While UFC 322 was taking place, BKFC 84 was happening across the country in Palm Desert, California.
The card was headlined by a light heavyweight title fight between champion Josh Dyer and former titleholder Lorenzo Hunt. In a dramatic finish, Hunt came from behind to score a late knockout over Dyer and reclaim the belt.
Aspen Ladd, who previously competed in both the UFC and PFL, made her promotional debut on this card. She has had some high praise come from BKFC boss David Feldman even before her first fight.
Ladd took on Shyanne Bitliff at BKFC 84 and did not waste much time getting started. From the first bell, she set the pace with sharp movement and strong combinations.
Aspen Ladd drops Shyanne Bitliff three times for first BKFC win
Ladd delivered a near-perfect opening round in her BKFC debut.
She put Bitliff on the canvas three times, with two knockdowns coming late in the opening round.
With just 35 seconds left before the break, Ladd landed a strong left hook that sent her rival back into the ropes.
Bitliff got back to her feet but took more punishment from Ladd in the clinch before being dropped again in the closing moments of the round.
The referee stepped in with just one second remaining, giving Ladd a TKO victory to kick off her bare-knuckle career.
Ladd has gone up against some notable names over her career, including current UFC champion Kayla Harrison and former world champs Raquel Pennington, Germaine de Randamie, and Julia Budd. She also headlined twice during her time in the UFC.
Lorenzo Hunt pulled off stunning knockout to reclaim title
Hunt was making his return to BKFC after being out of action for 19 months.
He did not start well. The former champion went down twice, but then landed a huge overhand right that knocked Dyer out cold.
The finish brought back memories of his 2023 knockout of Mike Richman.
Fans have noticed how similar the ending sequences were in both fights, right down to the final shot.
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