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| (Image Source: Cageside Press/BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing) |
BYB Extreme Fighting Series President Mike Vazquez recently announced that the ten-plus-year-old combat sports organization that originated in South Florida, alongside Dhafir “Dada 5000” Harris, whose iconic backyard fighting videos went viral across the globe and transformed the modern landscape of professional fighting, will now be known as “BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing”. BYB purchased the UK-based BKB, the world’s oldest professional bare knuckle boxing company in May 2024, and in doing so merged the organizations to create the largest bare knuckle boxing company in the world in terms of roster, library and distribution.
BKB CEO Greg Bloom said, “Collectively, BYB in the US and BKB in the UK created the modern-day sport of bare knuckle boxing. Without visionaries like Mike Vazquez, Dada 5000, Jim Freeman and Joe Brown, bare knuckle boxing as we know it today would not exist. That’s an indisputable fact. It is only appropriate that the world’s largest, oldest, most widely watched and fastest growing bare knuckle boxing organization in the world is now known synonymously with the sport it re-established in modern mainstream times. We are Bare Knuckle Boxing.” Bare Knuckle Boxing Hall of Fame President Scott Burt said, “The forces behind the new BKB have been instrumental in bringing back this great sport from the shadows. Over the past two years, the former BYB has doubled the size of the sport internationally, ushered in ethical and legalized gambling to the sport, acquired the rights to the historic and prestigious Police Gazette Diamond Belt which now serves as the Bare Knuckle Boxing World Championship, brought bare knuckle boxing to lineal television on both sides of the Atlantic including the recent deal with VICE TV, hosted the first show ever in the Middle East when they were the first bare knuckle promotion to go to Dubai back in March 2023, and quite frankly, it looks like they are just getting started. As a historian, I am proud to support these efforts as bare knuckle boxing’s resurgence primes itself to overtake the sporting public’s attention. Without BKB, that would be impossible.”
Bloom added, “Business continues as usual. Coming off another sold-out and globally-televised show in Denver this past weekend, we return to Wolverhampton, UK on March 22, and will continue to host the most explosive shows in combat sports within the smallest surface in fighting, the patented Mighty Trigon.” The first show under the new BKB name will be held in Wolverhampton, West Midlands, England on March 22, 2025, headlined by the long-awaited rematch for the BKB Super Middleweight Championship between LT Nelson and James Connelly. The show will be broadcast in the US and Canada on Vice TV, and internationally at bkbworld.tv. For more information and updates on the newly-rebranded BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing, visit bkbbareknuckle.com.
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Middleweight And Lightweight Rosters Announced For 2025 PFL World Tournament
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| (Image Source: Professional Fighters League) |
The Professional Fighters League (PFL) has officially revealed the 16 world-class fighters set to compete in the Middleweight and Lightweight divisions of the 2025 PFL World Tournament. This will be the first time since 2018 that the 185-pound division returns to the PFL. The 2025 PFL World Tournament kicks off from the backlot of Universal Studios Florida in Orlando on April 3, April 11, April 18, and May 1, with fighters needing to win three consecutive bouts to win the Championship. The 2025 PFL World Tournament will air live on ESPN platforms in the U.S. Internationally, fans can catch the action live on DAZN. In total, the tournament will be streamed in 190 countries worldwide through 20 premium media partners including Setanta Sports in the Philippines.
One shot at greatness. The annual single-elimination tournament will feature brackets at Heavyweight, Light Heavyweight, Middleweight, Welterweight, Lightweight, Featherweight, Bantamweight, and Women’s Flyweight. The PFL World Tournament spans an action packed five months. 64 of the best fighters from around the world will compete to win MMA’s toughest test – win three straight times in five months to become PFL Tournament Champion. The First Round fights and the Semi-Final fights will be three, five-minute rounds while the Finals are five, five-minute rounds. All events and all fights now allow the use of elbows. The PFL World Tournament will payout over $20M (20 million dollars( in total prize money, including a $500,000 bonus for every winner. The completed brackets will be unveiled on March 11 through a special bracket reveal show, powered by VALR Energy. Here is the full list of Middleweight and Lightweight competitors.
MIDDLEWEIGHT DIVISION (185 lbs) – 2025 PFL WORLD TOURNAMENT ATHLETES
• Impa Kasanganay (18-5), U.S.A.
• Murad Ramazanov (12-2), Russia
• Fabian Edwards (13-4), England
• Dalton Rosta (9-1), U.S.A.
• Sadibou Sy (17-8-2), Sweden
• Mike Shipman (17-4), England
• Aaron Jeffery (15-5), Canada
• Josh Silveira (13-4) – U.S.A.
• Alternate: Khalid Murtazaliev (17-3), Russia
• Alternate: Jordan Newman (7-0), U.S.A.,
LIGHTWEIGHT DIVISION (155 lbs) – 2025 PFL WORLD TOURNAMENT ATHLETES
• Gadzhi Rabadanov (24-4-2), Russia
• Alexander Shabliy (24-4), Russia
• Marc Diakiese (18-7), England
• Jay Jay Wilson (10-1), New Zealand
• Mads Burnell (20-6), Denmark
• Alfie Davis (17-5-1), England
• Brent Primus (15-4), U.S.A.
