Tag: BKFC

Paige VanZant vs. Rachael Ostovich II Booked For BKFC 19 On July 23

VanZantFormer UFC flyweights, Paige VanZant and Rachael Ostovich will renew their rivalry in July this year at a Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship event — with the two re-running their UFC Fight Night Brooklyn clash from January of 2019. Headlining the July 23. event, billed BKFC 19, which has yet to secure a location or venue, VanZant looks […]

VanZant

Former UFC flyweights, Paige VanZant and Rachael Ostovich will renew their rivalry in July this year at a Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship event — with the two re-running their UFC Fight Night Brooklyn clash from January of 2019.

Headlining the July 23. event, billed BKFC 19, which has yet to secure a location or venue, VanZant looks to improve to 2-0 against Hawaii’s Ostovich, as well as secure her first win over the David Feldman-led banner. For Ostovich, the 30-year-old will make her organizational bow after she put pen to paper on a deal with the promotion back in April.

Featuring at UFC Fight Night Brooklyn back in January of 2019 at the Barclays Centre in the first UFC event to be aired on ESPN as part of their new broadcast deal, Oregon native, VanZant handed Ostovich a second round armbar loss in the second bout of the main card — which was headlined by an undisputed flyweight title tilt between then-champion, Henry Cejudo and former two-time bantamweight best, T.J. Dillashaw. 

Making her promotional debut under the BKFC banner back in February, VanZant headlined the promotion’s Knucklemania event against Britain Hart, eventually dropping a unanimous decision despite scoring the third round with a brief rallying effort. Following the win, VanZant confirmed she would return in a timely fashion, with the promotion confirming she would feature against a familiar foe. Well, that foe is The Ultimate Fighter 26 alum, Ostovich.

Released from the UFC back in December of last year following a run of three consecutive losses, Ostovich most recently suffered a third round body kick knockout defeat against Gina Mazany. The defeat came off the back of his submission loss to VanZant and a rear-naked choke blemish against Montana De La Rosa. 

In her sole Octagon victory, Ostovich told home a first round armbar victory of her own over Karine Gerovyan back at The Ultimate Fighter 26 finale in December of 2017.

A nine-fight Octagon veteran, VanZant ended her stint with the UFC back in July of last year off the back of a UFC 251 armbar loss to the rising Brazilian contender, Amanda Ribas. Headlining once under the promotion’s banner, VanZant lodged Octagon wins against Kailin Curran, Felice Herrig, Bec Rawlings, Alex Chambers, and the above-mentioned, Ostovich.

Alan Belcher Ends Retirement, Inks Contract With BKFC

Alan BelcherThe pen has come to paper for a new fight deal for Alan Belcher. No more 4-oz MMA gloves for the UFC veteran. Instead of entering the cage, Belcher will be testing the waters of the bare-knuckle boxing ring. Belcher competed in an outstanding number of 15 UFC fights, debuting in 2006. Belcher would boast […]

Alan Belcher

The pen has come to paper for a new fight deal for Alan Belcher.

No more 4-oz MMA gloves for the UFC veteran. Instead of entering the cage, Belcher will be testing the waters of the bare-knuckle boxing ring.

Belcher competed in an outstanding number of 15 UFC fights, debuting in 2006. Belcher would boast wins over the likes of Sean Salmon, Ed Herman, Patrick Cote and Rousimar Palhares.

“The Talent” would end his UFC run with a 9-6 record. The 37 year-old hasn’t fought since losing to former UFC Champion Michael Bisping back in 2013. Belcher would officially announce his retirement from MMA in 2015.

Years after the departure from the Octagon, the desire for another fight grew. Belcher has continued to train, staying active in martial arts, despite not competing on the professional level like he once did. This would all change with a call from the BKFC, who had a exciting, new challenge for the former middleweight contender.

Being in talks with BKFC president, David Feldman, Belcher would sign a multi-fight deal to fight under their banner.

