Luss fighter Hannah Rankin aiming to make history on Bare Knuckle debut

Hannah has signed up to the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), a new series showcasing the top bare knuckle fighters in the world - which is backed by combat sports icon Conor McGregor.

Luss boxer Hannah Rankin begins a new era on Friday night, as she ditches her boxing gloves for a shot at bare knuckle glory.

The two time world champion has signed up for the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), a new series showcasing the top bare knuckle fighters in the world - which is backed by combat sports icon Conor McGregor.

Hannah makes her debut on Friday (October 12) against Iranian kickboxer Sahel Bayat in Marbella.

And she is determined to make more history - becoming Scotland’s first BKFC champion, after becoming the country’s first female boxing world championn.

Hannah told the Lennox: “It’s the real base level of combat sport. It’s gladiatorial fighting. Just you and your fists.

“There is no kicking, you can’t take anyone down.

“There is a huge respect between fighters. You’re getting in there to punch each other. It’s like boxing in that regard, but this is a whole different level.

“There is a greater chance of cuts. It’s going to be high-pace, high intensity with a lot of knockouts.

“I fully intend to make history, just as I did in boxing. I want to become a two sport world champion.”

Hannah was last in the ring in April, as she lost to Naomi Mannes by split decision.

And she felt that now was the right time to change discipline - and help bring extra motivation.

The former Hermitage Academy pupil continued: “When I was approached and asked if I’d like to fight for BKFC I knew I needed a new challenge.

“I’m a two time world champion, I’ve got two IBO world titles, a WBA world title and WBC silver. I’ve fought all over the world and fought some of the best fighters on the planet.

“For me I’m excited about the new challenge.

“I needed something to give me the pre-fight nerves again.

“It was something different. I’m not afraid of a challenge and I’m excited to be doing something different, but especially working alongside Conor McGregor. Which is incredible.

“I had watched some of BKFC beforehand. I’m big into all combat sports, so it was something that was on my radar.

“When Conor McGregor got involved it really stepped up. It’s amazing to work with him and have his whole team involved with me.

“He’s blowing this up. He’s a huge superstar in the combat world of sport - but also beyond that - and it’s something he’s really into. This is his first major show with BKFC; there are three world title fights headlining. So I couldn’t be fighting on a bigger card.

“It’s so exciting to be on such an exciting new project.

“I’ve been involved in a lot of things in their early stages. And that’s the case here. BKFC is about to take off.”

But Hannah is taking nothing for granted against a fellow series debutante.

She added: “I’m expecting Sahel to be a tough opponent. She’s very experienced in kickboxing.

“That’s the thing about BKFC. A lot of the fighters are coming over from MMA, kickboxing, Muay Thai. People are coming from across the combat world.

“There will be different angles with the punches, different stances. But that’s what I’ve been working with the best coaches on.

“I’ve been working with a lot of different sparring partners. It’s allowed me to branch out into different areas which are new and exciting.

“But I know I have the transferable skills. It’s just without gloves. And I’m so excited.”

Hannah’s fight is live on DAZN.

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