What hypothetical swaps would benefit the world’s best bare knuckle companies?
Today is the NHL trade deadline and with Bare Knuckle Nation being based in Toronto, Ontario, we are keeping a special eye on what goes down. Given the occasion, it got us thinking, we’ve seen talent swaps in the past in bare knuckle, but what if bare knuckle promotions would actually trade fighters like the UFC traded Demetrius Johnson for Ben Askren? I made some mock trades that I believe make sense for both parties involved. Full disclaimer, this is just for fun!
BKB sends Dan Podmore and Harold McQueen to BKFC for Leonardo Perdomo
Heavyweight is one of BKB’s weaker divisions in terms of top contenders. Trading for Perdomo and having him face the heavyweight champion Gustavo Trujillo, immediately becomes one of, if not the best fight on their calendar. With the skills of both men you likely get a trilogy or at the very least a rematch, giving you two legendary fights for Trujillo the man they are trying to bill as their top star.
Now the asking price for Perdomo would be high and rightfully so, he shows all the promise in the world. That's why BKB would need to give up Dan Podmore and Harold McQueen. Yes the optics look bad sending two active champions for an “unproven” top contender, but when you look at McQueen, his last fight at featherweight was more than a year ago. Doesn’t exactly inspire confidence for the future of the 126-lb division. The same could be said for BKFC’s flyweight division, but BKB could do without that division if it meant landing Perdomo, while BKFC can jumpstart their 125-lb. division in the process. Podmore is definitely the bigger piece for BKB to give up, but the fact they started an entire division for him instead of having him face Trujillo shows they have no interest in making the fight at least for now. If they want to market Trujillo like a top star in bare knuckle, he needs to fight worthy opponents.
BKB sends Ryan Jett to BKFC for James Brown
This one is pretty straight forward, two guys in top heavy divisions that just haven't quite had their chance to spread their wings and fly.
Jett lost a close fight to Cub Hawkins at 175 and then in my eyes, got absolutely screwed on the scorecards against Sam Liera at 168. If he were to enter BKFC’s 175-lb. division he’s likely only one win away from a shot at the champion David Mundell. Whereas in the BKB landscape he will likely need to string more wins together to get his shot at Barrie Jones or skip Liera in line at 168.
The same can be said for Brown. He had a tough night out at 155 against Howard Davis, and has struggled to get in the ring since then. After building a solid record at 145, I see no problems with him immediately drawing into BKB 147-lb champ Javon Wright, and I think Brown would be the favourite in that fight.
Two guys in top heavy divisions that could use a fresh start in the opposite company. A subtle but rewarding trade for both sides.
Photo Courtesy: BKB
THREE TEAM TRADE:
BKFC sends Luis Palomino to Top Dog FC
Top Dog FC sends Kantemir Kalazhokov to BKB
BKB sends Gregoris Cisneros to Top Dog FC and Agnesa Kirakosian to BKFC
Hear me out.
From the outside looking in, it seems like Palomino and the BKFC front office have a less than stellar relationship. Given the fact he’s signed to fight Howard Davis, instead of a rematch with Trout or fighting for the lightweight title he never technically lost, suggests they have no plans for him in their future. Maybe it’s time to move on. Top Dog FC would be a great challenge for him and there are plenty of interesting matchups for him over there, at 55 or 65.
Kalazhokov has already made it known he would love to fight in North America. The undefeated 155-lb. champion would bring a much needed boost to the 154 division of BKB. Because besides champion Liam Rees can you really name another? Even if Kantemir would go up to 160, a fight with LT Nelson would be one of the best ever.
The payoff to make this three ring circus work is Kirakosian and Cisneros. Top Dog FC would need a steep price to let go of Kantemir, but I believe Cisneros and Palomino are enough. Palomino replaces the hole left at 155 and Cisneros is a great addition to both 175 and 85.
BKFC needs something out of the deal to let go of Palomino because despite their tattered relationship they can’t let him walk for free. Kirakosian has taken the bare knuckle world by storm. But since her phenomenal rookie campaign and title fight that followed shortly after, it's been 11 months since we have seen her. What is going on? BKFC’s Strawweight champion Britain Hart has cleared out her division and is now taking on Tai Emery who is coming off a win over the 1-5-1 Charisa Sigala. If there is any BKFC division that needs new blood, it's this one.
While trades aren’t really something that happen in combat sports, I hope you enjoyed playing the hypothetical game with me!
Top Photo Courtesy of BKFC.
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