Latest news with #BKFC76
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Andrei Arlovski Signs With BKFC
'Pitbull' is ditching gloves for bare knuckles, signing with the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) to reignite his combat sports legacy. This past weekend, BKFC revealed that former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski has joined the bare-knuckle promotion. He's set to face Brazil's Geronimo dos Santos on June 12, 2025, at BKFC 76: Tenaglia vs. Soto inside Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas. Advertisement This historic event marks BKFC's first foray into Texas. UFC 303 Ceremonial Weigh-in At 46, Arlovski snapped a grueling four-fight losing streak earlier this year, stopping Terrance Hodge at Dirty Boxing 1 (highlights). His stoppage win was his first finish since knocking out Travis Browne in 2015 (watch it), proving the 'Pitbull' still has bite. 'Pitbull' was released from UFC after a lackluster defeat to Martin Buday at UFC 313. Dos Santos, a heavy-handed Brazilian, made his BKFC debut last month, obliterating former UFC grappler Alexey Oleinik in under two minutes with a bone-rattling right hand (watch here). That knockout halted dos Santos' three-fight skid, where he endured two sub-minute knockouts. Advertisement BKFC 76 is headlined by the rematch between Franco Tenaglia and Tony Soto. Expect more high-profile matchups to be announced in the coming days and weeks. To checkout the latest BKFC-related news and notes click here. More from
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Andrei Arlovski Set for Bare-Knuckle Debut Against Geronimo Dos Santos
Staying relevant in the UFC is no easy feat. Even for former champions, time and competition wear on, and eventually, new paths must be forged. While few walk away on top, others choose to go out swinging—and sometimes in entirely different arenas. That may be the case for one of UFC's most durable veterans, whose bare-knuckle debut could also serve as a final bow. According to an official post from BKFC on Instagram, former UFC Heavyweight Champion Andrei Arlovski is set to compete at BKFC 76 on June 21 in Texas. The caption read: 'ANDREI ARLOVSKI IS LEAVING THE GLOVES BEHIND JUNE 21 IN TEXAS!' At 46 years old, the phrase leaving the gloves behind carries weight, possibly hinting that this bout may mark the end of Arlovski's decorated career. Arlovski's last outing was a TKO victory over Terrance Hodges at DX 1, a smaller event that helped the veteran regain momentum before stepping into the BKFC spotlight. Arlovski's UFC journey began in 2000. He became interim UFC heavyweight champion in 2005 by defeating Tim Sylvia, later being promoted to undisputed champ. Over his career, he fought in over 40 UFC bouts, with wins over names like Fabricio Werdum, Travis Browne, Frank Mir, and Antonio Silva. Though he experienced ups and downs, Arlovski remained a staple of the heavyweight division well into his 40s, earning a reputation for longevity and heart. OctagonGetty Standing across from Arlovski will be Geronimo Dos Santos, a 44-year-old Brazilian powerhouse and fellow former UFC heavyweight. Dos Santos was scheduled to fight in the UFC in 2012 against Gabriel Gonzaga, but the bout was ultimately canceled due to his pre-fight medical exams. Two years passed, and the Nevada Athletic Commission still would not clear him, so he asked to be released from his UFC contract. He's competed across various international promotions, known for his knockout power and aggressive style. Dos Santos also has one BKFC fight under his belt—at BKFC 71, he scored a knockout victory over fellow UFC veteran Aleksei Oleinik. Advertisement Fans will soon see whether this clash of former UFC heavyweights marks the end—or the rebirth—of a legendary fighting career. Related: Live Audio Reveals Dana White's Assuring Words to Jack Della Maddalena After UFC 315 Win Related: Islam Makhachev Issues Warning After UFC 315: 'Keep My Belt Clean'
