BKFC Bantamweight Championship Vacant as Justin Ibarrola Steps Down; New Title Fight Set

Significant news has emerged regarding the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) bantamweight division. Promoter David Feldman recently made a crucial announcement on The Bare Knuckle Show concerning the 135-pound title.

Feldman revealed that former champion Justin Ibarrola has chosen to vacate his belt. "We spoke with Justin Ibarrola," Feldman stated, "who felt he wasn't prepared for the responsibilities of a champion at this time. He expressed a desire to explore other ventures, potentially including gloved boxing. Consequently, he has decided to relinquish his championship."

Feldman further clarified Ibarrola's decision: "He is vacating the title voluntarily; it's not being stripped from him. While he did compete and win in an outside boxing event, that wasn't the reason from our perspective. From his side, he conveyed that he didn't feel mature or ready enough to embrace the demands and duties of being a BKFC world champion."

Emphasizing their respect for Ibarrola, Feldman added, "We hold Justin Ibarrola in high regard; he's been instrumental in developing BKFC in South Florida. We wish him all the best. He will continue to fight for BKFC, but not as the reigning champion. He's not ready to bear that responsibility and also wishes for the flexibility to compete in various capacities, which isn't feasible while holding a championship."

Justin Ibarrola Explains His Decision; Vacant Title Bout Announced

The former BKFC champion, Justin Ibarrola, later offered his perspective on the decision, explaining his reasoning:

"It's about having flexibility. I'll still be fighting for BKFC, but as a champion, I wouldn't have the freedom to move between different combat sports as I wish."

Meanwhile, the fight for the newly vacant bantamweight title has already been arranged. Former WBO super featherweight champion Jamel Herring will vie for the belt against ex-UFC flyweight Nate Maness at BKFC 89 on May 22nd, held in Palm Desert, California. Herring aims to secure a championship in a second combat sport with this bout.