Bare Knuckle Fighting Captivates Hawaii Sports Writer

Billy Hull couldn't look away from the first Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship event in Honolulu.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 10:05am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a bare knuckle fighting match, with the figures and movements broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes of color, creating a sense of intense motion and impact.The raw, visceral action of bare knuckle fighting defies easy comprehension, challenging viewers to confront the sport's blend of athleticism and violence.Honolulu Today

Billy Hull, a sports writer in Hawaii, was initially unsure about watching the first Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship event in Honolulu, but he found himself unable to look away. Despite the brutality of the fights, which left many fighters needing to go to the hospital, Hull was captivated by the quick pace and intensity of the sport. He acknowledges the debate around whether bare knuckle fighting is too violent, but says he'll be first in line for tickets to the next event.

Why it matters

Bare knuckle fighting is a controversial and emerging combat sport that is gaining popularity, particularly in Hawaii where the first event was held. The sport's brutality and lack of protective equipment raises questions about whether it has gone too far, but it also appeals to fans looking for a fast-paced, intense spectacle.

The details

The first Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship event in Hawaii took place at the Blaisdell Arena on Saturday night. Sports writer Billy Hull, who had previously covered mixed martial arts events, found himself unable to look away from the bare knuckle fights, even as he was trying to write a story about a volleyball match. Hull was struck by the speed and intensity of the fights, which often ended quickly due to the lack of gloves. While he was disturbed by the blood, injuries, and fighters needing hospital treatment, Hull was captivated by the sport and plans to attend the next event.

  • The first Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship event in Hawaii took place on Saturday night.
  • More than 20 years ago, Hull became the 'mixed martial arts beat writer' for the Honolulu Star-Bulletin after covering a Rumble on the Rock event.

The players

Billy Hull

A sports writer in Hawaii who has covered mixed martial arts events for over 20 years.

Paul Arnett

Hull's former boss at the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, who assigned him to cover mixed martial arts.

Niko Vitale

A fighter whose knockout victory Hull covered early in his career, leading to him becoming the 'mixed martial arts beat writer'.

TJay Thompson

The promoter who was largely responsible for bringing the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship to Hawaii.

John McCain

The former U.S. Senator who called mixed martial arts 'human cockfighting' when it was first emerging.

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What they’re saying

“I'm still not sure it was something I should be watching, but I couldn't take my eyes off the broadcast for the first Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship event in Hawaii on Saturday night at the Blaisdell Arena.”

— Billy Hull, Sports Writer

“I never once watched a MMA fight and thought to myself, 'this is too safe, you know what they should do, take off the gloves completely.'”

— Billy Hull, Sports Writer

“Promoter TJay Thompson, who was largely responsible for bringing BKFC to Hawaii, reminded me that when he first started promoting MMA events in Hawaii, lawmakers were against him.”

— Billy Hull, Sports Writer

What’s next

The next Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship event in Hawaii has not yet been scheduled, but Billy Hull plans to be in attendance.

The takeaway

This story highlights the growing popularity and controversy surrounding bare knuckle fighting, a brutal combat sport that appeals to some fans looking for an intense, fast-paced spectacle, but raises concerns about the safety and ethics of such a violent form of entertainment.