IBA Bare Knuckle is an international bare-knuckle fighting league established under the International Boxing Association (IBA). The promotion was officially launched on July 2, 2025, during a press conference in Istanbul, where IBA President Umar Kremlev announced the new global discipline.
The league develops bare-knuckle fighting as a standalone and recognized sport, built on clear rules, an international license, and a structured championship system. At its core are transparency, safety, and unified regulations for all participants — fighters, officials, promoters, and organizers.
IBA Bare Knuckle operates globally, with representatives across Europe, Asia, the Americas, the Middle East, and Africa. The first official world championship is scheduled for 2026.
The title system includes three levels: national, intercontinental, and world. Only events held under the IBA banner are officially recognized.
Special attention is given to the digital ecosystem, including the official website, social media platforms, a dedicated streaming platform with live broadcasts, fight archives, and a comprehensive athlete database.
Bare-knuckle fighting under IBA is not street fighting, but a regulated sport where technique, discipline, medical standards, and respect for opponents are fundamental.
The launch of IBA Bare Knuckle represents a return to the roots of boxing in a modern format, opening a new chapter in the history of combat sports.
ABOUT IBA BARE KNUCKLE
On July 2, 2025, in Istanbul, the first bouts of the IBA Bare Knuckle project took place following the official press conference. The event marked the starting point of the international bare-knuckle fighting league.
Main Bouts of the Evening:
Following this event, the league began expanding its international presence across Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and the Middle East. The first official World Championship in bare-knuckle fighting was also announced, scheduled for 2026.
Main Bouts of the Evening:
- Murat Kazgan defeated Uğur Çopur by unanimous decision.
- Mikhail Kokhanchik defeated Elnur Suleimanov.
Following this event, the league began expanding its international presence across Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and the Middle East. The first official World Championship in bare-knuckle fighting was also announced, scheduled for 2026.
On July 26, 2025, the first official IBA Bare Knuckle event in Russia took place at Live Arena in the Moscow region. The event marked the beginning of the promotion’s numbered series of events.
Main Event:
A rematch between Samat Abdirakhmanov and Emil Novruzov headlined the card. Emil “Gladiator” Novruzov secured the victory.
Full Fight Card:
Special Guest: The event was attended by UFC legend Jon Jones, underscoring its international significance.
The event drew a full crowd and set a new standard for bare-knuckle fighting in Russia, featuring large-scale production, a major arena atmosphere, strong media attention, and high-level, action-packed bouts.
Main Event:
A rematch between Samat Abdirakhmanov and Emil Novruzov headlined the card. Emil “Gladiator” Novruzov secured the victory.
Full Fight Card:
- Samat Abdirakhmanov vs Emil Novruzov
- Ilnar Ishimbaev vs Magomed Magomedov
- Andrey Yalymov vs Amirkhan Oev
- Murad Khalidov vs Ivan Smirnov
- Alan Abaev vs Isa Isaev
- Gennady Markaryan vs Israel Suleimanov
- Abdullazhar Gasanov vs Vasif Abbasov
- Emir Dzhumabaev vs Egor Gorshkov
- Pele Saidon vs Igor Ivanchenko
Special Guest: The event was attended by UFC legend Jon Jones, underscoring its international significance.
The event drew a full crowd and set a new standard for bare-knuckle fighting in Russia, featuring large-scale production, a major arena atmosphere, strong media attention, and high-level, action-packed bouts.
IBA Bare Knuckle #1 — The First Event in Russia
Turkey Event — The Starting Point of IBA Bare Knuckle
Umar Nazarovich Kremlev
A prominent international sports executive, Umar Kremlev has served as President of the International Boxing Association (IBA) since December 2020. Previously, he held the positions of First Vice-President of the European Boxing Confederation (EUBC) and Secretary General of the Russian Boxing Federation (2017–2021).
He holds a higher education degree in public administration, including a Master’s degree from RANEPA (Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration).
He holds a higher education degree in public administration, including a Master’s degree from RANEPA (Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration).
Founder and Owner of IBA Bare Knuckle
NEWS
IBA Bare Knuckle Announces Official Weight Classes
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Legendary Cuban former UFC fighter Yoel Romero will compete in a bare-knuckle bout in Saint Petersburg. His opponent, Vagab Vagabov, is one of the most exciting and dangerous fighters in Russia’s bare-knuckle scene.
IBA Bare Knuckle Announces Official Weight Classes
IBA Bare Knuckle has officially approved the list of weight classes for its bouts.
Zolotoy Set for Rematch Against “Chef” at IBA BK #4 in Saint Petersburg
The fight will co-headline the event under bare-knuckle rules — 5 rounds of 2 minutes — with a championship belt at stake.
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Registered address: 9 Pushkina St., Office 21, Serpukhov, Moscow Region, 142200, Russia