At the heart of a groundbreaking night for women's boxing stood Chad “BigFace” Burbank, a rising star in the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) and a force in the combat sports world. Known for his electrifying personality and larger-than-life presence, Burbank was not just a spectator at the historic all-women’s boxing event, “Hit Like a Girl, Fight Like a Champion.” As a key figure behind the scenes, Burbank added depth and excitement to the event through his powerful interviews and insightful commentary.
This landmark event, the first-ever all-female fight card sanctioned by the WBC, was a monumental evening for women’s sports. However, Burbank’s presence reminded fans of the growing crossover between different forms of combat sports—particularly the ever-rising influence of bare-knuckle fighting.
BigFace Burbank: From BKFC Star to Women’s Boxing Advocate
Chad “BigFace” Burbank, a known figure in the BKFC, has built a reputation for his relentless work ethic and his unapologetically bold persona. His involvement in this historic women’s boxing event was not only a testament to his growing influence in combat sports but also highlighted his commitment to supporting the evolution of women's athletics.
Throughout the event, Burbank conducted back-of-house interviews with athletes, commentators, and celebrities, showcasing his deep knowledge of combat sports and unique ability to engage with diverse personalities. His contributions behind the microphone added richness to the broadcast, giving viewers an intimate glimpse into the minds of the fighters and adding gravity to the evening’s proceedings.
Burbank’s presence, paired with his genuine enthusiasm for women’s sports, elevated the evening to new heights. As a fighter himself, he understands the physical and mental challenges that athletes face. This understanding was evident in his interviews, where he brought out the emotional stories of fighters while offering nuanced analysis of their performance.
Nelson Lopez and the Global Combat Collective: The Vision Behind the Event
While Burbank was the face of the event’s coverage, the visionary force behind this groundbreaking night was Nelson Lopez, CEO of Global Combat Collective (GCC). Lopez, a close ally of BKFC owner David Feldman, has been instrumental in the growth of combat sports worldwide, and this event marked yet another milestone in his impressive career.
Lopez’s vision, alongside Brinx.TV’s global distribution, brought unprecedented attention to the event, making it a historic moment for women’s boxing. Under his leadership, GCC executed the largest purse bid in WBC history for a female bout, a record-breaking $500,000. This demonstrated Lopez's and GCC’s commitment to gender equity and investment in women’s sports.
Lopez’s right-hand man, Josh Chasse, part-owner of GCC and a key player in BKFC, helped ensure the event’s success. Chasse's role extended beyond logistics—he and “Secret Agent” Serge, another co-owner, worked closely with Lopez to craft an immersive 360-degree environment for the event, held at the Lux Stage in Atlanta. Their innovation in live sports production redefined the way fans experienced the action, both live and through platforms like Amazon Prime, Tubi, and Hulu.
BKFC Fighters Representing Bare Knuckle at Women’s Boxing Event
Burbank wasn’t the only representative from BKFC at this iconic event. Joining him were other notable fighters and champions from the bare-knuckle world, such as Austin Trout, former WBA Light Middleweight Champion and current BKFC competitor, and reigning BKFC champion Britain Hart. Their attendance further solidified the growing relationship between traditional boxing and bare-knuckle fighting, signaling a future where the two sports continue to intersect.
Trout, who has successfully transitioned to bare-knuckle fighting, attended the event as a key figure of the BKFC community, lending his support to both the women fighters and the cause of advancing women’s sports. Hart, a champion in her own right, has long been an advocate for women in combat sports, and her appearance at this historic event aligned with her mission to elevate female athletes across all combat disciplines.
The Historic Main Event: A Clash of Titans
Though Burbank’s presence was a highlight, the main event of the night was the highly anticipated Unified Super Featherweight Championship between champion Alycia Baumgardner and challenger Delfine Persoon. Fans were treated to a dramatic and intense bout that ultimately ended in a no-contest due to an accidental clash of heads, allowing Baumgardner to retain her titles. While the ending was unexpected, the fight embodied the spirit of perseverance and skill that defines women’s boxing today.
Rosalinda Rodriguez also delivered a memorable performance in the undercard, winning the WBC International Super Bantamweight Title in a hard-fought split decision over Amy Naert. These bouts, along with the professional debut of US Marine Stephanie Simon, made it a night filled with action and history.
A Night of Innovation and Unity in Combat Sports
The all-women's boxing event not only set a new standard for combat sports but also brought together icons from all corners of athletics. In addition to Burbank and the BKFC crew, luminaries like Laila Ali, Dez Bryant, and Daniel Jacobs were in attendance, reflecting the widespread support for this monumental occasion.
Burbank’s work as an interviewer and analyst provided fans with deeper insights into the fighters and the significance of the event. His presence, along with that of other BKFC figures, symbolized the unity and crossover potential between different forms of combat sports, particularly as the BKFC continues to grow in popularity.
Looking Ahead: BigFace Burbank and the Future of Combat Sports
As bare-knuckle fighting gains traction on the global stage, figures like Chad “BigFace” Burbank will play an increasingly central role in bridging the gap between various combat disciplines. His ability to connect with audiences, both as a fighter and as a commentator, positions him as one of the key figures in the ongoing evolution of combat sports.
The "Hit Like a Girl, Fight Like a Champion" event not only showcased the immense talent of female athletes but also illustrated the growing influence of figures like Burbank, Lopez, and the Global Combat Collective in shaping the future of combat sports. Whether in the ring or behind the scenes, their contributions are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, setting the stage for a more inclusive, exciting, and innovative era in combat sports.
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