BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing returns to the iconic indigo at The O2 for the first time since BYB 18, as BKB 51: Heavy Lies the Crown takes place on Saturday, February 21, 2026.
Following the landmark 2024 merger between BKB and BYB, the promotion has expanded across the United Kingdom, delivering major events and cultivating passionate local fanbases nationwide. Now, as 2026 begins, BKB is re-establishing its presence in the nation’s capital with one of its biggest cards to date — 13 action-packed bouts headlined by a world title fight and co-headlined by two of England’s elite bare knuckle competitors.
Main Event: Marko Martinjak vs. Ike Villanueva – Bridgerweight World Title
Headlining BKB 51 is the first Bridgerweight title defense of Croatia’s Marko Martinjak.
In October in Leeds, Martinjak — then the Cruiserweight Champion — defeated Dan Podmore to capture the Bridgerweight belt, becoming BKB’s second two-division world champion. Shortly after, he relinquished the Super Cruiserweight strap to focus fully on dominating the Bridgerweight division.
Standing across from him will be Houston’s Ike Villanueva, a 5-2 former BKB Heavyweight Champion. Villanueva brings power and championship pedigree into the matchup, making this a high-stakes clash at the top of the division.
Official Weigh-In
- Marko Martinjak – 224 lbs
- Ike Villanueva – 223 lbs
Co-Main Event: Scott McHugh vs. Martin Reffell II
The co-main event features a heated rematch between Scott McHugh and Martin Reffell.
McHugh earned a hard-fought unanimous decision victory in their 2022 meeting — a bout Reffell accepted on just three days’ notice. Since then, both fighters have headlined major cards and competed for titles, solidifying their reputations among England’s top bare knuckle talents.
Official Weigh-In (Super Welterweight)
- Scott McHugh – 154.8 lbs
- Martin Reffell – 154.7 lbs
How to Watch BKB 51
- Prelims: 4:00 PM GMT live on YouTube.com/@bkbbareknuckle
- Main Card (UK & Global): 5:15 PM GMT on talkSPORT
- North America (English): 8:00 PM ET on VICE TV
- North America (Spanish): 8:00 PM ET on Telemundo Deportes
Bridgerweight World Title
- Marko Martinjak (224) vs. Ike Villanueva (223)
Super Welterweight
- Scott McHugh (154.8) vs. Martin Reffell (154.7)
Super Welterweight
- Adel Altamimi (156.8) vs. Jay Eggleston (149.4)
Super Cruiserweight
- Kevin Greenwood (192.5) vs. Tony Barratt (192.5)
Bridgerweight
- Anthony Scotford (221) vs. Joe Cokayne (220.8)
Super Welterweight
- Harvey Dossett (152.8) vs. Hector Galbraith (152.9)
Welterweight
- Dan Gittens (147.9) vs. Corey Healey (144.5)
Light Heavyweight
- Will Dermietzel (174.4) vs. Tom Pratt (175.8)
Heavyweight
- Dan Matthews (228.3) vs. Mark O’Neil (249.9)
Bridgerweight
- Aaron Ashton (221.7) vs. Brad Donovan (224.2)
Light Heavyweight
- Liam Teruel (175) vs. Jamie Haley (173.6)
Welterweight
- Ashley Devenport (146.4) vs. Liam Blackwell (145.6)
Super Lightweight
- Ollie Sentance (139.5) vs. Nico Earwaker (140)
A Major London Return
BKB 51 marks a significant return to London and underscores the promotion’s continued growth following its merger era expansion. With a world title defense, a high-profile rematch, and 13 total fights, Heavy Lies the Crown promises one of the promotion’s most stacked events to date.
Roberto Villa is the CEO, Founder, Executive Writer, and Senior Editor of FightBook MMA. Has a passion for Combat Sports and is also a podcast host for Sitting Ringside. He’s also a former MMA fighter and Kickboxer. He’s also the main photographer for the 4CornersMafia Car Club.
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