Kai Stewart successfully defended his BKFC Featherweight Title for the third time, winning a unanimous decision over Jimmie Rivera Saturday night in Billings, Montana, USA. The bout headlined BKFC on DAZN 2, streamed exclusively on DAZN. (Full results and photos after article).
Switching between orthodox and southpaw, the taller Stewart rushed in with his attacks as Rivera tried to time him. Stewart also used distance well in the later rounds, sliding back outside after throwing his attacks.
Rivera landed a few clean shots. But Stewart’s pressure and workrate were earning favour with the judges.
Behind on points and fighting in Stewart’s home state, Rivera’s corner told the fighter he needed a knockout in the later rounds. He couldn’t catch the quicker Stewart with anything clean.
Two judges gave Stewart every round, scoring the bout 50-45. The other scorer had it 49-46 (4-1 in rounds) for the champion.
“I strive to be the best and I honestly thought I was gonna put him out,” Stewart told interviewer Cyrus Fees after the bout.
“Thank you to the judges. Giving me five rounds to zero on two of the scorecards. I still believe I’m the best in the BKFC. I cleaned out the 145 division. I may not be ready for the 155. I wanna make sure I’m ready.”
Fees asked Rivera about Stewart’s use of feints and unique fighting style.
“I contribute it to the phrase ‘you better evolve or you’re gonna get your ass kicked’,” Stewart replied.
It was another impressive performance from Stewart, who has defeated Rivera, contenders Bryan Duran and Howard Davis, and veteran Rusty Crowder among others. Brandon Allen, who won earlier, is the number one contender.
Julian Lane Defeats Alfredo Angulo
Julian Lane continued his career resurgence, defeating onetime boxing contender Alfredo Angulo by unanimous decision in the co-main event. Scores were 49-46 twice and 48-47.
Lane landed some good uppercuts in the clinch in round one, and had success picking Angulo off as “Perro” plodded forward. Angulo was cut and bleeding by the first round’s end.
Angulo continued pressuring Lane. He focused his attack on Lane’s body, while Lane looked to score with head shots in the clinch. Lane clinched more and more as the fight went on, later explaining his training camp had been shortened due to the recent Florida hurricane.
A couple of the rounds seemed hard to score. Angulo was pushing the action and landing some clean body shots while Lane wasn’t as active.
Lane sticked and moved early in round five, getting back to the boxing that was effective earlier in the fight.
The decision was greeted with a few boos. Angulo displayed yet again the legendary toughness and determination that has made him a fan favourite for years.
Lane improved to 7-7 in bare knuckle, winning his third straight BKFC bout. Angulo is now 1-1 in BKFC.
Unbeaten Trinidad-Snake Puts on Clinical Performance
Top-ranked BKFC welterweight contender Carlos Trinidad-Snake improved to 6-0, dominating Zach Juusola (1-1) in the BKFC on DAZN 2 featured fight.
The unbeaten Native American once again showcased his boxing skills, fighting effectively off the back and front foot against the taller southpaw.
Trinidad went around Juusolas guard with a left hook for a first-round knockdown. Juusola was cut near the right eye and bloodied by round’s end.
A jab dropped Juusola for knockdown two in the second. Before round three started, his right eye was checked by the doctor.
Trinidad-Snake dropped Juusola for the third time. The referee stopped the fight after on the doctor’s advice.
“Let’s go,” a jubilant Trinidad-Snake yelled after the fight, the flag of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska draped around his shoulders.
Full BKFC on DAZN 2: Montana Results
Kai Stewart def. Jimmie Rivera via Unanimous Decision-Retains BKFC Featherweight World Title
Julian Lane def. Alfredo Angulo-Unanimous Decision
Carlos Trinidad-Snake def. Zach Juusola-TKO Round 3
Brandon Allen def. Timmy Mason-KO Round 3
Bryant Acheson def. Scott Roberts-TKO Round 1
Corey Willis def. Brady Meister-TKO Round 1
Dallas Davison def. Christian Torres-TKO Round 1
Louie Lopez def. Roberto Armas-Unanimous Decision
Natalie Gage def. Gabrielle Roman-Unanimous Decision
Leo Bercier def. Drew Nolan-KO Round 1
Eli Jamerson def. AJ Craig-TKO Round 1
BKFC on DAZN 2 Photos
ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF BKFC/PHIL LAMBERT
