Tag Archives: Tony Lopez

Bare Knuckle Boxing

Leonard Garcia Scores a Knockout Victory Against Julian Lane in the Main Event of “BKFC 4: USA vs. Mexico” from Beto Avila Stadium in Cancun and Live on Pay-Per-View

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“Queen of Bare Knuckle” Bec Rawlings Defeats
Cecilia Flores by Unanimous Decision

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Credit: Lester Silva/Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship

CANCUN, MEXICO (February 3, 2019) – Leonard Garcia came back from an early knockdown to defeat Julian Lane by a second-round knockout in the main event of“BKFC 4: USA vs. Mexico” from Beto Avila Stadium in Cancun, Mexico and live on pay-per-view.


Lane knocked down Garcia midway through the first frame, but Garcia fought back mightily and dropped Lane twice to close out round one. Lane, looking like he never fully regained himself, was knocked down again multiple times in round two, with referee Dan Miragliotta stopping the contest 1:31 into the second stanza.
 
“You’ve got to put bullets in me to stop me,” said Garcia. “You’re not going to stop me with a punch.”
 
In the co-main event, the “Queen of Bare Knuckle” Bec Rawlings defended her Police Gazette Diamond Bare Knuckle Featherweight Title and dominated Cecilia Flores on her way to a unanimous decision (50-45, 48-47, 49-45).
 
“That was a really tough fight. I hit Cecilia really hard and she kept coming,” said Rawlings. “She put on an amazing fight. Thank you to everyone that came out. I always love to put on exciting fights, so I hope you guys were entertained.”
 
In pay-per-view undercard action, a highly anticipated rematch between Tony Lopezand Joey Beltran led to a split draw (49-46 for Lopez, 48-47 for Beltran, 48-48).
 
In a bout that saw solid exchanges and back and forth action, Chris Lytle defeatedJC Llamas by unanimous decision (49-46, 48-47, 49-46).
 
Sam Shewmaker controlled the action against Jaime Arevalo to earn a split decision (49-48, 47-48, 49-45) victory.
 
Joe Riggs defeated Heriberto Tovar by unanimous decision (49-45, 50-46, 50-44). Riggs knocked down Tovar in round three en route to a wide decision.
 
Tom Shoaff overwhelmed Diego Garijo and won by fourth round TKO. Shoaff knocked down Garijo in round one, two more times in round three and landed a fourth knockdown in round four.
 
Alejandro Solorzano stopped Erik Leander :29 into the fourth round due to cut on Leander’s forehead.
 
Travis Thompson beat Ivan Rocka by stoppage 1:59 into round two. An overhand right from Thompson floored Rocka midway through round one. A jab from Thompson dropped Rocka again at the :30 mark of round one. Thompson struck a third knockdown in round two and Rocka never got off the canvas.
 
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About Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship
On June 2, 2018, Philadelphia-based Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) made combat sports history when it promoted the first legal, sanctioned and regulated bare knuckle event in the United States since 1889. “BKFC 1: The Beginning” took place in Cheyenne, Wyoming and featured 10 professional bouts, all under the auspices and control of the Wyoming Combative Sports Commission. BKFC uses only established fighters who have previously competed professionally in boxing, MMA, kickboxing and/or Muay Thai. All BKFC bouts are sanctioned and regulated by ABC member athletic commissions. For more information visitwww.bareknuckle.tv or follow on Twitter at @BareKnuckleFC, on Instagram atwww.instagram.com/bareknucklefc and on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/bareknucklefc.
Bare Knuckle Boxing

Full Lineup Set for Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship Night of Action Saturday, February 2 Live on Pay-Per-View from Beto Avila Stadium in Cancun, Mexico

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“BKFC 4: USA vs. Mexico” Features Tom Shoaff vs. Diego Garijo, Erik Leander vs. Alejandro Solorzano, Travis Thompson vs. Ivan Rocka & More!

PHILADELPHIA (January 24, 2019) – An exciting lineup of bare knuckle action is set to keep fans on the edge of their seats all night as Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) nears fight night in Cancun, Mexico on Saturday, February 2 live on pay-per-view (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from Beto Avila Stadium.
 
The night will feature a stacked card full of USA vs. Mexico showdowns. This includes recently-added fights that will see Indiana’s Tom Shoaff take on Leon’s Diego Garijoin 165-pound action, Florida’s Erik Leander battling Mexicali’s Alejandro Solorzano in a heavyweight attraction, plus a 135-pound bout between Philadelphia’s Travis Thompson and Cancun’s Ivan Rocka.
 
Rounding out the evening is a 135-pound fight that pits Texas native Clay Burnsagainst Jesus Quevedo out of Playa Del Carmen, Rosarito’s Jose Ruleus in a 150-pound showdown against Mexico City’s Gilberto Aguliar and Phoenix’s Shannon Ritch against Tijuana’s Omar Molina in a 225-pound battle.
 
“BKFC 4: USA vs. Mexico” will be broadcast across the United States and Canada, exclusively on pay-per-view through MultiVision Media, Inc., on all major television and streaming distribution outlets for $29.95. It will also be available worldwide via streaming to all in-home and out-of-home connected devices.Tickets are available now at www.bareknuckle.tv.
 
The historic event will feature former Ultimate Fighter competitor Julian Lane battling Mexican-American UFC veteran Leonard Garcia,”Queen of Bare Knuckle” Bec Rawlings defending her title against Puerto Vallarta’s Cecilia Flores and a highly-anticipated rematch between Tony Lopez and Joey Beltran, who engaged in an epic showdown at BKFC 1 that was narrowly won by Beltran.
 
