Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) is one of the most brutal and rapidly growing combat sports in the world. But with its explosive growth, a common question arises among fans and critics alike: does BKFC test for steroids and performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs)? Unlike major organizations with centralized anti-doping programs, BKFC’s approach to drug testing is highly dependent on the local state athletic commissions where the events take place. From standard urine tests to high-profile suspensions, here is everything you need to know about the current state of drug testing in the bare-knuckle world.
Does BKFC Test for Steroids? The Short Answer
State Athletic Commission Oversight
The short answer is yes, fighters in BKFC are subjected to drug testing. However, BKFC does not currently employ its own independent, year-round testing agency. Instead, the promotion relies entirely on the state athletic commissions governing the specific location of the event. For example, if BKFC holds an event in Florida, the Florida Athletic Commission handles the testing. If the event is in California, the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) takes charge.
The Absence of a Unified BKFC Testing Policy
Because testing is handled by individual states, the rigor of the testing can vary wildly. Some commissions may only test the main event fighters and a random selection of the undercard. Others might test every winner. This lack of a unified, promotion-wide policy means that the likelihood of a fighter being tested depends heavily on where they are fighting.
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Understanding BKFC Drug Testing Protocols
What Substances Are Banned in Bare Knuckle?
Despite the varying testing frequencies, the list of banned substances remains relatively consistent across major athletic commissions. They generally adhere to the banned substances outlined by WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency). This means that all anabolic steroids, human growth hormone (HGH), masking agents, diuretics, and certain stimulants are strictly prohibited. The effects of anabolic steroids give fighters an unfair advantage in strength, speed, and recovery, which is incredibly dangerous in a sport as damaging as bare-knuckle boxing.
In-Competition vs. Out-of-Competition Testing
A crucial distinction in BKFC’s current model is that testing is almost exclusively “in-competition.” This means fighters are usually only asked to provide a urine sample immediately before or immediately after their fight. There is very little, if any, random “out-of-competition” testing (e.g., an agent showing up at a fighter’s gym two months before a bout). This allows savvy fighters to potentially cycle off PEDs well before the fight to ensure they test clean on fight night.
High-Profile Drug Test Failures in BKFC
The Lorenzo Hunt Case at KnuckleMania 4
The reality of BKFC drug testing was thrust into the spotlight following KnuckleMania 4 in April 2024. Lorenzo “The Juggernaut” Hunt, one of BKFC’s biggest stars and a two-division champion, failed his fight-night drug test administered by the California State Athletic Commission.
Fines, Suspensions, and Requirements to Return
The CSAC revealed that Hunt tested positive for epitrenbolone (a metabolite of the powerful steroid Trenbolone) and had an astronomical 172-to-1 testosterone-to-epitestosterone (T/E) ratio—far exceeding the allowable limit of 4-to-1. As a result, Hunt was suspended for 18 months, fined $40,000 (representing 40% of his purse), and his fight result was overturned. To return to competition in California, he is required to pay for and pass random WADA-panel tests. This case proved that while BKFC’s testing might not be year-round, the commissions overseeing their biggest events possess serious regulatory teeth.
How BKFC Testing Compares to UFC and Boxing
Centralized Testing vs. Regional Commissions
When compared to the premier MMA organization, the UFC, BKFC’s testing is far less comprehensive. The UFC utilizes a centralized testing program (formerly managed by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, now Drug Free Sport), which subjects all rostered fighters to random, year-round testing regardless of where they live or fight. In traditional boxing, major title fights often require fighters to enroll in VADA (Voluntary Anti-Doping Association) testing for the duration of their fight camp.
The Cost of Anti-Doping Programs
The primary reason BKFC relies on state commissions is financial. Running an independent, year-round, global anti-doping program costs millions of dollars annually. As BKFC continues to grow its revenue and secure major partnerships (such as Conor McGregor’s recent ownership stake), it is highly likely that they will eventually adopt a more robust, centralized testing program to legitimize the sport further and protect fighters from the extreme risks of performance-enhancing drugs.
Can BKFC Fighters Get Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs)?
Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) Rules
A frequent question surrounding older fighters entering BKFC is whether they can legally use Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT). In combat sports, TRT is heavily regulated. A fighter cannot simply claim they have low testosterone and start using synthetic hormones.
Navigating Medical Exemptions
To use any banned substance legally, a fighter must apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) directly with the state athletic commission overseeing their upcoming bout. However, securing a TUE for TRT in modern combat sports is notoriously difficult. The fighter must provide extensive medical documentation proving a legitimate, debilitating medical need for the hormone, not just declining levels due to age or previous steroid abuse. Even with a TUE, their hormone levels are strictly monitored to ensure they do not exceed normal physiological ranges.