“I love what BKFC is doing,” Belcher stated in a press release. “The company is showing tremendous growth, their event production is first class and I expressed to Dave [Feldman] that I wanted to be part of it. Mentally and physically, I’m in the best shape of my life, a true world class athlete at the age of 37.”

Feldman has been keeping his eyes on Belcher for a while now and was glad to add the former 185lber to their Heavyweight roster.

“We’re very proud to announce our signing of Alan Belcher,” Feldman said. “Personally, I’ve been a fan of Alan’s since his early days in UFC and he’s been supportive of BKFC the last couple of years coming to our shows in Biloxi. He expressed interest in competing and we were able to make a deal that is beneficial to both of us.

“He’s in phenomenal shape after taking some off and fits right in with our very deep heavyweight division.”

Alan Belcher is targeted to make his Bare Knuckle debut in August, in front of his home crowd in Biloxi, Mississippi.

Chad Johnson Enters Combat Sports On Mayweather vs. Paul Card

Chad JohnsonChad “Ocho Cinco” Johnson is returning to the world of sports. But we will see him in a boxing ring and not on a football field. Johnson will be fighting BKFC veteran Brian Maxwell as part of the Mayweather versus Jake Paul Showtime PPV scheduled for June 5th. Though promoters had previously announced Johnson’s involvement […]

Chad Johnson

Chad “Ocho Cinco” Johnson is returning to the world of sports. But we will see him in a boxing ring and not on a football field.

Johnson will be fighting BKFC veteran Brian Maxwell as part of the Mayweather versus Jake Paul Showtime PPV scheduled for June 5th. Though promoters had previously announced Johnson’s involvement in the event, confirmation on his opponent came from BKFC officials just yesterday in the form of a tweet.

The fight will serve as Johnson’s first professional outing after a lengthy absence from sports. Johnson spent 11 years in the NFL as one of the top receivers in the league for the Cincinnati Bengals. Holding numerous team records, including most career receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns, he ended his career in 2012. Johnson has remained chiefly out of the spotlight since his retirement.   

Johnson has had a love for combat sports since his days as a professional football player. Training with Mayweather’boxing club in his off-seasons, Johnson has been training in boxing for years. He’s also been an enthusiastic fan of the UFC, attending events pre and post-pandemic.  

Maxwell comes into the fight with combat sports experience in boxing, bare-knuckle boxing, and mixed martial arts. Maxwell recently competed in the BKFC, where he was on a three-fight skid with losses to Jared Warren, Uly Diaz, and Tee Cummins. His most recent contest was a boxing match, which he lost by KO/TKO to Gaspard Pierre.

The bout will take place on the main card for the event. However, no information has been released regarding the potential purse for either fighter as part of the PPV. The Mayweather-Paul fight is an exhibition bout, which many anticipate will be a one-sided affair.

Are you excited to see Chad “Ocho Cinco” Johnson make his boxing debut against Brian Maxwell?

Rachael Ostovich Signs With BKFC, Debut Targeted Against VanZant

Rachael Ostovich has a new home with the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. After being released by the UFC last December, Rachael Ostovich is ready for a fresh start in a new sport. She is following in the footsteps of other ex-UFC fighters such as B…

Rachael Ostovich has a new home with the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. After being released by the UFC last December, Rachael Ostovich is ready for a fresh start in a new sport. She is following in the footsteps of other ex-UFC fighters such as Bec Rawlings and Paige VanZant by signing with the BKFC. The […]

Ex-UFC Flyweight Rachael Ostovich Signs With The BKFC, Rematch With Paige VanZant In The Works

OstovichFormer UFC flyweight grappler, Rachael Ostovich has signed a deal to join up with the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) following her December release from the UFC, amid a three-fight losing skid. Posting on their official Instagram account tonight, BKFC confirmed the signature of Ostovich, as she plans to compete at the flyweight limit. The David Feldman-led […]

Ostovich

Former UFC flyweight grappler, Rachael Ostovich has signed a deal to join up with the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) following her December release from the UFC, amid a three-fight losing skid.

