boxing news | UFC Betting Sites - The Best MMA Online Bookies

Exclusive – BKFC boss reveals talks for major ‘Superstar’ free agent signings, plans to link up with UFC veterans

BKFC CEO David Feldman is hitting 2024 fast, and strong. Not only did he mention the plans for a…

BKFC CEO David Feldman is hitting 2024 fast, and strong. Not only did he mention the plans for a BKFC reality TV show in a recent LowKick MMA exclusive, but he’s also discussed the importance of BKFC making big moves in the MMA free agent market this year.

Not a stranger to big free-agent deals: David Feldman has willed outrageous deals into existence. Not only did they sign a potential star like Mike Perry from the UFC, but Feldman also has since matched him up with huge names in the industry such as Luke Rockhold, and Michael ‘Venom’ Page to name a few.

The mission is never over, however, and in the LowKick MMA exclusive interview, he mentioned how adamant the brand is about getting some of these big deals done.

David Feldman reveals More Big Signings are on the way to BKFC

“Bringing in the big names is something we’re going to focus big on in 2024,” David Feldman told LowKick MMA reporter, Makoa Goble, while speaking about BKFC’s ambitions for this year. “As well as the prospect series and growing them (fighters) from the ground up. So, we’re gonna bring up the big stars from up top and grow it from the ground up and we’re going to meet in the middle, and hopefully, that’s the recipe for success.”

Feldman mentioned he had some big news up his sleeve that he couldn’t speak on, but opened up a little bit more about the specifics as the conversation went on.

“The problem is, and I hate to do this to the journalists, but I can’t talk about it because If I do, it could blow my deal. But, yes, there are 13 guys right now. 13 guys on the radar. Four of them I would consider superstars, and the rest I would consider stars. Absolute stars.”

David Feldman was very patient and generous, and when asked if he could hint at the combat sports brands the fighters hailed from, he obliged.

“I mean, two boxing world champions. UFC. A few guys from Bellator. That’s probably it, really. But, the couple of boxing world champions I am getting: superstars.”

While exact names weren’t discussed, one could begin speculating about the identities of the fighters, since the MMA free-agent market is extremely thin up at the top. For the UFC fighters, guys like Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal have been speculated to make an appearance inside BKFC. Greg Hardy is another semi-notable name who is a free agent. While he was released from the UFC back in 2021, BKFC needs heavyweight stars to compete with the likes of Ben Rothwell, and Todd Duffee.

The speculation could probably go on endlessly, but honestly. It also wouldn’t be hard to figure out names just by studying the market. For the boxers, the market is a little bit more wide open. Shakur Stevenson is a recent free agent who fights in the lightweight division. This puts him on track to compete with the likes of Luis Palomino, Austin Trout, and Mike Perry to name a few. Such a signing would make sense for BKFC, and Stevenson was also the WBC lightweight champion so he fits the bill of a “world champion boxer”.

Who do you think David Feldman will sign out of the free agent market?

Exclusive – BKFC reality TV show in the works: ‘We want it, and I really think we’re going to get it’

A BKFC reality TV show is currently being shopped around, according to BKFC President David Feldman. Such a show…

A BKFC reality TV show is currently being shopped around, according to BKFC President David Feldman.

Such a show could likely catapult BKFC into a different stratosphere regarding reach and exposure. Back in the day, another very well-known fight brand by the name of the UFC launched its own reality TV series, and it played a pivotal role in turning the UFC into one of the most popular combat sports brands in the world today.

According to Feldman, the BKFC reality TV show won’t just be a carbon copy of The Ultimate Fighter. In fact, he says the show will focus more on the individual fighters, highlighting their day-to-day lives and journeys.

David Feldman Discusses the Potential for a BKFC Reality TV Show

When David Feldman was asked about the potential for a BKFC reality TV show, he began smiling. Finally, unable to contain himself any longer, he would let out an emphatic “Yeah!”

“Yeah, great question,” the BKFC President told LowKick MMA reporter, Makoa Goble. “And actually, even better timing. Because there’s a television conference that’s happening in New Orleans, right now, as we speak. And, we’re pitching our reality show to a bunch of different networks right now.”

“So, perfect, perfect, timing. Great question,” He continued. “Yes, the answer is yes, absolutely. We want it, absolutely. And, I really think we’re gonna get it, ’cause these guys have amazing stories.”

When asked for a little more details about what the show might entail, David Feldman didn’t mind obliging, speaking about what fans can expect from the show, and also describing some of the trials and tribulations that fighters experience in their careers.

“…Look, man. It’s (the show is) gonna be following their journey. There’s not gonna be a bunch of guys living together. It’s gonna be just following their journeys and really seeing about what it’s like to become a fighter… To fight for your life, ’cause a lot of these guys are fighting for their lives. They are fighting for their next meal. And what that really takes to do that, and what you’re giving up and sacrificing.”

