left this year.

1. Dec 13 (Derby): Respect the square ring. Bet on Conor Cooke to use his technical superiority to break down Holmes. Avoid “Under 1.5 Rounds” here; give them time to work.
2. Dec 20 (USA): Disrespect the heavyweights. Bet on Parker Porter to finish it early. The “Over” is a dead ticket waiting to happen.

Good luck on the cards. Keep your unit size reasonable—bare knuckle variance is real, and one cut can change everything.