The action will also see 20-fight UFC veteran Chris Lytle facing MMA veteran JC Llamas, BKFC heavyweight tournament runner-up Sam Shewmaker returns to action to take on Chihuahua’s Ricardo Aguliar, plus former WEC Middleweight Champion and 12-fight UFC veteran Joe Riggs competes in his second BKFC attraction as he looks for another victory, this time against Mexico City’s Heriberto “El Rudo” Tovar, who has fought in Combate Americas, the largest Hispanic-based MMA organization in the sport.
 
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About Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship
On June 2, 2018, Philadelphia-based Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) made combat sports history when it promoted the first legal, sanctioned and regulated bare knuckle event in the United States since 1889. “BKFC 1: The Beginning” took place in Cheyenne, Wyoming and featured 10 professional bouts, all under the auspices and control of the Wyoming Combative Sports Commission.
 
BKFC uses only established fighters who have previously competed professionally in boxing, MMA, kickboxing and/or Muay Thai. All BKFC bouts are sanctioned and regulated by ABC member Athletic Commissions.
 
For more information visit www.bareknuckle.tv or follow on Twitter at @BareKnuckleFC, on Instagram at www.instagram.com/bareknucklefc and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bareknucklefc.
Bare Knuckle Boxing

Longtime Rivals Joey Beltran & Tony Lopez Prepare for Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship Rematch Saturday, February 2 Live on Pay-Per-View as “BKFC 4: USA vs. Mexico” Comes to Beto Avila Stadium in Cancun, Mexico

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(Photo Credit: Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship)



Click HERE to Watch Their Full First BKFC Fight

Click HERE for Raw Highlight Footage from 
Their First BKFC Fight

PHILADELPHIA (January 22, 2019) – The clear “Fight of the Night” on the inauguralBare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) fight card “BKFC 1: The Beginning” in June 2018 was a matchup that had the combat sports world buzzing when Joey Beltran scored a decision victory over Tony Lopez in a bloody war. The longtime rivals will pick up where they left off and again face each other, this time on Saturday, February 2 as part of “BKFC 4: USA vs. Mexico” live on pay-per-view (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from Beto Avila Stadium in Cancun, Mexico.


“Tony Lopez and Joey Beltran’s first fight at BKFC 1 was one of the most exciting fights I have ever witnessed and I have been at thousands of them,” said BKFC Founder and President David Feldman. “Sometimes rematches don’t live up to the first fight, but I feel that this one will be even better. I expect great exchanges, lots of action and blood!”
 
“BKFC 4: USA vs. Mexico” will be broadcast across the United States and Canada, exclusively on pay-per-view through MultiVision Media, Inc., on all major television and streaming distribution outlets for $29.95. It will also be available worldwide via streaming to all in-home and out-of-home connected devices.
 
By February 3, Beltran and Lopez will have fought each other twice in BKFC competition, but that only tells a fraction of the story of their rivalry. The fighters first faced each other in 2008 as part of “King of the Cage: Opposing Force” in a fight where Lopez forced Beltran into submission in the first round.
 
Lopez’s victory was his sixth consecutive MMA victory at the time, while Beltran had a four-fight winning streak snapped. After the fight, both men continued to rack up victories until their MMA rematch in 2009. Despite being dropped early in the fight, Lopez was able to recover and battle his way to a unanimous decision victory in a five-round contest.
 
While the two men would not square-off again for nearly a decade, they continued to have success in their respective MMA careers. Lopez fought more than 90 times in professional MMA, racking up an impressive 61 total wins, while Beltran would go on to be victorious in UFC and Bellator fights that he competed in through 2016.
 
Although their two battles had taken place some time ago, BKFC gave them a chance to once again show their skills, but also prove themselves in this rivalry. On June 2, 2018, Beltran was seeking revenge, while Lopez sought to make it three wins against his rival.
 
Beltran struck the first significant blow, putting Lopez on the ground with an overhand right at the end of the first round as blood began to pour down Lopez’s face. An extremely competitive and tense round two concluded with an ominous stare down.
 
In the third frame, Lopez began trying to enforce his will on the fight using his size and a powerful sweeping left hook. Beltran continued to work his counters, but accidentally poked Lopez in the eye just over one minute into the round. After Lopez was given time to recover, the action picked up with increased intensity, as the two men stayed close to one another throwing bombs from short range.
 
After a wild exchange led to a quick referee-ordered timeout to clean the blood off of Lopez, the final moments of the third round showcased a memorable flurry of big punches from massive men who had already spent a significant amount of time in the ring against each other.
 
More of the same was on display in round four with both men working through large amounts of blood streaming down their faces. The fifth round was another bloody, brutal stanza that saw powerful punches thrown all the way until the end. Although Lopez raised his hands after the final bell rang, it was Beltran who would finally earn a victory against his rival.
 
On February 2, 245 days after their fight at BKFC 1, Beltran will look to even the score against Lopez, while Lopez hopes to make it a 3-1 advantage and stake his claim as the superior fighter once and for all.
 
“I am prepared to come to Mexico and get a finish and end this rivalry,” said Beltran. “This is the fourth time I have met this man inside of a ring. Each time has resulted in intense violence and entertainment. I expect the same from our encounter at BKFC 4. I am prepared to come to Mexico, get a win and end this rivalry once and for all.”
 
“A rematch is a second chance to fix my mistake in our last fight and give my fans in Mexico a chance to see the action up close,” said Lopez. “I’m going to show the world I belong here in BKFC!”
 
