The BKFC’s debut event in Texas began with a bang.
The sport of bareknuckle boxing has finally been legalized in the state of Texas. The BKFC has put together an epic 12-fight card for its first event in Texas, featuring former UFC Heavyweight Champion Andrei Arlovski and former UFC title challenger Jessica Eye on the main card.
The main event features an interim lightweight title fight between Tony Soto and Ben Bonner.
A Texas native kicked off the BKFC 76 undercard in violent fashion.
Roderick Stewart cuts up James Gray in first-ever BKFC fight in Texas
Showing up for his home state, Abilene’s Roderick Stewart delivered a spectacular performance across five rounds of action.
Stewart faced off against James Gray in the first fight of the night, dropping him en route to a clean-cut decision win.
Stewart did heavy damage to the face of Gray, cutting his face open with his punches.
By the end of the fight, Gray’s eye was swollen and he had accumulated multiple lacerations across his face.
That’s back-to-back wins for Roderick Stewart.
Exclusive: Roderick Stewart speaks on getting first BKFC win in Texas
Bloody Elbow caught up with Roderick Stewart for an interview as he was on the way to the bar to celebrate a historic and violent win in Fort Worth.
“I’m really upset I didn’t get to finish, but it is what it is,” Stewart said.
“That guy was tough. So I knew if he was tough, his face was gonna be all over the damn stadium.
“But he’s slick, man. He’s a slick guy for sure. I hope to come back here soon.
Stewart spoke on fighting in his home state and being the first BKFC fighter to ever win there.
“It means the world to me to have everybody that I love come show out for me and to make history,” Stewart said.
“I’m the first bareknuckle fighter in Texas history—I opened up in New Mexico, too. So, New Mexico and Texas.
“What do I want? Whoever. Whatever. It doesn’t matter,” Stewart said of what’s next.
“I don’t care who it is. And next time y’all put me on the main card. I feel like I’m taking out whoever is in front of me. It doesn’t matter who. I’ll do the same thing to any man.”