Bare knuckle boxing closes out 2025 with a packed December schedule. BKFC runs three events including the highly anticipated Trout vs. Palomino rematch, while BKB continues its UK expansion with events in Cardiff and Bristol. For bettors, this creates a continuous stream of opportunities across both major promotions.
This guide breaks down every upcoming fight, analyzes the latest odds, and provides betting recommendations based on current form and matchup dynamics.
BKFC 85: Trout vs. Palomino 2 (December 5, 2025)
Venue: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood, FL
Start Time: 7:00 PM EST
Broadcast: BKFC App, DAZN
Betting Availability: All major sportsbooks
Main Event: Austin Trout (4-0 BKFC) vs. Luis Palomino (10-1 BKFC)
The rematch nobody expected but everyone wanted. Austin Trout and Luis Palomino first clashed at BKFC 57 in February 2024, where Trout delivered a masterclass performance to hand Palomino his first bare knuckle loss. The former boxing world champion landed 99 of 155 punches at 64% accuracy, controlling every aspect of the fight across five rounds to claim the BKFC welterweight title.
Nine months later, they run it back with a crucial twist. Both fighters have moved down to lightweight (155 pounds), abandoning the welterweight division where they first met at 165 pounds.
What Changed Since February:
The weight class drop fundamentally alters this matchup. Palomino built his bare knuckle reputation at lightweight before moving up to welterweight, where he successfully defended the title three times before facing Trout. That first fight represented Palomino fighting outside his natural weight, potentially explaining why he could not find his rhythm against Trout’s technical boxing.
Trout, conversely, is new to lightweight. The former WBA junior middleweight champion (154 pounds) has campaigned at various weights throughout his career, but 155 pounds in bare knuckle is uncharted territory. The weight cut could affect his power, stamina, or durability in ways we have not seen in his four BKFC appearances.
The revenge factor adds psychological weight. Palomino’s only BKFC loss came against Trout in a fight where he was dominated from start to finish. That kind of defeat eats at competitive fighters, particularly someone with Palomino’s championship pedigree. He enters this rematch desperate to prove the first result was an anomaly caused by weight disadvantage rather than skill disparity.
Technical Breakdown:
Trout’s advantage in the first fight came from superior boxing fundamentals. His jab controlled distance throughout, preventing Palomino from entering punching range without eating leather. The circular BKFC ring actually helped Trout since Palomino could not easily circle away from the jab as he might in a traditional square ring.
Palomino’s power was neutralized by Trout’s distance management. When Palomino did close distance, Trout either tied him up in the clinch or used footwork to reset space. This defensive discipline, honed through years of elite-level boxing, proved too sophisticated for Palomino to solve.
The question for the rematch centers on whether lightweight changes these dynamics. Palomino’s power should be more effective at his natural weight. His speed may improve without carrying extra muscle. His stamina will likely be better without the drain of maintaining welterweight mass.
However, fundamentals remain fundamentals. Trout’s technical advantages do not evaporate at a different weight class. His jab still controls distance. His footwork still creates angles. His defensive awareness still keeps him safe. If the first fight’s outcome reflected skill disparity rather than weight issues, Trout should win again.
Current Betting Odds (Late November 2025):
- Austin Trout: -217 (risk $217 to win $100)
- Luis Palomino: +177 (risk $100 to win $177)
Odds Analysis:
The -217 price on Trout reflects heavy market confidence based on the first fight result. This is not an unreasonable price given his dominant performance, but it is steep enough to make backing him straight a marginal proposition.
Palomino’s +177 odds provide some cushion for the weight class thesis. If you believe the first fight was genuinely affected by Palomino fighting above his natural weight, nearly 2-to-1 odds compensate for the risk. The implied probability at +177 is 36%, suggesting the market gives Palomino roughly one-in-three chances of winning.
Method of Victory Considerations:
The first fight went to decision with Trout winning clearly on all scorecards. His style is built on accumulating damage through volume and accuracy rather than hunting one-shot knockouts. Bare knuckle’s five two-minute rounds (ten minutes total) actually suit patient point fighters like Trout who maintain consistent output.
