Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship presents BKFC 27 on August 20th. Airing live from Wembley Stadium in London, the event will stream on the BKFC app and feature a massive crossover main event between Bellator MMA’s Michael ‘Venom’ Page and UFC fighter turned BKFC scrapper ‘Platinum’ Mike Perry.
Ahead of the historic event, some of the biggest stars under the BKFC banner, including undefeated lightweight and welterweight world champion Luis Palomino, gave their predictions for the dual-brand showdown.
Two-Division BKFC World Champion Luis Palomino
“I’m going for Mike Perry to win the fight, but he needs to really push the pace, close the distance as soon as possible and drop bombs. He needs to make it a dog fight; dirty and aggressive in the close quarters. If he gives “MVP” time to get comfortable and get in his distance and timing, it can be a very long and bad night for Perry. My pick is Mike Perry by KO before the third round.”
Britain Hart Beltran
“In my time in BKFC, it’s always exciting to gain new fans and have people grow to like you. With that being said, I’m also a fan and was introduced to “Platinum” Perry. His upcoming fight vs. MVP, who I consider to be Bellator’s Israel Adesanya, is definitely a battle of two different, yet very exciting fight styles. When it comes down to BK, perhaps it’s not always the style but the grittiness that is represented in this pure and raw combat sport. I hope the experience and gritty style of Perry carries over a huge win against such talent.”
“Captain” Jack Claffey
“Super difficult to call, but I think MVP’s style will translate well to bare knuckle fighting. His blitzing footwork could lead to an early knockout.”
Steve “Tomahawk” Townsel
“I’m riding with the Florida boy Mike Perry, but he has to make it a fight, which he is actually good at, and take away the reach of MVP. I believe the cut factor could cause an early stoppage on this one if he can’t close distance.”
Francesco Ricchi
“I think it’s an easy fight for MVP. Perry likes to test his durability and this is the wrong sport to do that in, not to mention the fact that Perry can’t move his head to save his life, and MVP hits hard enough to put Perry away. He may break his hands doing so, but by the time MVP breaks both his hands Perry will be taking the nap of his life.”
Kai “Hefty Bag” Stewart
“How is this fight happening?! Gotta go with MVP by KO in Round 1-2.“
Paige VanZant Returns to the Squared Circle at BFKC 27
In the evening’s co-main event, former UFC competitor Paige VanZant returns to the squared circle for her third outing with BFKC. Looking for her first victory, she faces talented striker Charisa Sigala who went toe-to-toe with Taylor Starling in one of the greatest women’s fights in BKFC history at Knuckelmania.
’12 Gauge’ made her promotional debut at the same event against Britain Hart Beltran. PVZ lost the bout via unanimous decision. Five months later, she returned to face former UFC rival Rachael Ostovich. Making her debut in the squared circle, Ostovich earned a unanimous decision win over PVZ, dropping ’12 Gauge’ to 0-2 in BKFC.
Featured image credit to BKFC