Undefeated BKFC World Featherweight Champion “King Kai” Kai Stewart defends his throne against challenger Jimmie “El Terror” Rivera on Saturday in the Main Event of BKFC on DAZN: Montana in Billings, MT, LIVE worldwide on DAZN.
We checked in with 15 of the most knowledgeable fighters on the BKFC roster for their predictions heading into one of the biggest fights of the year.
James "Get Down" Brown: This is a good matchup. Kai won’t be able to wrestle Jimmie like he does the other boxers. I see Jimmie giving him a hard time and getting the unanimous decision.
Zach "Shark Attack" Calmus: On one end we have Jimmie Rivera – “El Terror” – with a 23-5 record in MMA and an impressive BKFC record of 2-1-1. Across the ring stands the Champion, Kai Stewart, whose awkward style combined with awesome talent and bare knuckle ability make it a hard fight for any challenger. It’s a classic battle and the winner will be the one who sticks to their game plan the best. Kai is going to have to keep the distance and catch an elusive Jimmie Rivera at the right time. Jimmie has to close the distance and land punches in bunches, which he does very well. My prediction – and still BKFC World Featherweight Champion, Kai Stewart.
"Slick" Rick Caruso: The UFC vet versus the up-and-coming BKFC vet – I think that's where the difference comes in. Kai has been in the Squared Circle a lot more rounds than Jimmie and has made his style work every time. While Jimmie has a hard-nosed, push-forward wrestling style as well, I think Kai takes this with the advantage of knowing what works just a little more.
Ramiro Figueroa: I’ve got Kai Stewart winning in a one-sided victory, possibly even a KO. I think age is going to play a big factor in this fight, and Kai is just the smarter man in my opinion.
Michael "Papa G" Larrimore: I think we see a good, back-and-forth fight, with Kai probably edging out a decision. Doesn’t matter, though, because Brandon Allen will sleep either man after he knocks out Timmy Mason.
“Super” Chad Lucanas: I think Kai, just because it fits better into the story of handing me the belt in 2025.
Wanya "The Rated R Superstar" Reid: This is a good one. Kai is the champ and shows why every time he fights, but I think I’m going with Jimmie Rivera on this one. I feel like Jimmie has the experience and is starting to settle in in his division, so I’m going with Jimmie.
JR "The Lion" Ridge: I predict Kai will upset a lot of people. Kai wins a five-round battle.
Esteban "Mohawk" Rodriguez: Stewart will most definitely take the win, going the distance.
Dylan "The Villain" Schulte: I think Jimmie is too experienced. He’ll be able to hurt Kai, unlike anyone Kai has fought so far. I think Jimmie gets it done via decision if he throws enough volume.
Andrew "Legend" Strode: This is going to be a great matchup. I think Kai Stewart wins by decision by grit and outworking Rivera. I think it’s going to be a great, back-and-forth fight, but I have Stewart for the win.
Zeb "CWB" Vincent: Going for the dog Kai! I have the utmost respect when it comes to Kai. He reminds me of myself sometimes, just because we both share a wrestling background. Also, his merch guy does my gear as well!
Ruben "Bad Boy" Warr: To be honest, I don’t like Kai and please put that in there. He has proved everyone wrong – including myself – but Jimmie isn’t a slouch and has been in fights when Kai wasn’t even born yet (laughs). So I like Jimmie’s style and I’m excited to see who comes on top.
Jared "Captain Deadpool" Warren: I see it going a full five rounds with Kai edging out the victory.
Andrew "Golden Child" Yates: I want Kai to win., but I feel Jimmie is going to be way too much for him.