Palomino carries more knockout power, but could not land it effectively in the first meeting. If the rematch follows similar patterns, decision victory for either fighter is more likely than knockout. However, the weight class change introduces uncertainty around power dynamics.
Recommended Bets:
Primary Bet: Trout by Decision +180 to +220 (depending on book)
The first fight went the distance, and Trout’s technical style suggests another decision outcome. This prop typically prices 40-50 points better than the straight moneyline while arguably having similar probability. If you are backing Trout, this provides better value than -217 straight.
Value Play: Palomino Moneyline +177
The odds are generous enough to justify a positional bet if you subscribe to the weight class theory. Palomino’s lightweight success (10-0 before moving up) suggests he is legitimately better at this weight. Risk 1 unit to win 1.77 units. The mathematical edge exists if you assess his true probability above 40%.
Conservative Play: Over 2.5 Rounds -110 to -130
Both fighters are durable, and Trout’s patient approach makes early finishes unlikely. The first fight lasted all five rounds (well over 2.5). Unless something dramatic changes, this fight probably sees round four at minimum.
Avoid: Trout Inside Distance (by KO/TKO)
Priced around +200 to +250, this requires Trout to finish Palomino early. His style does not support that outcome. He accumulates damage rather than looking for killshots. The +200 odds do not compensate for the low probability.
Co-Main Event: Justin Ibarrola (8-0 BKFC) vs. Royal Ryan Reber (7-1 BKFC)
Two undefeated fighters (essentially, given Reber’s single loss) collide in a potential lightweight title eliminator. Ibarrola has destroyed every opponent through eight fights, showing both technical skill and finishing power. Reber brings an aggressive, forward-pressing style that produces knockouts.
Styles Make Fights:
This matchup pits boxer against brawler. Ibarrola fights with more technical structure, using footwork and combinations to break down opponents systematically. Reber loads up on power shots and walks forward through return fire to land bombs.
Bare knuckle’s small circular ring favors aggressive fighters who can cut off angles. The limited space makes it difficult for outside fighters to maintain distance for full rounds. Reber’s pressure style is built perfectly for this environment.
Betting Outlook:
Odds have not posted yet (as of late November), but expect Ibarrola to open as a slight favorite given his perfect record. However, the stylistic matchup favors Reber’s approach in bare knuckle’s confined space.
Watch for knockout props when lines post. Both fighters have shown finishing ability, and their contrasting styles could produce fireworks. Under 2.5 rounds may provide value, particularly if one fighter lands clean early in an exchange.
Wait for full odds before committing, but this fight profiles as an action-packed contest likely to end inside the distance.
Full BKFC 85 Card (Partial, Updated as Announced):
The complete card will feature 8-10 bouts total. BKFC typically announces undercard matchups 2-3 weeks before events. Check back for updates as more fights are confirmed.
Betting Strategy for Full Card:
Hollywood events at the Hard Rock consistently deliver sellout crowds and electric atmospheres. Florida fans know bare knuckle boxing, creating an environment that elevates fighter performances. Home state fighters often benefit from the energy.
Prelim fights can provide value since sportsbooks focus their attention on main card matchups. Lesser-known fighters sometimes carry mispriced odds, particularly when records are deceptive (padding against weak opponents) or when regional fighters are unfamiliar to oddsmakers.
BKFC Fight Night Derby (December 13, 2025)
Venue: Vaillant Live, Derby, UK
Start Time: 2:00 PM EST / 7:00 PM Local
Broadcast: BKFC App, DAZN
Main Event: Conor Cooke vs. Anthony Holmes (Light Heavyweight)
BKFC returns to the UK with another Fight Night card in Derby. These UK events have consistently delivered, with British crowds creating atmospheres that rival major US cards. The energy in UK venues is palpable, often pushing fighters to perform above their typical levels.
Light Heavyweight Dynamics:
The 205-pound division produces knockouts at higher rates than lighter classes. Both fighters carry natural power, and bare knuckle amplifies that advantage by removing glove padding. Expect this fight to feature heavy exchanges with potential for spectacular finishes.
Limited information is available on both fighters as of late November, which is typical for Fight Night cards announced 3-4 weeks out. Full fighter backgrounds and betting analysis will be updated as details emerge.
