The dizzy path to Mixed Martial Arts’ mainstream success is inspiring a vicious form of bare-knuckle combat currently illegal in New Zealand. Peato says he ran bare-knuckle fights in Tauranga in December 2021 and early 2023, following a model developed in the United States, the United Kingdom and Thailand, where bare-knuckle fighting is legal. “Any bare-knuckle boxing, regular boxing, or wrestling contest must first receive a permit from police,” a police spokesman said. Russell Tangiwai says the rules of a bare-knuckle combat boxing match differ from typical boxing. Tangiwai said most fights ended with a knockout rather than by decision due to the nature of bare-knuckle fights.

Source: New Zealand Herald May 18, 2024 03:37 UTC