BKFC 4 will also feature former Ultimate Fighter competitor Julian Lane battling Mexican-American UFC veteran Leonard Garcia,”Queen of Bare Knuckle” Bec Rawlings defending her title against Puerto Vallarta’s Cecilia Flores, 20-fight UFC veteran Chris Lytle facing MMA veteran JC Llamas, BKFC heavyweight tournament runner-up Sam Shewmaker returning to action to take on Tijuana’s Joel Paredes and former WEC Middleweight Champion and 12-fight UFC veteran Joe Riggs competing in his second BKFC attraction as he faces Mexico City’s Heriberto “El Rudo” Tovar.


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About Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship
On June 2, 2018, Philadelphia-based Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) made combat sports history when it promoted the first legal, sanctioned and regulated bare knuckle event in the United States since 1889. “BKFC 1: The Beginning” took place in Cheyenne, Wyoming and featured 10 professional bouts, all under the auspices and control of the Wyoming Combative Sports Commission.
 
BKFC uses only established fighters who have previously competed professionally in boxing, MMA, kickboxing and/or Muay Thai. All BKFC bouts are sanctioned and regulated by ABC member Athletic Commissions.
 
For more information visit www.bareknuckle.tv or follow on Twitter at @BareKnuckleFC, on Instagram at www.instagram.com/bareknucklefc and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bareknucklefc.
 
Bare Knuckle Boxing

Bec Rawlings Defeats Britain Hart by Split Decision in Main Event of “BKFC 2: A New Era” from the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi, Mississippi & on Pay-Per-View

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Sam Shewmaker Secures Split Decision Victory Over Maurice Jackson 

 

Arnold Adams Stops Joey Beltran in the Fifth Round

 

Click HERE for Photos

Credit: Phil Lambert/BKFC

  

BILOXI, MS (August 25, 2018) – “Queen of Bare Knuckle” Bec Rawlings defeated Britain Hart by split decision (50-45, 49-45, 48-47) as Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) returned on Saturday with “BKFC 2: A New Era” from the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi, Mississippi and live on pay-per-view.

 

 

 

“I don’t think it was a split decision,” said Rawlings. “When I signed on to fight for BKFC they sent us the rules and they said you can’t run from your opponent. You have to engage. You have to toe the line. That’s where they want the action to happen and you’ll lose points if you don’t obey those rules. So, I definitely was the one pushing the pace tonight. I was in the center the whole time and I landed the harder shots.”

 

 

 

After her win over Alma Garcia at BKFC 1, Rawlings was rewarded the National Police Gazette women’s bare knuckle boxing belt. With the win on Saturday, Rawlings retained her title.

 

 

 

“Capturing my bare knuckle title and now defending it has been such an honor,” added Rawlings. “When I first got into bare knuckle I had no idea the history and everything. I just thought it was a new and fun way to test myself. Then I got this belt after my win at the first show and I found out what a huge deal this is.”

 

 

 

Rawlings concluded, “I’m healthy thankfully. My hands were actually more swollen after my first bare knuckle fight. I’ll probably be good to go again in December, but I’m the champion and I’m here to fight whoever they put in front of me.”

 

 

 

The first of two heavyweight tournament semi-final bouts saw thunderous exchanges as Arnold Adams stopped Joey Beltran :09 into the fifth frame. An extremely calm and collected Adams controlled much of the action.

 

 

 

“I knew I would get the win. I wasn’t really worried about Beltran, he’s had a lot of battles,” said Adams. “I just don’t think he has this in him anymore, but he has heart and he showed it tonight that he wants to compete. I’m hungry though, he’s been to the top and competed on some big shows. I haven’t quite gotten there yet, but this is my time and I’m going to seize the moment.”

 

 

 

In the opening round, Adams cut Beltran over his left eye. As the end of the fourth round neared, Adams landed another devastating blow that further opened the cut, forcing the ringside doctor to stop the fight.

 

 

 

“I cut him in the first round, but that last jab that cut him I saw the blood pouring out around his eye,” added Adams. “Like a shark, I locked in on him. I was licking my lips, my eyes got big and I did what I needed to get the win.”

 

 

 

In the second heavyweight tournament semi-final, Sam Shewmaker defeated Maurice Jackson by split decision (49-45, 48-45, 48-46).

 

 

 

“I was trying to get inside and go to work, but he just wanted to keep wrapping me up,” said Shewmaker. “His style really prevented me from using my game plan. Every time I went inside he’d clinch. It was very frustrating. And it’s hard to work from a distance with a guy that’s so tall.”

 

 

 

Jackson did manage to land some clean shots, catching Shewmaker with a left hook that dropped him in the second round.

 

 

 

“He got me with some good shots, one kind of behind my head that knocked me down, but I just popped back up and kept fighting,” added Shewmaker. “The knockdown didn’t really bother me, just knocked me a little off balance. I felt fine shortly after.”

 

 

 

The wins by Adams and Shewmaker set up the finals of the heavyweight tournament with the pair expected to face each other at BKFC 3.

 

 

 

“It’s time to turn it up,” said Adams. “Sam Shewmaker has power in both hands, but I’m ready for anyone.”

 

 

 

“I expect fireworks when I face Adams,” said Shewmaker. “He has a good jab, but I have a good jab too and I like to bang. So, it should make for a great matchup in the finals.”

 

# # #

 

 

 

About Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship

 

 

 

On June 2, 2018, Philadelphia-based Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) made combat sports history when it promoted the first legal, sanctioned and regulated bare knuckle event in the United States since 1889. “BKFC 1: The Beginning” took place in Cheyenne, Wyoming and featured 10 professional bouts, all under the auspices and control of the Wyoming Combative Sports Commission.

