As 2024 gets into full swing, make sure to keep an eye on these young fighters throughout the year.
5: Leonardo Perdomo, Heavyweight, 3-0, 3 KO
With three first-round knockouts in three bouts, Leonardo Perdomo has quickly made a name for himself in BKFC’s heavyweight division. One of the few competitors in the company with no prior pro-fighting experience, Perdomo fought in over 200 amateur boxing matches before coming to Bare Knuckle in 2023. Since then, he has absolutely squashed the competition, with the biggest question being “How would he fare if a bout goes past one round?” Until we see that happen, keep an eye on Perdomo this year, he could be special.
4: Alberto Blas, Bantamweight, 4-0, 4 KO
In a weight class where nobody jumps off the page as the next man up, Alberto Blas could represent the future of bantamweight in BKFC. Through four bouts in the company, not one of his opponents has made it past the first round, as he’s run roughshod on the division. This may seem unusual since Blas is a more patient fighter with excellent wrestling abilities, but this just speaks to his ability to take advantage of openings. This power was on full display in his most recent bout against Daniel Alvarez, when he knocked he sent his mouthguard flying with a huge left hand. The 29-year-old Cuban now has his sights set on champion Keith Richardson, who himself is also 4-0. Given what we’ve seen from Blas so far, there’s no reason to believe he won’t continue to ascend in 2024.
3: Po Denman, Strawweight, 4-0
Current BFKC Thailand Strawweight Champion, Po Denman, has yet to compete on a North American card, but you might want to familiarise yourself with her before she does. Currently ranked second in the featherweight division, Denman has shown deceptive strength for her frame and has excelled at both avoiding and countering shots from her opponents en route to a 2-0 record in BKFC. She was originally set to face off against champion Britain Hart back in November at BKFC Thailand 5, but surgery on Hart’s hand forced the bout to be cancelled. With both women healthy and neither scheduled to fight anyone, it’s just a matter of time until we see this title vs title matchup.
2: Bryan Duran, Featherweight, 6-0, 6 KO
In less than two years with BKFC, Bryan “El Gallo” Duran has faced six opponents, and not one of them has reached the final bell. Since dropping down to 145 for his last two bouts, Duran has emerged as a legitimate contender at featherweight, currently ranking fifth in the division. With his most recent victory coming over current number-one contender Louie Lopez, expect El Gallo to get a shot at current champion Kai Stewart in the near future. While his strategy of trying to land explosive shots to get quick finishes may seem reckless, it’s been extremely effective thus far and could make him a serious threat to Stewart, who relies more on fighting in the clinch. No matter who his next opponent is, expect big things from Duran in 2024.
1: Bryce Henry, Lightweight, 4-0, 4 KO
Despite a 6-0 record in traditional boxing, Bryce Henry made the unorthodox switch to Bare Knuckle, but it’s a decision that’s clearly paying off. At just 23 years old, he’s quickly made a name for himself in multiple weight classes, with BKFC ranking him fifth in welterweight and fourth in lightweight. The latter is where he competes currently, and standing 6 '3'' with an 80-inch wingspan, he possesses a massive reach advantage over his competition. In a sport filled with former MMA fighters, his boxing background has set him apart from others, and has played a big role in him starting 4-0 in BKFC. At the moment, Henry has his sights set on second-ranked lightweight, Tony “Loco” Soto, so expect him to work his way into the title picture sooner rather than later.
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