Dubbed “Card of the Year” BKFC 62 more than delivered!
Wow. What a night of fights. From top to bottom this card delivered high-octane action that more than lived up to the hype. Here are my thoughts on just a few of the bouts that went down.
Kai Stewart vs Bryan Duran
This bout had all kinds of bad blood in the lead up and it carried over into the first round. Neither guy took a step back for the entire two minutes with Duran pressing forward with combinations and Stewart picking his shots at range and looking to close the distance. At the start of the second round a clear as day knockdown from Stewart was just completely missed by the referee. But even without the knockdown counted, Stewart started to take over, pressing forward the rest of the fight.
I think the first round was the turning point, once Stewart realized he could stand up to the power of Duran his confidence seemed to grow. Duran would still explode with combos but Stewart did a good job of staying out of the way. Despite Stewart usually doing most of his work in the clinch he was having the most success from range. Eventually Stewart scored a knockdown that actually counted and took the fight on the cards 49-44 across all three judges. Stewart was joined in the ring post fight by Jimmie Rivera seemingly setting up the champs next defence. Personally I think there are way better fights for Stewart but Rivera’s name does carry a bit of weight, and will by no means be an easy fight. Kai has talked about bringing the belt back to Montana for his next defence, a bout with Rivera would likely do that.
(Photo Courtesy: BKFC)
Keith Richardson vs Alberto Blas
All questions about Blas have been answered. In 70 seconds, Blas knocked down Richardson three times. And took his belt in stunning fashion. The power is real. In a bit of a scary moment, Blas hit Richardson so hard he began to fight with the referee, luckily things calmed down quickly and didn’t get out of hand, hopefully he’s alright.
For the new champ, there are plenty of options available for his first defence, including two fighters that were on the card, Justin Ibarolla and Chris Garcia both picked up KO’s.
(Photo Courtesy: BKFC)
Jared Warren vs. Jomi Escoboza
Jared Warren was ready to go, simple as that. A rematch that was originally slated as a close fight was quickly pulled in Warren's favour scoring a knockdown in the first round and that set the tone through the next four rounds. Warren would score more knockdowns as the final bell approached and in his first championship opportunity Warren may have had his best performance to date.
(Photo Courtesy: BKFC)
Leonardo Perdomo
Perdomo once again won by first round KO in a fight that wasn’t even close. Legitimately this guy should fight for the title next. There has been no one that can stand up to the power of Perdomo, and we don't even get to see his full arsenal because his fights are over in a blink. While a title shot is likely far off from where BKFC is going with him next, a great option would be Arnold Adams, a former champion and would have the chin to stand up to Perdomo and really give us a measure of his potential in this game.
Christine Vicens
Vicens made her return in style stopping Melanie Shah after the first round and immediately asserted herself as a contender in the 125-lb division. Beating a former world title challenger in that way, after a year and a half out of the ring, may be enough to earn her a shot at Christine Ferea. Battle of the Christines for the Flyweight Title!
The championship triple header capped off a night that saw prospects continue to build their resume, contenders confirm their status, and emphatic returns. What a night!
Full results below.
BKFC-62 Main Card Results
(c) Kai Stewart def. Bryan Duran via Unanimous Decision (49-44x3)
For BKFC World Featherweight Title
Alberto Blas def. (c) Keith Richardson via TKO in Round 1 (1:10)
For BKFC World Bantamweight Title
Jared Warren def. JoMi Escoboza via Unanimous Decision (50-42x2, 49-43)
For BKFC World Light-Heavyweight Title
Justin Ibarrola def. Rick Caruso via TKO in Round 2 (1:28)
Christine Vicens def. Melanie Shah via TKO in Round 1 (2:00)
Gee Perez def. Albert Inclan via KO in Round 5 (0:54)
Chris Garcia def. Mike Livingston via TKO in Round 2 (1:29)
Edgard Plazaola def. Eric Dodson via TKO in Round 4 (0:38)
Leonardo Perdomo def. Leo Bercier via TKO in Round 1 (1:40)
Top Photo Courtesy of BKFC
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