The Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship delivered another explosive night of action as Kai Stewart defended his world title in the main event of BKFC 87 on Friday night at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood.
Fighting in front of a packed house, Stewart extended his undefeated record and successfully defended the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship World Featherweight Championship for a record-tying sixth time, further cementing his legacy inside the promotion’s squared circle.
The champion earned a hard-fought unanimous decision victory over previously unbeaten contender Nico Gaffie. Judges scored the bout 49-46, 49-46, and 48-47 in favor of Stewart.
“I am the King of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship,” Stewart proclaimed in his post-fight interview. “I’m the best bare knuckle fighter in the world. I’m going to continue to get better, I’m going to continue to grow, and I’m going to continue repping the most exciting sport in the world as the (expletive) King!”
With the victory, Stewart improves to 9-0 in BKFC, while Gaffie — the inaugural BKFC European Featherweight Champion from Marbella, Spain — falls to 3-1 under the BKFC banner.
Stewart’s six successful title defenses tie the promotion’s all-time mark alongside Christine Ferea and Luis Palomino.
The event also marked the 15th consecutive sell-out for BKFC at Hard Rock Live.
Leonardo Perdomo Continues Heavyweight Destruction
In the co-main event, undefeated Cuban heavyweight powerhouse Leonardo Perdomo delivered yet another devastating performance.
Perdomo stormed through UFC veteran Rashad Coulter in just 67 seconds, improving his record to 11-0 with 10 first-round finishes.
After the dominant victory, Perdomo immediately called out BKFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski.
“Arlovski, where are you? Come at me, boy! Don’t be scared. Come on, papi. (The belt) is mine. It’s mine, and everybody knows it!”
The Miami-based knockout artist remains the #1 ranked contender in the BKFC heavyweight division.
Bryan Duran Scores Lightning-Fast Knockout
The featured fight ended almost as quickly as it started.
Cuban-born Miami fighter Bryan Duran needed just 19 seconds to overwhelm Derek Perez with a violent first-round stoppage.
Duran entered the bout ranked #5 in the BKFC featherweight division and improved his record to 8-1-1.
Perez, fighting out of Belen, drops to 4-5.
Duran used the moment to address his previous title loss to Stewart.
“I apologize for letting you guys down (in my first BKFC title fight against Stewart). But I promise you that when I fight for the belt again, I’m bringing it home to Miami!”
David Feldman Praises Electric Crowd
BKFC founder and president David Feldman praised both the fighters and the crowd during the post-fight press conference.
“We asked the guys to come fight, and they came to fight tonight. This was the liveliest crowd we’ve had in a long time. The energy out there was amazing. It was a great night; I’m very, very happy with the event.”
Feldman also addressed what could be next for Stewart.
“We have to think about what’s next. What do the fans want? I’m always with what the fans want. It’s not always about the rankings. If the fans don’t want it and don’t enjoy it … I’ve got to give the fans what they want.”
Speaking about Perdomo’s knockout performance, Feldman added:
“He came in in great shape and got the first-round knockout. I think this was the most devastating he’s looked. His punches were shorter and he came out and scored a really, really great knockout against a tough veteran.”
Other Highlights from BKFC 87
Strawweight contender Shelby Cannon earned the biggest win of her career by defeating previously unbeaten Rosalinda Rodriguez via split decision.
In light heavyweight action, Leo Carrera picked up a victory after UFC veteran Sabah Homasi was disqualified for an illegal spinning back fist.
South Africa’s Jeremy Smith defeated Albuquerque’s Donald Sanchez via split decision in their heated rematch. Sanchez announced his retirement shortly after the bout.
Meanwhile, bantamweight standout Jancarlos Rivera earned Performance of the Night honors after rallying from a knockdown to stop Samuel Samples in the first round.
Main Event
(C) Kai Stewart def. Nico Gaffie via Unanimous Decision (49-46×2, 48-47)
Defends BKFC World Featherweight Title
Co-Main Event
Leonardo Perdomo def. Rashad Coulter via TKO, Round 1 (1:07)
Featured Fight
Bryan Duran def. Derek Perez via TKO, Round 1 (0:19)
Main Card
- Shelby Cannon def. Rosalinda Rodriguez via Split Decision
- Leo Carrera def. Sabah Homasi via Disqualification, Round 2
- Jeremy Smith def. Donald Sanchez via Split Decision
- Roberto Armas def. AJ Rodriguez via TKO, Round 3
- Jancarlos Rivera def. Samuel Samples via TKO, Round 1
- Chris Garcia def. Chancey Wilson via TKO, Round 2
- Chino Blume def. Alex Davis via Split Decision
- Ernesto Suarez def. Vic Flor via TKO, Round 1
Roberto Villa is the CEO, Founder, Executive Writer, and Senior Editor of FightBook MMA. Has a passion for Combat Sports and is also a podcast host for Sitting Ringside. He’s also a former MMA fighter and Kickboxer. He’s also the main photographer for the 4CornersMafia Car Club.
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