Lorenzo Hunt survives early knockdown, becomes BKFC three-division champion

Lorenzo Hunt survived an early knockdown to become the first three-division champion in Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship history, stopping Walter Pugliesi in the fourth round at BKFC 91 in Naples, Italy on Saturday night.

The two-time heavyweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">light heavyweight champion claimed the inaugural Ironweight title after weathering a dangerous opening round. Pugliesi dropped Hunt with a left hook in the first frame and badly outworked him early, landing punch after punch while Hunt managed just two connections. The Italian appeared to have the longtime BKFC veteran in serious trouble.

Hunt's comeback stuns Pugliesi in Naples

Pugliesi's gas tank emptied after the fast start. He slowed dramatically in the second and third rounds, allowing Hunt to claw back into the fight. By the fourth, Hunt had taken over completely. He scored his first knockdown with a body attack that forced Pugliesi to take a knee. The referee warned the Italian not to take another knee or lose a point.

Hunt gave him no choice. He unleashed a barrage of uppercuts that sent Pugliesi down again, blood pouring from his nose. The referee waved off the fight.

Hunt called out Mike Perry after the finish, marking the second straight fight he has targeted the BKFC star. He now holds the most title-fight victories in promotional history and the most knockouts with 11. Pugliesi's two-fight win streak ended with his first loss inside the BKFC ring.

Hunt is riding a three-fight win streak since suffering an arm dislocation earlier in his career. His next move remains to be seen, but his place in BKFC history is secure.

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• MMA Mania — Highlights! Lorenzo Hunt survives scare, becomes BKFC’s first three-division champion