The Florida Boxing Commission was working hard on November 12, 2021, sanctioning three PRO combat events all on the same day. Bellator 271 took place at the Seminole HardRock Casino in Hollywood while 22 miles away, Combate Global took place at the Univision Studios in Doral. Fifteen Miles away from there, BKFC 22 took place at the James L Knight Center in Miami Florida.
The Florida MMA fans had a huge decision to make. Do they see one event LIVE and risk not seeing the other two events…or see all three events from the comfort of their home? Bellator aired on Showtime, Combate Global streamed on Paramount + & Univision while BKFC Streamed on Fite TV.
The fighters on each card had Florida’s favorites, making it harder for the fans to select which event to see LIVE.
Fighters
Bellator had Florida favorites such as Valerie Loureda, yet BKFC had Luis “Baboon” Palomino and Hector Lombard and Combate placed UFC vet & BKFC Champion Jim “the beast” Alers on their card. So depending which fighter you knew, represented or just a fan of…the event itself didn’t matter, it came down to which fighter you supported.
Both Valerie Loureda and Luis “Baboon” Palomino were victorious in their fights. Lombard and Alers fell short by way of unanimous decision from all three judges.
Now, if you’re like some MMA fans who don’t know the fighters but know of the venue…the Seminole Hardrock Casino will win every time. There are fans who have literally said ” Next time you have an event at the Hardrock let me know, I don’t care who’s fighting”.
Bang for your Buck
Bellator had 11 bouts with the Featherweight Championship Belt on the line. 6 of the 11 fights went to the judges to score the fight.
BKFC had 11 bouts with 2 Championship Belts on the line. 7 of the 11 fights ended in a decision for the judges to score the fight.
Combate Global had 8 bouts with no belts on the line. 4 of the 8 fights ended in a decision for the judges to score the fight.
Florida History
- Bellator has done 14 events since April 2009.
- Bare Knuckle Fighting has done 10 events in Florida since June 2019.
- Combate Global has done 26 events in Florida since April 2021. (not open to the public)
Public Numbers:
Bellator 271 | Gate: $800K | Attendance: 7K
BKFC 22 : Not made public
Combate Global: Not Made Public