Italy has its first BKFC Champion, and his name is Francesco Ricchi.

The Naples-born, Fort Lauderdale, FL fighter defeated Uly Diaz via doctor’s stoppage TKO just 76 seconds into their battle for the BKFC World Interim Middleweight Championship in the Co-Main Event of BKFC 26 on Friday in Hollywood, FL, LIVE on the BKFC app.

Ricchi climbed to 5-0 in the BKFC Squared Circle with his victory.

“I feel pretty good,” the stoic middleweight fighter said post-fight. 

“We deserved to go a little bit more, but it is what it is. This is a high-paced sport, and Uly is a (expletive) monster. If you don’t believe me, come in here and fight him.”

Ricchi used his post-fight interview as a platform to take shots at some of his fellow BKFC stars, including Mike Perry. 

The undefeated Mike “The Marine” Richman, the No. 2-ranked middleweight contender, entered the Squared Circle, and for a moment two of the best bare knuckle fighters in the world faced off.

“I asked to fight Richman because I didn’t want to fight my friend Uly. But, push comes to shove, and Uly is the one who showed up,” Ricchi said. “I don’t talk, I just show up and fight.”

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