Arnold Adams (born July 9, 1985) is an American

mixed martial artist Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a full-contact fighting sport based on striking and grappling; incorporating techniques from various combat sports from around the world. In the early 20th century, various inter-stylistic contests took place t ...

and bare-knuckle boxer. He currently competes in the

Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship The Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) is an American bare-knuckle boxing promotion based in Philadelphia. The promotion was founded in April 2018, and is presided over by David Feldman. BKFC is the first promotion to hold an official st ...

, where he is the inaugural and a two-time BKFC Heavyweight Champion. As of April 4, 2025, he is tied at #4 in the BKFC men's pound-for-pound rankings.

Mixed martial arts career

Adams started his professional MMA career in 2008 and competed until 2016. Throughout his career, he compiled a 7-10 professional record.

Bare-knuckle boxing career

Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship

Heavyweight Tournament & BKFC Heavyweight Champion

In his BKFC debut Adams faced DJ Linderman in the Heavyweight Tournament Quarter-Finals, at the inaugural Bare Knuckle FC event held on June 2, 2018. He won the bout via unanimous decision. Heading into the semi-final, Adams faced

Joey Beltran Joey Beltran (born December 9, 1981) is an American bare-knuckle fighter and mixed martial arts, mixed martial artist. A professional mixed martial artist since 2007, he has competed for the Ultimate Fighting Championship, UFC, Bellator MMA, Bel ...

at BKFC 2 on August 25, 2018. He won the fight by fourth-round technical knockout. This fight earned him the ''Fight of the Night'' award. Adams faced Sam Shewmaker in the heavyweight tournament final, at BKFC 3: The Takeover on October 20, 2018. He won the bout via split decision to become the first BKFC heavyweight champion and Police Gazette Heavyweight American Champion. In his first title defense, Adams faced Chase Sherman at Bare Knuckle FC 7 on August 10, 2019. He lost the fight by unanimous decision.

Post-title reign

Adams faced Bobo O'Bannon at Bare Knuckle FC 16 on March 19, 2021. He won the fight via first-round knockout. This fight earned him the ''Knockout of the Night'' award. Adams faced Mick Terrill at BKFC 19 on July 23, 2021. He won the bout via third-round knockout.

Second title reign

Adams faced defending BKFC World Heavyweight Champion Joey Beltran in a rematch on November 6, 2021, at BKFC Fight Night: New York. He won the bout by unanimous decision, thus becoming BKFC Heavyweight Champion once again. Adams faced Dillon Cleckler on May 6, 2022, at Bare Knuckle FC 25. He won the bout by knockout in the second round to defend the title. This fight earned him another ''Fight of the Night'' award. Adams faced

Alan Belcher Alan Belcher (born April 24, 1984) is an American bare-knuckle boxer and former mixed martial artist. A professional from 2004 until 2015, he is perhaps best known for his 15-fight tenure with the UFC. He currently competes in Bare Knuckle Fig ...

at BKFC 36 on February 24, 2023. He lost the title via third-round knockout. Adams faced Mick Terrill in a rematch for the vacant BKFC Heavyweight Championship on December 2, 2023, at BKFC 56. He lost the bout by fourth-round knockout. Adams is scheduled to face Leonardo Perdomo in the main event on July 12, 2025 at BKFC 78.

Championships and accomplishments

Bare-knuckle boxing

** BKFC Heavyweight World Champion (Two times; inaugural) ** Police Gazette Heavyweight American Champion (One time) ** Fight of the Night (One time) vs.

2 ** Knockout of the Night (Two times) vs. Bobo O'Bannon and Dillon Cleckler

Mixed martial arts

*Hoosier Fight Club **Hoosier FC Heavyweight Championship (One time) *Fight Club OC **FCOC Super Heavyweight Championship (One time)

Mixed martial arts record

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Bare knuckle record

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References

External links

* {{DEFAULTSORT:Adams, Arnold 1985 births Living people People from Fairbanks, Alaska American male mixed martial artists Mixed martial artists from Illinois Heavyweight mixed martial artists American bare-knuckle boxers African-American mixed martial artists