IBA Bare-Knuckle Boxing Championship to Debut in the U.S. Featuring Jon Jones

Miami – The IBA Bare-Knuckle Boxing Championship is set to make its debut in the United States on July 18, with an anticipated event taking place at the James L. Knight Center in Miami, Florida. This moment marks a significant milestone in the championship’s global expansion.

The event has garnered widespread interest among combat sports enthusiasts worldwide, particularly in the Arab region, with mixed martial arts legend Jon Jones serving as the official ambassador and host. Jones is one of the most prominent figures in combat sports history, known for his popularity and influence on a global scale.

The IBA Bare-Knuckle Boxing Championship aims to unite elite athletes from various combat sports, alongside champions from diverse sporting backgrounds, world-class trainers, and notable figures from the sector. This platform provides an opportunity for talents to showcase their skills and compete at the highest levels.

Since its inception in 2025, the championship has experienced rapid growth, organizing four major events within the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and attracting significant public interest with over 500 million views and interactions across its digital platforms.

The fourth event of the championship witnessed remarkable success led by global star Yoel Romero, surpassing 120 million views and interactions worldwide, further solidifying its status as one of the fastest-growing platforms in combat sports.

With the Miami event, the championship seeks to carry this momentum into the American market through a night that combines high-level athletic competitions with entertainment showcases. This reflects Miami’s status as one of the premier destinations for sports and entertainment in the United States.

Chris Roberts, Secretary General and CEO of the International Boxing Association (IBA), stated: “Entering the United States marks a pivotal moment in our global expansion journey. We are not only providing a world-class sporting and entertainment platform to Miami but also creating a sustainable pathway for outstanding athletes in combat sports internationally. The American market has a strong passion for high-quality combat events, and we are confident that the IBA Bare-Knuckle Boxing Championship can deliver an exceptional experience for fans.”.

This upcoming event represents a new step towards solidifying the championship’s global presence and expanding its follower base in Western markets. Plans for continued international expansion are underway for 2026 and beyond, with Miami serving as a launchpad to reach American audiences, media outlets, and partners.

Details regarding official matchups, ticket sales, and accompanying events for fight week will be announced in the coming weeks.