Kai Stewart

Kai Stewart (born June 17, 2000) is an American bare-knuckle boxer and mixed martial artist. He currently competes in the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship in the featherweight division, where he is the current and inaugural BKFC Featherweight Champion. As a mixed martial artist, he has competed in the Featherweight division. As of August 29, 2026, he is #2 in the BKFC men's pound-for-pound rankings.

Wrestling career Kai Stewart attended Charles M. Russell High School, where he was a three-time Class AA Montana state finalist in wrestling, including a 138-lb state championship in 2018.

Stewart attended Minot State University in his first year, where he was a member of the MSU Beavers wrestling team. He compiled a 2-3 record as a freshman. He transferred to the University of Providence in his 2020 sophomore year.

Mixed martial arts career Stewart made his professional MMA career against Frank Meno on December 10, 2022, at Fusion Fight League's event, entitled Seasons Beatings Great Falls. He won the bout by rear-naked choke.

Bare-knuckle boxing career In his BKFC debut, Stewart faced Darrick Gates at BKFC Fight Night 1 on October 9, 2021. He won the fight via first-round knockout.

Stewart then faced Daniel Gary at BKFC 24 on April 30, 2022. He won the fight via first-round knockout.

Stewart next faced Rusty Crowder at BKFC 29 on September 10, 2022. He won the bout via split decision.

Featherweight champion Stewart faced Louie Lopez for the inaugural BKFC Featherweight Championship at BKFC 44 on June 9, 2023. He won the bout by unanimous decision to win the championship. This fight earned him the Fight of the Night award.

In his first title defense, Stewart faced Howard Davis on December 2, 2023, at BKFC 56. He won the bout by unanimous decision. This fight earned him another Fight of the Night award.

Stewart defended his title against Bryan Duran on June 21, 2024 in the main event of BKFC 62. He won the bout by unanimous decision. This fight earned him another Fight of the Night award.

Stewart made the third successful defense of his BKFC featherweight title by unanimous decision against Jimmie Rivera on November 9, 2024 at BKFC on DAZN 2.

Stewart defended his title for the fourth time against undefeated contender Tommy Strydom on April 5, 2025 at BKFC 72 Dubai: Day 2. He won the fight by unanimous decision.

Stewart made the fifth defense of his BKFC featherweight title against current unbeaten BKFC Europe Featherweight Champion Nico Gaffie at BKFC 87 on March 20, 2026. He won the fight by unanimous decision.

Stewart made his sixth defense against Harry Gigliotti on August 29, 2026 at BKFC 92. He won the fight by unanimous decision.

Championships and accomplishments Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship BKFC Featherweight World Champion (One time, current; inaugural) Six successful title defenses Fight of the Night (Three times) vs. Louie Lopez, Howard Davis and Bryan Duran Youngest champion in BKFC history (22 years, 11 months old)

Mixed martial arts record Win

Frank Meno Submission (rear-naked choke) Fusion Fight League: Season Beatings Great Falls

Great Falls, Montana, United States Bare knuckle record Win

Harry Gigliotti Decision (unanimous) BKFC 92

Boston, Massachusetts, United States Win

Nico Gaffie Decision (unanimous) BKFC 87

Hollywood, Florida, United States Win

Tommy Strydom Decision (unanimous) BKFC 72 Dubai: Day 2

Dubai, United Arab Emirates Win

Jimmie Rivera Decision (unanimous) BKFC on DAZN Montana: Stewart vs. Rivera

Billings, Montana, United States Win

Bryan Duran Decision (unanimous) BKFC 62

Hollywood, Florida, United States Win

Howard Davis Decision (unanimous) BKFC 56

Salt Lake City, Utah, United States Win

Louie Lopez Decision (unanimous) BKFC 44

Great Falls, Montana, United States Win

Rusty Crowder Decision (split) BKFC 29

Great Falls, Montana, United States Win

Daniel Gary KO (punches) BKFC 24

Great Falls, Montana, United States Win

Darrick Gates TKO (punches) BKFC Fight Night Montana: Riggs vs. Guillard

Billings, Montana, United States