Today's Edition
DUBAI (ALETIHAD)
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) is set to be a big hit in the UAE as the combat sport makes its debut at the Dubai Duty Free Stadium on April 4-5.
Powered by World League of Fighters in association with Dubai Sports council, the event promises to be a spectacular showcase of martial entertainment with 44 top world fighters battling for a title contender shot.
Look out for professional Mixed Martial legend Conor McGregor who is set to make a special appearance at the slugfest.
David Feldman, Founder of BKFC, says the event is a huge boost for the "fastest growing sport in the world."
"We're bringing raw intensity and pure athleticism of bare knuckle fighting to one of world's most dynamic sporting destinations which is Dubai. The response from the fighting community and fans has been overwhelming, and we're proud to showcase our sport at this level," he said.
The BKFC Dubai edition presents a top line-up of international fighters on Day 1, featuring exciting match-ups across multiple weight categories.
In the Bantamweight division (135 lbs), Ruel Panales from Philippines will face Ali Elkhatib from Egypt, while Lucas Sontgen (Germany) takes on Elnur Suleymanov (Azerbaijan) in the 170 lbs category. The Lightweights will see Islam Sizbulatov (Austria) battling Cheng Leang (Cambodia) at 155 lbs, and Murat Kazgan (Turkiye) challenging Leandro Martins (Brazil).
Cruiserweights and Middleweights will showcase global talent with Jaskaran Singh (India) versus Mohamed Ali (Egypt/Dubai) in the 265 lbs category, and Marcus Pond (UK) facing Mladen Iliev (Bulgaria) in the 175 lbs Middleweights. The headline bout features Austin Trout versus Carlos Trinidad in the 165 lb Welterweights Category, while Sabah Homasi (Lebanese Descent/USA) will square off against Jonny Tello (Canada/Thailand) in the 175 Middleweights.
Day 2 promises equally thrilling contests across diverse weight classes. The Heavyweights (265 lbs) will feature Mehdi Barghi (Iran) versus Ricardo Bachir (Lebanon) and Guto Inocente (Brazil) against Hassan Yousefi (Iran).
Bantamweight competitors include Mohd Azahar (India) versus Muhammad Bilal (Pakistan), while the Featherweights (145 lbs) will see exciting matches with Shamil Dzhakhbarov (Russia) facing Dilshat Nurym (Kazakhstan), and multiple international fighters like Dan Chapman (UK), Brandon Allen (USA), Hannah Rankin (UK), Jessica Borga (USA), Kai Stewart (USA), and Tommy Strydom (South Africa).
The Middleweight division will feature Aaron Chalmers (UK) against Chasa Symonds, while the Cruiserweight showdown will see Welsh MMA fighter John Phillips face Brazilian veteran Fabio Maldonado in the 205 lbs category. Maldonado, known for his standout performances in the light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions from 2009-2016, will battle Phillips, a tough competitor with a strong middleweight legacy from 2018-2020. Both fighters will bring their striking prowess to this exciting bare-knuckle clash in Dubai.
The Welterweights division will pit Vladislav Tuinov (Russia) against Adel Al Tamimi (USA/Iraq), while Matin Safari (Iran) will face Mark Angel Sadang (Philippines) in the Lightweights category.
Sharing excitement, Rajesh Banga and Sunil Mathew Co - founders of World League of Fighters share - said: "Dubai has always been a global hub for world-class sporting events, and we are excited to welcome the BKFC for its debut here. This event isn't just about the fights; it's about creating a one-of-a-kind experience for fans and highlighting the technical mastery that defines bare-knuckle fighting."
The Dubai Sports Council expressed its support for this groundbreaking event: "Hosting BKFC aligns perfectly with Dubai's vision of Dubai becoming the world's premier destination for combat sports. This event is precedented to provide local sports combat enthusiasts with an advanced opportunity to witness this unique discipline at the highest level."
Tickets for this historic event will start at Dh399, with premium VIP packages giving exclusive access to meet and greet sessions with fighters and legends.
