BKFC strips and parts ways with bantamweight champion Alberto Blas due to ‘unprofessional conduct’

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BKFC announced its decision to part ways with Alberto Blas which prompted a stern reply from the former champion.

The bareknuckle boxing organization announced in a press release Thursday that Blas was not meeting the values of the promotion, and decided to cut ties due to “unprofessional conduct.” The press release included a quote from BKFC president David Feldman.

The release states:

BKFC values discipline, accountability, and respect for the sport both inside and outside the ring. While the athlete’s performance inside the squared circle has been exceptional, repeated incidents and conduct inconsistent with the values and image of the organization have made it necessary to part ways.

“We have a responsibility to uphold the integrity of our promotion and the sport as a whole,” said BKFC founder and president David Feldman. “There were multiple infractions that went into this decision. We wish him well in his future endeavors.”

BKFC remains committed to promoting world-class athletes who embody the grit and professionalism that define bare knuckle fighting. A decision regarding the future of the now-vacant 135lb title will be announced shortly.

“El Indio” fought under the BKFC banner six times from 2022-24, winning every fight by stoppage in the first round. Blas captured the 135-pound title at BKFC 62 by stopping Keith Richardson. He recorded his first title defense at BKFC 62 by finishing Ryan Reber.

BKFC’s press release came shortly after another bareknuckle boxing promotion, BKB, made an announcement of its own: the signing of Blas to its roster on a multi-fight deal.

Following both announcements, Blas then released a statement on social media, replying to BKFC’s claims of unprofessionalism while directly addressing Feldman:

I’d like to address the unfortunate accusations made against me today in the light of my signing with BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing by David Feldman, the one-time owner and one-time face of BKFC.

While my record is not spotless, I stand by my reputation and wish to call this out for what it is: an insecure individual trying to save face while the company he built and subsequently sold-off continues to spiral downward.

There are two incidents that come to mind of which I am sure Mr. Feldman is referencing. The first occurred in 2022. Since that time, I was signed by the organization, fought for them six times, and was promoted and heralded as their champion.

In a more recent incident occurring at the Hard Rock, I was provoked in the locker room, but was the bigger man and walked away, only to be followed through the casino, threatened and harassed. I was told by my provocateur that when he “saw me in the street,” he would “kill my ass.” I reacted and defended myself.

The bottom line is: Neither of these incidents rose to the level of suspension or reprimand by Mr. Feldman (to what power he still wields) or BKFC while I was with the organization. None of these things have been spoken of since I last fought for the organization in September 2024. The only reason they are mentioned this very day is because my signing with a bigger and better organization reflects poorly on a man’s fragile ego. I will not be defamed or bullied. If there was something I had done thatt warranted disciplinary action, Mr. Feldman should have taken such action when he had the power and authority to do so. There wasn’t, so he didn’t.

The 2022 incident Blas referred to was an arrest in Miami-Dade County (Fla.) on charges of attempted felony murder causing injury and battery. Blas was acquitted by a jury on both charges.

Blas, 30, who also has a professional MMA record of 3-4, will now continue his bareknuckle boxing career under the BKB banner.

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A little late but it hasn’t been posted here yet. It’s a damn shame because Blas is one of the best bare knuckle fighters on the planet. I’ve never seen punching power like his in that weight class and it really sucks to see him go. He puts everyone out in the first round.

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@HongKongPhooey
@ReedRothchild
@Captain_Kaboom
@MMAHistoryPodcast

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Yea when he smashed Richardson I said SHAT!

Dada5000 on that too quick pick up

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I was about to say, this was a few weeks ago.

I don’t think people care too much.

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He’ll dominate in BKB. Shame he BKFC let him go. Blas is one of the most dominant boxers on the roster and I didn’t see anyone beating him anytime soon.

Wish they would have kept Gustavo Trujillo too

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Gustavo is a machine bud honestly I like him in gloved boxing.

He seems to be focusing on that a tad more than the BKB? Last I checked.

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Yeah he just destroyed someone in gloved boxing a few weeks ago I believe. I love bare knuckle and Gustavo is the just like Perdomo in bk. I want to see him stick with bare knuckle because he is so damn dominant. I haven’t seen the whole fight, only highlights, but he looked damn good fighting in gloves from the small but I saw.

I’m very biased and want to see all these giys dominating in bare knuckle to stay.

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@Captain_Kaboom I messaged with Gustavo on Instagram and he told me BKFC wasn’t booking him and just keeping him on the shelf that’s why he left. He was my favorite to watch so I was pretty bummed out. Happy to see Gustavo continuing to find success.

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I’m confused… Are BYB and BKB the same promotion? They have the same logo

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Recently switched over to BKB Extreme

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I hate the ring but it’s a solid promotion. They have some monsters now with Blas on the roster now. Blas and Perdomo are the 2 best bk boxers on the planet in my opinion. Gustavo #3 for me. Cuban style is extremely dominant in bare knuckle.

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BKB also has Paulie Malignani fighting in a few weeks

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BKB Extreme has LT SMASH Nelson.

Guy is so entertaining.

He just smashed Sam Liera. He is insanely fun too watch also.

They also had Matt Dalenoit who went 3-0 with 3 KO than seemingly disappeared? They guy was MAGA and vulgar on the mic lollll

He was supposed to fight hometown hero Ryan Ford in Edmonton in MMA back in Unified MMA.

Ford uncharacteristically missed weight.

Matt snapped. Called him every name in the book then refused to fight at catchweight? Weird scene.

Tho he was a machine in BKB Extreme early days

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I’ve only watched a few shows but it’s been fun every time. I follow so many promotions that it can be hard to keep up with. I started getting into BYB a few months ago but missed the last 2 or so shows. They’ve been steadily improving their roster and they definitely have a place in combat sports and are worthy of a spot in my rotation. I at least try to watch every Gustavo fight and I’ll definitely be tuning in to watch Blas now. Admittedly I don’t know their roster nearly as well as BKFC.

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What did he do kill someone…

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I love BKFC but it’s regularly two guys with tattoos all over every inch of their face and body throwing haymakers and they are sponsored by OnlyFans. No one would consider it a sport of gentlemen.

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I know LT. Super nice guy. He was my coach for a while. Love seeing his name mentioned as he’s been killing it and I love seeing him get some recognition.

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The best thing that dude ever did was getting away from Jeff Bailey and Gracie Clearwater.

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