Canadian Star Drew Stuve Wants to Showcase Top Talent at BKFC’s Edmonton Prospect Series

August 28, 2024

5 months

The lights hanging from the ceiling in the arena may have made Drew Stuve sweat more than his Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship debut with Jason Kelly did. Following 71 seconds of action, Stuve was getting his hand raised by the referee following a doctor’s stoppage.

While Stuve appeared to be a seasoned professional back in March, Stuve doesn’t have that much experience as a professional fighter, according to online boxing news. Before landing in the BKFC, Stuve fought eight times as an amateur in gloved boxing.

Stuve scored a third-round knockout in his professional boxing debut. This weekend, he could have another opportunity to add to his highlight reel. Sonny Smith will attempt to bring Stuve down to size in Edmonton during the welterweight main event.

Smith fought in a few amateur bouts before arriving in BKFC. Unlike many of the other fighters, who primarily come up to BKFC through traditional boxing or MMA promotions, Smith competed in two bare-knuckle fights before coming to BKFC.

Smith won both of his bare-knuckle fights outside the BKFC by decision. He flashed some power on the regional MMA circuit,

However, Smith’s debut didn’t go well, and he lost right out of the gate. Stuve should find a way to grab another win here.

Bets to consider: Stuve by KO/TKO/DQ, Under 2.5 rounds

Al-Ghanim Looks For More Success

Former MMA fighter and traditional boxer Ryan Ford will have his fingerprints all over this card. In the co-main event, one of Ford’s pupils, Hasan Al-Ghanim, will hope to earn his second straight win. During Al-Ghanim’s debut, he picked up a second-round knockout victory over Dalton Shtybel. Al-Ghanim was able to lean on his length and accurate punching to put himself in a position to win. Al-Ghanim’s opponent this time around is Ryan Ibsen.

Ibsen started out fighting primarily in MMA on the amateur circuit. While competing, Ibsen had to fight with now UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley, according to MMAfighting latest news. That experience has served Ibsen well.

He won his BKFC debut last June but wasn’t an accurate striker. Ibsen only landed 38 percent of his punches. He will need to do better to beat Al-Ghanim.

Bets to consider: Al-Ghanim ML, Under 2.5 rounds

Lucanas Tries to Keep Opponents Looking Not So Fresh

Chad Lucanas has spent over ten years working at a barbershop in Edmonton, cutting hair. Lucanas’ approach to the squared circle has him desiring to leave his opponents looking not-so-fresh. The 28-year-old lightweight impressed audiences when he debuted with the promotion in March.

Lucanas returns to fight in his hometown in a featured fight with Zachary Pannell. Pannell is known for his strong chin but has seen mixed results early in his bare-knuckle career. After debuting in Albuquerque with a victory, Pannell followed that up with a disappointing loss.

One thing that Pannell has consistently displayed is his disciplined striking. He landed nearly 60 percent of his punches during the first two fights, which should serve him well moving forward.

Bets to consider: Pannell by decision over 2.5 rounds.

Polish Power Ready to be Put on Display

Bohdan Kotok fought on the amateur MMA circuit but will now have to see if his skills can measure up to the world of BKFC. Jonathan Miller, who has fought three times in BKFC, will welcome him to the promotion. Kotok’s potential is mainly based on the presentation he puts out there.

Kotok has little professional fighting experience in any promotion, which could be a major problem when fighting Miller. Miller is 2-1 in the BKFC but has fought a diverse competition roster throughout his career.

Miller has competed with UFC veterans Chase Sherman and Austen Lane. Anything can happen at heavyweight. With men that big, one punch can stop a fight at any time.

Bets to consider: Miller by KO/TKO/DQ, Under 1.5 rounds

Learning on the Job

Caeden Scott will be making his maiden voyage to the BKFC. Fortunately for Scott, the native Canadian will also fight another opponent who is making his debut on the big stage. Scott doesn’t have any major professional fighting experience.

Scott’s opponent, Dan Godoy, is in a similar spot. He also lives in Canada and doesn’t have any major combat experience on his resume. Both men will look to get their feet wet in the sport and get a gauge for where they are at competitions.

Bets to consider: Fights to go the distance

Mohammed Ready to Make a Splash

Danasabe Mohammed didn’t have the ideal start to his career in BKFC. He took a loss to Ismail Israilov in January and is looking to bounce back against Kimani Crawford. Mohammed is based out of Napa, California, and had some success in the MMA scene.

Mohammed had a stint in Bellator. The 33-year-old striker has been competing in martial arts for over a decade. His combat sports travels have teamed him up with the famed Jackson Wink gym in Albuquerque. Mohammed will be tasked with beating Crawford, who is 18-8 as an amateur boxer and won his only professional boxing match.

Crawford has yet to determine how he will fare in a bare-knuckle competition. That has been a common theme for his career: his taking on more experienced opponents. Crawford has only been fighting professionally since 2021. He’s hoping to find a way to keep up with the more experienced Mohammad.

Bets to consider: Under 2.5 rounds, Mohammed by KO/TKO/DQ

Here are the other fights on the card not mentioned above: