My predictions for who is next up in each weight class.
We’re in a weird spot in our BKFC calendar, there’s only three events left for the rest of the year, and only two title fights are scheduled. That means that once the dominoes start to fall for early 2025, title fights will be announced quickly. So I’m getting my predictions out there early, so I can look as smart (or as foolish) as possible.
Strawweight - Tai Emery
Once a division full of contenders, had been cleaned out thanks to champion Britain Hart. Names like Jenny Savage, Melanie Shah, and Taylor Starling have all fallen by the wayside, making way for the next batch to enter the Top 5. Sarah Shell and Natalie Gage sit undefeated at the 4 & 5 spots, but my pick is Tai Emery. While not ranked currently at 115-lbs., Hart is a confirmed star at this point and needs to compete with another star in Emery. In order for a Shell or a Gage to earn their spot they need a high profile win to earn the high profile shot that is a Hart main event. Emery is coming off a win over Charisa Sigala earlier this year improving her record to 2-1.
Women’s Flyweight - Rosalinda Rodriguez
A very similar problem to strawweight, Ferea has eradicated every challenger the division has to offer. However, I mentioned there are two title fights scheduled right now, and one of them is Christine Ferea vs. Christine Vicens. The Battle of the Christinas goes down December 21st and obviously if Vicens is to win, Ferea has done more than enough to warrant an immediate rematch. However if Ferea is able to successfully defend her title once again, 2-0 Rosalinda Rodriguez is the only name left in the division. Rodriguez has a very impressive pro boxing career, a sport she is still active in, but if she can collect a quick win in early 2025, she could put herself on the cusp of a world title shot.
Men’s Flyweight - Dagoberto Aguero
I’m not really sure what’s going on with this division, champion John Dodson and Dagoberto Aguero faced off in late March in a fight that was rendered a draw after five full rounds. Since then there hasn’t been a whisper about John Dodson and the flyweight title. Dodson competed in Japan early this year in July but it was a non-title bout under the Rizin FF banner. If and when BKFC decides what they’re doing with this division these two have to run it back to see who is the true champion of 125-lbs.
Bantamweight - Justin Ibarrola
While he’s not coming off a great performance by his standards, a 5-0 record can’t be denied at this point. This was set up to be a slam dunk, the same night champion Alberto Blas was fighting Ryan Reber, Ibarolla was scheduled to fight Jason Street. Ibarrola was riding a two fight KO streak but went the distance with the 1-0 Street. While this matchup might’ve lost some steam given Ibarolla's performance, it’s still the one to make.
Featherweight - Brandon Allen
Just like Blas and Ibarrola fighting on the same card, the same thing happened at BKFC on Dazn: Montana, when champion Kai Stewart and Brandon Allen both picked up wins. Allen picked up a KO in the third round over Timmy Mason. The win extends his streak to five in a row, with four knockouts. Stewart has put together a very impressive resume in a short time with wins over Bryan Duran, Howards Davis, Louie Lopez, and Jimmie Rivera. A win over Allen would be his fifth win in the Top 5 in what would be his eighth fight.
Lightweight - Tony Soto
Champion Franco Tenaglia and Tony Soto put on a fight of the year during BKFC Spain. It’s the only logical move for the division. Any other fight that gets made that isn't against each other, in an attempt to “build up” the rematch, only inserts possibilities for the bout to fall apart completely. Strike while the iron is hot and make one of the biggest rematches in BKFC history. Names like Bryce Henry, Jeremy Stephens, and Howard Davis aren’t going anywhere, but this rematch will never be bigger than if they make it right now. The only man who should be fighting Tenaglia for the title is Tony Soto.
This is obviously a lot to throw on a page all at once, so click here for part two where I go from welterweight to heavyweight!
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