The stars of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship’s historic, two-night premiere in Dubai met with the media on Wednesday ahead of BKFC 71 on Friday and BKFC 72 on Saturday. Both must-see events air LIVE worldwide exclusively on DAZN from the legendary Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium.
David Feldman, BKFC Founder/President
“It's been an amazing run to get here. I'm so excited to be here. Four World Title fights and 12,000 people. We're here to break records. That's what we do. We're here to break more records in this beautiful city of Dubai. I'm so excited for the fans to see what we've been telling them about for so long. Now they get to see it up close and personal.”
Austin “No Doubt” Trout (4-0), defending the BKFC World Welterweight Championship for the second time in the Main Event of BKFC 71 on Friday
“I'm excited to be here, and I'm looking forward to putting on a show. My goal is to put on such a fight that you guys can't wait for BKFC to be back in Dubai.”
“Be careful what you wish for. He asked for this.”
“You’re just a stepping stone in my way.”
Carlos Trinidad-Snake (6-0), fighting for the BKFC World Welterweight Championship in the Main Event of BKFC 71 on Friday
“I’m bigger, I’m younger, he’s slow and ugly. I’m going to beat him.”
“I think Austin has fought nothing but cans. I’m the best opponent he’s fought. I’m going to bring it to him. I’m going to knock him out, and I’m going to take that belt. I will leave Dubai a World Champion.”
Britain Hart (9-3), defending the BKFC World Women’s Strawweight Championship in the Co-Main Event of BKFC 71 on Friday
“This is something I really wanted and asked for. To be here means everything. I really resonate with the me-versus-me mentality. For me to say that I'm a World Champion, I have to fight internationally. This fight will put the stamp on my legacy of being a World Champion."
“She's an amazing athlete. I know a lot about her past, and I resonate with that. I think she's a very tough opponent, but as far as fights and skills, I haven't really paid attention.”
Tai Emery (2-1), fighting for the BKFC World Women’s Strawweight Championship in the Co-Main Event of BKFC 71 on Friday.
“My life has definitely been a hard road. I moved to Dubai a year ago, and I embody what this city can do for somebody who has a passionate heart and works with discipline. Brit is the OG of this sport, and I have so much respect for her. I can't wait to show everyone what women can do in this sport.”
“King” Kai Stewart, 7-0, defending the BKFC World Featherweight Championship for the fourth time against Tommy “The Farmer” Strydom (4-0) in the Main Event of BKFC 72 on Saturday
“My opponent isn't here. I usually get people really riled up, so this time people will realize that I can beat people without getting them riled up. I'm young, and I really just want to prove me-versus-me. I never imagined in a million years that I'd be the king of a combat sports. Now I'm just focusing on how good I can really be.”
“Compared to everybody else that I’ve fought, everyone else has either been scared of me or they were so confident. Tommy has balls. He’s going to come at me and we’re going to fight, but I’m the best in the BKFC for a reason.”
“I've been the underdog in most of my fights, and I'm so grateful for my willpower to drive myself to be the best that I can be. Tommy is tough and I think he's going to come after me. He's got nothing to lose.”
Hannah Rankin (1-0), fighting for the inaugural BKFC World Women’s Featherweight Championship in the Co-Main Event of BKFC 72 on Saturday
“(Her experience with BKFC) isn't going to do her any help. I'm coming with very high-level skills, and I'm coming to take the belt. The belt belongs to me.”
Jessica “The Black Widow” Borga (2-0), fighting for the inaugural BKFC World Women’s Featherweight Championship in the Co-Main Event of BKFC 72 on Saturday
“I'm going to show the difference between boxing and bare knuckle fighting. I've established myself pretty well in this sport. My violence and what I bring to the table isn't going to be good for her.”