Tag Archives: Joey Beltran

BKFC-18 – Live on FITE PPV on June 26

BKFC-18 – Live on FITE PPV on June 26

Event features 4 World Title Fights

Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, The World’s Fastest Growing Sport, presents BKFC-18 featuring Four World Title Fights on Saturday, June 26 at Hard Rock Live in the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, FL and broadcast globally on FITE PPV, starting at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT). They will be joined by the BKFC broadcast team of Sean Wheelock and Chris Lytle.

In the heavyweight division, BKFC World Champion ‘The Mexicutioner’ Joey Beltran, (4-1-1, 2 KOs), fighting out of Carlsbad, CA will make the second defense of his title against Sam ‘The Hillbilly Hammer’ Shewmaker, (4-1-1, 3 KOs), of Gravois Mills, MO. 

Competing for the vacant BKFC Cruiserweight World Title, South Florida fan favorite, Hector ‘Showeather’ Lombard, (2-0, 1 KO), of Miami, FL clashes with ‘Diesel’ Joe Riggs, (3-0-1), fighting out of Phoenix, AZ.

In the featherweight division, Miami warrior Luis ‘Baboon’ Palomino, (3-0, 2 KOs), faces Great Britain villain and the country’s bare-knuckle champion, Tyler ‘The Tornado’ Goodjohn, (1-0) for the BKFC World Title. 

Two of South Florida’s most in-demand fighters, Thiago ‘The Pitbull’ Alves, (1-0), of Coconut Creek, FL and ‘The Monster’, Uly ‘3 Seconds’ Diaz, (2-0, 2 KOs) of Miami, FL will battle for the vacant BKFC Middleweight World Title. 

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BARE KNUCKLE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP SET TO DEBUT IN ALABAMA SATURDAY, APRIL 11 IN BIRMIGHAM!

UFC Veteran Chris Leben & Former University of Alabama Linebacker Marcel Stamps Square Off in BKFC 12 Main Event from the Boutwell Auditorium

Co-Main Event Action to Feature BKFC Heavyweight Champion Joey Beltran Defending his Title Against Mark Godbeer

Tickets on Sale Today!

BIRMINGHAM, ALA. (March 6, 2020) – Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) will bring sanctioned bare knuckle action to Alabama for the first time on Saturday, April 11 as UFC veteran Chris Leben and former University of Alabama linebacker Marcel Stamps go toe-to-toe in the main event of BKFC 12 from Boutwell Auditorium in Birmingham, Ala.
 
The BKFC 12 co-main event will showcase a highly anticipated heavyweight title bout as BKFC Heavyweight Champion Joey Beltran defends his belt against rugged MMA veteran Mark Godbeer.
 
Tickets for the live event are on sale Friday, March 6 and can be purchased athttps://www.bareknuckle.tv/ and Etix.
 
“It will be a great fight,” said BKFC founder and president David Feldman. “Chris Leben is a legend, he always comes to fight and he’s ready to throw down. Marcel Stamps is one of the most athletic fighters in BKFC, and we expect him to do some big things with the organization. This fight is a statement of how we do things at BKFC. The best fight the best!”


“I’m excited to be part of the BKFC 12 main event in Alabama,” said Leben. “On April 11, I will make Stamps regret he ever got into this. I will knock him out in front of his hometown fans.”


“I have my hometown supporting me and I will not let them down,” said Stamps. “Leben has nothing left. He is old and is nothing more than a name. I will retire him for good!”


Leben returns for his third BKFC fight, having previously knocked out Justin Baesman at BKFC 5, before losing a decision to Dakota Cochrane at BKFC 6. Originally from Portland, Oregon and now training out of Chula Vista, California, Leben first emerged onto the scene in the inaugural season of The Ultimate Fighter before going on to become a WEC Middleweight Champion. A veteran of over 20 UFC events, his career includes a five-fight win streak that led to a challenge of Anderson Silva.
 
Born in Brantley, Alabama and now fighting out of Birmingham, Stamps will step in for his second BKFC bout after previously knocking out Kendall Grove at BKFC 3. The 34-year-old played linebacker for Nick Saban at the University of Alabama from 2004 through 2008 and played in the CFL before transitioning to combat sports. Stamps competed in Bellator prior to debuting with BKFC in 2018.
 
# # #
 
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 https://twitter.com/bareknucklefc on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/bareknucklefc/ on YouTube athttps://www.youtube.com/
channel/UCEeMsInLdrUbIkbEcNm7g-A
 and on Facebook athttps://www.facebook.com/bareknucklefc.