 

 

 

BKFC uses only established fighters who have previously competed professionally in boxing, MMA, kickboxing and/or Muay Thai. All BKFC bouts are sanctioned and regulated by ABC member Athletic Commissions.

 

 

 

For more information visit www.bareknuckle.tv or follow on Twitter at @BareKnuckleFC, on Instagram at www.instagram.com/bareknucklefc and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bareknucklefc.

Bare Knuckle Boxing, FITETV

Bare Knuckle Boxing Returns TONIGHT…Watch Right Here

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This second show in the budding new phenomenon of Bare Knuckle Boxing (legalized) is available to purchase on FITE at a PPV price of $29.99 USD and will go live at 8PM Eastern TONIGHT from the Mississippi Coast Coliseum.
Click on the link below to learn more or watch live in the player below.

Bare Knuckle Boxing

BARE KNUCKLE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP (BKFC) FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Fighters Talk Showdowns on BKFC 2: A New Era ThisSaturday, August 25 from the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi, Mississippi
& Live on Pay-Per-View
 
Click HERE for Photos
Credit: Phil Lambert/BKFC

BILOXI, MS. (August 23, 2018) – After successfully holding the first legal, regulated and sanctioned bare knuckle event in the United States since 1889 in June, Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) returns this Saturday, August 25 with “BKFC 2: A New Era” from the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi, Mississippi and live on pay-per-view.

 

 

 

Fighters entering the ring for Saturday’s event spoke to media Thursday at Harrah’s Gulf Coast in Biloxi to talk about BKFC, their respective showdowns and more two days before the monumental fight night.

 

 

 

Saturday matchups will feature “Queen of Bare Knuckle” Bec Rawlings and pro boxer Britain Hart, who meet in a 125-pound clash, “Ultimate Fighter” season three winner Kendall Grove and Bruce Abramski, who compete in a 185-pound bout and pro MMA and boxing veteran Chris Lytle and Drew Lipton, who will square-off in a 175-pound fight.

 

 

 

BKFC 2 will also see the semi-finals of the BKFC heavyweight tournament featuring Sam Shewmaker taking on Maurice Jackson and Arnold Adamsfacing Joey Beltran. In addition, fans will be treated to local attraction and Gulfport Police Officer Harris Stephenson, who battles Jorge Gonzalez in a 170-pound match.

 

 

 

Tickets are available now exclusively at www.bareknuckle.tv ranging from $35 to $250. “BKFC 2: A New Era” will be broadcast across the United States and Canada, exclusively on pay-per-view through MultiVision Media, Inc., on all major television and streaming distribution outlets for $29.95.

 

 

 

Here are what press conference participants had to say Thursday:

 

 

 

BEC RAWLINGS

 

 

 

“Training in California was great to just get acclimated to the time change and the weather, because it’s winter in Australia. We went back to my old gym, Alliance MMA, and just finished off camp there. It was a really good finish to the camp. We had time to not feel rushed and get into fight mode.

 

 

 

“My opponent is very confident, just from what I’ve seen of her today she’s very confident in her skill set. But, I feel like confidence sometimes is the downfall of people. I don’t think she realizes this is bare knuckle boxing. This is not professional boxing, we don’t have gloves on and you can’t get away with the stuff that you can get away with in normal boxing. I think it’s going to take me punching her in the face to realize that.

 

 

 

“I definitely feel like I have the edge, I have the experience not only in MMA with the small gloves but experience with having my debut on BKFC 1. I don’t think it’ll make it past the third round.

 

 

 

“Having the bare knuckle experience is a huge advantage. I went into that last fight with a lot of unknown. I had so much fun out there and saw how my style really suits this sport. I’m taking that into this fight. I’m relaxed, I’m ready to go and I’m excited to get in there.

 

 

 

“I think she fancies herself a boxer, so I think she might stick behind her jab, stick and move that kind of thing. I’m ready for either style. I thought that my last opponent was going to do that but she came out swinging. I’m ready either way. You’re always guaranteed fireworks when I’m fighting. It doesn’t matter who I’m put in front of, you know it has to be a fight, and that’s what you can expect Saturday night.

 

 

 

“It’s been really awesome to be a trailblazer for BKFC. I knew I would get some news and some press and that people would like what I’m doing. The support has really been amazing. I’ve gotten so many fans and so much new respect from other fighters as well. It’s definitely taking off, and it’s really cool to be at the forefront of the whole thing.”

 

 

 

KENDALL GROVE

 

 

 

“I don’t really know what to expect. I’m a fighter and I’m of course coming to fight. But we’ll see if I’m going to be a smart fighter like I said I’d be. I could jab and pick my spots and put him away. But then again brawling has got me to where I am and got me a lot of notoriety. So why can’t I do both? Of course, once you get hit, everything goes out the window. Ego gets involved and sometimes you just go for it.

 

 

 

“There might be some more stinging and burning than I usually feel in a gloved fight. I sparred without gloves a while ago because I was curious and I felt some of that. My hands felt alright but there is that slightly different sensation from the bone on bone contact.

 

 

 

“This is going to be a real fight. I respect my opponent and I know he’s coming to give me his best. He’s going to come for me. But I’m going to do me and figure out how to get the win.

 

 

 

“I’m very excited to be a part of BKFC. This is a great organization and I’m going to try to make a great impression on everyone.