UK Betting Angles:
British fighters have shown particular aptitude for bare knuckle boxing, likely due to the UK’s rich boxing tradition. The home crowd advantage in these Fight Night events is substantial, particularly for UK-based fighters against international opponents.
US-based sportsbooks sometimes misprice UK regional fighters they are less familiar with. Sharp bettors who follow the UK bare knuckle scene can identify value when American books set lines based on incomplete information.
Recommended Approach:
Wait for full fight card announcement before making commitments. When the card posts, prioritize knockout props over decisions. Light heavyweight in bare knuckle rarely goes five rounds, especially when both fighters carry power.
Under 2.5 rounds should be the baseline assumption unless specific fighter styles suggest otherwise. At 205 pounds with bare knuckles, early finishes are the norm rather than exception.
UK Fight Night Track Record:
BKFC has promoted 13 events in the UK over 2.5 years, establishing Britain as one of its strongest international markets. These events consistently sell out smaller venues (2,000-3,000 capacity), creating intimate settings where every punch echoes through the arena.
The betting markets for UK Fight Night cards tend to be softer than major US events. Lower overall betting volume means less market efficiency, creating opportunities for informed bettors.
BKFC Fight Night Mohegan Sun (December 20, 2025)
Venue: Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, CT
Start Time: 7:00 PM EST
Broadcast: BKFC App, DAZN
Main Event: Parker Porter (1-0 BKFC) vs. Josh Copeland (Heavyweight)
Two heavyweight veterans with extensive combat sports backgrounds collide just before Christmas. Parker Porter brings UFC experience as a heavyweight, while Josh Copeland competed at the highest levels of MMA for years across multiple promotions.
Parker Porter Background:
Porter made his BKFC debut in February 2025, knocking out Chase Gormley in the first round. The finish demonstrated he has adapted successfully to the bare knuckle format, using his size and reach to land clean shots before Gormley could establish offense.
His UFC career (4-5 record) showed he could compete at the highest level despite being undersized for heavyweight at 6’1″. In bare knuckle, that height is actually above average for the division, giving him leverage advantages he rarely enjoyed in MMA.
Josh Copeland Background:
Copeland is a veteran of Bellator, UFC, and numerous regional promotions, compiling a 20-8 MMA record over a long career. At 42 years old, he represents an older fighter transitioning to bare knuckle, a pattern BKFC has seen repeatedly with varying success.
The key question is whether Copeland’s striking skills translate to bare knuckle or whether the format’s demands (standing exchanges without grappling threats) expose weaknesses masked in MMA.
Heavyweight Bare Knuckle Reality:
Heavyweight matchups in bare knuckle create instant knockout potential. Medical research is clear: the human skull cannot absorb bare-knuckle heavyweight punches the way it absorbs gloved strikes. The direct bone-to-bone contact transfers enormous force, leading to explosive finishes.
Studies of BKFC heavyweight fights show finish rates exceeding 75% within the first two rounds. Very few heavyweight bare knuckle fights reach round four, let alone five. Both fighters carry the power to end this fight with a single clean connection.
Betting Analysis:
Current odds have not posted as of late November, but expect fairly even lines given both fighters’ backgrounds. Porter’s successful debut gives him credibility, but Copeland’s extensive experience prevents him from being a significant underdog.
High-Confidence Bet: Under 2.5 Rounds
Regardless of which fighter is favored, under 2.5 rounds provides excellent value. The odds will likely sit around -150 to -180, but the probability of a finish is much higher than those lines suggest based on heavyweight bare knuckle history.
Heavyweight fights that go past round two are rare exceptions. This fight will almost certainly end by knockout in the first or second round. Bet the under at any price better than -200.
Method of Victory Props:
When these post, examine knockout method of victory carefully. If one fighter is priced at -180 to win straight but their knockout prop sits at +110, there is mathematical value. Knockouts represent the overwhelmingly most likely outcome in heavyweight bare knuckle, so the knockout prop should price closer to the moneyline.
Avoid: Over 2.5 Rounds
Even at plus odds (typically +130 to +150), betting the over in heavyweight bare knuckle fights is burning money. The historical data is overwhelming. These fights do not go long.
