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California commission grants BKB one-event provisional permit after safety debate
Summary
The California State Athletic Commission voted to allow Bare Knuckle Promotions (BKB) to hold one event on a provisional promoter license, after promoters pledged to follow state protocols and commissioners pressed for medical data and guarantees on fighter pay practices.
The California State Athletic Commission voted to grant Bare Knuckle Promotions (BKB) a provisional promoter license to hold one event in California, the commission said during its final 2025 public meeting in Norwalk.
Commissioners heard presentations from BKB representatives including Mel Valenzuela, David Petro (CEO, EKG Bare Knuckle Boxing) and Mike Vazquez (founder of BKB). Promoters detailed prior events in other states and overseas, proposed venues in the Los Angeles market and said they would follow California protocols for officials, stitch doctors and insurance. "Safety has always been a priority for us," Mike Vazquez told the commission.
Ringside physician Dr. Lou Durkin presented injury data from a database of 864 fighters and reported: "There's essentially no difference in concussion rate or laceration rate between 2 and 3 minute rounds." Commissioners questioned the provenance and review status of the data, with some asking for peer‑reviewed studies and independent verification.
Several commissioners pressed promoters on whether fighters would be required to sell tickets as a condition of pay after national reporting about such practices. Chair (Peter Vegas) and staff sought an explicit commitment; promoters promised the commission such conditional ticket‑sale compensation would not be used in California.
After extended questioning on medical protocols, doctor independence and compensation practices, a motion to allow BKB one event for evaluation passed. The motion was moved and seconded and recorded as approved by voice/roll call in favor with five commissioners voting yes and one no. The commission said staff will evaluate the event and report back before any expanded licensing.
The commission’s action directs promoters to work closely with executive director Andy Foster and commission staff on detailed compliance with California Code of Regulations and on-site medical and inspection plans. The permit is provisional: the commission will consider follow‑up reporting from staff and ringside physicians before granting additional events or a full promoter license.
Next steps: BKB is authorized to schedule a single event under California regulation and must submit post‑event reports to staff for review. The commission asked staff to return with findings and any recommended changes to conditions before further action.