STACKED NIGHT OF BARE KNUCKLE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP ACTION LEADS UP TO ARTEM LOBOV VS. JASON KNIGHT REMATCH SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16 LIVE ON PAY-PER-VIEW

BKFC Heavyweight Champion Chase Sherman Battles Joey Beltran,
All-Action Brawlers Johnny Bedford & Charles Bennett Square-Off &
Helen Peralta Faces Maia Kahunaele in Women’s Showdown

Plus! Gulfport’s Harris Stephenson Returns to Battle Kenny Licea,
All from the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi

BILOXI, MS. (November 7, 2019) – A jam packed night of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship action will lead up to the highly anticipated main event rematch between Artem Lobov and Jason Knight on Saturday, November 16live on pay-per-view from the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi, Miss.
 
The co-main event will see BKFC Heavyweight Champion and Mississippi-nativeChase Sherman defending his title against hard-hitting veteran Joey Beltran, plus BKFC staple Johnny Bedford battles Charles Bennett and Helen Peraltareturns to action after a victory on BKFC 7 to face former Ultimate Fighter competitor Maia Kahuanele.

“BKFC 9” will be broadcast across the United States and Canada, exclusively on pay-per-view through MultiVision Media, Inc., on all major television distribution outlets for $29.99. It will also be available to BKFC’s international broadcast partners worldwide and via stream to all in-home and out-of-home connected devices through FITE.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now at www.bareknuckle.tv or the Mississippi Coast Coliseum box office.
 
The lineup continues with Gulfport, Mississippi’s Harris Stephenson facing Missouri’s Kenny Licea in a 170-pound bout, Mississippi-native Kaleb Harris in a 165-pound clash against Delaware’s Jeff Chiffens, plus another Mississippi-native entering the ring when Adam Pellerano meets Joe Pegg in a 150-pound duel.
 
Rounding out the night are a pair of 205-pound clashes as Maine’s Chris Sarrobattles West Virginia’s John McAllister while Oregon’s Wes Combs steps in against Mississippi’s Adrian Miles.
 
Fighting out of D’lberville, Mississippi, Sherman won the BKFC title from Arnold Adams at BKFC 7 in August. Sherman has fought seven times in UFC and 13 of his 14 pro MMA wins have come by TKO or knockout. He’s undefeated in his last five pro fights, with four wins and a draw.
 
Beltran has quickly become a BKFC mainstay, compiling a 2-1-1 record, with a win and a draw coming against Tony Lopez in a pair of memorable fights, including a Fight of the Year contender in June 2018 on the first BKFC card (Watch their first fight HERE and behind the scenes before their rematch HERE). Fighting out of Carlsbad, California, Beltran’s last BKFC fight saw him stop Jamie Campbell in the second round in June.
 
Bedford is one of the most accomplished BKFC fighters since the company’s inception, having won all four of his bare knuckle fights, and most recently became the BKFC Lightweight Champion by defeating Reggie Barnett Jr. on BKFC 6 in June. He will be moving up in weight to take Ocala, Florida’s Bennett, who was defeated in his only BKFC outing, but has a long pro MMA career of delivering exciting action no matter where he’s fighting.
 
After an impressive amateur MMA career, Iowa’s Peralta won two of her three Invicta fights in 2018. She made her BKFC debut earlier this year, defeating Christine Ferea at BKFC 7 in August. She looks to build on that momentum when she takes on Victorville, California’s Kahaunaele, who competed on the Ultimate Fighter Season 26 and most recently dropped a UFC contest to Polyana Viana. She had previously put together a five-fight MMA win streak prior to being on Ultimate Fighter.
 
# # #
 
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 https://twitter.com/bareknucklefc on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/bareknucklefc/ on YouTube athttps://www.youtube.com/
channel/UCEeMsInLdrUbIkbEcNm7g-A
 and on Facebook athttps://www.facebook.com/bareknucklefc.

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


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

Click HERE for Photos
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.
 
# # #
 
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.

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


“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.
 
# # #


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.

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

(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.


# # #


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 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

 
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.

 

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

 
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.

 

#          #          #

 

 

 

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.

PETROSYAN, KIELHOLTZ, HAIDA, & BOLANOS EMERGE VICTORIOUS FROM BELLATOR KICKBOXING 5 IN TORINO

For Immediate Release:

April 8, 2017

Giorgio Petrosyan (84-2-2, 1 NC) defeated Amansio Paraschiv (23-5-1) via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 29-27, 30-26)

Giorgio Petrosyan Quote: “I’ve spent a lot of time studying this opponent and I felt like I knew his fighting style well so I was able to put together a solid game plan and execute it successfully,” Petrosyan said. “Now I’m looking forward to getting some rest, and we will let Scott Coker and Carlo DiBlasi decide what is next for me.”