Mohegan Sun Track Record:
Mohegan Sun has become a regular BKFC venue, hosting multiple events per year. The casino’s established sports betting operation means Connecticut residents can bet legally on-site, creating strong local betting volume.
The venue’s 10,000 capacity provides major event atmosphere while maintaining the intimacy that makes bare knuckle special. Crowd energy at Mohegan Sun consistently ranks among BKFC’s best US venues.
BKB Upcoming Events (December 2025 – Early 2026)
BKB 49: Dance of the Dragons (December 5, 2025)
Venue: Cardiff, Wales
Featured Fight: Rolando Dy (Philippines) vs. UK-Based Opponent
BKB continues its successful Cardiff strategy with another event in Wales. The Cardiff venue has delivered consistently high finish rates, with the Trigon ring’s triangular design forcing constant action.
The Trigon Difference:
BKB’s patented triangular ring eliminates traditional corners, providing no escape routes for fighters under pressure. This design forces engagement at rates exceeding even BKFC’s action-heavy circular ring. The reported 90% finish rate in Trigon bouts substantially exceeds BKFC’s already high knockout percentage.
Rolando Dy brings international flavor as a Filipino fighter competing in the UK. These international matchups have become BKB staples as the promotion expands its global roster. Dy’s opponent has not been announced as of late November.
Betting Approach for BKB Events:
The 90% finish rate creates a strong lean toward unders across all weight classes and matchups. BKB fights simply do not go to decision at normal rates. The Trigon forces exchanges that lead to knockouts or doctor stoppages far more frequently than traditional rings.
Doctor stoppages are particularly common in BKB. The intense facial damage from sustained bare knuckle exchanges, combined with the Trigon’s inability to provide respite, means ringside physicians stop fights regularly when cuts impair vision or swelling closes eyes.
Sportsbook Coverage Note:
Fewer sportsbooks offer BKB lines compared to BKFC. BetOnline provides the most consistent BKB coverage among US-accessible books, while BookMaker.eu offers the most comprehensive international BKB markets.
This limited coverage creates opportunities. Books without deep BKB knowledge may misprice matchups, particularly undercard fights featuring less-known competitors. Sharp bettors can exploit these inefficiencies.
BKB 45: Connelly vs. Reffell (September 6, 2025)
Venue: Bristol Ice Arena, Bristol, England
While this event falls outside December, it represents BKB’s continued UK expansion and demonstrates the promotion’s regional strategy. James Connelly and Martin Reffell provide a compelling UK versus UK matchup generating strong local interest.
Bristol Ice Arena offers an intimate venue (2,500-3,000 capacity) that amplifies crowd noise and creates playoff atmosphere. These domestic UK battles often produce the highest action rates as both fighters feed off home crowd energy.
Breaking Industry News
BKFC’s Record 2025 Performance
BKFC announced 24 events for 2025, representing substantial growth from previous years. The promotion achieved five consecutive sellouts to start the year, establishing momentum that carried through the entire season.
International Expansion Highlights:
- United Kingdom: 13 events over 2.5 years, making the UK BKFC’s strongest international market
- Italy: Multiple events in Rome and Florence establishing European presence
- Middle East: First-ever Dubai events in April 2025 breaking into new territory
- Australia: January 2026 event scheduled for Townsville, Queensland expanding to Oceania
This geographic diversification indicates strong financial health and growing global fan base. For bettors, more events mean more opportunities, though it requires tracking fighter performance across different time zones and venues.
BKB’s Vice TV Partnership
BKB signed a landmark multi-year media rights agreement with Vice TV in February 2025, committing to 13 live prime-time events annually. The deal began with BYB 37: Denver Brawl IV on February 22, 2025.
Vice TV reaches 40 million-plus subscribers, providing mainstream television exposure BKB never previously enjoyed. Vice President Pete Gaffney cited the partnership’s alignment with Vice’s provocative programming focus and emerging combat sports coverage.
Betting Implications:
Mainstream television exposure typically increases betting interest and liquidity. More viewers lead to higher betting volume, which can sharpen lines but also creates deeper markets with more props and betting options.
Books may invest more resources into BKB coverage given the Vice partnership, potentially leading to better odds and expanded markets. This represents positive development for serious BKB bettors.