• Clay Collard (25-14), U.S.A.
• Alternate: Sergio Cossio (27-10-1), Mexico
• Alternate: Robert Watley (15-3), U.S.A.
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BRAVE Combat Federation To Debut In Switzerland With Record-Breaking BRAVE CF 94
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| (Image Source: BRAVE Combat Federation) |
BRAVE Combat Federation is set to debut in Switzerland with BRAVE CF 94, scheduled to take place in Geneva on May 17, 2025. The event, hosted in association with WNC, will be part of BRAVE CF’s ‘The Year of the BRAVE’ campaign and will mark the organization’s second event of 2025 following BRAVE CF 93 in China. The Switzerland debut will be a record-breaking affair for BRAVE Combat Federation. Switzerland will become the 36th host nation globally and the 17th host nation in Europe for BRAVE CF — both of which are world records unmatched by any other MMA organization.
The event further highlights BRAVE CF’s commitment to the growth of MMA in Europe. So far, BRAVE CF has hosted events in Northern Ireland, England, Romania, Slovenia, Sweden, Russia, Belarus, Italy, Poland, Serbia, Germany, France, Spain, the Netherlands, Bulgaria, and Austria, with Switzerland now joining the list. All BRAVE CF host nations worldwide have benefited from the organization’s vision of sustainable and inclusive MMA growth. In Europe, in particular, talented athletes have thrived under the global platform provided by BRAVE CF, with fighters like Erko Jun and Pavel Dailidko recently winning world titles on European soil.
BRAVE Combat Federation has also set attendance records across multiple European nations and has brought global superstars to compete in the region. The upcoming event in Switzerland will feature the best of Swiss MMA talent alongside international superstars, making it a landmark moment for MMA in the country. Following a historic year in 2024, BRAVE CF is on track to set new benchmarks in 2025 with ‘The Year Of The BRAVE’ and the event in Switzerland will be one of the major milestones of the year.
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Invicta FC 61 Features Ferreira-Palacios Atomweight Title Bout In Oklahoma
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| (Image Source: Invicta Fighting Championship) |
The most prestigious prize in the atomweight division will be on the line when Invicta Fighting Championships visits the Grand Casino Hotel & Resort in Shawnee, Oklahoma on April 4, 2025 for Invicta FC 61: Ferreira vs. Palacios. The event is headlined by the first title defense for Brazil’s Elisandra “Lili” Ferreira (8-2) who matches up with Mexico’s Ana “Guerrera” Palacios (10-3-1). The 26-year-old Ferreira has yet to taste defeat under the Invicta banner, reeling off four straight victories. In her most recent appearance, Ferreira bested countrywoman Andressa Romero over five rounds to capture 105-pound gold. Also taking the division by storm, Palacios has quickly established herself as the No. 1 contender with back-to-back victories against Monique Adriane and Flor Hernandez. Now she’ll aim to dethrone Ferreira and claim the moniker of best atomweight on the planet.
In the co-main event, featherweights Jamie “Snickers” Edenden (5-2-1) and Jackie “The Hybrid” Cataline (5-3) are slated to collide yet again. The pair were originally slated to face off at Invicta FC 60, but a medical suspension pushed the pivotal 145-pound bout to April. Australia’s Edenden was successful in her first Invicta appearance, besting Mexico’s Abby Montes by decision in September. Meanwhile, the decorated wrestler Cataline impressed in her Invicta debut in August, handing previously undefeated Brazilian Kelly Ottoni her first loss. Also on the main card, Oklahoma’s own — and former strawweight champion — Emily “Gordinha” Ducote (14-9) welcomes Georgian strawweight Sofiia Bagishvili (11-7) to the promotion and undefeated featherweight finisher Riley “Rad” Martinez (4-0) meets 21-year-old newcomer Jaeleen “The Natural” Robledo (2-1).
In preliminary card action, Brazil’s Taynara Silva (7-5) drops to the atomweight division to take on France’s Claire Lopez (8-6), Joy “Killjoy” Pendell (4-2) looks to build off her recent victory at Invicta FC 60 when she meets Brazilian featherweight Marilia “The Tigress” Morais (3-2), and unbeaten flyweight sensation Zoe Nowicki (2-0) faces off with Pennsylvania’s Kellie Marin (1-0). Invicta FC 61: Ferreira vs. Palacios will air via CBS Sports Network at 8:00 pm ET/7:00 pm CT. The night’s preliminary card will stream live on Invicta’s official YouTube Channel and Facebook Page at 6:30 pm ET/5:30 pm CT. Here is the full fight card for Invicta FC 61: Ferreira vs. Palacios.
