Section 8: Safety Considerations
Bare-knuckle striking produces more facial cuts and lacerations than gloved boxing but reportedly fewer concussions (because punches require pulling slightly to protect the puncher's hand). BKFC mandates: comprehensive pre-fight medical (neurological, cardiac, ophthalmological, blood work, MRI for major bouts), ringside physician with cut/concussion authority to stop fights, on-site EMT + ambulance, AED in arena. Post-fight medical assessment is mandatory. Knockouts trigger automatic medical suspension (minimum 30-day rest, longer for severe KOs, with neurological clearance required). State athletic commission oversight at every BKFC event in the U.S. Concussion protocol: VADA + commission medical monitoring; SCAT-5 in some jurisdictions. Cut-stoppage authority lies with the ringside physician.