BKB’s Rebranding from BYB Extreme
In February 2025, BYB Extreme officially rebranded to BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing after acquiring the UK’s original BKB promotion in May 2024. The merger consolidated the two oldest bare knuckle organizations under one brand.
The rebranding simplifies the landscape for fans and bettors. Instead of tracking BYB, BKB UK, and trying to remember which is which, everything is now simply BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing.
Trigon Combat Amateur Series Launch
BKB launched the Trigon Combat Amateur Series in March 2025, creating a developmental pipeline for fighters transitioning to professional bare knuckle. The series uses hybrid boxing rules (gloves worn) in the Trigon ring to help amateurs develop skills before going fully bare knuckle.
Nelson Lopez Jr. oversees the program, bringing extensive combat sports promotion experience. The first US tryout occurred in South Carolina in April, with the inaugural event in Aguascalientes, Mexico on May 3.
Long-Term Betting Relevance:
Development systems like Trigon Combat create steady streams of new fighters entering BKB’s professional ranks. Tracking standout amateurs before their professional debuts could provide early identification of prospects before odds are properly calibrated.
Fighters with strong Trigon Combat performances may be undervalued in early professional fights as sportsbooks lack data on their abilities. This information asymmetry creates betting edges for those following the amateur series.
How to Stay Updated on Upcoming Events
Official Sources:
BKFC:
- Website: BKFC.com for complete event schedule
- BKFC App: Live streaming, fighter info, push notifications for announcements
- Twitter: @bareknucklefc for breaking news
- YouTube: Full fight replays and free fight footage
BKB:
- Website: BKBBareKnuckle.com for event information
- Twitter: Follow BKB social accounts for UK and US updates
- Tapology: Comprehensive database with BKB results and upcoming bouts
Betting Line Monitoring:
Lines typically post 7-14 days before BKFC events, earlier for major cards like KnuckleMania. BKB lines post less predictably, sometimes appearing just 5-7 days out.
Check these sportsbooks daily leading into events:
- Bovada: Usually first to post BKFC lines, consistently best odds
- BetOnline: Most comprehensive props, decent BKB coverage
- BetUS: Good BKFC coverage, occasional BKB events
- MyBookie: Reliable BKFC lines, strong live betting
- DraftKings: If in legal state, good BKFC coverage
Set up accounts at multiple books before you need them. The approval process takes 24-48 hours, and you do not want to miss betting opportunities because your account is pending verification.
Fighter Research:
YouTube provides the most valuable research tool. Full fights reveal fighter tendencies, durability, technical skills, and mental makeup better than any statistical breakdown. Watch at minimum one previous fight for each fighter you plan to bet on.
Reddit’s r/BKFC community discusses upcoming fights and shares insights. Quality varies, but the collective knowledge often identifies value or spots news before it is widely reported.
Twitter/X: Following fighters directly provides injury updates, training camp information, and personal developments affecting fight preparation. This information edge can be significant when odds have not yet adjusted to news.
Conclusion: Your December Action Plan
December 2025 offers non-stop bare knuckle action across both major promotions. BKFC’s three-event slate plus BKB’s UK presence creates weekly betting opportunities from December 5 through December 20.
Priority Events:
- BKFC 85 (Dec 5): Trout vs. Palomino 2 headline demands attention, but the full card will provide value
- BKB 49 (Dec 5): Same night as BKFC 85, create a doubleheader betting card
- BKFC Derby (Dec 13): UK Fight Night typically offers soft lines on regional fighters
- BKFC Mohegan Sun (Dec 20): Heavyweight main event almost certainly finishes early
Start preparing now. Open sportsbook accounts if you have not already. Watch previous fights for main event participants. Track line movements as odds post. Build your betting cards early rather than making rushed decisions the day of events.
This schedule sets up perfectly for parlay opportunities across events and even between promotions. Correlated plays (heavyweight unders, boxing experience favorites, Trigon finishes) can be combined strategically.
Check back weekly as this page updates with new fight announcements, updated odds, and refined betting recommendations as events approach. December’s bare knuckle schedule provides the perfect close to 2025’s expansion year.
The action starts December 5. Time to get ready.
