If ever you thought that ice hockey was a distraction from the fights often seen on the rink, well then we have got some news for you.

On Wednesday, the Conor McGregor co-owned Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) confirmed that it has invested in Ice Wars — a fight league which sees competitors throw down on ice in the type of fights regularly seen in ice hockey matchups which has been in business since 2022.

The first BKFC Ice Wars event under the new partnership will take place in Michigan in June and will feature brawls that are “legal, sanctioned, and regulated” according to the promotion. A second event is scheduled for Alberta, Canada later in the year.

The unique fight league sees contests take place on the so-called ‘Ice Box’, a 900 sq-ft arena designed specifically for the sport. Competitors will be adorned in traditional hockey gear, as well as the types of 4oz gloves normally associated with mixed martial arts. Fights will take place across either three or five rounds, with each frame lasting 90 seconds with a one minute interval in between.

“We’ve been watching what the team at Ice Wars has been building, and it’s been incredible to see the passionate response they’ve received from audiences,” David Feldman, BKFC President, said in a Wednesday press release.

“Their vision and energy align perfectly with what we do at BKFC—bringing raw, high-adrenaline combat sports to fans in a way they’ve never seen before. Partnering with them to create BKFC Ice Wars was an easy decision, and we’re excited to take this to the next level together.”

It was added that BKFC Ice Wars intends to run six fight cards this year, with another 24 in 2026.

Charlie Nama, the BKFC Ice Wards CEO, said that the partnership is a “game changer.”

“BKFC’s backing gives us the platform and resources to bring our sport to the world stage, creating a new frontier in combat sports,” he explained.

“This isn’t just a partnership — it’s the fusion of two high-energy, no-holds-barred fight disciplines into one powerhouse league. Our first event is just the beginning, and we’re building something that will redefine international prizefighting competition and entertainment.”