The state that did not legalize MMA until 2016 is hosting its first bare-knuckle boxing event ever when the promotion BKFC comes to Salamanca, New York for a heavyweight title fight between champion Joey Beltran and challenger Arnold Adams.
These men faced off once before back in 2018 at the second BKFC event, with Adams winning the bout via a doctor’s stoppage of which many have debated the validity. Beltran obviously would bounce back from this and claim the BKFC Heavyweight title, and Adams himself would have a shot at the title but would lose that bout via decision to Chase Sherman.
Despite the rematch main event for the heavyweight title, this card is very thin with names fans will know, so expectations are all over the place.
BKFC Fight Night New York Preview
The heavyweight title fight as mentioned is a rematch that was a back and forth affair and got so many people excited for the heavyweight division of BKFC in just its second event.
The champion Joey Beltran would start his BKFC career with a record of 2-1-1 on the heels of stints with the UFC and Bellator. The draw would be in an all-time great fight with Tony Lopez that fans still talk about with the best BKFC has ever produced, and the loss coming against the man he faces Saturday in Arnold Adams. Beltran as of late though has won four fights in a row, including a title win over Chase Sherman and two defenses against Marcel Stamps and Sam Shewmaker. Beltran would knock out both men in his title defenses, and seemingly has all the momentum heading into tomorrow night’s matchup against his old friend Adams.
As for Arnold Adams, he looks to get redemption as he fights for the BKFC title for the second time in his career. He lost in his first chance against Chase Sherman and after that loss, he bounced back with back-to-back knockouts that only took five minutes in total ring time. He presses the action, has heavy hands, and win or lose he provides excitement, and thus BKFC President David Feldman has him fighting for the title again.
Rounding out the rest of the card is some veterans of the promotion but one new face with a name that Ultimate Fighter fans will remember in Dustin Pague, who made a very interesting clothing choice at the weigh-ins today, as he faces a fellow BKFC newcomer in Jake Young in his first competition since 2016.
Also on the card is the crowd favorite Zach Calmus who is coming off a very entertaining fight with Bobo O’Bannon at BKFC 17 in which he lost but he earned enough favor with the promotion due to his ability to draw attention.
Lots of new faces, several veterans, and a title fight that is guaranteed fireworks all make up the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship’s promotional debut in New York. The action begins with the preliminary card, which starts at 7pm ET/4pm PT on YouTube, followed by the main card starting at 8pm ET/5pm PT on BKTV.
