Bare-Knuckle Fighting: A Resurgence of an Ancient Russian Tradition
In the realm of martial arts and boxing, Russia holds a special place, and this is particularly evident in the popularity of bare-knuckle fighting, a sport that traces its roots back to 14th-century fistfights.
While street fights and bare-knuckle fights may seem similar, the latter is distinguished by a set of rules that bring order to the chaos.
Capitalizing on this growing trend, Hardcore Fighting Championship, Russia’s first professional bare-knuckle fighting league, has taken the scene by storm. In this league, fighters’ hands are wrapped only in thin bandages, offering minimal protection. As a result, their hands and faces often become unrecognizable by the end of a round.
Adding to the intrigue, these fights take place on a massive cargo ship docked at the Moscow port.
Top Dog Tournament has Given a Performing Stage to Underground Fighters
The “Top Dog” tournament, which began broadcasting fights from parking lots in early 2020, has now moved to Moscow’s sports arenas, attracting millions of online viewers. The most popular fight has garnered over 13 million views on YouTube.
Organizers attribute the sport’s surge in popularity to the pent-up anger and frustration stemming from COVID-19 restrictions and economic woes.
However, underground fighting has a long history in Russia. Neither banned nor officially sanctioned during the Soviet era, it experienced a revival in the mid-1990s.
The sport gained popularity in Russia during the late Middle Ages, particularly around Christmas and Easter, with fights taking place one-on-one or in teams. Teams were often formed from specific neighborhoods or villages. Sometimes, these mass brawls involved hundreds of people.
The rules were simple: fighters could not wear gloves, as these could conceal weapons like brass knuckles. If caught cheating, the crowd would mercilessly beat the offender.
Strikes to the opponent’s head and torso were permitted, but not once they fell to the ground. In mass fights, fallen participants were at risk of being trampled.
The Russian Orthodox Church vehemently opposed bare-knuckle fighting, deeming it a pagan tradition. In 1274, it was decreed that fighters would be excommunicated, while those killed in fistfights were denied burial services.
However, some Russian tsars viewed the sport more favorably. Peter the Great was an avid fan, as was Catherine the Great. Her lover, Grigory Orlov, renowned for his physical prowess, even participated in these fights.
Bare-knuckle fighting, a sport steeped in history and tradition, has found a new lease on life in Russia, captivating audiences with its raw, unadulterated displays of combat.
While safety concerns remain, the sport’s popularity suggests it is here to stay, a testament to its enduring appeal in the Russian cultural landscape.
