HOF | BKFC & PFL
BKFC & PFL Weekend
This weekend, Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Center becomes the epicenter of combat sports, with BKFC KnuckleMania V promising explosive bare-knuckle action and high-stakes matchups. The event features three must-watch fights that will have fight fans on the edge of their seats.
In the main event, two UFC veterans return to their hometown roots in a classic striker’s showdown. Eddie Alvarez, “The Underground King,” brings a legendary MMA resume, while Jeremy Stephens matches his tenacity. Both fighters are known for their relentless “dog mentality,” making this a potential fight of the night.
As for the co-main event, the heavyweight championship bout pits Ben Rothwell, a 17-fight UFC veteran with a 3-0 bare-knuckle record, against champion Mick Terrill. Rothwell believes Terrill hasn’t faced competition of his caliber, promising a potential knockout.
The featured bout for Knuckle Mania 5 is the women’s bout featuring rising star Taylor Starling against experienced fighter Bec Rawlings. Most BKFC fighters predict Starling’s victory, with many expecting a decision or mid-round stoppage.
Then we also have a great showdown in the world of MMA for the Bellator lightweight championship at PFL Dubai as the undefeated champ Usman Nurmagomedov looks to remain unbeaten and retain his championship title when he takes on the surging Irishman Paul Hughes.
Alvarez vs Stephens | Photo by Jake Noecker
Eddie Alvarez vs. Jeremy Stephens
- HayJive – Jeremy Stephens
“Everyone in Philly has been bullying Stephens, but I wouldn’t count him out. I expect Eddie to be more the more accurate puncher here, but Jeremy has a solid chin and will continue to bring forward pressure. If he can keep a pace and land big shots I think he can take over as the fight goes on. I’ll take the underdog in Stephen’s here to spoil the party.”
- Nolan (TheParlay) – Eddie Alvarez
“Eddie is a junk yard dog and seems like bare knuckle is his type of sport, and ever since the Chad Mendes fight I have a hard time picking against Eddie. Stephens is hittable and I don’t believe he can eat the type of damage Eddie will be willing to give”
- JJ (TheOctagonKings) – Eddie Alvarez
“Eddie is the more dynamic striker and can mix it up from body to head, which is what I think will be done here.”
- Austin Swaim – Eddie Alvarez
“In BKFC, weight classes sort of meld together, but this is a gap of a 155er and 145er in the prime — and Alvarez was also a far more reliable striker. I’ll pick him to win in easily the best of these three fights.”
- The Fight Analyst – Eddie Alvarez
“This fight should be an absolute barnburner with this fight being a relatively close, back-and-forth war between these two fighters. However, the hometown nature of this fight leads me to believe that Alvarez will get the nod on a razor close competitive decision where both fighters are cut up and have taken a ton of damage.”
Rothwell vs Terrill | Photo by Jake Noecker
Ben Rothwell vs. Mick Terrill
- HayJive – Mick Terrill
“Big Ben is gonna be at a significant speed disadvantage, and even though he has always been durable, bare knuckle isn’t a sport where you can afford a ton of damage. I’ll take Terrill to win by late TKO.”
- Nolan (TheParlay) – Mick Terrill
“Mick has an impressive resume with loads of experience and impressive knockouts. His kickboxing background, movement, and power might be too much for Rothwell. I see a KO incoming in this fight.”
- JJ (TheOctagonKings) – Ben Rothwell
“When it comes to the OG’s of the sport of BKFC, Rothwell is in that list. He comprehends the damage aspect and the risks involved.”
- Austin Swaim – Mick Terrill
“I’ll pick what I presume will be a betting upset as most know Rothwell from UFC, but Terrill is the more credentialed kickboxer with significantly less attrition. Rothwell’s last win over a blown up Todd Duffee means zero.”
- The Fight Analyst – Mick Terrill
“Big Ben Rothwell has looked good thus far in his time with BKFC but he has beaten absolutely no one with substance which includes Todd Duffee. In come Terrill, the heavyweight champ who’s beaten everyone in the division. That experience against high-level competition should serve Terrill well as he defends his heavyweight title for a second time.”
Rawlings vs Starling | Photo by Jake Noecker
Taylor Starling vs. Bec Rawlings
- HayJive – Bec Rawlings
“Biggest thing here is Starling moving up in weight. She may have a speed advantage, but she lacks defense and Rawlings should be able to find openings for big shots. I’ll take Rawlings by Dec.”
- Nolan (TheParlay) – Taylor Starling
“Value play incoming. Sterling sits at +125 and I actually think these two stack up pretty evenly. Bec Rawlings is rising 4 losses in a row in boxing/BK boxing. I’ll take the underdog in a coin flip fight.”
- JJ (TheOctagonKings) – Taylor Starling
“Rawling has taken too much damage and in BKFC, the longevity is perhaps even shorter than the one we see in MMA.”
- Austin Swaim – Taylor Starling
“Total Instagram over substance fight, but Rawlings was a terrible striker in UFC, and Starling at least has two BKFC wins. Don’t put money on this.”
- The Fight Analyst – Taylor Starling
“Taylor is the new rising star in the women’s 125 lbs division and this is her coming out party against the veteran and former BKFC champion as she goes out there and puts it on Rawlings leaving the fans excited and wanting more.”
Hughes vs Nurmagomedov | MMAFighting
Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes
- HayJive – Paul Hughes
“Never thought I’d pick against a Nurmagomedov, but the odds on this one are too wide in my opinion. Usman is a solid kickboxer, but Hughes loves to pressure and land big boxing combinations. If he can keep this fight on the feet, he has a great chance to pull off the upset. Give me Hughes by decision.”
- Nolan (TheParlay) – Usman Nurmagomedov
“While Hughes is confident and definitely talented enough for this stage, I believe Usman is looking to cement his legacy and keep the undefeated record alive. Usman will have options in this fight, and should be able to control where it takes place. If you’re not Merab Dvalishvili, it’s hard to beat the undefeated Dagestani’s.”
- JJ (TheOctagonKings) – Usman Nurmagomedov
“Hughes is great and could cause problems, but Usman can find solutions with ease. I predict moments from Hughes, but ultimately a decision win from Usman.”
- Austin Swaim – Usman Nurmagomedov
“These are both top-15 UFC lightweights as the division has declined, but Usman is closer to the belt. Lapses in the McKee fight in Hughes’ grappling defense could prove costly, but I can’t predict the measured Nurmagomedov to be the first to finish the Irishman.”
- The Fight Analyst – Usman Nurmagomedov
“While Paul Hughes is extremely talented, this is a severe step up too soon for him as he takes on the uber-talented and undefeated champion Usman Nurmagomedov who should be better in every aspect of the fight. Expect Nurmagomedov to use his kicks to keep Hughes at bay and then utilize his grappling to dominate the rounds and get yet another decision victory to retain his title.”
Want to know more about each event? Visit homeoffight.com or any of our social media accounts for more articles, fighter interviews, and plenty of more coverage. Enjoy the fights, let us know how you’ll be watching!