Jon Jones' IBA Bare Knuckle exits Russia for Miami debut

Jon Jones' bare-knuckle promotion is bringing its first North American card to Miami next month. IBA Bare Knuckle stages its U.S. debut July 18 at the James L. Knight Center in downtown Miami, with the former UFC heavyweight champion serving as official ambassador.

The event pits former BKFC titleholder Elvin Brito against ex-UFC lightweight Viacheslav Borshchev, who competed under the nickname "Slava Claus" during his octagon tenure. Borshchev will make his bare-knuckle debut after being released from UFC earlier this year. Former WBA featherweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">super featherweight champion Javier Fortuna also appears on the card, facing boxer-turned-bare-knuckle fighter Alejandro Munera in his first bout without gloves.

Jones partnership moves IBA into BKFC territory

Jones announced his deal with the Russia-based promotion earlier in 2026 and attended multiple events overseas, including Yoel Romero's IBA debut. "Legendary UFC champion Jon 'Bones' Jones will be on hand as the official ambassador," the promotion said in a release picked up by MMA Mania. The organization added that fans can expect "an unforgettable night of world-class bare-knuckle action."

IBA's arrival in the States puts it in direct competition with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, which has controlled much of the American market for years. Several former UFC, LFA, and Contender Series fighters round out the Miami card, per the announcement.

Doors open at 6 p.m. ET on July 18, with the first bout scheduled for 7 p.m. Tickets are available now through Ticketmaster.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Jon Jones’ IBA Bare Knuckle promotion leaves Russia for Miami, former UFC fighter headlines