 

 

 

“It’s definitely been an interesting 48-hours trying to get here from Hawaii. Luckily I was able to take care of everything at home and make sure my family is prepared for the hurricane. Now I’m here and ready to go.”

 

 

 

CHRIS LYTLE

 

 

 

“I think no matter what you’re going to see two people who are trying to knock each other out. I don’t believe in decisions. If you got two really tough guys and they land a lot of punches and nobody goes down, you’re going to have a great fight and people are going to like it.

 

 

 

“My goal is to go out there and hit him as hard as I can and I think he’s going to have the same strategy against me. So I anticipate a really exciting fight. You’re not going to be bored during our fight.

 

 

 

“Here’s the thing, I’ve had a lot of fights, probably 100 of one form of combat sports or another, so I know what I’m getting in to. I fought many times. There’s going to be a little bit of moving around and me trying to be a little bit smarter. With bare knuckles you can’t do the same things as with gloves on.

 

 

 

“This is so cool for me. I always get people talking to me saying: ‘Why don’t you come back for one more fight?’ ‘I want to see you fight.’ It seems to be the first point of conversation always. So just being able to do this again, I’m very excited. I’ve talked to a lot of people who are very excited for me to come back and do something. I look forward for them being able to watch on the pay-per-view level.

 

 

 

“I’m really looking forward to being out there and getting the feel of being in the ring again. I’ve had a lot of boxing matches, but I haven’t been able to box in an awful long time, as I was mainly doing UFC. So to be back in the boxing ring is going to make me very happy.

 

 

 

“We’re both going to throw hard punches. I think somebody’s going to land a better one and I think somebody’s going to get hurt.”

 

 

 

SAM SHEWMAKER

 

 

 

“It was an honor to be a part of the first event. It’s history in the making. It’s also a humbling experience and a lot of fun. The fans, the promotional team, and everyone that put it all together just made it a great time.

 

 

 

 

“To be able to have a victory like that, a highlight-reel finish, was amazing. I had never fought on a stage that big and it was just awesome to have the exposure and to be able to put on a good show for the fans.

 

 

 

“There’s going to be fireworks Saturday night. It might not be as quick of a finish, but I can tell you it’s not going to be a decision. Somebody is going down I can promise you that.

 

 

 

“This is going to be a brawl. He wants to stay on the outside, he’s going to want to use his jab and his straight right to keep me to the outside. I want to get chest to chest with this guy and just bang him up on the inside. So I’m expecting it to be a dog fight and I’m predicting a first-round knockout.”

 

 

 

HARRIS STEPHENSON

 

 

 

“I just want to say that I’m happy to be here and I can’t tell you how special this promotion has been. I’m so thrilled that my home has accepted BKFC with open arms and I hope we can have several more events here.

 

 

 

“Mississippi Gulf Coast Coliseum is a huge venue and I think we’re going to pack it. I’m happy that I’m going to be fighting early on the card, because I want to see these fights myself. These are action-packed bouts and I assure you that you don’t want to miss it.”

 

 

 

DAVID FELDMAN, Founder and President of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship

 

 

 

“It’s my great pleasure to be here in the great state of Mississippi, which is officially the second state to allow bare knuckle fighting in the history of the United States. I’m very excited about the response we’ve gotten from the fans here and I know the fighters can’t wait to put on a show for them.

 

 

 

“It gives me chills to say that we’re here for Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 2. The first BKFC show was titled ‘The Beginning’, because it was truly the beginning of something special. Now we’ve named this show ‘A New Era’, because we really are officially ushering in a new era in combat sports.

 

 

 

“We have some of the best fighters in the world and fighters who have fought on really big stages. They’re all excited to be a part of this growing sport. We have fighters from all around the world stepping into the ring for a slew of sensational matchups.”

 

 

 

# # #

 

 

 

About Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship

 

 

 

On June 2, 2018, Philadelphia-based Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) made combat sports history when it promoted the first legal, sanctioned and regulated bare knuckle event in the United States since 1889. “BKFC 1: The Beginning” took place in Cheyenne, Wyoming and featured 10 professional bouts, all under the auspices and control of the Wyoming Combative Sports Commission.

 

 

 

BKFC uses only established fighters who have previously competed professionally in boxing, MMA, kickboxing and/or Muay Thai. All BKFC bouts are sanctioned and regulated by ABC member Athletic Commissions.

 

 

 

For more information visit www.bareknuckle.tv or follow on Twitter at @BareKnuckleFC, on Instagram at www.instagram.com/bareknucklefc and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bareknucklefc.

 

Bare Knuckle Boxing

BEC RAWLINGS LOS ANGELES MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

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“Queen of Bare Knuckle” Shows Off Skills Ahead of Matchup on “BKFC 2: A New Era” Saturday, August 25 from
the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi, Mississippi
& Live on Pay-Per-View
 
Click HERE for photos
Credit: Luis Mejia / Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC)

LOS ANGELES (August 17, 2018) – The “Queen of Bare Knuckle” Bec Rawlings met with media in Los Angeles on Thursday to discuss her return to Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) and offer an inside look into the bare knuckle discipline.

 

 

 

Rawlings will be stepping into the ring at “BKFC 2: A New Era” on Saturday, August 25 from the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi, Mississippi and broadcast live across the United States and Canada on pay-per-view in state-of-the-art 4K.

 

 

 

Tickets are available now exclusively at www.bareknuckle.tv ranging from $35 to $250. “BKFC 2: A New Era” will be broadcast across the United States and Canada, exclusively on pay-per-view through MultiVision Media, Inc. on all major television and streaming distribution outlets for $29.95.

