Tag: BKFC

Artem Lobov Defends UFC For Nate Diaz vs. Khamzat Chimaev Booking: ‘Should They Give You an Easy Fight?’

Artem Lobov, Nate Diaz, Khamzat ChimaevArtem Lobov has hit out at the people criticizing the Nate Diaz vs. Khamzat Chimaev fight. Former mixed martial artist Lobov does not get why the UFC has received backlash for booking a fight that Diaz wanted. The fan favorite had been rallying to complete the last outing on his current deal. After months of […]

Artem Lobov, Nate Diaz, Khamzat Chimaev

Artem Lobov has hit out at the people criticizing the Nate Diaz vs. Khamzat Chimaev fight.

Former mixed martial artist Lobov does not get why the UFC has received backlash for booking a fight that Diaz wanted. The fan favorite had been rallying to complete the last outing on his current deal. After months of being in a public dispute with the company over being shelved, the news of his next bout came as a surprise.

Artem Lobov defends UFC for Nate Diaz vs. Khamzat Chimaev booking

When the UFC announced Diaz vs. Chimaev, reactions from the MMA community were plenty. British legend Dan Hardy labeled it an ‘assassination attempt’ on Diaz, while others called it disrespectful to the legendary fighter. The pairing feels a bit odd due to the fact that Diaz is in the final stages of his competitive career whereas Chimaev is the hungry wolf on the way up.

In an interview with talkSPORT, Artem Lobov shared his thoughts on the matchup. He doesn’t understand why people are outraged over the booking and argued against the idea of him being given an easy last fight in the promotion.

“I don’t understand people saying that, that’s f****** crazy,” Lobov said (h/t Jordan Ellis/talkSPORT). “If you’re in the UFC and you still want to compete then you have to compete.

“Imagine you had a 100-metre race and you tell the rest of the guys, ‘don’t go 100 percent, go a bit slower, make it easier for the other guys.’

“What the f*** are you talking about? Are you a fighter? Are you ready to fight? Then retire. I have always been against padding records and this to me would feel like you’re trying to get an easy fight.”

Lobov respects Diaz but doesn’t like easy fights

‘The Russian Hammer’ was respectful of Diaz and made sure to clear it out in the light of his defense for the UFC.

“All respect to Nate Diaz for taking such a tough fight. Khamzat is a killer,” Lobov added.

“This is a massive fight and I respect Nate for accepting such a tough fight. That to me shows he is still in a great mindset, and anything can happen in a fight.”

“I will never, ever accept that they should give him an easier fight. If you’re ready 100 percent and you’re fighting, then fight. If you’re not there anymore or whatever, just stop fighting, don’t make a mockery of the sport.”

The former bare-knuckle boxer reflected on his own career, satisfied with the losses on his record because there wasn’t an easy bout.

“What they gonna do give you an easy fight? No. That is just not me at all. I would never do that in my life and I don’t like seeing that,” he concluded.

“My record is messed up. I’ve had all the losses but I hold my head high. I’ve never padded my record, never turned down a challenge, and never been tapped. This is something that I’ll carry with me proudly for the rest of my life.”

BFKC Sign Muay Thai Icon Saenchai Ahead Of Transition To Bare Knuckle Fighting

SaenchaiFollowing the recent capture of Buakaw Banchamek to a multi-fight deal, BKFC (Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship) have bolstered their roster once again – this time inking a deal with decorated Thai striking sensation, the decorated, Saenchai.  As per an initial report from MMA Fighting reporter, Damon Martin, BKFC have signed Saenchai – who is regarded […]

Saenchai

Following the recent capture of Buakaw Banchamek to a multi-fight deal, BKFC (Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship) have bolstered their roster once again – this time inking a deal with decorated Thai striking sensation, the decorated, Saenchai. 

As per an initial report from MMA Fighting reporter, Damon Martin, BKFC have signed Saenchai – who is regarded as one of the greatest Muay Thai strikers produced in Thailand, to a multi-fight deal, ahead of the latter’s transition to bare knuckle fighting.

“BKFC has signed another Muay Thai legend to the roster – this time its Saenchai, who holds a ridiculous 313-41-5 record during his career,” Martin tweeted. “He’ll now crossover to bare-knuckle competition alongside Buakaw, who also signed with BKFC just recently. @bareknucklefc.” 

Last competing at the end of June, the Thai defeated Argentine striker, Alan Yauny with a unanimous decision win at THAI FIGHT Sisaket. 

Also holding an undefeated professional boxing record, Saenchai competed six times as a professional in the squared circle, landing a 6-0 record with his most recent walk coming back in 2004.

