McGregor entered the ring on Saturday night and said he would be willing to fight Mike Perry, who had just earned a victory over Luke Rockhold at BKFC 41. Read below for a recap of the event.
BKFC 41 certainly lived up to it’s hype last night. It’s never certain how ex-MMA fighters will fare with the crossover into the world of Bare Knuckle. The talent on the card last night certainly brought their ‘A’ game and delivered some thrilling bouts for the fans, with multiple knockouts throughout the night. The card was headlined by two UFC veterans at the 1STBANK Center in Colorado.
Mike Perry Vs Luke Rockhold – Main Event
Round 1
Luke Rockhold adopts a wide stance as Perry begins the bout on the offensive. After a brief clinch, Rockhold lands a left hand. Perry continues to press, landing a body shot before time gets called for an accidental low blow by ‘Platinum.’
A big left hand from Rockhold stuns Perry, throwing him off balance. They clinch, allowing Perry to have a little time to recover. We resume, and a stiff left-hand lands from Perry, which wobbles Rockhold, who retreats and looks uncomfortable. In the final ten seconds, Rockhold lands two strong left hands. A very tough round to call.
Round 2
Rockhold slips and gets back to his feet. Perry lands a number of body shots; Rockhold responds with strikes of his own. They clinch, and as the fighters are separated, Rockhold takes out his mouthpiece, indicating to the referee that he can’t continue. Blood is coming from his mouth, and Rockhold indicates to his corner that he has an injury to the mouth.
Final result: ‘Platinum’ Mike Perry wins via TKO in the second round.
The drama hasn’t ended there. During the post-match interview, ‘Platinum’ calls out Conor McGregor for a face-off. McGregor has been avidly watching from the front row all evening.
The ‘Notorious’ enters the ring and congratulates Perry.
‘Fair play to you, mate; I respect you. I’m into this game, fair play to you; I’d fight ya, I’d fight you no problem. I’m never retiring!’
McGregor was then asked his thoughts about the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.
‘It’s an incredible set-up here, incredible matchmaking, incredible story-telling. I had to come here. I flew straight away, I was not gonna (sic) miss this, and it did not disappoint. All these fighters that step in here are warriors, and all have my respect. I am into this game; I’d be into this. Me and ya man (Perry), no bother.’
Eddie Alvarez Vs. Chad Mendes – Co-Main Event
Round 1
Mendes comes out put aggressive. Alvarez responded with a double jab. Mendes was entering with his head low, looking for the overhands. He caught Alvarez with a right uppercut on the way in.
Both fighters continued to trade, and as we entered the final thirty seconds of round one, Alvarez caught Mendes with a couple of clean shots, including a straight right hand. Another right uppercut lands from Mendes, who now has a cut open up just below his right eye. A thrilling start to this fight
Round 2
Mendes comes out strong; a left uppercut is followed by a left-hand knocks Alvarez to the canvas. Alvarez is up quickly and seems ok.
He recovers well and presses forward. Mendes lands a couple of body shots. The fighters clinch, exchanging blows before the break, and Mendes catches Alvarez with another left.
Round 3
A right uppercut followed by a left-hand floors Mendes just six seconds into the round. Much like Alvarez in the previous round, Mendes is on his feet almost immediately. This fight is wild. Mendes throws an uppercut and a powerful hook but both miss. Alvarez lands a right hand and left hook as we close the round. We are past the halfway point in the fight, and both fighters continue to have a high output.
Round 4
Mendes starts the round on the offensive again, much like all previous rounds, including when she got dropped upon his entry in round 3.
Overhand right and left hook by Mendes. Alvarez continues to press forward. ALvarez’s cut on his left brow has opened up. Both fighters swing for the fences as the bell ends the fourth.
Round 5
A clinch starts the round as both fighters go on the offensive. Alvarez has found his range, landing some effective strikes from a distance. A flurry of shots from Alvarez knocks down Mendes, who gets back to his feet. Mendes lands a left hook followed by a right hand, knocking down Alvarez! Two knockdowns apiece from both fighters and every time, they got back to their feet in no time. It’s hard to keep up with this fight due to the volume of strikes being thrown in this round. Exhilarating stuff. The final bell goes. What a fight. A really tough one for the judges to score.
Final result: Eddie Alvarez wins by split decision ( 47-46, 47-46, 46-47.)
Main Card Results
Christine Ferea defeated Bec Rawlings via TKO (Doctor Stoppage) – R2
Ben Rothwell defeated Josh Copeland via KO – R1
Chris Camozzi defeated Daniel Spohn via KO – R1
Brandon Girtz defeated Christian Torres via KO – R1
James Brown defeated Mike Alvarado via TKO – R2
Gabrielle Roman vs Khortni Kamyron – majority draw.
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