Dubai recently became the center of the combat sports world as the World League of Fighters (WLF), in partnership with the Dubai Sports Council, hosted the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) 71 & 72. This historic event took place at the famous Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium on April 4th and 5th, 2025.
A New Era of Combat Sports in the Middle East
The World League of Fighters, led by co-founders Rajesh Banga and Sunil Mathew, introduced bare-knuckle fighting to the Middle East, marking a significant shift in the region’s combat sports scene. Known for its rising investments in Boxing and MMA, the region now welcomes BKFC, the fastest-growing combat sport globally.
A Thrilling Two Nights of Action
The back-to-back events on April 4th and 5th showcased 44 top fighters, delivering two nights of intense, action-packed bouts that kept fans at the edge of their seats. By bringing BKFC to Dubai, WLF has not only strengthened the city’s status as a top destination for elite sports but also opened a new chapter for bare-knuckle fighting on the global stage.
WLF Co-Founders Share Their Vision for the Future
Rajesh Banga and Sunil Mathew, the co-founders of WLF, expressed their excitement for the successful BKFC 71 & 72 events. They stated, “Dubai has long been a global center for major combat sports events, and our goal is to bring BKFC back to the UAE. The BKFC 71 & 72 events showcased the fast-paced excitement of bare-knuckle fighting while making the Middle East a key venue for combat sports.”
Surprising Success of Bare-Knuckle Fighting
While sports like Muay Thai and Jiu-Jitsu have gained immense popularity, the reaction to bare-knuckle fighting far exceeded expectations. The positive reception of BKFC highlights the desire among combat sports fans for diversity and authenticity in fighting styles, supporting WLF’s vision for the sport.
Looking Ahead to More BKFC Events in the Region
Banga and Mathew emphasized that this event was just the beginning. “We’re not just creating a one-off event; we’re building a new legacy for combat sports with WLF at the forefront. With the backing of the Dubai Sports Council, David Feldman, and icons like Conor McGregor, we’ve made something historic happen. The response has been overwhelming, and this is only the start of our journey in the Emirates.”
Conor McGregor Joins the Excitement
The global fight community was electrified when Conor McGregor, one of the biggest names in modern combat sports, arrived in Dubai with an entourage of 20. McGregor flew in on his private jet to experience the event firsthand, further proving the growing influence of WLF in the combat sports world.
A New Revolution in Combat Sports
Banga and Mathew declared, “This is a movement. A revolution. A new home for the fight world. With World League of Fighters leading the charge, we’re making combat sports history in the sands of Dubai. The gloves are off. The desert is alive. The future is bare-knuckle.”
The Future of BKFC in the UAE
The UAE has already embraced MMA and boxing at the highest levels, and with the successful debut of BKFC, WLF has positioned this sport as an exciting new addition to the region’s combat sports culture. After the success of BKFC 71 & 72, WLF has confirmed that BKFC will return to Dubai in November 2025. Official dates for the next chapter will be announced soon.
