MMA News

Category: BKFC

Latest BKFC news. The Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship league was founded in 2018 by former professional boxer David Feldman.

  • MMA Fighter Disqualified In BKFC Main Event For Takedown

    MMA Fighter Disqualified In BKFC Main Event For Takedown

    Julian Lane, the fighter whose entire bare-knuckle identity is built on the “let me bang, bro” catchphrase, lost his main event by doing the one thing his persona forbids: shooting for a takedown. The veteran was disqualified at BKFC Fight Night: Hollywood after a double-leg attempt injured opponent Bryce Henry in the fourth round.

    Takedowns and grappling are illegal under BKFC rules, which limit competition to bare-fisted punching. When Lane abandoned the striking that made his name and went for the legs, the referee waved the bout off once Henry appeared hurt by the attempt.

    Bare Knuckle FC shared the strange finish on social media, summing it up bluntly.

    “Wrong sport Julian! Strange ending to our Main Event,” the promotion wrote, per Bare Knuckle FC (Twitter/@bareknucklefc).

    Fans Question Whether Bryce Henry Was Really Hurt

    Despite Lane committing the clear foul, much of the online reaction turned on Henry instead. Many fans speculated that he was not actually injured and instead milked the takedown to bait the disqualification.

    Lane may carry an MMA background, but he is no stranger to the bare-knuckle ruleset. He first competed in BKFC back in 2017 and has shared the ring with names like Mike Perry, David Mundell, and Thiago Alves during his tenure.

    From ‘Let Me Bang, Bro’ To DQ Loss

    The 38-year-old became a household name in MMA circles as the emotional contestant who repeatedly told teammates “let me bang, bro” during a heated confrontation on The Ultimate Fighter. He appeared on the show twice, first in 2012 and again for the “Redemption” season in 2017, though he was never signed to the UFC roster.

    Lane has since leaned fully into bare-knuckle competition, where his all-action style appeared to fit. That made the takedown attempt all the more baffling, and a costly reversal of the brand he built. His climb in the division had previously been chronicled when fans questioned his standing ahead of a title bout.

    This time, the only thing that beat Julian Lane was Julian Lane.

    Via Bare Knuckle FC (Twitter/@bareknucklefc)

  • BKFC President David Feldman Says He Wanted To Give Out 12 Knockout Bonuses At BKFC 90

    BKFC President David Feldman Says He Wanted To Give Out 12 Knockout Bonuses At BKFC 90

    Darren Till overcame a knockdown to stop Aaron Chalmers in his BKFC debut at BKFC 90 in Birmingham, England on Friday night, while BKFC President David Feldman said he was disappointed he could not give out more knockout bonuses than the three or four he ultimately awarded.

    Feldman spoke at the post-fight press conference, where he confirmed an attendance of 7,492 at the Utilita Arena.

    “Really good night here in Birmingham. Got off to a bit of a slow start. Honestly was a little bit aggravated with some of the action and then the guys just started picking it up as the night went on.”

    On the knockout bonus structure that Conor McGregor had requested ahead of the event, Feldman expressed mild frustration at the final tally.

    “It’s kind of based on their purse so we’ll figure that out on Monday but, you know, I was hoping to, I wanted to give out 12 bonuses. But I’m only going to be able to give out three or four of them.”

    Rico Franco won the interim world welterweight championship in the main event. Feldman named Franco’s performance as Knockout of the Night and awarded Fight of the Night to George Thorpe and Leigh Cohoon.

    Till signed a three-fight deal with BKFC in April. His long-term goal remains a fight with Mike Perry.

  • Darren Till Gets Dropped, Comes Back To KO Aaron Chalmers

    Darren Till Gets Dropped, Comes Back To KO Aaron Chalmers

    Though it was from perfect, Darren Till managed to bring an unbelievable performance in his BKFC debut, scoring a finish of Aaron Chalmers at BKFC 90.

    Late in the first round, Chalmers caught Till with a left hand, causing the Liverpool-born fighter to stumble and his knee to touch the mat, giving Chalmers a knockdown.

    Till was not deterred, however. In the second round, Till would land his own left hand on Chalmers, crumbling him to the canvas.

    Darren Till KOs Aaron Chalmers In BKFC Debut At BKFC 90

    Chalmers was unable to continue and beat the count, giving Till the knockout victory.

    Till, the former UFC welterweight title challenger, fought in boxing three times in 2025. After defeating Anthony Taylor and Darren Stewart, Till defeated Luke Rockhold to become the first bridgerweight champion of Misfits Boxing.

    Chalmers came into this bout off a win over Jack Fincham in September.

  • Darren Till Explained Exactly What Changed His Mind About BKFC And It Was Not A Change Of Heart

    Darren Till Explained Exactly What Changed His Mind About BKFC And It Was Not A Change Of Heart

    Darren Till says a financial offer he could not refuse was the reason he signed with BKFC after years of publicly dismissing the sport, and says his eventual goal is a fight with Mike Perry.

    Speaking to MMA Fighting, Till was candid about what changed.

    “What changed is my bank account got a few zeroes in it. The opportunity was too good to pass. David had been on me for a while. He spoke to my manager back and forth, he sat down with the team and said ‘Darren, look, the time is now, the offer’s really good and Darren it sort of fits your style, suits your style the way you fight.’ I’m a boxing, punch combination guy. I do hit hard. I’ve got big hands and stuff.”

    Till described the mindset he plans to bring to bare-knuckle.

    “I’ve got one of the guys out with me that’s done 13 bare-knuckle fights so he obviously knows his way around. I think in this bare-knuckle from me speaking my opinion, I think it’s a ‘f*ck you’ attitude you’ve got to have. You’re going to get hit. You’re going to get cut. It’s going to hurt. If that’s my only fear, there’s no sleepless nights. Nothing. Confidence is high.”

    On MMA, the 33-year-old was honest about his future in the sport.

    “I’ve had my time in the UFC. I didn’t do too badly. I’ve had a good little go in Misfits. Probably 85 percent MMA is behind me to be honest with you.”

    Perry — the face of BKFC — had originally been planned as Till’s debut opponent before Perry signed with Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions for his fight with Nate Diaz. Till said he will stay in BKFC until that fight happens.

    “I’ll stay around the bare-knuckle until it happens. So if I have to take 10 fights to get to the Mike Perry fight, that’s what’s going to happen, isn’t it? Obviously, I’m coming over to his turf. He’s the ‘King of Violence.’ I’ve got to take his title from him. Hopefully by the end of this year, that fight gets made and we finally meet in the center.”