An official date or opponent for Saenchai’s promotional debut with BKFC has to be determined by the organization

One of the most decorated Muay Thai fighters produced in Thailand, he has managed to scoop the Lumpinee Stadium title on four separate occasions in four separate weight classes to boot – with the championship considered as one of the most sought after in the sport. 

The southpaw striker has competed notably at the weight limits of flyweight, bantamweight, featherweight, lightweight, and welterweight over the course of his decorated, and storied professional career.

With the capture of Saenchai, BKFC add the Thai striker to their roster which recently saw the inclusion of Saenchai’s compatriot, Buakaw – a two-time K-1 World MAX champion and also one of the most iconic fighters produced in Thailand.

BKFC President David Feldman: “100 Percent We Would Be In The Nate Diaz Business” If The UFC Star Wants To Switch To Bare Knuckle

Nate Diaz, David FeldmanNate Diaz would make a fit great in the Bare Knuckle FC as per the president David Feldman. Fan favorite Diaz was put on ice by the promotion for over a year after his last outing against Leon Edwards in June 2021. He had been asking for his release from the UFC but found it […]

Nate Diaz, David Feldman

Nate Diaz would make a fit great in the Bare Knuckle FC as per the president David Feldman.

Fan favorite Diaz was put on ice by the promotion for over a year after his last outing against Leon Edwards in June 2021. He had been asking for his release from the UFC but found it frustrating to complete the final fight on his current deal. That is until he got matched up with welterweight contender Khamzat Chimaev for his next fight at UFC 279.

Nate Diaz would be a great fit, says David Feldman

In an interview with MMA Junkie Radio, BKFC president David Feldman talked about the possibility of Nate Diaz fighting in his promotion after completing his contract with the UFC.

“I think it would be a great fit for our organization,” Feldman said. “Let’s see what happens with this fight that they just announced in the UFC with him.”

Diaz will first need to compete against the rising “Borz” who goes undefeated in 11 bouts as a pro. They’ll clash at UFC 279 on Sept. 10 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The fight was booked after a nearly year-long dispute between the UFC and Diaz, who had previously been linked to numerous opponents including Dustin Poirier.

Feldman will wait for the result of Diaz’s next fight before confirming

The 37-year-old Stockton native has talked about his plans to pursue other opportunities, such as boxing Jake Paul for a big payday match, and even discussed competing in other sports such as Brazilian jiu-jitsu, in which he’s a 3rd-degree black belt under Cesar Gracie.

While that may be a positive sign when it comes to Diaz’s openness to other ventures, Feldman will wait to see how the match plays out before making any final decisions.

“The one thing I always want to worry about is that these fighters should still be fighting and not saying he definitely should be fighting,” Feldman said. “But after a tough fight like that, does he want to continue fighting? Is his heart in it? Is his body still in it, and is he ready to do it?

“If those answers are yes, 100 percent we would be in the Nate Diaz business – a hundred percent.” (ht Simon Samano/MMA Junkie)

Ben Rothwell Expects to Face Greg Hardy In The BKFC- ‘It’s Inevitable, I’m Sure’

ben rothwellFormer UFC heavyweight, Ben Rothwell expects to face fellow UFC alum, Greg Hardy, in the near future –  ‘it’s inevitable, I’m sure.’ Back in April, it was announced that UFC veteran Ben Rothwell, would be parting ways with the promotion. He would promptly sign with the bare-knuckle boxing promotion, BKFC. Although still without a fight […]

ben rothwell

Former UFC heavyweight, Ben Rothwell expects to face fellow UFC alum, Greg Hardy, in the near future –  ‘it’s inevitable, I’m sure.’

Back in April, it was announced that UFC veteran Ben Rothwell, would be parting ways with the promotion. He would promptly sign with the bare-knuckle boxing promotion, BKFC.

Although still without a fight officially booked, Rothwell envisions a matchup with former Dallas Cowboy defensive end and former UFC heavyweight, Greg Hardy, who also signed with the BKFC earlier this month.

“Certainly, a lot of people are interested in that and are saying it,” Rothwell said to MMAJunkie when asked about a potential matchup with Hardy. “I don’t know when that’s going to happen, maybe the next fight, but it’s inevitable, I’m sure. My plan is to fight all these guys, so fight as many times as I can.”

Besides Hardy, the Wisconsin-born banger also has his eyes on BKFC reigning heavyweight champion, Arnold Adams.

Adams who had a lackluster 7-9 MMA record has really found his footing inside the BKFC ring, holding a 7-1 record in bare knuckle, five of which were by stoppage. Adams has defeated former UFC veteran, Joey Beltran, and experienced bare knuckle fighters such as Dillon Clecker and Sam Shewmaker but still Rothwell is confident he will be able to get the job done.

