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BKFC has decided to strip UFC veteran Alan Belcher of the organization’s heavyweight title. The 38-year-old MMA fighter turned bare-knuckle boxer won the title in February with a third-round knockout win over Arnold Adams at BKFC 36.
Now, Belcher won’t get a chance to defend the title after the recent career decision he made cost him the title he just won.
BKFC strips Alan Belcher of heavyweight title
On Tuesday, BKFC president David Feldman made an announcement on social media confirming that Belcher agreed to relinquish the title. The post also stated that Belcher will be back under the BKFC banner ‘at a later date.’
As alluded in reports, the organization’s decision could’ve been rooted in Belcher’s recent signing of a Misfits Boxing 8 bout against Hasim Rahman Jr. The said fight will take place on July 22 in Nashville. It will be broadcast via DAZN.
In his Instagram post upon the signing of the Rahman bout, Belcher claimed that BKFC was on board with his boxing venture.
“I have not been silent about my mission to reach my fullest potential and this is a big step in that direction. Thank you to @misfitsboxing for promoting this fight.
“@davidfeldmanbkfc is happy with this match up and both of us are excited about more exposure for THE Bare Knuckle Heavyweight Champ. I am the sharpest version of myself. I am eager to introduce myself to more of the world,” Belcher wrote, while also promising to defend his title against fellow UFC alum Ben Rothwell.
Alan Belcher’s fighting career
Belcher got an earlier start in mixed martial arts, making his professional debut in 2004. He slowly climbed up the ranks until he got to the UFC in 2006. He put up a decent run during his seven-year run with victories over Rousimar Palhares, Ed Herman, and Patrick Cote, among others.
Belcher’s last MMA bout happened in UFC 159 in 2013 against former champion and Hall of Famer Michael Bisping. He lost via technical decision after an accidental eye poke rendered him unable to continue.
Eight years later, Belcher ventured into gloved and bare-knuckle boxing. As a pro boxer, he compiled a record of 5-0, with each win ending via stoppage.
But it was in BKFC where Belcher found the most success and recognition.
After a decision win in his bare-knuckle debut, Belcher won his next three fights via knockout, which included the title he bagged four months ago. His current record stands at 4-0.
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