  • Jorge Masvidal Challenges Chael Sonnen to Bare-Knuckle MMA Fight After Sonnen Called Him a Liar

    Jorge Masvidal Challenges Chael Sonnen to Bare-Knuckle MMA Fight After Sonnen Called Him a Liar

    Jorge Masvidal has escalated his feud with Chael Sonnen by challenging him to a bare-knuckle MMA fight at his own promotion, delivering one of his more colorful responses in a career that has not been short of them.

    The confrontation stems from Sonnen calling out Masvidal on his YouTube channel and branding him a liar for claiming to be in discussions with the UFC about a return. Masvidal addressed the comments on the Deathrow podcast and made clear he has not forgotten that Sonnen cornered Colby Covington during their rivalry, which he considers a line crossed.

    “This motherf—er has nerve,” Masvidal said. “Every time he mentions my name his 17 fans tune in because he literally has no views, everyone has forgotten about this guy. I’m gonna beat the living f—ing breaks out of you, but not for free. I’ll pay you to come over to my promotion bare-knuckle MMA, I’ll go up to heavyweight, beat the lesbian out of you.”

    Masvidal and Sonnen had a respectful relationship until Masvidal turned on him in 2022 after comments Sonnen made that Masvidal took as a betrayal. Sonnen’s decision to corner Covington, Masvidal’s most bitter rival, further damaged whatever remained of the dynamic.

    Masvidal is still awaiting a confirmed UFC return. Dana White confirmed he is in discussions with Masvidal about a comeback, though no opponent has been finalized. Masvidal has stated he would immediately drop back to welterweight for a fight with Leon Edwards.

    Gamebred Promotions, Masvidal’s bareknuckle MMA organization, holds its next event on May 1, headlined by Yoel Romero vs. Hector Lombard.

  • Darren Till Signs Multi-Fight Deal with BKFC, Set For May Debut

    Darren Till Signs Multi-Fight Deal with BKFC, Set For May Debut

    Darren Till has officially found a new fighting home, confirming a move into bare-knuckle boxing after teasing a major announcement earlier this week.

    The former UFC welterweight title challenger has signed a multi-fight deal with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship and is set to make his debut at BKFC 90 on May 30. Till is expected to compete in the 185-pound division, though his opponent for the debut has yet to be announced.

    The event will take place at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham, England, marking Till’s first appearance under bare-knuckle rules.

    Darren Till Set For BKFC Debut After Successful Boxing Run

    “The Gorilla” enters BKFC following a strong stint in influencer boxing, where he went undefeated in three appearances under the Misfits banner. During that run, the 33-year-old Liverpudian secured wins over Anthony Taylor and Darren Stewart before knocking out former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold to claim the promotion’s bridgerweight title.

    After confirming his departure from Misfits on good terms, Till made it clear he was ready for a new challenge. That next step now comes in one of the fastest-growing and most physically demanding formats in combat sports.

    Till himself expressed confidence and excitement about the move, signaling his intent to make an immediate impact in his new environment.

    “I am very pleased to be signing with the BKFC. It’s an amazing promotion! F*ck everyone on this roster, I’m coming to be the face of violence. No one can beat me.”

    While some fans had hoped for a return to MMA, this move instead opens the door to fresh matchups, including a long-discussed clash with BKFC superstar Mike Perry, a rivalry that dates back to their UFC days.

  • Sabah Homasi DQ’d After Spinning Backfist Breaks Carrera’s Nose at BKFC 87

    Sabah Homasi DQ’d After Spinning Backfist Breaks Carrera’s Nose at BKFC 87

    Sabah Homasi was recently disqualified at BKFC 87 on March 20th, after breaking Leonel Carrera’s nose with a spinning backfist. The fight took place at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. The move is illegal in Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), but legal in MMA.

    Homasi had entered the fight with a 1-1 BKFC record. He had a win against Peralta on December 21st, 2024, and a win against Tello on April 4, 2025. Homasi also has an MMA record of 17-12 and is a veteran of Bellator and the UFC.

    Controversial Disqualification

    After missing a left hand, Homasi landed a spinning backfist that dropped Carrera. Carrera immediately told the referee that his nose was broken, and the fight was stopped after the ringside doctor intervened.

    Christian Torres, an 8-fight BKFC veteran, confirmed in the comments of an Instagram post that spinning backfists are illegal in BKFC. Fighters are warned against using them in rules meetings.

    “Yes, these are very illegal and we are warned in the back and rules meetings to not throw them as well.”

    The disqualification at BKFC 87 serves as a reminder that fighters crossing between combat sports must fully adapt—not just in style, but in rules awareness. It’s a tough lesson for Homasi, who showed finishing ability in the exchange but ultimately leaves with a loss that will likely spark debate among fans.

  • Gzim Selmani Eyes BKFC Title, Calls Out Eddie Hall, Targets Summer Return

    Gzim Selmani Eyes BKFC Title, Calls Out Eddie Hall, Targets Summer Return

    Gzim Selmani is back in training less than a week after his BKFC debut KO, targeting a return around summer 2026 — and he has the heavyweight title firmly in his sights.

    The former WWE tag team champion, known in wrestling as Rezar of the Authors of Pain, laid out his competitive roadmap on The Ariel Helwani Show following his 2nd-round finish of Daniel Curtain in Newcastle, England.

    “I hope somewhere around the summertime I’ll be in there again.”

    The Title Picture

    Selmani made no secret of where he sees himself in the BKFC heavyweight division. Selmani noted that the path to a title shot in BKFC doesn’t necessarily require a lengthy queue.

    “Not too far away, I think. Let me rack up some wins — and I’ll knock them out, too.”

    He pointed to the fact that Andrei Arlovski received a title shot after only a handful of BKFC fights as evidence that big names move quickly in the promotion.

    With Selmani’s combat sports pedigree — trained by Golden Glory alongside Alistair Overeem, a Bellator veteran who nearly signed with the UFC — he considers himself an immediate contender.

    Eddie Hall Callout — No Response

    Selmani also addressed a callout he made to World’s Strongest Man Eddie Hall, who had been targeting smaller opponents including Dylan Danis.

    “He was calling out Dylan Danis, and I’m watching from home thinking, ‘What the hell are you doing? This guy is a quarter of your size. If you’re really that tough, call out a heavyweight.’ He got beat up by his buddy Hafthor Bjornsson, and now you want to call out this little kid? So I called him out — but his management didn’t want anything to do with it.”

    The Conor McGregor Connection

    UFC legend Conor McGregor — who is a part-owner and partner in BKFC — personally invited Selmani to a show in Manchester, which introduced him to the promotion. Selmani mentioned McGregor by name in his viral post-fight promo and described the investor group’s conviction in BKFC’s global potential.

    “They really believe in the company — they know it’s going to go globally and be as big as UFC or bigger.”

