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BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing today announced the landmark signing of boxing legend Victor Ortiz (33-7-3) in a multi-fight, multi-year agreement. The former WBC welterweight world champion and crossover star from Dancing With The Stars, Sylvester Stallone’s Expendables, and Hawaii Five-0 will bring his explosive power, championship pedigree, and fan-favorite charisma to the bare knuckle trigon, making his highly anticipated debut in the coming months as he targets BKB world championship glory.
This landmark signing underscores the surging momentum of BKB, which continues to draw decorated gloved boxers and stage high-stakes, action-packed events. The promotion has welcomed stars like Olympic gold medalist and former multi-weight world champion Yuriorkis Gamboa and former world champion Lee Selby to the bare knuckle ranks, while Paulie Malignaggi enjoyed a hugely successful transition, delivering a thrilling Fight of the Night performance in his return at BKB 47 against Tyler Goodjohn.
Building on that excitement, Malignaggi is now set to challenge reigning champion Rolando Dy for the BKB Super Welterweight World Championship in Manchester on Saturday, May 16, 2026, further elevating BKB’s rising profile, expanding roster of elite talent, and relentless progression as one of the most disruptive forces in combat sports.
Victor Ortiz, known as “Vicious,” captured the WBC welterweight title in 2011 with a dominant unanimous decision victory over Andre Berto and successfully challenged the elite at 147 pounds, including his memorable showdown with Floyd Mayweather Jr. His professional career from 2004 to 2022 produced an impressive record of 33 wins (25 by KO), 7 losses, and 3 draws, cementing his status as one of America’s most exciting and accomplished fighters.
Beyond the ring, Ortiz gained widespread popularity as a contestant on Dancing With The Stars, and appearances on the big and small screens allowing him to transcend the sport, showcasing his athleticism, personality, and talent to a broader audience.
Ortiz’s move to BKB is driven by his respect for the promotion’s explosive growth, top-tier production, and the unforgiving intensity of bare knuckle competition. Ready to unleash his aggressive style without gloves, he sees BKB as the ideal stage to add a new chapter to his legacy in the rawest form of boxing.
Former WBC World Champion, Victor Ortiz, said: “I’ve accomplished so much in gloved boxing – from winning a world title to battling the best in the world. Now, bare knuckle is the next challenge. It’s the purest, most intense version of the sport, and I’m pumped to bring my power, heart, and experience to BKB. I’m coming to win another world title and prove I’ve still got it. All glory to Jesus Christ.”
Mike Vazquez, Founder of BKB Bare Knuckle, said: “Victor Ortiz is a true legend with a world-class resume and star power that transcends boxing. We’re thrilled to welcome him to our roster. His knockout power and championship drive will electrify the trigon. With fighters like Gamboa and Malignaggi paving the way for elite crossovers, Victor’s signing proves BKB is the destination for icons chasing new greatness.”
David Tetreault, CEO of BKB Bare Knuckle, said: “I’ve known Victor since my days running the table at Golden Boy. Victor Ortiz is a massive coup for our organization. His world title experience, devastating power, and crossover appeal make this an incredible addition. We’re excited to see him pursue bare knuckle dominance alongside our expanding lineup of world-class fighters. Bringing a fighter of Victor’s calibre to BKB shows just why we are the leading force right now in Bare Knuckle Boxing.”
Ortiz joins an elite and rapidly growing roster of more than 200 fighters from over 30 countries, highlighting BKB’s magnetic pull for boxing’s biggest names seeking the ultimate test in the most primal combat sport. More major announcements are coming as BKB maintains its meteoric rise.
From its origins in 2015 as BYB Extreme Fighting Series, founded by MMA pioneer Dhafir “Dada 5000” Harris and Mike Vazquez, BKB has transformed bare knuckle boxing into a regulated, globally broadcast powerhouse through strategic acquisitions, including the original UK-based BKB in 2021 and Bad To The Bone in 2025, and a fighter-first philosophy that emphasizes athlete welfare and opportunity. Landmark broadcast partnerships with talkSPORT (UK and Ireland), VICE (US and Canada), and Telemundo (Spanish-language in the US) have delivered live events to millions worldwide.
