Several former UFC fighters took off their MMA gloves and went to battle in the ring in a ‘Bare Knuckle FC’ event last night in Wyoming.
In the main event, former UFC heavyweight champion Ricco Rodriguez emerged victorious by unanimous decision against Lewis Rumsey, though it was far from a thrilling slugfest, with Rodriguez often opting to just clinch with his opponent over the course of five rounds.
Another ex-UFC and Bellator heavyweight fighter Joey Beltran was also a winner on the night, dropping Tony Lopez late in the opening round before going on to claim a unanimous decision victory in a har-hitting, crowd-pleasing war.
Recently released from the UFC following a four-fight losing streak, Bec Rawlings got back to winning ways in a slugfest with Alma Garcia, claiming a TKO victory after Garcia suffered a cut that left her unable to continue following the second round.
Earlier, former Bellator veteran Eric Prindle was KO’d in just 18 seconds by Sam Shewmaker, while ex-UFC fighter Johnny Bedford earned a TKO victory in the second round after dropping Nick Mamalis.
Bare Knuckle FC Results:
Ricco Rodriguez def. Lewis Rumsey via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 48-47)
Joey Beltran def. Tony Lopez via unanimous decision (49-45, 49-45, 49-46)
Bec Rawlings def. Alma Garcia via TKO (doctor’s stoppage) – Round 2, 2:00
Sam Shewmaker def. Eric Prindle via knockout – Round 1, 0:18
Bobby Gunn def. Irineu Beato Costa Jr. via knockout – Round 1, 0:41
Johnny Bedford def. Nick Mamalis via TKO – Round 2, 1:41
Reggie Barnett def. Travis Thompson via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)
Maurice Jackson def. Dale Sopi via TKO – Round 1, 1:10
Estevan Payan def. Omar Avelar via knockout – Round 1, 1:57
Arnold Adams def. D.J. Linderman via TKO (doctor’s stoppage) – Round 2, 2:00