    It’s a significant vote of confidence for a promotion that McGregor has been tied to as an investor since 2024, and one that Selmani clearly views as far more than a post-WWE landing spot. His identity in BKFC is built on a simple philosophy he has carried his entire career — the bad guy who keeps beating hometown heroes in front of hostile crowds.

    “I was automatically always a bad guy. I used to go to all the other countries to fight — Macedonia, England, Bosnia — and I always fought the hometown heroes, and I always beat them up. They always boo me, and I love it. Let me be the bad guy, but I’ll still knock your favorite out.”

    Newcastle was the latest chapter in that story. Summer 2026 will be the next one.

  • Ex-WWE Star Gzim Selmani Predicts BKFC Will Be Bigger Than UFC and WWE

    Ex-WWE Star Gzim Selmani Predicts BKFC Will Be Bigger Than UFC and WWE

    Gzim Selmani — the former WWE tag team champion known as Rezar of the Authors of Pain recently made a thunderous BKFC debut in Newcastle, England, finishing Daniel Curtain in the second round and delivering a post-fight promo that host Ariel Helwani called “front-runner for promo of the year.”

    The Albanian-Dutch heavyweight sat down with Helwani on The Ariel Helwani Show to break down what drew him to bare knuckle, the psychological side of competing, and why he believes BKFC is on a trajectory that could eventually rival the UFC itself.

    “I’m here to knock people out anywhere in the world. Come get it. I’m done with everybody. Give it. Get it. I’m the Albanian psycho. I’m the one who came from WWE to this place. I have fought my ass off and I’m here. Thank you to David Feldman. Thank you to Conor McGregor. I’m here to stay — whether you like it or not. The Albanian psycho has arrived at BKFC.”

    Why Bare Knuckle — Not MMA, Not Boxing

    Selmani was deliberate in his choice of BKFC over other combat sports options. When asked why he gravitated toward the most extreme end of the spectrum, his answer was characteristically direct.

    “It’s the next level of violence, and it’s the most extreme option out there. It’s perfectly for me. As my nickname says it — it’s the perfect place for a psychopath.”

    He also described the visceral satisfaction of returning to real fighting after years in the scripted world of professional wrestling.

    “It was so good to be in there again. Just the feeling of putting your knuckles against somebody’s face and just punching as hard as you can and as fast as you can and trying to hurt somebody as much as you can — it’s something you can’t compare with wrestling. It’s something that I needed.”

    The Switch He Can’t Control

    Selmani offered a candid look at the psychological transformation he goes through before fights — something he traces back to his very first pro bout at 18 years old in Romania, fighting a 38-year-old Siberian opponent.

    “My first pro fight was in Romania. I had just turned 18 years old and I fought a 38-year-old guy — a Siberian Romanian guy. I just flipped 20 minutes before the fight, and my coach said, ‘You just look like a psychopath.’ I went in there, fought my ass off, won — and that’s when he gave me the nickname.”

    That transformation, he says, is entirely involuntary.

    “I have no control over it. I just become a different person. As soon as I know it’s victory or death, I flip that switch automatically and become completely someone else. It’s something that comes out when it needs to come out — and that’s during fights.”

    ‘Bigger Than UFC and WWE’

    Perhaps his boldest statement of the interview was his prediction for BKFC’s future — a prediction he made after seeing the Newcastle show firsthand from backstage and inside the ring.

    “I think this company is going to be as big or bigger than UFC and even WWE, to be honest. The excitement that the fans get from a show like this, the adrenaline rush — it’s unmatched by any other organization in the world. I’ve been around almost every organization. I see the potential now in BKFC and I know it’s going to go globally big.”

    He backed up the prediction with a scouting report on the competition level:

    “They’re high level, man. Especially watching them warm up and watching the fights — these guys are as real as it gets. The quality of fighting is very high here. Especially without the gloves, it’s a different ball game.”

    Conor McGregor is an investor and partner in BKFC, and Selmani credited him alongside president David Feldman by name in his post-fight promo. The combination of McGregor’s star power and BKFC’s raw product is, in Selmani’s view, a formula that has nowhere to go but up.

  • Mike Perry Hypes Next BKFC Opponent: “He’s Done Legendary Sh*t”

    Mike Perry Hypes Next BKFC Opponent: “He’s Done Legendary Sh*t”

    BKFC “King of Violence” champion Mike Perry is dropping hints about a blockbuster opponent for his next fight, and by his telling, it could be the biggest bout in bare-knuckle boxing history.

    Feldman Set the Stage With a Cryptic Tease

    BKFC president David Feldman lit the fuse earlier this week when he told MMA Fighting that Perry’s next fight would be against a name that would shock fans.

    “It will be the biggest name that he ever fought times five. Huge name. It’s going to be unbelievable,” Feldman said. “Everybody’s going to be a little surprised by it. But it’s a big name and it’s going to be a big event down here.”

    Feldman indicated the fight is being targeted for May in the Orlando area, giving Perry a homecoming event in his native Florida. Perry has not competed since his stoppage win over Jeremy Stephens in the main event of BKFC 82 last October.

    Perry Confirms: “He’s Definitely a Legend”

    When asked to provide context on Feldman’s tease, Perry kept his cards close but confirmed the hype is warranted.

    “I am excited and I hope it does come together, it would be an honor,” Perry told MMA Fighting. “The athlete is definitely a dangerous one and I’m going to do whatever I have to do to be my best self in the ring and give the people the bloodiest, most violent mess that I can cause.”

    Perry agreed with Feldman’s “times five” claim about the opponent’s stature:

    “Yeah, I think so. He’s definitely a legend. He’s done some legendary sh*t, and we’re gonna probably get mean.”

    Who Could the Mystery Opponent Be?

    Perry’s BKFC resume already includes wins over former UFC and Bellator veterans Michael Page, Luke Rockhold, Eddie Alvarez, and Thiago Alves. For an opponent to be “five times bigger” than those names, the speculation points toward a major crossover star.

    The Orlando setting and Perry’s description of the opponent as a “legend” and “dangerous athlete” have fans guessing, but neither party is ready to reveal more just yet.

    Perry’s BKFC Reign Continues

    Since leaving the UFC, the 34-year-old has become the face of BKFC and arguably the biggest draw in bare-knuckle boxing. A hometown fight in Orlando in May would mark Perry’s return to competing in Florida for the first time since his early MMA career, adding another layer of intrigue to an already buzzy announcement.

    Stay tuned for the official reveal, which Feldman suggested could come “soon.”

  • BKFC 84’s Josh Dyer Eyes Biggest Bout of His Life vs. Lorenzo Hunt After Getting Sent to the ER in First Fight

    BKFC 84’s Josh Dyer Eyes Biggest Bout of His Life vs. Lorenzo Hunt After Getting Sent to the ER in First Fight

    BKFC 84 will see Josh Dyer defend his light heavyweight championship against a former champion within that lineage. Not just anyone, but against someone who is arguably his arch-rival in Lorenzo Hunt. The sequel clash takes place on November 15th, and Dyer appeared on Bare Knuckle Bowker ahead of this main event clash.

