News DeskDubai: Dubai is set to make combat sports history as it welcomes the world’s most thrilling bare-knuckle fighting event, the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), in association with the Dubai Sports Council. Scheduled for April 4th and 5th at the iconic Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, the event promises two nights of electrifying action featuring 44 top-tier fighters from around the globe.
Phillips vs. Maldonado: A Showdown to Remember
One of the most anticipated matchups of the tournament will see Welsh mixed martial artist John Phillips take on Brazilian powerhouse Fabio Maldonado in the 205 lbs Cruiserweight division. Phillips, known for his tenure in the UFC middleweight category, faces Maldonado, a veteran of the UFC light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions, promising an explosive contest of resilience and striking expertise.
Conor McGregor’s Surprise Appearance
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the combat sports community, global MMA superstar Conor McGregor is expected to make a surprise appearance at the event. While details of his involvement remain undisclosed, his presence is set to elevate the prestige of BKFC’s Dubai debut. VIP ticket holders will have the exclusive opportunity to engage in meet-and-greet sessions with some of the sport’s biggest names.
Exclusive Press Conference at Burj Al Arab
Ahead of the historic showdown, an exclusive press conference will be held at the luxurious Burj Al Arab’s Al Falak Ballroom on April 2nd at 6:00 PM. Attendees will include Conor McGregor, BKFC CEO David Feldman, and other key figures in the combat sports world. Discussions will focus on the future of bare-knuckle fighting in the Middle East and BKFC’s expansion in the region.
BKFC’s Vision for Dubai
BKFC Founder & President David Feldman expressed his excitement about bringing the event to Dubai, stating, “We’re bringing the raw intensity and pure athleticism of bare-knuckle fighting to one of the world’s most dynamic sporting destinations. The response from the fighting community has been overwhelming, and we are proud to showcase our sport at this level.”
Rajesh Banga, Manager of World League of Fighters, reinforced this vision, emphasizing that Dubai is a global hub for combat sports. “Dubai has always been at the forefront of hosting world-class sporting events, and BKFC’s debut here is no exception. This isn’t just about the fights—it’s about creating an unforgettable experience for fans.”
The Dubai Sports Council echoed this sentiment, stating that hosting BKFC aligns with Dubai’s ambition to become the premier global destination for combat sports.
Two Nights of High-Stakes Action
The BKFC Dubai event will feature a stacked fight card across multiple weight divisions:
Day 1 Highlights (April 4th)
- Bantamweight (135 lbs): Ruel Panales (Philippines) vs. Ali Elkhatib (Egypt)
- Welterweight (165 lbs): Austin Trout vs. Carlos Trinidad (headline bout)
- Middleweight (175 lbs): Marcus Pond (UK) vs. Mladen Iliev (Bulgaria)
- Heavyweight (265 lbs): Jaskaran Singh (India) vs. Mohamed Ali (Egypt/Dubai)
- Cruiserweight (205 lbs): John Phillips (Wales) vs. Fabio Maldonado (Brazil)
Day 2 Highlights (April 5th)
- Heavyweight (265 lbs): Mehdi Barghi (Iran) vs. Ricardo Bachir (Lebanon)
- Bantamweight: Mohd Azahar (India) vs. Muhammad Bilal (Pakistan)
- Featherweight (145 lbs): Shamil Dzhakhbarov (Russia) vs. Dilshat Nurym (Kazakhstan)
- Middleweight: Aaron Chalmers (UK) vs. Chasa Symonds
- Welterweight: Vladislav Tuinov (Russia) vs. Adel Al Tamimi (USA/Iraq)
- Lightweight: Matin Safari (Iran) vs. Mark Angel Sadang (Philippines)
Tickets and Media Coverage
Tickets for the BKFC Dubai event start at AED 399, with VIP packages offering fans an elevated experience. The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium ensures a high-energy yet intimate atmosphere with world-class safety and comfort standards.
Extensive media coverage is expected, with exclusive radio partnerships secured with Channel 4 (UK), Al Arabiya (Dubai), and Volna Radio (Russian-language radio) to broadcast updates across the UAE.
With an extraordinary lineup of fighters, a special guest appearance by Conor McGregor, and a historic first for the BKFC in the Middle East, Dubai is set to become the epicenter of combat sports this April.
