Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship to Make History in the Middle East with Debut in Dubai
- John Phillips vs. Fabio Maldonado: UFC Veterans to Collide in a Bare-Knuckle Showdown
- UFC Legend Conor McGregor Set for Surprise Appearance
Dubai, March 28, 2025 – History is in the making as Dubai welcomes the greatest two-day pure combat event, BKFC (Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship), powered by World League of Fighters, in association with the Dubai Sports Council. Scheduled for April 4th and April 5th at the prestigious Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, the event promises an electrifying showcase of combat sports action, with 44 world-class fighters competing in high-stakes matchups. Doors will open at 7:00 PM on both days, setting the stage for two unforgettable nights of fierce battles.
Phillips vs. Maldonado: A Clash of Titans
Welsh mixed martial artist John Phillips, renowned for his tenure in the UFC middleweight division, is set to enter the bare-knuckle ring in Dubai. Phillips, who competed in multiple UFC fights between 2018 and 2020, will face Brazilian powerhouse Fabio Maldonado in the highly anticipated 205 lbs Cruiserweight division. Maldonado, a veteran of the UFC light heavyweight and heavyweight categories from 2009 to 2016, brings a reputation for resilience and striking excellence, making this a must-watch contest.
Conor McGregor’s Surprise Appearance
Adding to the excitement, global MMA superstar Conor McGregor is set to make a surprise appearance at the event. While details about his involvement remain under wraps, his presence will undoubtedly amplify the event’s prestige. Additionally, VIP ticket holders will have the exclusive opportunity to attend meet-and-greet sessions with some of the sport’s top fighters and legends.
Exclusive Press Conference at Burj Al Arab
Before the fights kick off, a high-profile press conference will be held on April 2nd at Burj Al Arab’s Al Falak Ballroom at 6:00 PM. The event will feature Conor McGregor, BKFC CEO David Feldman, highlighting the significance of this historic tournament. This exclusive press event provides a rare opportunity to discuss the future of bare-knuckle fighting in the region and the impact of bringing such a global championship to Dubai.
BKFC’s Vision for Dubai
David Feldman, Founder & President of BKFC, expressed his enthusiasm for bringing the championship to Dubai, stating: “We’re bringing the raw intensity and pure athleticism of bare-knuckle fighting to one of the world’s most dynamic sporting destinations. The response from the fighting community and fans has been overwhelming, and we’re proud to showcase our sport at this level.”
Rajesh Banga, Manager of World League of Fighters, echoed this excitement, emphasizing Dubai’s role as a global hub for combat sports: “Dubai has always been at the forefront of hosting world-class sporting events, and BKFC’s debut here is no exception. We’ve carefully curated an experience that goes beyond just fights—it’s about creating memorable moments for fans and showcasing the technical brilliance of bare-knuckle combat.”
The Dubai Sports Council also reinforced its commitment to supporting this landmark event, stating:
“Hosting the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship aligns perfectly with Dubai’s vision of becoming the world’s premier destination for combat sports. This event provides local combat sports enthusiasts with an exclusive opportunity to witness this unique discipline at the highest level.”
Two Days of High-Intensity Fights
The BKFC Dubai edition will feature an action-packed lineup over two days, with fighters from around the world competing in multiple weight classes.
Day 1 Highlights (April 4th)
- Bantamweight (135 lbs): Ruel Panales (Philippines) vs. Ali Elkhatib (Egypt)
- Welterweight (165 lbs): Austin Trout vs. Carlos Trinidad (headline bout)
- Middleweight (175 lbs): Marcus Pond (UK) vs. Mladen Iliev (Bulgaria)
- Heavyweight (265 lbs): Jaskaran Singh (India) vs. Mohamed Ali (Egypt/Dubai)
- Cruiserweight (205 lbs): John Phillips (Wales) vs. Fabio Maldonado (Brazil)
Day 2 Highlights (April 5th)
- Heavyweight (265 lbs): Mehdi Barghi (Iran) vs. Ricardo Bachir (Lebanon)
- Bantamweight: Mohd Azahar (India) vs. Muhammad Bilal (Pakistan)
- Featherweight (145 lbs): Shamil Dzhakhbarov (Russia) vs. Dilshat Nurym (Kazakhstan)
- Middleweight: Aaron Chalmers (UK) vs. Chasa Symonds
- Welterweight: Vladislav Tuinov (Russia) vs. Adel Al Tamimi (USA/Iraq)
- Lightweight: Matin Safari (Iran) vs. Mark Angel Sadang (Philippines)
Ticket Information and Media Coverage
Tickets for this historic event start at AED 399, with premium VIP packages available for fans looking to enjoy an elevated experience. The venue ensures an intimate yet high-energy atmosphere, with world-class safety and comfort standards for both athletes and attendees.
Additionally, the event has secured exclusive radio partnerships with Channel 4 (UK), Al Arabiya (Dubai), and Volna Radio (Russian-language radio) to provide extensive coverage across the UAE.
With an unprecedented lineup of fighters, an exclusive press event, and the first-ever BKFC tournament in the Middle East, Dubai is set to make combat sports history this April.