    Touching on the first fight and how important this chance to run it back with ‘The Juggernaut’ is, Dyer said [via Bare Knuckle Bowker],

    “He took a piece of my soul a couple years back, so now I need to go back and get that from him.”

    The impactful nature of how the initial Lorenzo Hunt performance played out left a tremendous toll, not just physically, but on all levels. The beating was so comprehensive that right after the fight, Dyer began honing his own unique style for bare knuckle, which has carried him to championship gold, where he now gets to run it back with the lone man to beat him in gloveless combat.

    When asked about the mindset and unique feelings heading into a BKFC contest of this magnitude, Dyer stated [via Bare Knuckle Bowker],

    “Well, it honestly just feels like the most important fight of my life. In Bare Knuckle, he was my only loss and he did it in a very brutal way, you know.”

    “So I’m just happy to get the opportunity to get back in there and get that.”

    “My team’s excited for it. Got a lot of friends and fans, they’re excited for it. You know, you always want to see your guy go back and get the dub.”

    “So, you know, to be able to have this opportunity is a big deal for me.”

    The paltry sum BKFC reportedly paid Dyer for the first Hunt fight

    There was also a separate interview Dyer did where he mentioned that he was paid five grand for the first clash with Hunt. When it was playfully mentioned that hopefully he was now making more money to fight the former two-division BKFC champion in Hunt, as Dyer quipped [via Bare Knuckle Bowker],

    “Yeah, we’re getting significantly more. My knockout bonus is more than; Yeah, way more than that. So, yeah, I’m really excited for this one.”

    “Now I know what he’s capable of. And yeah, that last one wasn’t worth it for 5Gs.”

    “I would recommend that nobody take that for 5Gs [laughs]. My emergency room bills were 13 Gs.”

    “So, yeah. No, I made sure this time we took it way more seriously with the negotiations.”

  • Ben Rothwell vs. Gustavo Trujillo Fantasy Fight Broken Down by Ex-BKB Champ

    Ben Rothwell vs. Gustavo Trujillo Fantasy Fight Broken Down by Ex-BKB Champ

    Ben Rothwell and Gustavo Trujillo stand tall among heavyweight bare knuckle fighters but who would win a hypothetical clash between the BKFC and BKB, respectively titleholders? An ex-UFC vet who respects Rothwell quite a bit and also lost his BKB heavyweight crown to Trujillo has weighed in on how he would see the dream bout playing out.

    That fighter in question is Ike Villanueva, who appeared on Bare Knuckle Bowker ahead of his Jarome Hatch title eliminator bout for BKB 48.

    In terms of who the best heavyweight overall in bare knuckle is, many cite names like Leonardo Perdomo, Ben Rothwell, or Gustavo Trujillo. With cross-promotional events not being the norm in combat sports, we will not have a chance to solve these questions in the immediate future. But when asked where he thinks Gustavo Trujillo sits in the general bare knuckle heavyweight landscape, Villanueva said [via Bare Knuckle Bowker],

    “The only one that would really give him trouble is Big Ben. Big Ben is; he’s a big; that’s a cornfed mofo, man [laughs].”
    “He’s big, and he can weather that. And like he says, Gustavo will have to be on his A game, but if it plays out.”

    “You fight him in the BKFC style or the BKB style? It favors him in the BKB style, for Big Ben.”

    “because there’s no room for Gustavo really to move because he’s just gonna tie you up and just wear you down.”

    Ben Rothwell vs. Gustavo Trujillo would “be a hell of a fight”, per Villanueva

    Further expounding upon his thoughts regarding a dream-based, mega matchup with Ben Rothwell and Gustavo Trujillo, Villanueva continued [via Bare Knuckle Bowker],

    “That’s a lot of weight behind Big Ben, and Gustavo’s like probably like 245. But I think that would be a hell of a fight, like for a fight fan.”

    “You got two just monsters, and you got guys, one is a great boxer.”

    “One’s just like a f****ing; man, I respect him but I hate saying this, it’s like a f***ing bar brawler.

    “because when he touches you, good night. You see what he did to last anyway. I mean God. Now I know why the dude was shying away to fight.”

    “He wanted no part of Big Ben. And I’ve been a fan of Big Ben since day one, and I’m glad he’s doing what he’s doing.”

    “But that’d be a hell of a fight, though. Him and Gustavo? Oh man, that’ll be a hell of a fight.”

  • BKFC’s Esteban Rodriguez Hungry for Big Redemptive KO vs. Zac Cavender at 1st BKFC Michigan card

    BKFC’s Esteban Rodriguez Hungry for Big Redemptive KO vs. Zac Cavender at 1st BKFC Michigan card

    This week’s BKFC main event has some redemption related underpinnings as Esteban Rodriguez aims to take out Zac Cavender after Cavender knocked out a long time teammate of Rodriguez’s right in front of him.

    Esteban Rodriguez takes on Zac Cavender at BKFC Fight Night: Michigan on November 1st. Rodriguez appeared on Bare Knuckle Bowker to discuss Cavender stopping training partner and friend Erick Lozano. Zac Cavender secured a brutal first round finish over Lozano at BKFC 74 and when asked if there was any redemptive components associated with getting one back for his teammate/friend, Rodriguez said [via Bare Knuckle Bowker],

    “100%, man. Listen, I was in that corner when that happened. I was cornering [Erick] Lozano. I went to go help him out with that. I was so helpless in that corner right there.”

    “It was like; it’s new to me. You know what I mean, being in somebody’s corner. So it was just a whole different experience. But to see your friend get taken out like that and like me not being able to do anything about it.”

    “I was just like, “Oh, man.” And in a way, I kind of manifested it because then it’s like, “Oh, let me get him, man.” I couldn’t get, you know, coming from where we come from, man.”

    “It’s like, you got to challenge him right there. Oh, you took him out? Now, it’s my turn. How dare you. Like, but it’s just; now like being able to see that. I talked to him in the back. You know what I mean?”

    “Cuz I told him, “You coming for that championship in the 205 division, man, that’s my throne right there.” I was like, “You know, you’re going to have to go through me if you’re going to have to handle those men.””

    “So, we had a little talk in the back and he’s like, “Well, yeah. we’ve seen you on the radar and I definitely know we would put on a hell of a hell of a show, man.””

    “Because he’s been able to put pressure, but he’s never felt a pressure fighter like me before. You know what I mean? So, it’s like when I’m going to be able to get; like since this point forward, I’ve been able to see that, you know, all the competition is coming in the 205 division.”

