BKFC touched down in Mexico for just the second time ever, here’s what went down!
(Photo Courtesy: BKFC)
Cesar Vazquez (1-0, 1 KO) def. Eduardo Meneses (0-1) via KO
The Main card opened up with Cesar Vazquez taking on Eduardo Meneses in what ended up being a solid opener for the main slate of fights. The bout lasted just over one round with Vazquez ending it with a right hook, sending Meneses to the canvas for the count. Vazquez caused a cut early, and capitalized on Meneses’ inability to land the overhand right.
Carlos Giner (1-0, 1 KO) def. Juan Alvarez (0-1) via KO
This one didn’t take long. Giner looked like a seasoned vet in his bare knuckle debut, knocking Juan Alvarez down early in the first with a left hand before landing a right for the “no doubter”. It took just 32 seconds for Giner to finish his opponent with what is surely the knockout of the night.
Luis Castaneda (1-0) def. Rudo Tovar (0-2) via UD
Moving over to the only bout featuring a fighter with bare knuckle experience, the third fight of the main card saw Rudo Tovar taking on Luis Castaneda. Tovar dictated the pace for the first couple rounds, likely due to his familiarity with the game, but it was clear both fighters respected each other's power. Eventually, Castaneda figured out the distance and devoted himself to strictly power shots. Which paid dividends in the fourth when his left hook earned him two knockdowns, to the body and head.
Donny Matos (1-0) def. Ramon Cordova (0-1) via UD
The featured bout of the evening was a featherweight showcase, with Donny Matos making a successful introduction against a rather unorthodox Ramon Cordova. Matos maintained his composure throughout the fight, in contrast to Cordova, who fought with an active upper body, waving hands, and wide open stance. The calm approach of Matos proved to be the winning strategy as he recorded knockdowns in rounds 1 and 3.
To Cordova’s credit, he never let up and continued to push the pace despite the knockdowns against a superior opponent. However, Matos was just that, superior. His right hand may have won him the fight, but his composure was the true key against an awkward fighter in Cordova, in his debut no less.
Co-Main Event: Julian Fernandez (1-0, 1 KO) def. Lino Sanchez (0-1) via TKO
In the co-main, former professional boxer Julian Fernandez took on Lino Sanchez in a cruiserweight bout. However, given Fernandez’s style, you wouldn’t have guessed he boxed as a pro. Fernandez opened the fight with a consistent jab, which was expected, but he also employed a potent clinch attack whenever he closed the distance. One you would expect from a bare knuckle veteran.
It certainly worked as his offence seemed to click on the outside and inside. Sanchez’s face was severely bloodied and swollen by the end of the first round, and it was primarily due to the clinch work done by Fernandez. In fact, it was bad enough that the doctor forced a stop to the bout due to the swelling of Sanchez’s eye.
Main Event: Rodolfo Rubio (1-0, 1 KO) def. Luis Rey Gallegos (0-1) via KO
And for our main event of the evening, we were treated to a bantamweight showcase between Luis Rey Gallegos and Rodolfo Rubio. From the opening bell, these two kept a high pace, which was quickly stalled when Rubio earned a knockdown almost thirty seconds into the bout. From there, it was Rubio’s fight. He dictated the intensity and continued to apply pressure before knocking Rey Gallegos down for a second time.
Much like in the previous bout, Rubio used a mixture of boxing and clinchwork to inflict damage on his opponent. And just like in the co-main, Rubio proved to be too much for Rey Gallegos. Following the second knockdown, Rubio instantly put Rey Gallegos back on the canvas, only this time he could not answer the count. Rubio floored his opponent three times en route to a first round KO.
All in all, this was certainly a successful event. From the prelims, to the main event, we got to see a little bit of everything. And given the fact that nearly every fighter on this card was making their debut, the action was good and the crowd seemed receptive to the fighters. Not surprising considering Mexico’s reputation in the combat sports sphere. In addition, I personally loved the amount of sportsmanship showcased during this event. All of these fighters needed a win. But regardless of the result, each bout ended with a good ol’ handshake.
I can’t imagine it being long before BKFC returns to Mexico. I know I’ll be watching.
Until then, here’s the full results from Saturday's event:
Rodolfo Rubio def. Luis Rey Gallegos via KO in Round 1 (1:35)
Julian Fernandez def. Lino Sanchez via TKO (doctor stoppage) in Round 1 (2:00)
Donny Matos def. Roman Cordova via Unanimous Decision (50-43x2, 49-44)
Luis Castaneda def. Rudo Tovar via Unanimous Decision (49-44x2, 48-45)
Carlos Giner def. Juan Alvarez via KO in Round 1 (0:32)
Cesar Vazquez def. Eduardo Meneses via TKO in Round 2 (1:50)
Mario Martinez vs. Sergio Perez is declared Majority Draw (47-47x2, 48-46)
Roberto Sinko def. Beto Saniba via Split Decision (48-46x2, 46-48)
Juan Campos vs. Jose Lopez is declared Split Draw (48-46, 46-48, 47-47)
Nicolas Diaz def. Marcelo Antonio Perez via Unanimous Decision (50-45x3)
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