 

 

 

Rawlings scored a thrilling victory in the inaugural BKFC event and will return to BKFC 2 to take on professional boxer Britain Hart. Rawlings was joined by BKFC pay-per-view analyst Benny Ricardo, as well as her coach John Bastable, to go over the technical points of bare knuckle fighting, including the unique hand-wrapping technique.

 

 

 

Here is what Rawlings, Ricardo and Bastable had to say Thursday from City of Angels Boxing Gym in Los Angeles:

 

 

 

BEC RAWLINGS, Former UFC Fighter; Defeated Alma Garcia at BKFC 1

 

 

 

On Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship…

 

 

 

“It took a lot of time and effort to really get MMA respected and looked at like a proper sport, and I think it’s going to take that with bare knuckle. But from the last event and how smoothly that ran, how professional it was, the fights were great. We all looked like seasoned fighters out there, which we were, and I think that’s what we definitely need to keep doing and it will progress from there.

 

 

 

“I think the U.S. and even Australia one day will open up to doing bare knuckle as well, because it’s such a great event. It’s a great fighting sport, and it wasn’t any crazier than MMA and boxing, as you saw from the last event.

 

 

 

“BKFC is doing it right, they’re doing it very professionally. They’re bringing in all the right people and all the right fighters. As long as it keeps going that way, I think the sport is going to take off.

 

 

 

“A lot of boxing fans are coming over to bare knuckle because they love the stand-up aspect of boxing and this is just a new cool, fun twist. It’s taking it back old-school.

 

 

 

“Even just around the local scene in Australia, I was with the UFC fighting and winning with the UFC and I could walk around a boxing promotion and no one would bat an eyelash at me. They would acknowledge me, but they weren’t interested in what I was doing. But as soon as I signed to fight bare knuckle I had so many people talking to me and offering really encouraging messages.

 

 

 

“So, it kind of evoked all the boxing fans to really get behind it and excited for it. It’s been pretty cool.”

 

 

 

On fighting at BKFC 1…

 

 

 

“I finally settled in when I landed a really clean uppercut. To be hit, it didn’t feel any different than MMA at all. It’s more like a sting than a thud for a boxing glove.

 

 

 

“The only difference I found was punching her, if you didn’t select where you were going to punch you felt it a little bit in your knuckles, but nothing crazy. The swelling was quite bad, but I swell and bruise really easily. It wasn’t too far different from MMA.

 

 

 

“After BKFC 1, I had multiple messages from fighters in Australia, the U.S., even people with the UFC, asking me how I was treated, if it was fun, if I would do it again and how they could get involved.

 

 

 

“It was just a whole bunch of different emotions, but a lot of interest in it. And I’ve got a lot of Australians wanting to get involved. Australians love to fight. I don’t think you’ve ever come across an Australian boxer that doesn’t go in there and leave it all in that ring. It’s ingrained in us. This sport is definitely built for an Australian.”

 

 

 

On her upcoming bout at BKFC 2…

 

 

 

“Nothing has really changed on our side of it. My coach is a kung fu and open hand combat expert, so everything he has known for years we have just translated into the boxing aspect of it.

 

 

 

“I guess we now know what to expect fight week, what it’s going to be like in there. That was kind of the unknown back (in June). But I had so much fun last time, and I’m excited to get back in there and do it all again.

 

 

 

“Bare knuckle was meant for me. I can’t wait to face off against Britain Hart on August 25th. This sport is all about precision and I know she’s going to come to fight and try to take this momentum from me. I’m not going to let that happen.”

 

 

 

BENNY RICARDO, BKFC Pay-Per-View Analyst

 

 

 

“BKFC 1 in Cheyenne (Wyoming) was the first time in 130 years that a bare knuckle fight was sanctioned in the United States. So, it is a long time coming.

 

 

 

“With bare knuckle fighting you need to be very precise. You have to punch through your index finger and middle finger and transfer that through the forearm where it cushions the blow. Outside of that you are going to break your hand.

 

 

 

“A fight has five two-minute rounds. There’s not much of a feeling out period.

 

 

 

“When I saw Joey Beltran was going to fight Tony Lopez I knew it was the fight of the night, and sure enough it was. That was a lesson in managing the time. At the beginning, Tony was feeling him out and by the third round he got into his rhythm, but it was too late.

 

 

 

“For the men, it has always been three-minute rounds. So, they have to find a way to manage the two-minute rounds in BKFC.

 

 

 

“The rules of (BKFC) are similar to boxing rules, which is David Feldman’s way of convincing the states. MMA fighters use Knees, shins and elbows.

 

 

 

“Sam Shewmaker had the shot of the night. He fought a special forces guy who was chiseled and 305 pounds. I didn’t think he had a chance. Then you see him in the fight and land that overhand right. It was over.

 

 

 

“What you can enjoy with bare knuckle fighting, that you can’t with boxing now, is the best fighting the best.

 

 

 

“On the television side, MultiVision is sparing nothing to do this. BKFC 1 and BKFC 2 both being produced in 4K is tremendous, and you can see the action with extreme clarity.”

 

 

 

JOHN BASTABLE, Rawlings’ Coach

 

 

 

“They supplied wraps, bandages and tape, so that is what we used. For myself, it was the first time we wrapped like this because we had never competed in bare knuckle before.

 

 

 

“It was the first time for all of us. The basis of the wrap is that the four knuckles of the hand are fully exposed.

 

 

 

“The thumb and the wrist are stabilized, but besides that it is bare knuckle.