    “Him getting a knockout like that, you know, especially one of my friends and in front of me. Yeah, I’m like, I got to get [that] back, man.”

    “I got to do something about this. I just can’t let that happen, man. And it’s like it’s just not; I don’t know. Regardless of what it is like just there’s something in me that just can’t let that slide.”

    BKFC throws him to the wolves but Esteban Rodriguez is “still standing, baby”

    When playfully mentioning how this seems like one of those BKFC bouts where you have to make sure you got your drink and your snacks lined up. This because Cavender has back-to-back first round knockouts and Rodriguez has a 3 second KO win in his last outing.

    Responding to that comment referencing this being a ‘don’t blink or you’ll miss it’ kind of outings, Rodriguez stated [via Bare Knuckle Bowker],

    “Back to back to back, bro. I’m telling you, man. These guys, all they say that there’s these fighters that are undefeated and all that. I’ve been thrown to the wolves every single time. They’ve been trying to take me out since the beginning, man, and I’m still standing, baby.”

    “And I’m still going to be standing strong. Once they send their best, man, when they send their best, that’s when they’re going to see me going pulling out the worst. Where it’s just going to be nitty gritty and just taking them out back to back to back to back, baby.”

  • BKFC Italy Chris Camozzi vs Alessio Sakara broken down by BKB legend: “he’s a legend in the fight game”

    BKFC Italy Chris Camozzi vs Alessio Sakara broken down by BKB legend: “he’s a legend in the fight game”

    BKFC Italy will see partisan favorite Alessio Sakara look to claim cruiserweight gold from reigning titleholder Chris Camozzi and an Irish bare knuckle legend fighting on that card has given his thoughts on the bout. The combatant being referenced here is Jimmy Sweeney, with this being his sophomore effort in Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. The multi-division BKB champion made his debut in BKFC at the last card that saw the promotion come to Italy, and Chris Camozzi was also headlining, defending his cruiserweight crown.

    Sweeeny battles former welterweight title challenger Carlos Trinidad Snake on October 25th with that Saturday clash having big title eliminator potential attached to it. When asked for his thoughts on the Chris Camozzi vs. Alessio Sakara cruiserweight title fight that headlines this BKFC Italy event, Sweeney said [via Bare Knuckle Bowker],

    “That’s going to be a good fight. I’ve become good friends with Chris. He’s a great guy. A gentleman, an absolute gentleman. I haven’t seen much of Sakara. I’ve seen highlights of his last bare-knuckle fight, but he’s a legend in the fight game. So, it’ll be a very interesting fight. Yeah, Chris is coming into their backyard and obviously hoping to come away with the win again. But very interesting fight and I wish both of them the very best of luck.”

    BKFC Italy “massive stadium, massive fight card”, Sweeney says ” I’m happy with that”

    Chris Camozzi and Jimmy Sweeney have developed a bond since the last BKFC Italy card heading into this enxt foray into the world of Italian gloveless combat. The two have shown love to one another on social media.

    With Sakara being such a legend of Italian combat sports, there should be a great turnout for that Italy card. When asked how much this bigger crowd and bigger overall presence for BKFC in another part of the world informs his temperament heading into this weekend, Sweeney stated [via Bare Knuckle Bowker],

    “Yeah, of course. We got the bigger stadium. We done the smaller stadium in Florence, I think it was 5,000 maybe, something like that. I think this one’s about an 11,000 [seat] stadium. So massive, massive stadium. But whether they’re going to do the 11,000 or cut it down to maybe about 6,000, I don’t know yet. But massive stadium, massive fight card. Yeah, I’m really looking forward to it. This time I can get to watch a couple of fights. So I’m happy with that.”

  • For Jimmy Sweeney “Is the Fire the Same?” Wonders Tyler Goodjohn

    For Jimmy Sweeney “Is the Fire the Same?” Wonders Tyler Goodjohn

    Tyler Goodjohn is a former BKB champion, as well as someone who plied his trade in BKFC, which gives him unique insights into Jimmy Sweeney’s current situation. Sweeney is a former multi-division BKB champion with the Irish legend of gloveless combat seeking his first BKFC-specific win in his second bout with the promotion. Sweeney takes on Carlos Trinidad Snake this weekend and Goodjohn weighed in on that matchup when he appeared on Bare Knuckle Bowker.

    There were some pre-pandemic talks about Goodjohn fighting Jimmy Sweeney which never materialized but there is some quasi connectivity between the two. When asked if he has any particular thoughts on that Sweeney vs. Trinidad Snake match up and if that bout could potentially cement that next BKFC welterweight title challenger for reigning champ Julian Lane, Goodjohn said [via Bare Knuckle Bowker],

    “Yeah, like look, I think that Jimmy fought really well against [Rico] Franco in their last fight actually. and showed that he’s got a lot left because what is he like early 40s?”

    “and to be fair to Jimmy, he is like really drilling himself into shape. Like looks in very, very good shape every time he fights now.”

    “So yeah, it’s down to him, isn’t it? It’s, you know, how he looks after himself, how much fire is there? You know, he’s had a lot of bare knuckle fights.”

    “Is the fire the same? I personally think he’ll outpoint that [Carlos] Trinidad Snake. I do. I think that he’s just, he’s got; especially in that circle ring and that, I think that he’s got a very good style in there to be fair.”

    Jimmy Sweeney and the bare knuckle icon who is seeking his first BKFC win

    Jimmy Sweeney is in a truly unique spot in the bare knuckle world where some feel he has a certain amount to prove, relative to them being fixated on just the BKFC circuit, but people who follow the sport as a whole are well aware of his massive pedigree in this world. Not only does he have one of the deepest winning resumes in bare knuckle as far as cumulative bouts, but Sweeney also has an unparalled championship ledger in this world.

    ‘The King’ lived up to his namesake in many ways with BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing as Sweeney cemented himself as a seven time, four weight champion in the BKB space before making his BKB debut. Also of note, BKB utilizes day of weigh ins which meant that Sweeney had to cut weight for this first time in his career when debuting in BKFC, who utilize day before weigh ins.

    After a competitive outing that saw him lose a rubber match to Rico Franco for BKFC European gold, Sweeney also appeared on Bare Knuckle Bowker and mentioned how he retained a lot from his BKFC debut that will make the weight cut for his sophomore BKFC outing so much smoother in comparison. Speaking of rubber matches, a tiebreaker bout could also materialize for Sweeney if he wins this weekend with the Irish legend splitting a pair of BKB fights with BKFC welterweight champion Julian Lane years ago.

