Who could have fathomed that Bec Rawlings would be the one leading the bare-knuckle boxing resurgence in the United States after more than 100 years?
The former UFC fighter and Ultimate Fighter alum won her second straight bare-knuckle bout Saturday night, defeating Britain Hart by split decision (47-48, 50-45, 49-45) in the main event of Bare Knuckle FC 2 in Biloxi, Miss. With the victory, Rawlings retained the National Police Gazette women’s bare-knuckle boxing belt.
Rawlings didn’t just beat Hart, she dominated the boxer for five rounds, despite the odd dissenting scorecard. Rawlings appeared to drop Hart in the fourth round, though referee Dan Miragliotta ruled it a slip.