• Atomweight Title: Elisandra “Lili” Ferreira vs. Ana Palacios
• Featherweight: Jamie Edenden vs. Jackie Cataline
• Strawweight: Emily Ducote vs. Sofiia Bagishvili
• Featherweight: Riley Martinez vs. Jaeleen Robledo
• Atomweight: Taynara Silva vs. Claire Lopez
• Featherweight: Joy Pendell vs. Marilia Morais
• Flyweight: Zoe Nowicki vs. Kellie Marin
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Sports Africa Investment Summit 2025 Ignites New Era Of Investment In African Sports
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| Top stakeholders from sports, business and governance aim to develop Africa's sports industry at the Sports Africa Investment Summit 2025 (Image Source: Sports Bytes Philippines/Sport Nigeria) |
The Sports Africa Investment Summit 2025 (SAIS2025) delivered two days of dynamic discussions, strategic deal-making, and investment-driven conversations aimed at accelerating the growth of African sports markets. Held with the theme “Sports As A Catalyst For Africa Towards 2063”, the summit brought together top stakeholders from sports, business, and governance to explore innovative ways to fund and develop Africa’s sports industry. Sport Nigeria Vice Chairman Yahaya Maikori opened the summit with a welcome address, emphasizing the event’s importance in shaping the future of sports investments in Africa.
Sport Nigeria LTD/GTE CEO Nkechi Obi set the agenda for two days of impactful discussions and collaborations while National Sports Commission Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko delivered a keynote speech, outlining how sports can serve as a catalyst for Africa’s development leading up to Agenda 2063. The SAIS2025 featured three plenary sessions focused on sports market creation, product development, and funding strategies; one fire-side chat where experts discussed the future of African sports investments; and 18 breakout sessions covering diverse topics including building a thriving sports goods and services market, developing the right products for African sports, and securing sustainable funding for sports infrastructure. A technical and collaborative agreement was signed between the Government of Abia State and Sport Nigeria LTD/GTE for the creation of the Abia State Sports Special Economic Zone (SSEZ). This initiative aims to boost sports-related investments and infrastructure in the region. Spaces For Sport (S4S), Sport Nigeria’s flagship community-based infrastructure project, was officially presented, emphasizing grassroots sports development.
Goodwill messages were delivered by Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, Agence Française de Développement Country Manager Xavier Muron, and High Commissioner of Rwanda to Nigeria Hon. Christophe Bazivamo. The summit concluded with remarks from Chapel Hill Denham's Managing Director for Investment Banking Lanre Buluro representing CEO Lanre Balogun. The Sports Africa Investment Summit 2025 successfully set the stage for long-term partnerships, funding opportunities, and infrastructure development, marking a transformative step for Africa’s sports industry.
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Creamline Cool Smashers, Petro Gazz Angels Bring Star Power To AVC Women's Champions League
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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN News/Premier Volleyball League) |
The Philippines will be well-represented in the upcoming AVC (Asian Volleyball Confederation) Women’s Champions League with Premier Volleyball League (PVL) powerhouse teams Creamline Cool Smashers and Petro Gazz Angels set to battle some of the best clubs in the region. PVL president and Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) vice president Ricky Palou confirmed the participation of the country’s top two squads after the preliminary round of the ongoing PVL All-Filipino Conference. Initially, only the tournament champion was set to represent the country. However, as host nation, the Philippines is allowed to field two teams in the prestigious competition which will take place on April 20-27, 2025 at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City. The competition, formerly known as the Asian Club Championship, was initially slated to be held in South Korea, then later moved to Vietnam, before ultimately being assigned to the Philippines due to time constraints.
The Cool Smashers and the Angels both dominated the PVL preliminaries with identical 10-1 records, proving their elite status in Philippine volleyball. Creamline, led by the dynamic Tots Carlos, Jema Galanza, Bernadeth Pons, Alyssa Valdez, Michele Gumabao and playmaker Kyle Negrito, boasts one of the most formidable rosters in the region. Their chemistry, experience and offensive firepower will be key assets in their campaign against top Asian clubs. Meanwhile, Petro Gazz brings its own brand of firepower with Filipino-American standouts Brooke Van Sickle and MJ Phillips. However, due to their status under USA Volleyball, both players are considered reinforcements, leaving the Angels with one remaining import slot. The addition of a high-caliber foreign player could further solidify their championship aspirations. The tournament draw will take place on March 12, 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand, meaning both teams need to finalize their rosters soon. “The AVC called us and said they need the teams right away because of the draw,” said Palou. While it remains to be seen whether Creamline will maximize its three-import allocation, Petro Gazz is already strategizing its reinforcement choices to complement its strong local core and naturalized talent.
With the AVC Women’s Champions League bringing together 12 elite teams from across Asia, this tournament presents an incredible opportunity for Creamline and Petro Gazz to showcase Philippine volleyball on an international stage. Their combination of skill, experience and teamwork makes them strong contenders to make deep runs in the tournament. As the PVL and PNVF take charge of organizing the event, all eyes will be on the country’s top teams as they prepare to go head-to-head with Asia’s best. With powerhouse rosters and elite-level preparation, the Cool Smashers and the Angels are ready to make waves in the region’s premier club championship.