  • Jimmy Sweeney: “I dominate and probably stop” Carlos Trinidad Snake at BKFC Italy

    Jimmy Sweeney: “I dominate and probably stop” Carlos Trinidad Snake at BKFC Italy

    Jimmy Sweeney battles Carlos Trinidad Snake at BKFC Italy on October 25th, and the former realizes the magnitude of the moment and what it could potentially generate for him afterward.

    This is a fight that would seemingly have title eliminator stakes attached to it as the Irish combatant fights the number two-ranked welterweight contender and a former title challenger for that crown in Trinidad Snake. This was also an opponent he asked for, and when asked what he thinks as he contemplates all of these variables, Jimmy Sweeney said [via Bare Knuckle Bowker],

    “So what it is with me is obviously I’ve been around this sport for a very, very long time. I’m 41 now, so I’m not a kid. The last fight I had, even though I felt like I won that fight, or a lot of people felt like I won it. I’ve had a very bad weight cut. Like it’s my first time ever to do a weight cut like that. So, I didn’t know what to expect from it. I didn’t know how to do it right. So I’ve dropped from about 80, 81, 82 kilos to about 73. Which is far too much.”

    “Like I’m again, as I said, I’m 41 years of age. So my body just didn’t recover from it. And even though I want the fight, I made it very hard for myself over that weight cut. So for me, after that, it’s like, right, where do I go from here? What do I do? So I’m looking at the top five. I don’t want anyone outside the top five. So I spoke with my manager, Gabriel, and I said, “Look, Carlos is coming off a loss. I’m coming off a loss. I’m obviously the bigger name in this sport.”

    “I think it makes an absolute great fight. Plus, a win over Carlos puts me straight into the top five. So for me, it just makes sense. Then obviously for him as well to fight someone [with] my credentials, it’s massive for him as well. So it was probably a win-win for both of us.”

    Jimmy Sweeney: “I have to go in and prove them all wrong” in 2nd BKFC bout

    Jimmy Sweeney was previously used to the day of weigh-ins with BKB as opposed to the methodology of BKFC‘s day before weight cut, but he has since course-corrected for his sophomore BKFC bout. Also, when referencing an Instagram post of his, the former multi-division BKB champion had where he touched on how he feels like he has a hell of a lot to prove in this fight and feels like many people are writing him off.

    In that context when asked what he thinks the narrative is going to be after this fight this Saturday, Jimmy Sweeney stated [via Bare Knuckle Bowker],

    “After that fight it’s like, they didn’t see the weight cut. Like everyone; you just have to watch the fight to know that I won the fight. But then it’s like oh, Jimmy’s too old now, he’s done with this and that. So for me now it’s; I have to go in and prove them all wrong. You know what I mean? Like and get that win because obviously you’re only as good as your last fight.”

    Unfortunately, on paper, I’ve lost that fight. With Carlos being the world number two, people have me losing already. You know what I mean? So, to be fair, it’s like I’ve nothing to lose in this fight, you know what I mean? I’m the 41-year-old, old fighter coming in against this 26, 29-year-old, whatever he is. Young, young up and coming star, only lost one fight. So yeah, when I dominate and probably stop him, which I’m good enough to do that, a lot of people are going to get worried.”

  • James DeGale Should “Stick to Boxing” after BKFC debut says Champion Rival

    James DeGale Should “Stick to Boxing” after BKFC debut says Champion Rival

    James DeGale won in his recent bare knuckle boxing debut but it may be a one and done effort for him and one of his long running rivals has weighed in on that situation. The rival, with a feud that still persists to this day, George Groves touched on DeGale’s foul heavy BKFC debut effort. While DeGale did win at BKFC 81 against Matt Floyd in the main event, the future for the former in Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship is riddled with question marks.

    In an interview with Poker Strategy, Groves articulated how he doesn’t feel as if the world of bare knuckle is for James DeGale despite now technically being unbeaten in the sport. As he offered up his thoughts on DeGale’s return to competition and how he sees that fighter’s future prospects shaking out, Groves said,

    “Stick to boxing or something else. Bare knuckle fighting is brutal. He told us time and time again that it wasn’t for money. But I’ve got to be honest, if I did it, it would be for money. I’ve seen a statement from DeGale’s mum saying that bare knuckle boxing isn’t for James.”

    “He’s talking about hoping to box in MisFits or get a Darren Till or KSI fight, but is your name big enough to get those fights right now? I don’t think anybody would be worried about him from the weekend.”

    James DeGale intimates what could be next for him in combat sports

    James DeGale returned after a six year layoff and the former super middleweight champion is hinting to fans what his next step could be. DeGale’s comments in the post-fight in-ring interview seemed to leave the door somewhat open for a potential sophomore trek into bare knuckle. But a later post fight statement put out on DeGale’s behalf seemed to be more clear in mentioning bare knuckle as a bit of a thing of the past. But that there was openness to don the glvoes again and return to boxing where DeGale has not competed since 2019.

    Whether DeGale does ply his trade in pugilism again and seek fights with names like Darren Till and KSI as Groves mentioned, it seems at least like BKFC is in the rearview for the pedigreed fighter.

  • Conor McGregor discusses his possible future with BKFC and UFC

    Conor McGregor discusses his possible future with BKFC and UFC

    UFC star Conor McGregor has discussed his future fighting possibilities, whether it be with the Ultimate Fighting Championship or BKFC.

    As we know, Conor McGregor is very interested in getting back in the ring or cage sooner rather than later. He has singled out next year’s UFC White House event as a possible return for him, and if that does come to fruition, you’d have to imagine he’ll square off with Michael Chandler given the history that the two share together. At the same time, he’s also heavily teased a showdown with BKFC sensation Mike Perry.

    For Conor McGregor, his window for competing at the elite level obviously isn’t as big as it once was. He has plenty of options on the table, but given his commitment to the UFC, it doesn’t feel like a BKFC venture is particularly likely just yet – despite how involved he is with the promotion. Still, the Irishman is known for being a bit unpredictable, and at this point, there isn’t a whole lot that could surprise either his fans or his critics.

    During a recent media scrum, Conor McGregor spoke openly about what the future holds for him in the world of fighting.

    Conor McGregor discusses BKFC and UFC

    “I know Dave wants me in the bare knuckle. The UFC are concocting a new contract deal or whatever’s going to happen. I don’t know. We’ll see. We’ll take it day by day. But God is great and I thank him every day.”

    What do you think, fight fans?

  • ‘Man Was Born For The Sport’ – Fans React As Mike Perry Wrecks Jeremy Stephens To Crown Himself ‘King Of Violence’ Title At BKFC 82

    ‘Man Was Born For The Sport’ – Fans React As Mike Perry Wrecks Jeremy Stephens To Crown Himself ‘King Of Violence’ Title At BKFC 82

    Mike Perry reigns supreme as the true “King of Violence.”

