The first-ever press gathering for KnuckleMania V, scheduled for January 25 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, took place on Tuesday afternoon at the 2300 Arena. This occasion marks the inaugural appearance of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) in Philadelphia and will be live-streamed worldwide on DAZN.
The press event showcased BKFC Founder and President David Feldman, alongside renowned combat sports figures Eddie “The Underground King” Alvarez and Jeremy “Lil Heathen” Stephens, who are set to headline the event. Also in attendance was popular BKFC women’s flyweight contender Taylor “Killa B” Starling, among other fighters participating in this exciting lineup.
Highlights from the Press Conference:
David Feldman shared his excitement for this significant event: “Today marks a pivotal moment in combat sports history for Pennsylvania and especially for the lively city of Philadelphia. I am thrilled to see my vision for a new era in bare-knuckle fighting come to life here.”
He underscored the importance of the event, stating, “KnuckleMania V is poised to be a sold-out spectacle, offering an extraordinary experience. We have worked tirelessly to earn the recognition that bare knuckle fighting deserves. On January 25, we will present Philadelphia with the biggest combat sports event in recent memory, packed with endless action and indelible moments.”
The lineup will also include Bryce Hall in his Philadelphia debut against Kimbo Slice Jr., son of the legendary fighter. Starling is scheduled to face off against former World Champion Bec Rawlings, adding to the event’s competitive nature.
Feldman introduced a community engagement initiative, stating his intention to “clean up the streets of Philadelphia during this event,” encouraging attendees to exchange their firearms for toys and event tickets.
Eddie Alvarez expressed his appreciation for the chance to fight in Philadelphia once more, acknowledging his deep ties to the city where his career began. He vowed to deliver a memorable performance and recognized the challenges ahead.
Jeremy Stephens displayed confidence, highlighting his expertise in bare knuckle fighting and his preparedness for the upcoming showdown.
Taylor Starling shared her enthusiasm for competing in Philadelphia, calling the city her adopted home, and expressed her desire to deliver an electrifying performance against Bec Rawlings.
Travis Thompson, a seasoned BKFC veteran, eagerly anticipated the event, reminiscing about his roots in Philadelphia and looking forward to KnuckleMania V.
Pat Brady showcased his entertaining style and expressed his confidence in putting on an exciting match against Zach Calmus.
Miguel Cartagena, a former International Boxing Organization Champion, voiced his excitement about transitioning to BKFC and performing for the fans.
Cody Russell anticipated his BKFC debut, sharing his journey from boxing and MMA to bare-knuckle fighting.
Pat Sullivan, a former professional hockey enforcer, spoke about fulfilling his BKFC dream, promising fans an action-packed spectacle.
Overall, the press conference set an enthusiastic tone for what is sure to be an unforgettable night in the history of combat sports.