Feldman would continue enthusiastically talking about the BKFC reality TV show, and breaking down more of what it would feature. “It will also focus a little bit on the team of BKFC, and what they did to sacrifice… and a lot of the challenges that they face every day. So, it’s a little bit of a combination of both, but it’s really about following the journeys of these guys, and really getting in deep with what makes them tick.”

So, it seems like a BKFC reality TV show could be coming our way sometime soon. This will likely be a great move by the company, and expose them to consumers they might not ordinarily reach.

Will you watch the new BKFC reality show?

Francis Ngannou backed to turn in KO win over Anthony Joshua in March boxing fight: ‘We can find him in the pocket’

Former undisputed UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou has been backed to land a knockout win over former world titleholder,…

Former undisputed UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou has been backed to land a knockout win over former world titleholder, Anthony Joshua in the pair’s March boxing match in Riyadh, with his head coach, Eric Nicksick confident of the Cameroonian’s ability to stop the Brit in close.

Ngannou, a former undisputed heavyweight champion under the banner of the UFC, made his professional boxing debut back in August of last year in Saudi Arabia, suffering a close, split decision loss to unbeaten WBC heavyweight titleholder, Tyson Fury in the pair’s grudge fight.

As for Joshua, the Watford native headlined a ‘Day of Reckoning’ billed card in the Middle East back in December of last year, landing his third consecutive victory since his title loss, with a corner’s stoppage TKO win over Swedish contender, Otto Wallin.

Francis Ngannou backed to KO Anthony Joshua in March

And taking on Francis Ngannou in the Middle East in a massive heavyweight clash in March, Joshua has been warned by the Batié native’s coach, Nicksick, that if he leaves his chin open in the pocket, it will be ultimately found.

“He’s (Anthony Joshua) more of a plot fighter, kind of works well behind his jab, but I feel like we can find him there in the pocket rather than having to chase him down or try to hunt him down,” Nicksick told MMA Fighting. “So, there’s some differences there, but by that style of fight, if he’s going to be there in the pocket, Francis (Ngannou) will find you.”

In his most recent walk in mixed martial arts, Ngannou turned in a successful heavyweight title retention win in a championship unification bout against then-interim gold holder, Ciryl Gane back in 2022, handing the Frenchman his first professional loss in the sport.

Jorge Masvidal opens as betting favorite to beat UFC veteran Nate Diaz in potential boxing rematch in March

Former undisputed welterweight title challenger, Jorge Masvidal has opened and currently remains a betting favorite to beat his fellow…

Former undisputed welterweight title challenger, Jorge Masvidal has opened and currently remains a betting favorite to beat his fellow UFC alum, Nate Diaz in a potential boxing rematch as soon as March – as the duo find themselves linked to a blockbuster re-run – this time in the squared circle.

Masvidal, a former undisputed welterweight title chaser twice during his tenure with the Dana White-led UFC, called time on his storied combat sports career back in April of last year, after suffering his fourth consecutive Octagon loss in the form of decision defeat to Gilbert Burns in his hometown.

As for Diaz, the Stockton veteran departed the promotion back in 2022, landing a rallying fourth round guillotine choke submission win over former interim lightweight champion, Tony Ferguson in the pair’s impromptu UFC 279 headliner at the welterweight limit.

Making his professional boxing debut back in August, Diaz headlined a card in Texas against professional boxer, Jake Paul, suffering a one-sided unanimous decision loss in his first outing in the squared circle – which included a late knockdown.

And despite his more recent boxing experience, Diaz has opened as a +250 betting underdog to beat Floridian striker, Masvidal, who himself is sitting as an impressive -325 betting favorite at the time of publication.

Jorge Masvidal emerges as betting favorite to beat Nate Diaz

Yet to officially book their expected Las Vegas clash, fans are sure to place a wide and varied array of bets and wagers on an earmarked rematch between Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz – and from the likes of ‘Sin City’ – all the way ‘Down Under’, some of the best-recognised slots and gambling games bring with them many instant withdrawal casino Australia if a punter is successful with their flutters and wagers.

Sharing a distinct history, Jorge Masvidal became the inaugural BMF championship winner under the banner of the UFC back in 2019 against the Stockton native, headlining a November pay-per-view that year at Madison Square Garden.

Starting in vicious fashion, Jorge Masvidal elbowed his way through Diaz early in the bout against the fence following a clinch exchange, before the latter walked onto a massive high kick in an attempt to evade, sending him to the canvas with a massive laceration surrounding his notorious scar tissue.

Dropped once again later in the bout following a brutal right body kick from Masvidal, Diaz was controversially prevented from answering a fourth round against the former by the Octagon-side physician, who determined that the gushing blood around The Ultimate Fighter victor’s right eye was too severe, paired with a nasty cut around his eye socket.

Going to on fight for undisputed welterweight gold twice after hid symbolic victory against Diaz, Jorge Masvidal would first fight to a unanimous decision loss to two-fight rival, Kamaru Usman in a short-notice clash, before returning to fight him in an immediate rematch – dropping a hellacious second round KO of his own in Florida in a championship re-run.

