Newcastle, United Kingdom (February 23, 2026) Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), The World’s Fastest Growing Combat Sports Promotion, has announced further details of their highly anticipated return to Newcastle, UK on Saturday, March 14 at the Utilita Arena.
BKFC Fight Night Newcastle will be broadcast internationally as part of the BKFC+ Subscription for $7.99 per month on the BKFC App – The Best Value in Combat Sports with the first bell at 3:00 p.m. EST / 12:00 p.m. PST. The Utilita Arena is located at Arena Way, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE4 7NA. Tickets for the live event can be purchased online at BKFC.com.
“This is our sixth event in Newcastle and we’re thrilled to present this outstanding card topped by two UK Title Fights,” said David Feldman, Founder and President of BKFC. “Former heavyweight world champion Mick Terrill is returning to the squared circle against fearless newcomer Jay ‘The Ghost’ McFarlane. Gary Fox versus James Lilley is one of the best bare-knuckle fights that can be made anywhere in the world and WWE Superstar ‘Rezar’ promises to make his debut in BKFC a can’t miss performance.”
“Our undercard is filled with the toughest bare-knuckle fighters in the United Kingdom for a full evening of action-packed fights at the Utilita Arena. We’ve sold out our past shows in Newcastle and I strongly encourage our great fans in the area to purchase tickets in advance.”
Fighting in the main event, former BKFC Heavyweight World Champion Mick Terrill, (9-2), of North Shields, Tyne and Wear, UK faces former professional boxer Jay ‘The Ghost’ McFarlane, (1-0), of Glasgow, Scotland for the BKFC UK Heavyweight Title. Terrill looks to regain heavyweight glory following his loss to Ben Rothwell at KnuckleMania V. Among his victories under the BKFC banner include pound-for-pound great Lorenzo Hunt, two wins over Arnold Adams, Sam Shewmaker, Josh Burns and Steven Banks.
Having compiled a professional boxing record of 16-8 with six knockouts, the hard-hitting McFarlane made his bare-knuckle debut with a first-round stoppage of Vladislav Ivashchenko on July 5, 2025.
Co-headlining in a clash of the country’s popular rivals, Gary Fox, (4-3), of Billingham, England battles BKFC Former World Title Challenger James ‘Lights Out’ Lilley, (9-3), of Wales, for the BKFC UK Featherweight Title. Fighting out of Fishburn, County Durham, Fox looks to jump back into the world title picture following a very hotly contested fight against Edgard Plazaola at BKFC-80 in Hollywood, FL. Lilley lost a very close distance fight to then champion Luis Palomino at BKFC-45. Rebounding against top rated Franco Tenaglia at BKFC-60, he would come just short by majority decision.
Fighting in the feature clash at BKFC Fight Night Newcastle, WWE Superstar Gzim’ Rezar’ Selmani of Albania makes his lauded bare-knuckle debut against fellow newcomer Daniel Curtin of the United Kingdom in the heavyweight division.
Undefeated bantamweights will see action with fan favorite Lewis Garside, (2-0), of Sunderland, England facing Kieron Sewell, (2-0). Competing in the light heavyweight division, Matty ‘The Hammer’ Hodgson, (7-4), battles Scotland’s Sean Weir, (2-0). Middleweight Jack Cullen, (1-0), of Little Lever, Great Britain looks to stay undefeated against Marley Churcher, (3-4), of Thatcham, England.
Popular lightweight Lewis Keen, (4-1) faces off against Scotland’s Jon Telfer, (1-0). Cruiserweight Mason Shaw, (8-7-1), battles undefeated Dec Spelman, (2-0), of Scunthorpe, England. Middleweight will clash as Joe Lister, (1-0), hits the squared circle against BKFC debuting Danny Wall. Undefeated welterweight newcomers see action with Liam Dooley, (1-0), of Stockport, England knuckling up against Mikey Henderson, (2-0).
Fighting in the heavyweight division, James Walker, (1-0), faces Rowan Gregory, (0-2). Featherweight Bartek Kanabey, (4-2), battles BKFC debuting Jeff Saunders of Sedgefield, England. Lightweight debuters squared with Stew Martin clashing against Jordan Burnett.
Social Media
Instagram: @BareKnuckleFC
Twitter: @BareKnuckleFC
Facebook: @BareKnuckleFC
YouTube: @BareKnuckleFightingChampionship
TikTok: @BareKnuckleFC
Website: www.BKFC.com
