Two high-stakes fights go down at the top of FN Omaha.
(Photo Courtesy: BKFC)
May 17th will see BKFC back in action in Omaha, Nebraska, USA. Headlining, is #2 ranked Carlos Trinidad-Snake vs. #4 ranked Dustin Pague. With no clear contender to face the champion, Austin Trout, this fight has HUGE implications for the title picture.
In the co-main event is the returning #4 ranked middleweight Dakota Cochrane vs. Jeremie Holloway. Yet another division with a vacant title-challenger spot. For Cochrane, a win could see him challenge for a title for the first time in his bare knuckle career. Below are Bare Knuckle Nations predictions, post your own below in the comments!
(Photo Courtesy: BKFC)
Carlos Trinidad-Snake vs. Dustin Pague
Jag Kang: Trinidad-Snake DEC
CTS can punch his ticket to a world title shot with a massive win and I fully expect him to. His last fight was with former champ Elvin Brito, who himself looked good in his last performance. However, that fight took place almost a full year ago with CTS winning via UD. Although inactivity will likely play a factor, especially against Pague who fought three times in 2023, I think Uzumaki pulls it off in his home state main event. I’d say KO, but the contrast in activity makes me think it’ll be a slow crawl to a fire fight.
Cole Whiston: Trinidad-Snake KO
I think there are too many disadvantages at hand for Pague. He's older, at a reach disadvantage, and doesn't have the same caliber wins that Trinidad-Snake does. Give me Uzumaki inside the distance.
Adam Hunt: Trinidad-Snake KO
CTS was on his way to a world title shot before his nearly year long lay-off. While there will likely be some rough going in the first round or two, he will eventually find his grove and remind us all why he is ranked as the #2 contender to face Austin Trout. It won’t be easy, Pague is a tough customer who has had two fights in the last year to Uzumaki’s one. That being said, Trinidad-Snake will stay undefeated inside the distance.
Corey Erdman: Trinidad-Snake DEC
Trinidad-Snake has one of the best names in all of combat sports, but more crucially, he's BKFC's Terence Crawford in terms of being a key to drawing in Omaha. The cynic in me likes to believe that the matchmaking here also has this in mind. Pague has a nice looking win over Joe Ellmore, who at one point looked like he would be one of faces of BKFC, but is likely past his absolute prime as a fighter. Trinidad-Snake's win over Elvin Brito a year ago however, has aged extremely well. The Snake will keep slithering his way up the welterweight rankings in another competitive fight against another solid fighter. Trinidad-Snake via decision
(Photo Courtesy: BKFC)
Dakota Cochrane vs. Jeremie Holloway
Jag Kang: Holloway KO
Jeremie Holloways strength is his Muay Thai base. And I believe that in the brutal game of bare knuckle that skill could pay dividends. Yes, Dakota Cochrane has more experience, but Holloway fought twice in the last quarter of 2023, whereas Cochrane hasn’t fought in almost a year. Holloway is 4 inches taller, which spells bad news for Cochrane if he’s able to close the distance. I expect a dirty, clinch infused fight with Holloway dictating the pace.
Cole Whiston: Cochrane KO
Holloway just hasn't experienced enough in bare knuckle to get through a guy like Cochrane, who has 7 fights in this sport and only lost to Mike Richman and Josh Dyer, 2 years ago at that. Cochrane stops him.
Adam Hunt: Holloway UD
While there is something to be said for the power and experience of Cochran, he’s also 38 years old and coming off a year of inactivity. With a rangy opponent like Holloway, knocking the rust off and finding the old groove will be very difficult. I think Holloway steals the early rounds, and with Cochrane trying to play catchup, he’ll be off his game and run out of time for a KO.
Corey Erdman: Holloway KO
Holloway might be a major sleeper on this card, with his self-described "indestructible chin" and lanky frame. Cochrane has shown major vulnerability against Mike Richman and Josh Dyer, and is about to run into another puncher in Holloway in this one. Holloway has shown the ability to use his length to back fighters up, which is a difficult style to adapt to. Holloway by TKO
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