On Saturday, October 12, 2024, combat sports fans around the world will witness a historic night of action at the Marbella Arena in Spain. The Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) is making its grand debut in the country, with none other than Conor McGregor, co-owner of BKFC, in attendance. The evening will feature three world title fights, with the highly anticipated main event being a clash between two undefeated lightweights: Franco Tenaglia and Tony “Loco” Soto. This bout has been billed as one of the most significant in the history of bare-knuckle boxing, and it promises to deliver a memorable spectacle.
The Main Event: Tenaglia vs. Soto
The main attraction of the night is a showdown between two of the best undefeated lightweights in the world. Franco Tenaglia, a Spanish-Argentine fighter, and Tony Soto, a Brooklyn-born Puerto Rican now residing in Catawba County, North Carolina, will face off for the BKFC Lightweight World Title.
Tenaglia enters the bout with a perfect 3-0 record in BKFC, while Soto boasts an unblemished 6-0 streak. Both men are known for their aggressive styles, precision striking, and the ability to finish their opponents. With world-class fighters and global attention, this fight is more than just a title bout—it’s a clash of styles and national pride.
Fans can expect an explosive contest, as Soto’s high-volume, relentless approach will be tested against Tenaglia’s technical prowess and experience in bare-knuckle mixed martial arts (MMA). Soto has made it clear that he’s ready for the challenge, stating, “My game plan is simple—fight my fight, slice him, dice him, and get it done.”
A Historic Night for BKFC
This event marks a major milestone for BKFC. The Marbella Arena will play host to the promotion’s first-ever event in Spain, with Conor McGregor’s involvement bringing increased attention to the sport. McGregor, who became part-owner of BKFC earlier this year, has helped elevate the visibility of bare-knuckle boxing, adding star power and legitimacy to the organization.
Along with the Tenaglia vs. Soto main event, the card features Two other World Title Fights. Austin “No Doubt” Trout will defend his BKFC Welterweight World Title against Rico Franco, while David “Redneck” Mundell looks to retain his BKFC Middleweight World Title in a rematch against Danny Christie. With three titles on the line, the Marbella event is shaping up to be one of the most significant nights in BKFC history.
Full Fight Card for BKFC Spain
- Franco Tenaglia vs. Tony “Loco” Soto – Lightweight World Title
- Austin Trout vs. Rico Franco – Welterweight World Title
- David Mundell vs. Danny Christie – Middleweight World Title
- Dan Chapman vs. Yevhen Kraminsky
- Fran Suárez vs. David Mora
- James Lilley vs. Felipe Maia
- Yunus Batan vs. Abner Lloveras
- Hannah Rankin vs. Sahel Bayat
- Navid Mansuri vs. Edye Ruiz
This star-studded lineup guarantees non-stop action from start to finish, with top-tier talent and fierce rivalries fueling the excitement.
Where and When to Watch
For those unable to attend the event in Marbella, BKFC fans worldwide can catch the action via DAZN’s global streaming service on pay-per-view (PPV). In South America, the main event will also be broadcast on Disney+ for select countries. The fight card will kick off at 11:00 AM CDT, with the main event expected to start around midnight in Spain.
Here’s a breakdown of the event timings:
- Main card start: 11:00 AM (CDT), 1:00 PM (EST), 7:00 PM (Spain)
- Tenaglia vs. Soto start (approximate): 4:00 PM (CDT), 6:00 PM (EST), midnight in Spain
Bare-Knuckle Rules: A Different Kind of Combat
Bare-knuckle boxing under BKFC is governed by the Broughton Rules, an early form of English boxing regulations. Unlike traditional boxing, fighters must “toe the line,” starting each round just inches apart from their opponent. The absence of wraps or padding near the knuckles adds an extra layer of danger, as even a simple jab can cause serious damage. This unique format demands precision, endurance, and tactical awareness, making bare-knuckle boxing a thrilling spectacle.
What to Expect in Tenaglia vs. Soto
As both fighters step into the ring on Saturday, expect fireworks. Tony Soto, known for his volume and relentless pressure, is confident that his approach will be too much for Tenaglia to handle. “I throw a lot of punches from different angles, and I don’t think Tenaglia has ever faced someone with my style,” said Soto ahead of the fight.
On the other hand, Tenaglia‘s background in bare-knuckle MMA could give him the edge in clinch situations, where his experience in striking without gloves will come into play. With both men determined to maintain their undefeated records, the fight is sure to be an intense and brutal affair.
