STWF Sports | Dec. 17, 2025 – Bare-knuckle fighting is gearing up for one of its most explosive nights yet. BKFC has officially announced three marquee bouts for its KnuckleMania 6 card scheduled for February 7, 2026, at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia — and the lineup includes some of the biggest names ever to step out of the UFC Octagon and into the bare-knuckle ring.

Headlining the card will be a heavyweight trilogy fight with massive stakes: reigning BKFC heavyweight champion Ben Rothwell defending his title against former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski. Also featured will be the return of Yoel Romero, one of the most feared athletes in MMA history, who will meet former BKFC light heavyweight and cruiserweight champion Lorenzo Hunt at 210 pounds. The event also includes a compelling rematch between Ben Bonner and Tony Soto as part of BKFC’s lightweight tournament arc — a sequence of matchups that continues to drive momentum in one of combat sports’ fastest-growing promotions.

Rothwell vs. Arlovski III: A New Chapter in an Old Rivalry

The heavyweight main event is a collision of past history and new ambitions. Rothwell and Arlovski have shared the cage twice before — both MMA bouts won by Arlovski — but their third meeting arrives under the unforgiving rules of bare-knuckle boxing.

Rothwell, 44, enters as the undefeated BKFC heavyweight champion (4–0), having claimed the title in January with a blistering knockout win over Mick Terrill. The longtime UFC veteran, who competed 17 times for the promotion between 2009 and 2021, has redefined his career under David Feldman’s bare-knuckle banner. His career MMA record of 37–14 underscores his durability and finishing power across a 25-year professional career.

Arlovski, 46, carries immense experience and a legendary name into his second BKFC bout. The “Pitbull” captured the UFC heavyweight title in 2005 and remains one of the division’s most enduring figures. After knocking out Misfits Boxing star Kelechi Dyke in June, Arlovski stepped into the BKFC ring for a faceoff with Rothwell — a moment that set this anticipated trilogy bout in motion.

Both men understand the stakes: Arlovski seeks another landmark chapter in his storied career, while Rothwell aims to avenge past defeats and cement his identity as BKFC’s most dangerous heavyweight.

Yoel Romero Returns — Against Bare-Knuckle Royalty

In the co-main storyline, Yoel “Soldier of God” Romero is set for his second bare-knuckle appearance as he steps in against former BKFC champion Lorenzo Hunt.

Romero’s resume speaks for itself: he has battled the likes of Israel Adesanya, Robert Whittaker, Luke Rockhold, and Paulo Costa across a UFC career defined by explosive athleticism and raw power. Now 48, Romero continues to test himself in one of the toughest combat formats on earth.

Hunt, meanwhile, is widely regarded as one of the greatest BKFC fighters ever, having captured titles at both light heavyweight and cruiserweight. His blend of power, grit, and volume gives him a style tailor-made for bare-knuckle combat.

Their 210-pound catchweight bout has “fight of the night” written all over it — and could determine the next major player in BKFC’s upper weight divisions.

Bonner vs. Soto II: A Lightweight Grudge Renewal

Ben Bonner’s rise in BKFC reached a high point last June when he shocked Tony Soto via unanimous decision to claim the lightweight title. But the Middlesbrough native couldn’t defend the belt, falling to Franco Tengalia in a tight split decision in the tournament semifinals.

Bonner now returns to face Soto once again, this time with Soto seeking revenge and Bonner looking to earn a path back into the title picture. The winner could position themselves for a showdown with the Tengalia–Luis Palomino title fight slated for later in 2026.

McGregor’s Influence Still Looms Large

BKFC’s continued expansion is owed, in part, to the star power of part-owner Conor McGregor. His involvement has amplified the promotion’s visibility worldwide.

“When he came into the company, it brought eyes to the sport and more money,” Bonner told talkSPORT. “Conor knows a superstar when he sees one, and I’m one.”

KnuckleMania 6: Momentum Rising

With three blockbuster fights announced and more expected, BKFC’s KnuckleMania 6 is shaping up to be one of the most stacked cards in bare-knuckle history — a testament to the promotion’s rapid rise and its ability to attract legends from across combat sports.

February 7 can’t come soon enough.