    On Saturday night, Perry made his long-awaited return to the squared circle after more than a year away, headlining BKFC 82 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, where he took on fellow former UFC fighter Jeremy Stephens.

    “Platinum” began the first round cautiously and absorbed a heavy right hand from Stephens but managed to weather the storm. In the second round, Perry turned the tide, pressing forward and landing devastating left hands that gradually wore down his opponent.

    Perry turned up the heat in the third round, landing a vicious left hand that sent “Lil’ Heathen” to the canvas for the first time. Not content to stop there, Perry dominated the fourth, flooring Stephens twice more, with veteran showing resilience by getting back up each time and continuing the fight despite mounting punishment.

    In the final round, “Platinum” sealed the deal with a sharp left-right combo that sent Stephens to his knees. “Lil’ Heathen ” got up, only to be dropped again as Mike Perry pressed the attack with relentless right hands. After multiple knockdowns, the referee finally stopped the fight at 1:35 into the round.

    Fans React As Mike Perry Crushes Jeremy Stephens At BKFC 82

    Fans flooded social media with reactions to Mike Perry’s commanding destruction of Jeremy Stephens at BKFC 82, hailing “Platinum” for his performance and speculating on potential matchups for the newly crowned “King of Violence”.

    https://twitter.com/TonzMMA/status/1974653985966739773

    With the victory, Mike Perry extended his perfect BKFC record to 6-0, boasting dominant stoppage wins over notable names like Luke Rockhold, Eddie Alvarez, Thiago Alves, and now Jeremy Stephens.

    “Platinum” also carries a professional MMA record of 14-8, including a 7-8 stint in the UFC.

    Image: @bareknucklefc/X

  • BKFC 82: Mike Perry vs. Jeremy Stephens Results & Highlights

    BKFC 82: Mike Perry vs. Jeremy Stephens Results & Highlights

    BKFC 82 goes down tonight (Saturday, October 4) at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, with MMA News bringing fans all the results and highlights!

    The main event features former UFC welterweight turned bare-knuckle sensation Mike Perry facing off against ex-UFC featherweight veteran Jeremy Stephens in a middleweight bout for the inaugural King of Violence championship.

    Meanwhile, the co-main event of BKFC 82 will crown the inaugural Queen of Violence champion as Christine Ferea squares off against Jessica Borga in a high-stakes featherweight showdown.

    BKFC 82 Results & Highlights

    Main Card

    • King of Violence Championship: Mike Perry def. Jeremy Stephens via TKO (R5, 1:35)
    • Queen of Violence Championship: Christine Ferea def. Jessica Borga via KO (R4, 00:26)
    • Lightweight: Jimmie Rivera def. Timmy Mason via TKO (R3, 00:29)
    • Cruiserweight: Oluwale Bamgbose def. Karl Roberson via TKO (R2, 00:58)
    • Bantamweight: Quentin Gaskin def. Phil Caracappa via knockout (R1, 1:53)
    • Lightweight: Jeff Lentz def. Elijah Harris via TKO (doctor’s stoppage) (R1, 2:00)
    • Lightweight: Mike Trizano def. JC Deleon via knockout (R1, 0:20)
    • Heavyweight: Pat Carroll def. Aleem Whitfield via TKO (R2, 0:25)

    Preliminary Card

    • Jmani Oliver def. Irakli Ghvinjilia via unanimous decision (48-45, 48-44, 47-45)
    • Justin Clarke def. Ishiah Carson via unanimous decision (50-43 x3)

    Quentin Gaskin vs. Phil Caracappa

    Jeff Lentz vs. Elijah Harris

    Mike Trizano vs. JC Deleon

    Oluwale Bamgbose vs. Karl Roberson

    Jimmie Rivera vs. Timmy Mason

    Christine Ferea vs. Jessica Borga

    Mike Perry vs. Jeremy Stephens

    https://twitter.com/ChampRDS/status/1974654367459623260

  • Frankie Edgar Out Of Scheduled BKFC Debut

    Frankie Edgar Out Of Scheduled BKFC Debut

    Frankie Edgar’s return to combat sports action following his UFC retirement will not be going down after all this weekend in BKFC.

    Per a report from NJ.com’s Kevin Armstrong, Edgar will no longer be competing on the BKFC 82 card against fellow New Jersey native Jimmie Rivera.

    The reason for Edgar’s removal is currently unknown. BKFC President David Feldman told Ariel Helwani on October 1 that there was a potential medical issue for Edgar that left his status unknown.

    When the news of Edgar’s BKFC debut first came to light, many in the combat community expressed concern over the well-being of Edgar. Edgar, who will turn 44 in a couple of weeks, has not been in action since UFC 281 in November 2022.

    Frankie Edgar Removed From BKFC Debut Days Before BKFC 82

    Armstrong reports that in order to cleared for the BKFC event, Edgar had to undergo an echocardiogram, stress test, and eye examination, as well as a bloodwork panel, EKG, and MRI.

    Armstrong added that Edgar’s family and friends have asked him not to return to action but Edgar reportedly felt the BKFC environment was safer because of the punching-only focus.

    The UFC Hall of Famer lost five of his last six fights in the UFC, occuring between 2019 and 2022.

    Rivera, a fellow UFC veteran, will remain on the card, taking on Timmy Mason.

    BKFC 82 will take place on October 4 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. It is the first bare-knuckle event to take place in the Garden State.

  • What Makes Yoel Romero So Special? UFC All-Time Great Breaks Down His BKFC 80 Knockout

    What Makes Yoel Romero So Special? UFC All-Time Great Breaks Down His BKFC 80 Knockout

    Yoel Romero is truly something special.

    After making his mark in the world’s biggest mixed martial arts promotions—Strikeforce, the UFC, Bellator, and PFL—Romero has made the move to boxing where, despite being 48-years-old, he continues to dominate the competition. After scoring a pair of highlight-reel finishes under the Dirty Boxing Championship banner, ‘Soldier of God’ made his bare-knuckle debut earlier this month and did it yet again, finishing Theo Doukas via a vicious second-round KO.

    Looking back on the Cuban’s impressive performance at BKFC 80, former UFC and ONE world champion Demetrious Johnson commended Romero’s ability to take control of every environment he steps into, whether it be a ring, a cage, or an Octagon.

    “The movement, the constant rhythm change, the constant in and out rhythm, high guard, dropping in the right hand or straight shots down the middle of that guy’s guard was pretty much the story of the fight,” Johnson said via his YouTube channel. “All right, here we go. By that rhythm in the B. Boom. Right here. Boom. Right down the middle. Right down the middle. Look at his—look at his face. Look, man. Look at the blood just drop right here. Look at this. Then whack. Like, he’s just able to dictate what the guy’s going to do and move a certain way and be able to land those shots. My goodness.”

