It didn’t come easily, but Franco Tenaglia is your new BKFC World Lightweight Champion.
The Argentinian-born, Spain-based fighter struck gold with a majority decision over the previously undefeated Tony “Loco” Soto in the Main Event of Saturday’s BKFC on DAZN: Spain at the sold-out Marbella Arena in Marbella, Spain, LIVE worldwide on DAZN.
The grueling, back-and-forth, five-round battle pushed both combatants to the outer edge of their limits and will rightfully be remembered as one of the greatest fights in BKFC history.
Fighters don’t get paid by the hour, so it’s fair that they might prefer a quick stoppage victory over a hard-fought win. But that’s not the case for Tenaglia, who upped his record to 4-0 with Saturday’s triumph.
“I love fights like this because they prepare me for other challenges in my career and life. If the fight ended after I knocked him down in the first round, then I wouldn’t have the experience and the confidence that comes with having to push yourself to the limit and digging deep to come out on top,” he says.
“I grew so much from this fight – it’s unbelievable. I want to thank Tony Soto for pushing me so hard. It was great for both of us, it was great for BKFC, and it was great for the fans in Spain and the fans all around the world.”
Tenaglia has accomplished his first goal with BKFC, but he’s just warming up with the world’s fastest growing and most exciting combat sports promotion. He wants to be the busiest man in bare knuckle.
“I’d fight 100 times a year if I could. I don’t care about the cuts or the bruises or any broken bones,” the 28-year-old champ says with a smile.
“I love this.”