Posting on their official Instagram account tonight, BKFC confirmed the signature of Ostovich, as she plans to compete at the flyweight limit. The David Feldman-led promotion also recently penned former UFC feature and one-time vacant Invicta FC flyweight title challenger, Peal Gonzalez to a deal.

“SIGNED!! Welcome to BKFC @rachaelostovich,” the statement posted by Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship read, accompanied by a promotional image of Ostovich.

A contestant on The Ultimate Fighter 26 back in October of 2017, Ostovich exited at the quarter final stage against Barb Honchak, suffering a unanimous decision loss following a preliminary round win over Melinda Fabian via a first-round rear-naked choke. 

Competing under the Invicta FC banner from 2014 to 2017, Ostovich went 2-2 under the Shannon Knapp-led promotion’s scrutiny, dropping a pair of losses to both UFC flyweight contender, Andrea Lee, as well as Christine Ferea. In her two wins, the Hawaiian managed triumphs over both Evva Johnson and Ariel Black via split decision in both.

Offered a return at The Ultimate Fighter 26 finale, Ostovich battled with Karine Gevorgyan, scoring her sole win under the UFC’s banner via an opening round armbar in a 130-pound catchweight bout after the latter tipped the flyweight scales.

Suffering a pair of submissions and a knockout loss in her most recent three professional outings, the 30-year-old was stopped by both Montana De La Rosa and Paige VanZant via a rear-naked choke and armbar, respectively. 

In her final Octagon appearance, Ostovich featured at UFC Vegas 15 in November last, suffering a third round body knee knockout defeat to Gina Mazany — spelling an end to her time in the promotion, as she was granted her release back in December. 

The matchup against Mazany marked Ostovich’s return from an eight-month USADA suspension in relation to a January 3rd. last failed drug test in which she provided a test sample that tested positive for the banned substances, Ostarine and GW515. The two substances which were flagged were found in one of Ostovich’s supplements, however, they were not listed on the ingredients label.  

Ostovich is set to compete at the flyweight limit under the BKFC banner, joining both the above-mentioned UFC alums, Gonzalez and VanZant in the division. 

As for her promotional bow, according to a report from MMA Fighting, a debut outing is in the works for this summer, possibly June or July, in a rematch against past-foe, VanZant. 

VanZant made her promotional debut at BKFC KnuckleMania back in February of this year in Miami, Florida — dropping a unanimous decision defeat to Britain Hart. 

Pearl Gonzalez Signs For Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship

Pearl GonzalezBare Knuckle Fighting Championship have announced the signing of former UFC fighter and Invicta FC title challenger, Pearl Gonzalez. The 34-year-old has put pen to paper on an exclusive multi-fight promotional contract. BKFC President, Dave Feldman spoke of his delight at signing one of the biggest stars in WMMA. “Pearl is a tremendous addition to […]

Pearl Gonzalez

Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship have announced the signing of former UFC fighter and Invicta FC title challenger, Pearl Gonzalez.

The 34-year-old has put pen to paper on an exclusive multi-fight promotional contract.

BKFC President, Dave Feldman spoke of his delight at signing one of the biggest stars in WMMA.

“Pearl is a tremendous addition to our growing list of female fighters,” Feldman said in a press release. “Her best skillset is striking which makes this the perfect transition for her career. She’s very popular in the combat sports world both for her fighting ability in addition to commentating on different platforms and we can’t wait to start working with her.”

Gonzalez is taking her transition to bare knuckle boxing seriously and has even moved city in order to train with the best.

“I made the biggest sacrifice of my life, packed up everything and moved to Brooklyn, New York permanently to train with the greatest female boxer in the world, Amanda Serrano,” Gonzalez revealed. “I promise to dedicate my life to becoming the next BKFC World Champ and couldn’t be happier to start this new chapter in my life!”

Do you think Pearl Gonzalez will become a champion in BKFC?