Set against the vibrant backdrop of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, KnuckleMania V promises an action-packed night on January 25th, showcasing the best in bare-knuckle fighting.
Headlining the event is a highly anticipated clash between two former UFC stars turned bare-knuckle fighters: Eddie Alvarez (1-1) and Jeremy Stephens (2-0, 1 KO). Despite having only two BKFC bouts, Alvarez has left a lasting impression. His debut saw him in a thrilling showdown with Chad Mendes, followed by a valiant effort against BKFC’s biggest name, Mike Perry, for the symbolic “King of Violence” title. While he came up short in the latter, Alvarez remains a standout talent in the sport.
Stephens, on the other hand, brings an impressive legacy from his MMA career, which included 34 UFC fights and 10 performance bonuses. Since transitioning to bare-knuckle fighting, he’s maintained an unbeaten 2-0 record, defeating Jimmie Rivera and Bobby Taylor. With his power seamlessly adapting to the new arena, a victory over Alvarez could propel him to the top of the rankings and potentially secure a title shot later this year.

The co-main event features heavyweight champion Mick Terrill (9-1, 8 KOs) defending his title for the second time against the undefeated “Big” Ben Rothwell (3-0, 3 KOs). Terrill, a skilled technician known for his agility despite his 6’3″, 250-pound frame, faces perhaps his toughest challenge yet in Rothwell.
Rothwell, another UFC veteran, has taken the BKFC heavyweight division by storm with a perfect record of three knockouts. Standing at 6’4″ and weighing 275 pounds, he combines imposing size with remarkable speed and precision, cementing his status as one of the division’s most formidable fighters.
In the women’s division, “Rowdy” Bec Rawlings (3-3, 1 KO) makes her much-anticipated return to face perennial contender Taylor Starling (4-3, 1 KO). Both athletes are pioneers in women’s bare-knuckle boxing, with Rawlings competing in BKFC’s inaugural event in 2018 and Starling joining shortly after. While this matchup may lack direct title implications, it represents a historic moment in women’s bare-knuckle history, with two of the sport’s all-time greats squaring off on the biggest stage.
KnuckleMania has a reputation for delivering electrifying action, and its fifth installment promises to continue that tradition. From the opening prelims to the main event, fans can expect a thrilling showcase of bare-knuckle combat at its finest.