Continually linked with a return to the UFC, potentially to settle his rivalry with former two-time foe, Conor McGregor, Diaz’s next venture appears all but signed to occur in the boxing ring once more.

Video – Cris Cyborg Smashes Kelsey Wickstrum in 81 Seconds with Vicious One-Hit Knockout

Women’s MMA icon Cris Cyborg added another highlight-reel knockout to her legendary resume. The reigning Bellator women’s featherweight champion…

Women’s MMA icon Cris Cyborg added another highlight-reel knockout to her legendary resume.

The reigning Bellator women’s featherweight champion squared off with Kelsey Wickstrom at a World Fighting Championship event on Friday night at the Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, Calif. The evening’s headliner ended just as quickly as it started with Cyborg dropping Wickstrum with a brutal overhand right just past the one-minute mark of the opening round.

Wickstrum attempted to answer the referee’s count, but the bout was called off once she face-planted back onto the canvas.

Cyborg has won three straight boxing matches since making her sweet science debut in 2022. Friday’s shellacking of Kelsey Wickstrom represented her first finish in the sport. She had previously earned decision victories over Simone da Silva and Gabrielle Holloway, while also scoring a successful Bellator title defense via a first-round TKO against Cat Zingano at Bellator 300 in October.

What’s Next For Cris Cyborg?

With the Professional Fighters League acquiring Bellator MMA last year, fight fans are eagerly awaiting news of a long-teased clash between Cyborg and two-time PFL champion Kayla Harrison. With PFL founder Donn Davis announcing a PFL champions vs. Bellator champions mega-event in Saudi Arabia, many assumed that Cyborg vs. Harrison would be part of the festivities. As it turns out, neither fighter will be part of the card with Cyborg claiming that Harrison turned down the scrap on social media.

“I am disappointed to hear that after @PeteMurrayPFL offered me the date and location for a fight against @KaylaH and after we accepted the bout that she has now declined the offer,” Cyborg wrote on X.

I am disappointed to hear that after @PeteMurrayPFL offered me the date and location for a fight against @KaylaH and after we accepted the bout that she has now declined the offer. pic.twitter.com/c105tdyyH2

— CrisCyborg.Com (@criscyborg) January 3, 2024

Davis attempted to quell some of the frustration online between fans and the fighters, telling MMA Hour host Ariel Helwani that Cyborg vs. Harrison will “most likely” go down this summer.

“We wanted it to be [on the PFL x Bellator card]…Kayla [Harrison], injury then [Cris] Cyborg didn’t want to fight [Larissa] Pacheco…Injury, schedules, conflicts, opinions, but that fight’s gonna happen. The great news, that fight’s gonna happen…Kayla wants to fight Cris, Cris wants to fight Kayla, that fight’s gonna happen. So will it be the summer? Most likely.”

Video – Ex-UFC champion Francis Ngannou faces off with Anthony Joshua ahead of boxing fight in March

Slated to make his sophomore walk to the squared circle in March in a massive showdown against former two-time…

Slated to make his sophomore walk to the squared circle in March in a massive showdown against former two-time heavyweight world boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, former UFC heavyweight kingpin, Francis Ngannou faced off with the boxing star today in England – ahead of their Saudi Arabia showcase later this year.

Ngannou, a former undisputed heavyweight champion under the banner of the UFC, made his professional boxing debut back in August in Riyadh, forcing unbeaten WBC heavyweight champion, Tyson Fury the distance over the course of 12 rounds in a close, dubious split decision loss to the Morecambe native.

Receiving massive plaudits for his performance in his first-ever walk to the ring, Francis Ngannou dropped Fury early in the bout, however, dropped a decision loss to the British heavyweight, as he chases a rematch with the WBC best later this year.

As for Joshua, the Watford native turned in his third consecutive victory back in December and his second straight stoppage win, beating Swedish contender, Otto Wallin in the Middle East with a corner’s stoppage TKO success.

And making his return to the ring in Saudi Arabia in March, Joshua met with Ngannou for the first time today in the UK – taking to the stage alongside the Batié knockout artist, as well as promoters, Eddie Hearn, and his Queensberry Promotions counterpart, Frank Warren.

Anthony Joshua faces off with Francis Ngannou in London

Enjoying a rather cordial face-off after a brief staredown, Ngannou extended a handshake to Joshua following their meeting, with the latter obliging as both then exited the stage.

Expected to make a PFL (Professional Fighters League) debut later this year following his signing with the Peter Murray-led organization at the beginning of last annum, Ngannou has been sidelined from mixed martial arts since 2022.

In his most recent outing, the Cameroonian successfully defended and unified his heavyweight titles in a unanimous decision win over then-interim champion, Ciryl Gane in Anaheim, California, handing the Frenchman his first professional loss.

Who wins on March 8. in Saudi Arabia: Anthony Joshua or Francis Ngannou?