WBKFF 1: Leben Beats Baroni, Hendricks Upset

By Fight Sports Nov 10, 2018

The World Bare Knuckle Fighting Federation held its debut card, Rise of the Titans, on Nov. 9 from the Casper Events Center in Casper, Wyoming, and its main event went a little unexpected.

UFC veterans Chris Leben and Phil Baroni squared off in the main event. Baroni attempted a few body locks — similar to takedowns, which are illegal in bare-knuckle fighting. Leben focused on counterpunching and managed to catch Baroni on the button with one of his attempts, knocking Baroni down and unable to get back to his feet, giving Leben the win just over a minute into the bout.

Chris Leben vs. Phil Baroni #WBKFF pic.twitter.com/t4T7PyX139

— ZombieProphet (@GIFsZP) November 10, 2018

In the co-main event, former UFC Welterweight Champion Johny Hendricks was defeated in upset fashion by Dakota Cochrane. Cochrane was a last-minute replacement after original opponent Brennan Ward pulled due to contractual issues.

Cochrane dominated the fight to some surprise, dropping the former UFC champion with a right early in the second to finish him off.

Wow. Dakota Cochrane stops Johny Hendricks seconds into R2 at World Bare Knuckle Fighting Federation 1. #WBKFF @FiteTV pic.twitter.com/1TKEkWXTK4

— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) November 10, 2018

WBKFF 1 Results:
Chris Leben def. Phil Baroni via TKO (Rd. 1, 1:19)
Dakota Cochrane def. Johny Hendricks via KO (Rd. 2, 0:21)
Julian Lane def. Joey Angelo via split decision (47-48, 49-46, 49-46)
Christina Marks def. Jasmine Clarkson via TKO (Rd. 2, 1:54)
~~Lightweight Tournament Bout: Estevan Payan~~ ~~vs.~~ Mike Bronzoulis*
Lightweight Tournament Bout: Robbie Peralta def. Jay Cucciniello via unanimous decision (49-46, 50-45, 50-45)
Lightweight Tournament Bout: Leon Mynhardt def. Nick Gonzalez via TKO (Rd. 2, 0:56)
Josh Neer def. Mike Alderete via TKO (retirement) (Rd. 3, 2:00)
Joey Munoz def. Marcelo Alfaya via majority decision (47-47, 48-47, 48-46)
Issac Vallie-Flagg def. Cory Simpson via KO (Rd. 2, 1:10)

WBKFF 1 Prelims Results:
Juan Torres def. CJ Leveque via KO at (Rd. 2, 1:33)
Jeff Chiffens def. Fred Pierce via TKO (Rd. 1, 1:04)
*Payan pulled by state athletic commission before event, Bronzoulis receives tournament bye