DENVER, CO — A sold-out crowd at the National Western Center witnessed a statement performance as Esteban “Mohawk” Rodriguez captured the BKFC Interim Cruiserweight Title with a fourth-round knockout over hometown veteran Chris Camozzi in the main event of BKFC 88.
Rodriguez sealed the victory at 1:43 of Round 4, improving to 6-1 under the BKFC banner, with every win coming by stoppage. Camozzi, a former champion fighting in front of his home crowd, falls to 4-3.
Rodriguez Calls Out Champion Sakara
Following the biggest win of his career, Rodriguez didn’t hesitate to set his sights on undisputed gold, calling out reigning champion Alessio Sakara:
“Sakara, come out and play!”
A unification bout between Rodriguez and Sakara now looms as one of the most compelling matchups in BKFC’s cruiserweight division.
Camozzi Announces Retirement
In an emotional post-fight moment, Chris Camozzi revealed that BKFC 88 marked the end of his fighting career:
“I’d like to go out winning, but either way I’ll go out giving it my all… There’s no other way I’d rather go out than on my shield.”
The Denver native exits the sport as a fan favorite and former champion who helped elevate BKFC’s presence in Colorado.
Co-Main Event: Ramiro Figueroa Dominates Elvin Brito
In the co-main event, surging Denver welterweight Ramiro Figueroa scored a unanimous decision victory over former champion Elvin Brito.
Figueroa dropped Brito in the opening round and controlled the action en route to scores of 49-44, 49-44, and 48-46, improving to 5-1 with three straight wins.
Post-fight, Figueroa made his intentions clear:
“I want that title, baby — let’s go!”
His target: welterweight champion Dustin Pague.
Highlight Performances Across the Card
BKFC 88 delivered a series of explosive finishes and breakout moments:
- Corey Willis def. Josh Copeland via TKO (Round 2)
- Josh Fremd made a strong debut with a first-round KO over Jared Torgenson
- Rodney Hinton needed just 22 seconds to stop Andrew Yates
- Deron Winn earned a TKO win in his BKFC debut
- Octavin Turner remained undefeated with a decision win over Joby Steffensmeier
- Anthony Yost scored four knockdowns en route to a dominant decision
- Matt Maestas secured a standing TKO in a Denver lightweight showdown
Bonuses and Standouts
- Performance of the Night: Esteban Rodriguez, Josh Fremd
- Fight of the Night: Octavin Turner vs. Joby Steffensmeier
Full BKFC 88 Results
- Esteban Rodriguez def. Chris Camozzi via KO (Round 4, 1:43)
- Ramiro Figueroa def. Elvin Brito via Unanimous Decision
- Corey Willis def. Josh Copeland via TKO (Round 2)
- Josh Fremd def. Jared Torgenson via KO (Round 1)
- Rodney Hinton def. Andrew Yates via TKO (Round 1)
- Deron Winn def. Erick Lozano via TKO (Round 3)
- Octavin Turner def. Joby Steffensmeier via Unanimous Decision
- Anthony Yost def. Angelo Trujillo via Unanimous Decision
- Matt Maestas def. Ruben Arroyo via TKO (Round 2)
BKFC 88 Delivers in Denver
With a sold-out venue, highlight-reel finishes, and major implications in multiple divisions, BKFC 88 reinforced the promotion’s momentum in 2026. The event streamed live globally on the BKFC App.
Rodriguez’s title-winning performance now sets the stage for a high-stakes unification clash, while new contenders continue to emerge across the roster.
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.
Discover more from FightBook MMA
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.