A violent street disturbance erupted outside Glasgow's OVO Hydro on the evening of November 7, 2026, following a bare-knuckle fighting championship, leaving three police officers injured and prompting the deployment of more than 20 police vehicles. Two men were arrested and charged with assault, obstructing police, and threatening and abusive behaviour, while a third received a recorded police warning.
According to BBC News, footage circulating on social media captured a group of men trading punches in the street outside the venue where thousands had gathered for the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) event. Police Scotland received reports of the large disturbance at approximately 23:10, and officers responding to the disorder came under attack.
The incident centred around Finnieston Quay, with footage also showing traffic halted near the Hilton Garden Inn as emergency services arrived. Three officers sustained injuries during the response, with two requiring medical treatment.
The two arrested men, aged 32 and 27, were charged with offences including assault, obstructing police, and threatening and abusive behaviour. Chief Inspector Paul Daley stated:
Several officers were assaulted whilst carrying out their duties during disorder following an event at the Hydro in Glasgow on Saturday night. Violence against officers is disgraceful and will not be tolerated. Being assaulted is not part of the job and it's extremely fortunate they were not seriously injured.
What was the BKFC event?
BKFC said its Glasgow debut drew a sold-out crowd, with the championship headlined by Sean Weir versus Leigh Cohoon for the vacant UK light-heavyweight title. Weir secured victory by stopping Cohoon in the first round. The event, known as BKFC 96, attracted significant attention, with notable figures including mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor in attendance. Irish fighter Conor Cooke reportedly withdrew from a featured bout shortly before the event over safety concerns for travelling fans.
What happens next?
The two charged men were expected to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday, November 9, 2026. A third man arrested during the disturbance was issued with a recorded police warning. Police Scotland said inquiries were continuing and that anyone found responsible would be brought to justice. The force appealed for information, asking witnesses to call 101 and quote incident 2029 of November 7.
Key Facts
- Three police officers were injured during the disturbance, with two requiring medical treatment
- More than 20 police vehicles responded to the disorder outside the OVO Hydro
- Two men, aged 32 and 27, were arrested and charged with assault, obstructing police, and threatening and abusive behaviour
- The incident followed a sold-out BKFC 96 event that drew thousands of spectators
- Police are continuing inquiries and have appealed for information from witnesses
