The Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship is set to make a triumphant return to South Florida as Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida, prepares to host a high-stakes
night of combat sports on Friday, December 11. Headlining the BKFC 97 card is a thrilling welterweight showdown that pits undefeated rising star Bryce “Baba Yaga” Henry against seasoned combat-sports veteran “Cassius” Clay Collard.
Marking the organization’s 18th event at the renowned venue, the action-packed evening is scheduled to kick off with opening bouts at 7 p.m. ET, leading directly into the main card at 8 p.m. ET. Fans around the globe will be able to catch all the action live, as the event streams internationally through the BKFC+ platform.
Henry Risks Undefeated Record
Bryce Henry strides into the headlining position carrying an unblemished 8-0 record in the bare-knuckle discipline. As the current occupant of the No. 1 position in the BKFC welterweight rankings, Henry has rapidly established himself as one of the organization’s most formidable talents. Fighting out of nearby Oakland Park, Florida, Henry has maintained an active and impressive schedule throughout the year.
His 2026 campaign has already featured two high-profile victories. In June, Henry secured a win over former BKFC welterweight champion Julian Lane via a fourth-round disqualification. He followed that up in August with a stellar second-round knockout victory over Carlos Trinidad-Snake.
Now, Henry faces his toughest test to date as he attempts to preserve his perfect record against an opponent who brings a wealth of experience from across multiple combat disciplines, including boxing and mixed martial arts. BKFC founder and president David Feldman weighed in on the monumental matchup, noting the unique dynamic between the two competitors.
“Bryce Henry is one of our fastest-rising young stars, but Clay Collard has been successful in all disciplines of combat sports,” Feldman said, highlighting the intriguing clash of youth, momentum, and veteran savvy.
Collard Returns After Successful Debut
Clay Collard enters this matchup looking to build upon an impressive entry into the organization. The Las Vegas-based fighter made his successful BKFC debut at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in August, where he delivered a dominant performance that culminated in a third-round stoppage of Daniel Keepers.
While Collard’s bare-knuckle resume currently lists just a single appearance, his overall combat sports background is vast and battle-tested. He has compiled a stellar professional boxing record of 9-6-3, which includes four victories by way of knockout, alongside a heavily tested professional mixed martial arts record of 25-15. Known for an aggressive, fan-friendly fighting style, Collard has consistently produced memorable performances across multiple major combat sports organizations.
Despite his extensive background against elite professional competition, stepping into the Squared Circle against a specialist like Henry represents a significant escalation in the bare-knuckle arena. Collard may hold a distinct experience advantage in terms of total professional fights across various combat sports, but Henry boasts eight victories specifically tailored to the nuances of bare-knuckle fighting. This stylistic clash between Henry’s refined bare-knuckle mastery and Collard’s deep combat pedigree promises to deliver an explosive main event.
Slaveski Meets Elmore in Co-Main Event
The excitement at Hard Rock Live extends well beyond the headliner, featuring a stacked supporting card filled with championship pedigree and notable veterans. In the welterweight co-main event, former BKFC Welterweight World Champion Gorjan “GoGo” Slaveski returns to action to face rugged contender Joe “The Hitman” Elmore.
Slaveski enters the co-main event holding an impressive 8-1 record inside the BKFC ring. His journey has been nearly flawless, with his lone career bare-knuckle defeat coming at the hands of Jake Lindsey during a championship bout in March 2025. Across the ring, Elmore carries a 2-5 promotional record, though statistics alone fail to capture his value to the division. Elmore has built a steadfast reputation as a competitor who willingly accepts the toughest matchups available and consistently engages in high-output, grueling fights that test his opponents to their absolute limits.
The card also features the return of former UFC title challenger Jessica Eye, who steps back into the squared circle for her second bare-knuckle appearance. Eye is set to lock horns with Desiree Yanez in an intriguing women’s flyweight contest, a pairing officially confirmed by the promotion’s latest event listings.
In lightweight action, former BKFC Welterweight World Champion Elvin “El Bandito” Brito squares off against former title challenger Howard “HD” Davis. Both fighters are seasoned veterans of the organization who bring technical proficiency and devastating punching power to the division.
Rounding out the announced preliminary and main card bouts, Murat Kazgan is set to face Israel Rodriguez in the welterweight division. In the ironweight division, Brandon Alfano meets Alex Davis, while Leo Acanda battles Justin Walters in a compelling middleweight matchup. Organization officials have indicated that additional bouts are expected to be finalized and announced in the weeks leading up to the event.
BKFC 97 Fight Card
The scheduled lineup for BKFC 97 features a diverse array of weight classes and competitive styles, anchored by championship-level talent and hungry contenders.
The welterweight main event features Bryce Henry putting his undefeated 8-0 record on the line against veteran challenger Clay Collard, who stands at 1-0 in bare-knuckle competition.
The welterweight co-main event showcases former world champion Gorjan Slaveski, holding an 8-1 record, squaring off against Joe Elmore, who holds a 2-5 promotional record.
In the women’s flyweight division, former UFC standout Jessica Eye returns to face Desiree Yanez.
The lightweight division features a battle between former champion Elvin Brito, sitting at 7-8, and former title challenger Howard Davis, who carries an 8-4-1 record.
Additional matchups feature Murat Kazgan at 2-2 facing Israel Rodriguez at 0-1 in the welterweight division. In the ironweight division, Brandon Alfano at 1-0 meets Alex Davis at 1-3. Finally, the middleweight division features Leo Acanda at 1-0 taking on Justin Walters at 1-3.
Event Information
BKFC 97: Henry vs. Collard is scheduled to take place on Friday, December 11, live from Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida. Doors for the venue are slated to open at 6:30 p.m. ET. Opening bouts will get underway at 7 p.m. ET, with the main card transitioning into view at 8 p.m. ET. Fans wishing to view the event can tune in through the international streaming broadcast on BKFC+.