 

 

 

“After the fight, (Bec) had no damage to the wrist at all and no breaks in the hand at all, so the support worked. There was swelling and bruising, but the tape did the job.”

Bare Knuckle Boxing

FULL LINEUP OF BKFC 2: A NEW ERA TO FEATURE 14 EXCITING BARE KNUCKLE SHOWDOWNS

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Featuring Gulfport Police Officer Harrison Stephonson, Former Alabama Crimson Tide Linebacker Marcel Stamps, Biloxi favorite Mike Bissett & Women’s Showdown Between Christine Ferea & Maria Andaverde
 
Saturday, August 25 from the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in
Biloxi, Mississippi & Live on Pay-Per-View

PHILADELPHIA (August 9, 2018) – A jam-packed lineup featuring 14 fights will give fans a full night of explosive action as”BKFC 2: A New Era” invades the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi, Mississippi on Saturday, August 25 and live across the United States and Canada on pay-per-view.

The second edition of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) is headlined by UFC-veteran Kendall Grove making his BKFC debut against Bruce Abramski in a 185-pound showdown. In addition to Grove’s debut, the show will feature the return of the “Queen of Bare Knuckle” Bec Rawlings, the heavyweight tournament semi-finals, and fights featuring UFC veteran Chris Lytle, Pride veterans Charles Bennett and Tony Lopez in his second BKFC fight.

“It’s great to be able to bring this kind of exciting event and our world-class talent to the Gulf Coast,” said BKFC founder and president David Feldman. “Everyone has been very receptive so far, and we expect more of the same fireworks on August 25!”

Stepping into the ring on August 25 will be Biloxi-native and 26-fight professional boxing veteran Michael Bissett in a heavyweight match against Robert Morrow, who enters the ring with 43 professional MMA fights under his belt. Unbeaten MMA fighter and former Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Marcel Stamps will face Louisiana’s Brandon Martin in a 185-pound clash, while former Bellator fighters Diego Garijo and Tom Shoaff square off for a 165-pound showdown.

After Rawlings won the first female bare knuckle fight in history, an additional women’s matchup has been added to this card as former Invicta fighter Christine Ferea steps into a 125-pound showdown against Maria Andaverde, who has fought professionally in MMA and boxing.

The action continues with unbeaten MMA fighter Jamie Campbell meeting Arizona’s Dale Sopi in a heavyweight fight and Harris Stephenson facing Mexico’s Jorge Gonzales in a 165-pound bout.

Rounding out the night of fights are professional MMA and boxing veterans Reggie Barnett and James Clayton Burns battling in a 135-pound attraction.

Tickets are available now exclusively at www.bareknuckle.tv ranging from $35 to $250.
“BKFC 2: A New Era” will be broadcast in state-of-the-art 4K across the United States and Canada, exclusively on pay-per-view through MultiVision Media, Inc. on all major television and streaming distribution outlets for $29.95.

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About Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship

On June 2, 2018, Philadelphia-based Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) made combat sports history when it promoted the first legal, sanctioned and regulated bare knuckle event in the United States since 1889. “BKFC 1: The Beginning” took place June 2, 2018 in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and featured 10 professional bouts, all under the auspices and control of the Wyoming Combative Sports Commission.

BKFC uses only established fighters who have previously competed professionally in boxing, MMA, kickboxing and/or Muay Thai. All BKFC bouts are sanctioned and regulated by ABC member Athletic Commissions.

For more information visit www.bareknuckle.tv or follow on Twitter at @BareKnuckleFC, on Instagram at www.instagram.com/bareknucklefc and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bareknucklefc.

Bare Knuckle Boxing

Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship Returns Saturday, August 25 with “BKFC 2: A New Era” from the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi, Mississippi & Live on Pay-Per-View

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Card Will Include Heavyweight Tournament Semi-Finals &
 the Returns of Bec Rawlings & Tony Lopez
 
Plus! The BKFC Debuts of Chris Lytle & Charles Bennett

PHILADELPHIA (July 11, 2018) – After successfully holding the first legal, regulated and sanctioned bare knuckle event in the United States since 1889 last month, Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) is set to return Saturday, August 25 with “BKFC 2: A New Era” from the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi, Mississippi and live on pay-per-view.

 

 

 

After the inaugural June 2 event was held in Cheyenne, Wyoming, this edition of BKFC will be held under the auspices and control of the Mississippi Athletic Commission, headed by Chairman Jon Lewis.

 

 

 

“With the overwhelming success of BKFC 1 in June, I know that the stakes are even higher for our second event,” said BKFC Founder and President David Feldman. “We feel confident that ‘BKFC 2: A New Era’ will build upon what we’ve already accomplished and raise the bar with our fights and fighters.”

 

 

 

Tickets are available now exclusively at www.bareknuckle.tv ranging from $35 to $250. “BKFC 2: A New Era” will be broadcast across the United States and Canada, exclusively on pay-per-view through MultiVision Media, Inc., on all major television and streaming distribution outlets for $29.95.

 

 

 

The stacked night of fights will see the return of UFC veteran, and newly-crowned “Queen of Bare Knuckle” Bec Rawlings, who will face professional boxer Britain Hart. The action will also include the semi-final round of the BKFC heavyweight tournament, with Sam Shewmaker taking on Maurice Jackson and Arnold Adams facing Joey Beltran.

 

 

 

A veteran of both the UFC and Bellator, Beltran won the heavyweight tournament alternate bout at BKFC 1 when he defeated Tony Lopez in what was widely considered the “fight of the night” by both fans and media. Beltran replaces former UFC Heavyweight Champion Ricco Rodriguez, who has withdrawn from the heavyweight tournament due to injury, but will return on a future BKFC card.

