As we go through all the notable results in 2024, this time we will focus on the names at or around 145-lbs.
Let’s first establish that this weight class is BKFC’s Featherweight (145) and BYB’s Welterweight (147). The reason we are doing it like this is because in the hypothetical scenario where these fighters might cross the street, they would stay at their weight rather than their “division.” Hope that makes sense.
BKFC
Champion: Kai Stewart (7-0, 2 KO)
Defeated Bryan Duran by UD on June 21st at BKFC 62
Defeated Jimmie Rivera by UD on November 9th at BKFC on DAZN: Montana
We will start with who we think is the best 145 pounder in the world, BKFC Champion Kai Stewart, our pound-for-pound #4. He defended his title twice this year. The first came in June at BKFC 62 when he was the underdog against Bryan Duran and beat him by unanimous decision. He followed that up by beating former UFC veteran Jimmie Rivera by the same result in November.
In terms of contenders he hasn’t beaten already, there’s really only two names left; Brandon Allen and James Brown. Although, the latter lost to Howard Davis this year, who Kai beat in 2023.
Contender: Brandon Allen (5-1, 4 KO)
Defeated Timmy Mason by 3rd round KO/TKO on November 9th at BKFC on DAZN: Montana
Allen is currently ranked as the number one challenger and it seems like Kai and BKFC will give him that title shot at some point next year. In 2024, he stopped Mason with a highlight-reel knockout and it being on Kai’s card, suggests they are looking at that matchup next. Plus, like I’ve already laid out, he’s kind of the only option left without someone else establishing themselves or BKFC dipping into the free agent market.
BYB
Male Champion: Carlos Alexandre (4-1, 4 KO)
No appearance in 2024.
He may not have gotten in the “Mighty Trigon” in 2024 but he does reportedly have a fight scheduled for the New Year against number two contender Javon Wright in January at BYB 35.
Female Champion: Jamie Driver (4-1, 3 KO)
Defeated Adriana Vuković by 1st round KO/TKO on January 18th at BYB 23
Defeated Sonya Dreiling by 1st round KO/TKO on December 6th at BYB 34
With Driver’s two appearances this year, she has established herself as one of the best female bare knucklers in the world. She’s our pound-for-pound #7. It was her fight against Dreiling where she won the title by impressively putting an end to the fight in round one. That was also a rematch from their 2022 meeting where Driver won by split decision.
What also adds intrigue to this weight class is its one that a ton of fighters could make. So, just because it might’ve had a relatively slow year this year, at any point it could all of the sudden heat up.
Top Photo Courtesy of BKFC.
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