    “I think the biggest thing is Yoel’s movement, him putting things down the middle of the pipe on his opponent and then constantly just being active. Being absolutely active.”

    What’s next for Romero remains to be seen, but after his impressive showing in Hollywood, Florida, the ‘Soldier of God’ could already be queued up for a shot at the BKFC heavyweight crown.

  • BKFC President Guarantees Conor McGregor Will Compete in Bare Knuckle

    BKFC President Guarantees Conor McGregor Will Compete in Bare Knuckle

    BKFC president David Feldman is confident that Conor McGregor will step inside the squared circle before long.

    In April 2024, McGregor announced that he’d officially become part-owner of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, a fast-rising promotion featuring a slew of former UFC stars, including ‘Platinum’ Mike Perry, Luke Rockhold, Eddie Alvarez, Paige VanZant, and Yoel Romero. Almost immediately, speculation ran rampant as to whether or not ‘Mystic Mac’ would ever toe the line in BKFC despite still being firmly under contract with the UFC.

    With McGregor seemingly confirming to the world that he will compete on the UFC’s highly anticipated card at the White House in 2026, people are now once again wondering if the former champ-champ will ever trade in his 4oz gloves for a pair of hand wraps.

    “I think it depends on the outcome of the White House card, right?” Feldman told MMA Fighting of McGregor’s potential move from MMA to bare-knuckle. “If he wins the White House card, which I have every reason to believe no matter who he fights, he’s going to win because they’re going to match him… If he wins and looks good, he’s going to fight another fight.

    “And if that happens, then I would bet 100% he’ll fight for BKFC. Why wouldn’t he? What will he do for the valuation of the company? He’ll double or triple it, and then he just doubled or tripled his interest in this. That’s way more than he’s going to get fighting anywhere else.”

    Conor McGregor Claims He Will Fight Michael Chandler at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue

    No official announcements have been made regarding who will compete in the nation’s capital next year, but McGregor seems confident that the event will host a long-awaited clash between himself and former Bellator champion ‘Iron’ Michael Chandler.

    The two were rumored to fight in December 2023 following their stint as opposing coaches on TUF 31 before the bout was officially booked for UFC 303. Unfortunately, the contest was scrapped after McGregor broke his pinky toe whilst training.

    Since then, it’s been a tumultous year for the Irish megastar. In late 2024, McGregor was found guilty of sexual assault, resulting in him losing millions of dollars in sponsorship deals. Then there was his failed bid at the Irish presidency.

  • BKFC Tyson says “Death is coming” for Ben Rothwell: “I’m cracking his head”

    BKFC Tyson says “Death is coming” for Ben Rothwell: “I’m cracking his head”

    Leonardo Perdomo secured a massive win at BKFC 80 and ‘El Zambo’ is now putting BKFC heavyweight champion Ben Rothwell in his crosshairs. Perdomo’s win in the September 12th headlining fight in Hollywood, Florida saw him finish former multi-time BKFC titleholder Arnold Adams for the second time. Perdomo is now 9-0 in Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship with all nine of his wins coming by way of first round knockout.

    A ledger like that in gloveless combat could certainly justify a title shot to many and Perdomo expressed that sentiment when he called out current titleholder Ben Rothwell at the BKFC 80 post-fight press conference as Perdomo said [via MMA Junkie],

    “Everybody knows Ben Rothwell is scared of me. I’m not in a rush. When BKFC gives me opportunity for the title, then OK. But Ben Rothwell is a little boy.”

    “When someone knows you want to kill them, that person goes pale. Death is coming over [Rothwell], OK? If the fight happens, I’m cracking his head. The thing is that BKFC opened the doors for me, and they gave me a chance to become a professional, the chance to make a name for myself – Zambo – so I have to wait for them to give me the opportunity. This is a process. It’s little by little. I’m going to continue growing with the league and continue to help them grow.”

    The BKFC resumes of Ben Rothwell and Leonardo Perdomo

    Ben Rothwell stands atop the BKFC’s heavyweight division with the former UFC veteran ascending to the throne in January. At KnuckleMania V, Rothwell stopped then-titleholder Mick Terrill in less than forty seconds to become the new champion in Philadelphia. Rothwell also has a spotless record in bare knuckle with Big Ben earning prior wins over Bobo O’Bannon, Josh Copeland, and Todd Duffee with his present record in Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship set at 4-0.

    For Leonardo Perdomo, he has earned wins over bare knuckle stalwarts like Ryan Shough, Bobby Brents, Leo Bercier, Steven Banks, and Levi Costa. The Cuban leviathan also scored a win over a former gloved boxing titleholder in former WBA champ Steve Herelius.

  • Yoel Romero finds potential BKFC title fight “Very Tempting”, post-BKFC 80

    Yoel Romero finds potential BKFC title fight “Very Tempting”, post-BKFC 80

    Yoel Romero made a big splash in his BKFC debut to the scale that his sophomore fight in bare knuckle boxing could potentially be for a title. ‘Soldier of God’ dispatched of Theo Doukas with a bloody second round stoppage after dropping Doukas multiple times. Romero won his bare knuckle debut in the heavyweight ranks. This transpired in the feature fight of the night at BKFC 80 in Hollywood, Florida on September 12th.

    During the former UFC veteran’s post-fight interview, his interest was gauged in a potential cut down to cruiserweight for the purposes of a potential future shot at the BKFC crusierweight belt. BKFC cruiserweight champion Chris Camozzi will next defend his crown against Alessio Sakara in the headliner of BKFC 83 in Italy on October 25th. Romero has contended for UFC gold on multiple occasions and at the BKFC 80 post-fight press conference, when the former Bellator MMA title challenger was asked how it felt competing without the gloves, Romero said [through the aid of an interpreter],

    “Thank you and first thank God for everything that has happened to me and I’ve been in this game for a long time and I’ll still come.”

    Yoel Romero: it would “be an honor” to fight for BKFC gold

    Referencing the in-ring suggestion regarding a possible future title fight against the BKFC Italy main event victor and when asked what the Cuban competitor wants as his next step in BKFC, Romero stated [through the aid of an interpreter],

    “Sounds very tempting. Of course when you fight and you discuss something like that, it would always be an honor. But I’m ready for whatever they put on the table for me.”

    The former Olympic silver medal winning judoka has found himself thriving across multiple combat sports rulesets with a pair of wins on the Dirty Boxing Championship circuit before this recent debut effort in gloveless combat. Finally when asked what example he wants to leave here at BKFC with his vast experience in combat sports, Yoel Romero quipped [through the aid of an interpreter],

    “I don’t wake up and think about this. It’s what God has for me and the purpose that God has for me and I will continue to do that.”