 

 

 

Lopez has earned a place on BKFC 2 after his outstanding fight against Beltran and will now face 16-fight Muay Thai fighting veteran Jimmy Jennette.

 

 

 

Set to make their BKFC debuts on this loaded night of fights are Chris Lytle, who has a combined 44 victories as a professional MMA fighter and boxer, and Charles Bennett, who has had 70 professional MMA fights. Lytle spent eight years fighting in the UFC, and Bennett spent five in Pride FC.

 

 

 

For more information visit www.bareknuckle.tv or follow on Twitter at@BareKnuckleFC, on Instagram at www.instagram.com/bareknucklefc and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bareknucklefc.

 

Bare Knuckle Boxing

Full Card Set for Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship & First Legal, Regulated and Sanctioned Bare Knuckle Event  in the U.S. Since 1889

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Saturday, June 2 Live Across the U.S. and Canada on 
Pay-Per-View from Cheyenne Ice & Events Center 
in Cheyenne, Wyoming
 
Twelve-Bout Card to Feature Former
UFC Heavyweight Champion Ricco Rodriguez vs. Lewis Rumsey 

Lineal Bare Knuckle Heavyweight Champion Bobby Gunn vs. 
Marcelo Tavares & Women’s Showdown between Former 
UFC Fighter Bec Rawlings & Denver’s Alma Garcia

CHEYENNE, WY (May 25, 2018) – The full lineup of matchups are set for the inaugural Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) fight card that will feature 12 bouts Saturday, June 2 live on pay-per-view from Cheyenne Ice & Events Center in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

 

 

 

The first legal, regulated and sanctioned bare knuckle event in the United States since 1889, “BKFC: The Beginning,” will air throughout the United States and Canada on pay-per-view through MultiVision Media, Inc., on FITE-TV app and fite.tv on all major television and streaming distribution outlets for $29.99 in 4K. The event can be ordered at www.bareknuckle.tv/bkfc1.

 

 

 

The pay-per-view telecast will feature former boxing world champion Antonio Tarver providing color commentary.

 

 

 

Headlining the card is former UFC Heavyweight Champion Ricco Rodriguez taking on Pennsylvania’s Lewis “The Beast” Rumsey in five rounds of heavyweight action, while Lineal Bare Knuckle Boxing Heavyweight World Champion Bobby Gunn battles Brazil’s Marcelo Tavares in a seven-round attraction.

 

 

 

A five-round women’s showdown between “Rowdy” Bec Rawlings and Alma Garcia will also be featured on the groundbreaking pay-per-view event. A former UFC fighter,  Rawlings recorded two wins in UFC among her seven professional MMA victories. The 29-year-old from Brisbane, Australia enters the ring looking to bring her signature aggressive style into bare knuckle boxing. She will take on Garcia, a professional boxer with seven fights under her belt and fighting out of Denver, Colorado.

 

 

 

Held under the auspices and control of the Wyoming Combative Sports Commission, headed by Chairman Bryan Pedersen, the card features only established professional fighters who have competed in boxing, MMA, kickboxing or Muay Thai.

 

 

 

BKFC heavyweight tournament action will feature Arizona’s Eric “The American Soldier” Prindle battling Missouri’s Sam Shewmaker, Las Vegas-native Maurice “The Gorilla” Jackson against Hawaii’s Dale Sopi and Chicago’s Arnold “Bomaye” Adams competing against California’s DJ “Da Protégé” Linderman in a series of five-round quarter final matchups.

 

 

 

Additional fights on the stacked night of bare knuckle boxing include Virginia’s Reggie Barnett versus Pennsylvania’s Travis Thompson in a five-round 135-pound fight, Texas-native Johnny “Brutal” Bedford in a 137-pound, five-round matchup against Wyoming’s Nick “Garfield” Mamalis and a 155-pound showdown between Phoenix’s Estevan “El Terrible” Payan and Washington’s Omar “Gallo Fino” Avelar scheduled for five rounds.

 

 

 

Rounding out the night of fights are a pair of 145-pound fights as San Diego’s Joey Beltran meets California’s Tony “Kryptonite” Lopez in a five-round bout and Winnipeg’s Desmond Johnson taking on New Mexico-native Austin Ward in a five-round affair,plus Canada’s Brandon Cheverfield against Indiana’s Jorge Gonzales in a five-round 165-pound attraction.

 

 

 

Tickets for the live event are available now exclusively at www.bareknuckle.tv and are priced from $50 to $200.

 

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ABOUT BKFC: THE BEGINNING

“BKFC: The Beginning” will be distributed live on pay-per-view on Saturday, June 2 at 9 PM ET/6 PM PT and will be available to over 100 million households in the United States and Canada via cable and satellite, and carried throughout the world on traditional television, apps, Smart TVs, home computers, laptops, iPhones, iPads and android devices via Chromecast, Apple TV, Sony Playstations, etc.

 

 

 

Please consult your local guide for channel and replays throughout the month. The suggested retail for “BKFC: The Beginning” is $29.99.

 

 

 

“BKFC: The Beginning”, will be produced in state-of-the art 4K and distributed by New York-based MultiVision Media, Inc. The executive producer is Brian Ricco.

 

 

 

For more information visit www.bareknuckle.tv or follow on Twitter at@BKBChampionship, on Instagram at www.instagram.com/bareknucklefc and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bareknucklefc.