The evening is anchored by a high-profile showdown between Russian former UFC athlete Viacheslav Borshchev and inaugural BKFC champion Elvin "El Bandido" Brito. The card also highlights the return of Dominican standout Javier Fortuna, the former two-time WBA world champion, who faces Colombian fighter Alejandro "El Abejon" Munera. Known for his southpaw precision, Fortuna headlines a roster designed to emphasize technical striking without the protection of gloves.
IBA Brings Bare Knuckle Boxing to Miami with Star-Studded Debut
The James L. Knight Center in Miami prepares to host the inaugural IBA Bare Knuckle tournament on July 18, 2026, marking the International Boxing Association's first foray into the U.S. market. UFC legend Jon Jones will preside over the event, overseeing a card featuring ten high-stakes, professional bare-knuckle bouts.
Beyond the marquee names, the event showcases international talent, including the undefeated Ossetian welterweight David Mistulov against American Nathan LaRocco, and a clash between Russian MMA champion Alan Salamov and American Markus "Murk" Suarez. These ten matchups, ranging from 57 kg to heavyweight divisions, reflect the IBA's broader strategy to expand its influence in combat sports under president Umar Kremlev. The tournament signals a significant shift in the organization’s operational reach, moving from its traditional amateur-focused governance into the professional bare-knuckle circuit.
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