While there was no UFC or Bellator MMA card this weekend, a number of other combat sports entities looked to fill the void, including ONE Championship, RIZIN, and the PFL (with PFL Europe 3) — plus the latest instalment from Bare Knuckle FC, BKFC 51.
In the main event, Britain Hart looked to make her second defense of the BKFC women’s strawweight championship. While that in itself is notable, what was truly unique is that the fight, which took place in Salem, VA on September 29, was to be the first of two planned back-to-back title defenses roughly a month apart: the next is planned for BKFC Thailand 5 on November 4.
Of course, Hart needed to win her first fight to ensure that next title defense happens. And Melanie Shah, 2-0 in BKFC, would no doubt have something to say about that.
BKFC 51 takes place at the Salem Civic Center in Salem, VA on Sept. 29, 2023, airing live on the BKFC App. Full results can be found below.
BKFC 51: Hart vs. Shah Results
Main Card
Britain Hart (c) def. Melanie Shah by unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45) — for the BKFC strawweight championship
Dustin Pague def. Joe Elmore by unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)
Stanislav Grosu def. Blake LaCaze by TKO, Round 2, 1:51
Bruce Abramski def. Mark Culp by KO, Round 1, 0:43
Joseph Creer def. Ronnie Glass by KO, Round 3, 1:18
Harris Stephenson def. Brian Maxwell by DQ (illegal strike), Round 5, 0:29
Brett Fields def. Kaine Tomlinson by KO, Round 1, 1:39
Preliminary Card
Rick Caruso def. Landon Williams by KO, Round 1, 1:43
Ka’Sim Ruffin def. Daniel Gary by TKO, Round 3, 1:26
