Wyoming Combat Sports Commission

Mixed Martial Arts, Board of

Chapter 15: Bare Knuckle Fighting

Effective Date: 04/20/2026 to Current

Rule Type: Current Rules & Regulations

Reference Number: 046.0001.15.04202026

Chapter 15

Bare Knuckle Fighting

Section 1. Authority. These rules are promulgated under the Commission's authority under Wyoming Statute §§ 33-48-101(g) and 33-48-111.

Section 2. Bout Requirements.

(a) For each bout, contestants may start on scratch lines but shall be at least thirty-six (36) inches apart.

(b) Each bout of professional Bare Knuckle Fighting shall be at least three (3) rounds but no more than six (6) rounds. Each round involving male contestants shall be no more than three (3) minutes in length, with one (1) minute rest periods between rounds. Each round involving female contestants shall be no more than two (2) minutes in length, with one (1) minute rest periods between rounds.

(c) A bout may be adjudged a technical knockout to the credit of the winner if the bout is terminated because a contestant meets any of the following conditions:

1. (i) Is unable to continue;
2. (ii) Is not honestly competing;
3. (iii) Is injured;
4. (iv) Is disqualified; or
5. (v) Shows timidity.

Section 3. Tactics Deemed Fouls. The following tactics are deemed fouls:

1. (a) Hitting the opponent below the belt;
2. (b) Hitting an opponent who is down or is getting up after being down;
3. (c) Deliberately maintaining a clinch without other action;
4. (d) Wrestling or kicking the opponent;
5. (e) Putting a finger into any orifice of the opponent or into any cut or laceration on an opponent, including fishhooking;

6. (f) Pulling the opponents hair;

7. (g) Manipulating the opponents fingers;

8. (h) Striking an opponent who is helpless as the result of blows but is supported by the ropes and does not fall;
9. (i) Butting the opponent with the head, shoulder, knee, or elbow;
10. (j) Hitting the opponent with the elbow or forearm;
11. (k) Striking the opponent's body over the kidneys;
12. (l) Hitting the opponent on the back of the head or neck;
13. (m) Gouging the opponent's eye in any manner;
14. (n) Using abusive language in the ring;
15. (o) Hitting during a break, which is signaled by the referee's command or physical act to separate two contestants;
16. (p) Hitting the opponent after the bell has sounded, ending the round;
17. (q) Using the ropes to gain an advantage over the opponent;
18. (r) Pushing the opponent around the ring or into the ropes;
19. (s) Timidity, including intentionally spitting out the mouthpiece;
20. (t) Biting the opponent;
21. (u) Headlocks;
22. (v) Throat punches or strikes directly towards the throat of an opponent;
23. (w) Fingers outstretched toward an opponent's face or eyes; and
24. (x) Throws or take downs;
25. (y) Engaging in any other action not described in this subsection that is deemed an intentional foul by the referee on the basis that the action poses a danger to the safety of either contestant, impedes fair and competitive play, or is unsportsmanlike;
26. (z) Spinning back fists;
27. (aa) Superman punches;

(bb) Hammer-fists; and

(cc) Any contestant moving towards an opponent to strike, from a crouching position with their head below the opponent’s belt line.

Section 4. Bare Knuckle Fighting Specific Equipment.

(a) Hands shall be wrapped with gauze and athletic tape that ends no closer than one (1) inch from the fighter’s knuckles. The wrap must include the wrist and may travel up to three (3) inches past the junction of the wrist bone.

(b) Gauze may be applied to the wrist, palm of the hand, back of the hand, and thumb. The length of gauze to be utilized may not exceed a length of ten (10) feet per hand.

(c) Tape may be applied to the wrist, palm of the hand, back of the hand, and thumb. The tape shall not be greater than one (1) inch in width and shall not exceed ten feet in length per hand.

(d) All contestants shall wear a dental appliance or mouthpiece that has been individually fitted and approved by the Commission or Commission Representative.

(e) All contestants shall wear appropriate groin protection, which shall protect the contestant against injury from a foul blow.

(i) All male contestants shall also wear a protective cup in addition to the pelvic girdle if the pelvic girdle does not incorporate a protective cup into its design.

(ii) All female contestants shall also wear a pelvic protector if the abdominal protector or pelvic girdle does not incorporate a pelvic protector into its design.

(f) All female contestants shall wear a sports bra. Female contestants may wear a plastic breast protector.

(g) The belt of the shorts shall not extend above the waistline. Shorts shall be without pockets or openings and shall be subject to approval by the Commission Representative.

(h) Contestants shall not use any cosmetic when competing.

(i) Contestant’s fingernails and thumbnails shall not extend past the tip of the fingers and thumbs.

(j) Ring shoes are required for all contestants.