Sean Wheelock seeks Texas approval for Bear Knuckle Fighting Championship events

The Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) meeting on February 14, 2025, featured a significant proposal from Sean Wheelock, executive vice president of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC). Wheelock urged the commission to consider allowing BKFC to host events in Texas, highlighting the organization's growing popularity and success in other states and countries.

BKFC is currently sanctioned in 26 states, including major markets like California and Florida, and has held over 1,200 bouts since its inception in 2018. Wheelock noted that last year, BKFC organized 31 events, with plans for 44 events in 2025 across eight nations. He emphasized the potential economic benefits for Texas, projecting that events could attract audiences of over 15,000 in major cities such as Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Austin, as well as smaller venues with 5,000 to 8,000 attendees.

Wheelock praised the TDLR as a leading authority in combat sports regulation and assured that BKFC adheres to the unified rules of bare-knuckle fighting. He also mentioned the organization's commitment to safety, citing their full-time chief medical officer, Dr. Don Mooce, a recognized expert in the field.

The commission acknowledged Wheelock's presentation, indicating that BKFC is on their radar for future discussions. The potential for BKFC to establish a presence in Texas could mark a significant development in the state's combat sports landscape, with the promise of major events and local fighter participation.