Alessio Sakara edges Chris Camozzi in Controversial Split Decision. BKFC made its return to Europe with a fully packed card in Rome, headlined by a heated cruiserweight title showdown between American veteran Chris Camozzi and Italian fan-favourite Alessio Sakara. The atmosphere inside the historic Palazzo dello Sport was electric from the opening bell until the final score was read.
Before stepping into the main event in Rome, Chris Camozzi had already established himself as one of the leading names in BKFC’s cruiserweight division. He became the BKFC Cruiserweight World Champion at BKFC 67, where he stopped Sawyer Depee by first-round knockout to capture the vacant title. Camozzi entered BKFC 83 as the reigning champion and one of the promotion’s most experienced athletes. Prior to his move into bare-knuckle competition, he built a long and successful MMA career, competing in major promotions including the UFC, and recording over 27 professional wins in mixed martial arts.
Alessio Sakara arrived at BKFC 83 as one of Italy’s most recognisable combat sports veterans and a major signing for the promotion. A former UFC contender with years of experience across Europe and the United States, Sakara transitioned into bare-knuckle boxing following a long MMA career, where he became known for his knockout victories and aggressive striking style. He made his BKFC debut in July 2025, winning by knockout and immediately positioning himself as a top challenger for the cruiserweight title.
Italian combat sports legend Alessio “Legionarius” Sakara dethroned Camozzi in an action-filled Main Event, capturing the BKFC World Cruiserweight Championship. Although Sakara started slowly, landing just 12 strikes compared to Camozzi’s 38 over the first two rounds but the 44-year-old turned the tide in the third round and carried the momentum into the championship rounds as Camozzi began to fade.
Two judges scored the contest 48-47 in favour of Sakara, while the remaining judge gave it 48-47 for Camozzi. “I’m 44 years old and now a World Champion,” Sakara said to a roaring Palazzo dello Sport crowd after the fight. “To the next generation, follow your dreams!”
In the BKFC 83 co-main event, former BKFC World Lightweight Champion Franco Tenaglia moved one step closer to reclaiming gold with a split-decision win over Ben “The Bomber” Bonner in the semifinal of the BKFC World Lightweight Title Tournament. Two judges awarded the bout 48-47 for Tenaglia, while one scored it 48-47 for Bonner, who entered as the Interim World Lightweight Champion.
BKFC 83 Results
Alessio Sakara def. Chris Camozzi via Split Decision (48-47×2, 47-48)
Franco Tenaglia def. Ben Bonner via Split Decision (48-47×2, 47-48)
Josef Hala def. Francesco Ricchi via TKO in Round 3 (1:43)
Nico Gaffie def. Jelle Zeegers via KO in Round 1 (1:13)
Carlos Trinidad-Snake def. Jimmy Sweeney via TKO in Round 3 (0:18)
James Brown def. Dan Chapman via TKO in Round 4 (2:00)
Walter Pugliesi def. Karl Thompson via KO in Round 1 (1:51)
Krzysztof Wisiewski def. Haze Hepi via TKO in Round 3 (2:00)
Tomas Melis def. Andrea Bicchi via KO in Round 1 (1:59)
Ernesto Papa def. Fred Sikking via TKO in Round 1 (0:53)
Ouadia Tergui def. Enzo Tobbia via TKO in Round 3 (1:12)
