BKFC President Shoves Fighter After Weigh-In Shove at Liberty Brawl

BKFC president David Feldman shoved one of his own fighters Thursday after a weigh-in scuffle sent another man tumbling off the stage in Philadelphia.

Welterweights Patrick Sullivan and Ruben Arroyo were facing off ahead of Friday's BKFC Liberty Brawl card at Xfinity Mobile Arena when the staredown turned physical, MMA Mania reports. What started as shadowboxing escalated into jockeying for position before Sullivan shoved Arroyo clear off the platform.

Feldman Calls Sullivan a Punk After Stage Incident

Feldman stepped in immediately and pushed Sullivan back, calling him a "f*cking punk" and demanding to know why he had done it, according to the report. The president's frustration appeared rooted in the potential for a late fight cancellation — a risk bare-knuckle promotions can ill afford with thin cards.

Arroyo's fall reportedly was not severe, and he is expected to compete as scheduled. The incident recalled the 2021 UFC event where Jeremy Stephens injured Drakkar Klose during a pre-fight confrontation, forcing a bout cancellation.

BKFC Liberty Brawl goes ahead Friday night with title fights between Austin Trout and Ben Bonner plus Britain Hart facing Sarah Shell in the main events.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Video: BKFC president shoves fighter after weigh-in stage scuffle | BKFC Liberty Brawl