Petrosyan vs. Paraschiv Photos

Denise Kielholtz (46-3) defeated Martine Michieletto (18-11-3) via Unanimous Decision (50-45, 49-46, 49-46)

Denise Kielholtz Quote: “It was a good night for me with the win, but it was tough fight. She’s a taller southpaw fighter and she really brought it. All rounds were for me and that’s the most important thing for me. It’s great to retain this belt, this is my biggest prize in the sport and I’m honored to be the world champion for Bellator,” Kielholtz said. “Really, for me, Bellator is the biggest kickboxing organization in the world, they are really for the fighters, so I am very happy to be representing this company. The next time you see me out there might be in the Bellator cage fighting MMA. We’re working very hard on all aspects of my training and so hopefully before the end of summer you will see me fighting MMA.”

Kielholtz vs. Michieletto Photos

John Wayne Parr (96-32) def. Nando Calzetta (45-10) via Head Kick at 2:59 of Round 2

John Wayne Parr Quote: “He was tough, he came to fight. He wanted to mix and trade but I was more than happy to do that with the hands. I thought I was a little bit sharper, but he had a crack – he had a good go and hopefully it was entertaining for the crowd,” John Wayne Parr said. “Before this fight I really wanted to do something impressive and get an impressive finish so to score a head kick knockout is like a slam dunk. I feel like Michael Jordan right now. I’ve been watching Bellator and I just want to be a star here and hopefully tonight is gonna put that notch in my belt and help me fulfill that dream.”

Parr vs. Calzetta Photos

Mustapha Haida (46-5-2) defeated Enriko Kehl (45-12-1) via Split Decision (30-27, 28-29, 29-28)

Mustapha Haida Quote: I’m very happy for with the victory. I think I broke my hand or my wrist in the second round so I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to finish the fight, but I dug down deep and was able to get through the match,” Haida said. “Fighting for Bellator Kickboxing here in Italy has been a great experience for me and I hope to continue to fight here.”

Haida vs. Kehl Photos

Gaston Bolanos defeated Luca D’Isanto via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Gaston Bolanos Quote: “I came into someone’s home town tonight, and the guy had a lot more experience in kickboxing than I do, so I’m quite happy with the win. It’s a different rhythm out there. I’m used to Muay-Thai, which I’ve been practicing my whole life. I’ve done a few fights without elbows even though it’s still Muay-Thai so it’s a bit different from what I just did tonight. I just came from an MMA fight so I had to switch up my whole camp but this is what I want to do and this is the opportunity that Bellator has provided for me, so I’m going to take it and stay as busy as possible,” Bolanos said. “I want to thank Bellator, Scott Coker, my coach Kirian Fitzgibbons and my team at CSA Gym for helping me and giving me all the opportunities that I’ve been given in my career. I’m hoping to get another MMA fight in here soon and develop a rhythm there. I want to become the biggest star in both sports and I know that I’ve got the opportunity and the talent to do just that.”

Bolanos vs. D’Isanto Photos

RAFAEL CARVALHO STOPS MELVIN MANHOEF IN MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP REMATCH

 

TORINO, ITALY 

Rafael Carvalho (14-1) defeated Melvin Manhoef (30-14) via Head Kick at 3:15 of Round 4

Quote from Rafael Carvalho: “The last fight didn’t go as I expected or like the public expected,” Carvalho said. “This fight I knew that there needed to be an undisputed winner with a finish and I’m very glad that I was the one who came away with the victory. I’m going to continue to defend my middleweight title here at Bellator, but I’m also interested in a super fight in our light heavyweight division or maybe a bout in Bellator Kickboxing. That would be fun for me.”

Carvalho vs. Manhoef Fight Photos Here

Anastasia Yankova (5-0) defeated Elina Kallionidou (5-2) via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

Quote from Anastasia Yankova: “I feel okay after this fight. My face looks much better right now than it did after my last fight,” Yankova said “It wasn’t perfect but I’m improving every day and I’ll continue to train hard with Mike [Swick] at AKA Thailand. I am working to get my weight down to 125 lbs. where I want to soon be Bellator’s champion.”

Yankova vs. Kallionidou Fight Photos Here

Valeriu Mircea (14-4) defeated Djamil Chan (12-4) via Majority Decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-28)

Quote from Valeriu Mircea: “I’m very proud of my performance out there. It was part of my game plan to remain calm and patient throughout the fight and I am happy to have gotten the positive result,” Mircea said. “I am coming off of a frustrating knee injury that left me with only a month and a half to prepare. Victory is sweet and I am happy that my sacrifices have provided a good result.”

Mircea vs. Chan Fight Photos Here

Mihail Nica (6-0) defeated Samba Coulibaly (11-4) via Anaconda Choke at 0:36 of Round 1

Quote from Mihail Nica: “I am feeling very positive and happy that my hard work has paid off,” Nica said. “I look forward to getting back in the gym tomorrow to better my skills. I want to continue my undefeated career here at Bellator, maybe soon in America. I think it would be great to fight there because of the level of popularity out there. I want to be a hero for the Italian fans to cheer for and grow the passion for MMA in this country.”

Nica vs. Coulibaly Fight Photos Here