Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff and UFC star Conor McGregor have joined the board of directors as Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) launches in India. The move, led by the World League of Fighters, brings the raw sport of bare-knuckle boxing to one of the planet's largest combat sports audiences. Events are set to start soon, with a new team format that changes how fights will work there.
Background
Bare-knuckle fighting has grown fast since BKFC started in the US. Fighters wrap their fists but punch without gloves, making every hit count more. The group has put on big shows like BKFC 86 at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut on January 17, 2026, where Julian Lane defends his welterweight title against Dustin Pague. Another event, Knucklemania VI, comes February 7, 2026, in Philadelphia with Ben Rothwell facing Andrei Arlovski for the heavyweight belt.
India has a huge fan base for fights. Boxing, wrestling, and mixed martial arts draw millions. Stars like Tiger Shroff, known for action movies such as Heropanti and Baaghi, have built a following with their fight skills. Conor McGregor, the Irish fighter who made millions in UFC, brings global pull. Both now back BKFC's push into India through the World League of Fighters, co-founded by Rajesh Banga, Sunil Mathew, and Siraj Gill. This group holds the license to run BKFC events there.
The sport fits India's love for tough, close-up action. Local gyms already train boxers without gloves in some styles. BKFC sees room to grow with India's young crowd and rising middle class that can pay for tickets and streams.
Key Details
The India entry includes Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship and Bare Knuckle Fight League. They plan a team-based league, the first ever in bare-knuckle. Six teams will start, each with fighters competing in matches that count toward team scores. This setup mixes individual skill with group rivalry, like cricket leagues such as IPL.
Tiger Shroff joins Conor McGregor on the board. Shroff's films show off his martial arts, flips, and punches, making him a natural fit. McGregor, with his Proper Twelve whiskey and loud style, knows how to sell fights. Their names will help draw crowds and sponsors.
Event Plans and Teams
No dates for the first India event yet, but talks point to major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, or Bangalore. Venues could include cricket stadiums turned fight arenas. The league will run seasons with playoffs. Fighters from India, plus stars from BKFC's US roster, will join. Training camps may open in key spots to scout local talent.
World League of Fighters handles operations. Rajesh Banga has ties to sports business, Sunil Mathew knows event management, and Siraj Gill brings fight promotion experience. They aim to sign Indian athletes early.
"India has so much talent waiting to step into the ring. With Tiger and Conor on board, we're ready to build something huge here." – Rajesh Banga, co-founder of World League of Fighters
Broadcasts will go on platforms popular in India, plus BKFC's DAZN stream. Ticket prices will match local wallets, with premium seats for VIPs.
What This Means
This launch opens BKFC to over a billion potential fans. India's combat sports market grows each year, fueled by YouTube clips and stars like Shroff. The team format could keep fans hooked week after week, boosting TV deals and merch sales.
Local fighters get a shot at pro careers. Many train in gyms but lack big stages. BKFC events mean jobs, travel, and paydays. It may pull talent from MMA or boxing who want harder hits.
For BKFC, India means more revenue streams. US events like the upcoming Mohegan Sun card show the sport's appeal, but Asia offers scale. McGregor and Shroff as faces help cross over to movie fans.
Sponsors will eye the deal. Brands from energy drinks to phones target young Indians. Government rules on combat sports stay light, but organizers plan to follow safety standards like hand wraps and medical checks.
Rivals like ONE Championship already run in India. BKFC's bare-knuckle twist sets it apart—no gloves mean faster finishes and more drama. Fans may switch over for the intensity.
Growth could spread to nearby countries. Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka have fight fans too. Success in India might lead to tours across South Asia.
Fighters on BKFC's current cards, like Jamel Herring debuting at BKFC 86 or Yoel Romero at Knucklemania, show the level of talent. India bouts could feature them against homegrown names.
Safety stays key. Bare-knuckle has rules on cuts and doctor stops, same as US shows. Organizers promise the same for India to avoid issues.
The board adds star power. Shroff films with real stunts; McGregor won big UFC paydays. Their push could land mainstream TV spots.
India's first bare-knuckle league changes the game. Teams build loyalty like soccer clubs. Fans pick sides, buy jerseys, cheer at matches. This model worked for cricket and kabaddi—now for punches.
Scouts already watch prospects. Street fighters, army boxers, and gym kids could rise fast. Women's divisions may follow if interest grows.
BKFC's 2026 calendar fills up with US fights, but India adds a new front. Porter vs. Watson on March 28 at Mohegan Sun keeps momentum. Asia expansion fits the plan to go global.
Challenges include weather—hot summers mean indoor venues—and travel for foreign fighters. But backers see payoff in fan numbers.
