At BKB 44 in Denver, the main event between Paty Juárez and Kourtney Cameron wasn’t a war of attrition. In fact, many in the crowd grew restless as both fighters were reluctant to fully engage. Juárez retained her belt, but the bigger story is this: As a challenger, you should never rely on the judges to secure a championship. Leave no doubt, you are the rightful champ.

This is one of the unspoken rules of combat sports, especially in bare-knuckle: if you’re the contender, you don’t just have to win rounds—you have to take the belt.

The Burden on the Challenger

A champion can afford to be cautious. They already hold the gold. But a contender who fights safe, tentative, or overly strategic often walks away empty-handed, even if the scorecards are close. The belt doesn’t change hands unless the challenger leaves no doubt.

That’s the problem with Juárez vs. Cameron II. While Juárez didn’t have her most dominant performance, Cameron never engaged enough to truly threaten her reign. The lack of urgency left fans restless and removed any chance of Cameron taking the belt.

When the Crowd Boos, Fighters Should Listen

When the audience starts booing, it’s not just about entertainment—it’s feedback.

• For the champion, it often means you’re doing enough to retain because your opponent isn’t pressing hard enough.
• For the challenger, it’s a red flag: you’re not engaging enough to prove you deserve the crown.

A “smart fight” might look good in a non-title bout, but in a championship, it won’t win you the belt.

The Rule That Never Fails

At BKFC 39, Jenny Clausius (“Savage”) stepped in for her rematch with Britain Hart, hoping to avenge her earlier loss. But once again, Clausius fought too cautiously. Instead of pressing forward and forcing the champion into uncomfortable exchanges, she stayed on the outside, boxing safely and without urgency. Hart didn’t need a spectacular finish this time; her steady pressure and composure were enough to earn a unanimous decision and keep the Strawweight title. Clausius had her chance, but by failing to engage, she never gave the judges a reason to take the belt from Hart.

It was the same story when Luis Palomino defended his Lightweight belt against James “Lights Out” Lilley at BKFC 45. Lilley had talent, skill, and heart — but he didn’t bring the kind of urgency that makes judges and fans believe a challenger deserves the crown. Palomino coasted to a unanimous decision, never needing to step outside his comfort zone because Lilley didn’t force him to. Once again, the rule held: you can’t win the belt unless you take it.

But There’s Always an Exception

Of course, no rule is absolute. The biggest exception I’ve ever seen came at BKFC 26, when Luis Palomino moved up in weight to face Elvin Brito for the Welterweight Championship.

This fight was engaging. Both men fought hard. The rounds were close. Many fans and analysts walked away believing Brito had done enough to hold onto his title. And yet, when the scorecards were read, it was Palomino who left with the belt by unanimous decision.

That night became the rare exception to the “take the belt” rule — proof that even in a sport as raw and unforgiving as bare-knuckle, judging can sometimes flip the script.

Looking Ahead

Now, with a trilogy fight between Juárez and Cameron looming, the lesson is clear. Cameron, as the champion, could fight the same cautious fight and likely retain her belt. She brings the title with her, and unless Juárez forces the action, Cameron doesn’t need to change a thing.

But for Juárez, it’s different. If she wants her belt back, she cannot afford another tentative performance. She must push forward, engage, and prove beyond a doubt that she deserves to reclaim the crown.

Because in bare-knuckle, winning isn’t always enough. The fighters, the fans, and the judges all know it: if you want the belt, you have to take it.

Fans and fighters—what do you think?

• Have you seen other title fights where the challenger fought too cautiously and paid the price?
• Do you agree that the burden should always fall heavier on the contender?

The debate is open. But one truth remains: champions don’t give their belts away. Contenders have to take them.