Two World Titles Up for Grabs in BKB's Mexico Debut in Tijuana

BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing is set to make its historic debut in Mexico with two world title fights scheduled for Saturday, September 19, 2026, in Tijuana. The event, a collaboration with the renowned Latin American boxing promoter Zanfer Boxing, promises an unforgettable night for combat sports enthusiasts.

David Tetreault, CEO of BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing, expressed his excitement: "Our Mexico debut deserves nothing less than two world championship fights, and that’s exactly what fans in Tijuana are getting on September 19. Julian Fernandez defending his title in his hometown is the statement we wanted to make in this market, and crowning a new Super Flyweight World Champion on the same night, with Cecy Ulloa fighting for it in her home country, makes this an unforgettable night for Mexican combat sports fans."

Fernando Beltran, Founder and President of Zanfer Boxing, added: "Mexican fans want to see champions fight for titles, and that’s what BKB is delivering right out of the gate. Julian Fernandez defending at home, and a new world champion being crowned in the co-main, gives our fans two reasons to fill the arena on September 19. This is the start of something big for bare knuckle boxing in Mexico."

The main event will see BKB Super Cruiserweight World Champion Julian Fernandez defend his title on home soil against former three-division BKB champion Dan “Big Pod” Podmore. In the co-main event, the vacant BKB Super Flyweight World Championship will be contested between Mexico's own Cecy Ulloa and Andy “The CrAsian” Nguyen.

Fernandez, boasting a 2-0 BKB record and a 3-0 overall bare knuckle record, enters the title defense following a decisive first-round knockout at BKB 53. As the son of former professional boxer Pedro “Pitbull” Fernandez, the Tijuana native has a strong combat sports lineage, including a Mexican National Boxing Championship and a 16-4 professional boxing record. He has yet to be defeated in his bare knuckle career.

Challenging Fernandez is Podmore, a seasoned BKB veteran and former champion in the Heavyweight, Bridgerweight, and Cruiserweight divisions. Podmore, who recently secured a TKO victory at BKB 55: Carnage in Cardiff, brings a 9-4 bare knuckle record and championship pedigree across multiple weight classes, making him a formidable opponent.

In the co-main event, Ulloa, a native of Puerto Vallarta and a gym owner, will have the opportunity to win a world title in her home country. With 18 years of combat sports experience and a 2-1 (1 NC) BKB record, Ulloa was ranked the No. 1 flyweight in bare knuckle boxing as recently as 2019. Known for her adaptable fighting style, she aims to make history in front of her fellow Mexicans.

Opposing Ulloa is Nguyen, recognized as the first professional Vietnamese-American female fighter in combat sports. A three-time King of the Cage atomweight champion, Nguyen transitioned to bare knuckle boxing after a successful MMA career. Based in South Carolina, Nguyen holds a 1-1 BKB record and carries the experience of competing against some of the sport's toughest athletes, believing she has what it takes to become a champion in Tijuana.

Tickets for BKB’s Mexico debut are available for purchase now at bkb59.com.