 “He’s a big guy, knows how to fight, and should be a great fight if we get to fight each other,” Rothwell said. “But first and foremost, I have to take this first fight and put some exciting wins together. I believe if I go on and do that, it will come, the title shot will come, and I’ll take care of business.” Rothwell will join a competitive heavyweight division and with his big name and reputation, he may be thrown in the deep end sooner rather than later.” (H/T MMAJunkie)

Ben Rothwell talking to MMAJunkie

Who would win in a bare-knuckle brawl, Ben Rothwell or Greg Hardy?

Greg Hardy Reveals He Has Been Promised A Return To The UFC If He Get’s “Some Wrestling Going In Another Promotion”

Greg HardyFormer NFL defensive end Greg Hardy isn’t counting out a UFC come back down the road.  Hardy, a one-time NFL pro-bowler, hopes to return to the company with improvements to his game. Hardy fought out his UFC contract and his departure became official in March.  Despite recent setbacks, ‘The Prince of War’ hinted at another […]

Greg Hardy

Former NFL defensive end Greg Hardy isn’t counting out a UFC come back down the road. 

Hardy, a one-time NFL pro-bowler, hopes to return to the company with improvements to his game. Hardy fought out his UFC contract and his departure became official in March. 

Despite recent setbacks, ‘The Prince of War’ hinted at another shot in the UFC once he improves his skills on the mat.

“They hit me up, told me ‘If you get some wrestling going in another promotion, we’d be glad to sign you back,’” Hardy told Chris Van Vliet. “I sent them my thank you’s and love and went looking for where I can throw these hands and found BKFC.”

Hardy (7-5, 1 NC) suffered three straight knockout losses to end his UFC run. His latest fight came against Sergey Spivak at UFC 272 on March 5, where he suffered a first-round TKO loss. 

“We’ll see what he does outside of the UFC,” Dana White told MMA Fighting’s Jose Youngs. “He came in here and didn’t have a bad run.”

New Beginnings For Greg Hardy

It didn’t take long for the former UFC heavyweight to find a new home as he signed a multi-fight deal with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) last week. 

“I’m excited to start working with Greg,” BKFC President Dave Feldman said in a statement to MMA Junkie. “He wants to test himself in bare-knuckle and has been training for a fight for the last couple of months. Heavyweight is one of our deepest divisions and his skill set fits right in.”  

Greg Hardy isn’t the first UFC alum to join the BKFC roster. Fighters like Chad Mendes, Paige VanZant, and Chris Leben made the jump to bare-knuckle boxing.

Hardy isn’t new to change. He spent his NFL career with two different teams- the Carolina Panthers and the Dallas Cowboys. He also made the transition from the gridiron to the octagon in 2017. Hardy was undefeated as an amateur before securing a UFC contract on Dana White’s Contender Series. 

Neither Hardy’s pro boxing debut nor opponent has yet to be announced.

Michael Page Is Going To Be A ‘Different Beast’ In BKFC

Michael PageMichael Page is promising to transform into a different kind of beast inside the BKFC ring against Mike Perry in August. Page is very excited for his pivot into the bare knuckle fighting world, and believes he will truly be a force inside the ring. ‘MVP’ is one of the more exciting strikers in the […]

Michael Page

Michael Page is promising to transform into a different kind of beast inside the BKFC ring against Mike Perry in August.

Page is very excited for his pivot into the bare knuckle fighting world, and believes he will truly be a force inside the ring. ‘MVP’ is one of the more exciting strikers in the game, so it will be fun to see how he makes the transition into bare knuckle boxing. Page doesn’t feel like it will take to long for him to find his groove, but when he does, fighters should look out.

“As long as I give respect to the sport and I find myself in that sport, I find that groove in that sport, 100 percent I’ll be a different beast in that area,” Page said. (Transcribed by MMAFighting.com)

Page is just coming off his second loss in his professional MMA career at Bellator 281, losing by split decision to Brandon Storley.

Michael Page is excited to join the sport, as bare knuckle fighting has a rich history in his home country

“To be fair, bare-knuckle has always been something, especially in the U.K., that a lot of people I used to look up to in the kickboxing world was doing before when it was underground,” Page explained. “So it’s always something that I kind of hoped I would be able to do but obviously it was an underground thing so I thought it never would be. Then they legalized it so over the last few years it’s slowly gotten bigger and bigger. Then I thought maybe towards the end of my career, I’ll do something like this but then it’s like the opportunity’s falling in place now, why not?”

Page will be headlining the August 20th card in London against another fan favorite ‘Platinum’ Mike Perry. Perry had his inaugural bout against Julian Lane back in February of this year. He won that fight by unanimous decision and put an end to their rivalry with his fists.

Who do you have winning in the matchup between MVP and Mike Perry?