SPARTAN BARE
KNUCKLE

In the North of England, an underground fight club is pushing violence to new extremes. Spartan Bare Knuckle Fight Club is the UK’s only licensed 8x8ft bare-knuckle pit fighting promotion. Its fights are short, bloody and brutal, and often end in knockouts.

But beneath the violence, the club aims to be a lifeline in difficult times. It was initially set up to prevent knife crime, allowing disputes to be settled before they escalate, with one condition: you shake hands after your fight and leave the argument in the pit. Over seven years, Spartan has become a form of community and therapy for men battling addiction and poor mental health.

Initially drawn to the violent spectacle of the 8x8 haybale arena, we set out to understand why men would choose to step into the pit and fight. But at the first Spartan event, we found something deeper, a raw, unexpected sense of warmth and brotherhood. In the UK, nearly 12 men take their own lives every day. With this film, we set out to give the fighters a space to share, and to explore how some men survive life’s darkest moments.

NOW ON APPLE AND AMAZON TV!

"We're finding this helps more than
waiting for a phonecall that never comes."
– Christian Roberts, Spartan Bareknuckle Fight Club