Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship continues to stockpile former UFC fan favorites, with the organization signing Alan Belcher to their roster. “The Talent” has not competed since a 2013 loss to eventual UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping, although he was scheduled to return to action at an event in February 2020 in his hometown of Biloxi, Mississippi.
“We’re very proud to announce our signing of Alan Belcher,” said Dave Feldman, President of BKFC. “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.”
Feldman also suggested that Belcher will no longer be cutting weight, saying “He’s in phenomenal shape after taking some off and fits right in with our very deep heavyweight division.”
Alan Belcher Signs With BKFC
Belcher sports an 18-8 record in MMA, including a 9-6 run at middleweight in the UFC that started in 2006. During that run, he faced three title challengers in Bisping, Yushin Okami, and Patrick Cote, as well as other contenders such as Rousimar Palhares, Ed Herman, and Yoshihiro Akiyama. Eight of his nine UFC wins were by stoppage, while only being knocked out once and submitted once in his six losses. His combination of powerful striking and toughness, along with his famed Johnny Cash tattoo, will surely make him a star for BKFC.
Said Belcher, “I love what BKFC is doing, the company is showing tremendous growth, their event production is first-class and I expressed to Dave 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.”
“For me this is about solidifying my legacy by becoming a BKFC World Champion. I want to represent the company and help it continue to gain popularity all over the world.”
Who Should Alan Belcher Face?
Alan Belcher is expected to make his BKFC in an August event in Biloxi against an opponent to be named. At heavyweight, he is unlikely to get a title shot off of the bat, as champion Joey Beltran is set to face Sam Shewmaker at BKFC 18 on June 26. If Chris Leben is willing to move up to heavyweight, that would be a dream fight for old-school fight fans. BKFC 17 winners Frank Tate and Bobo O’Bannon are realistic options.
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