Andrei Arlovski Makes Violent BKFC Debut
Andrei Arlovski’s bare-knuckle debut at BKFC 76 was nothing short of brutal. The former UFC heavyweight champion battered Josh Copeland over four rounds before a ringside physician halted the bout due to a deep cut, awarding Arlovski the TKO victory at 2:00 of Round 4 on June 21, 2025, in Fort Worth, Texas.
Arlovski’s Jab and Power Shots Set the Tone
Arlovski (1-0 BKFC) entered the ring with decades of MMA experience and wasted no time asserting control. Using a stiff jab and calculated counters, he kept Copeland (2-2 BKFC) at bay while opening up damage early. Though Copeland landed some heavy shots in the opening round, it was Arlovski who drew first blood, busting Copeland’s nose during a heated exchange.
By Round 3, Arlovski had found his rhythm, landing a thudding right hook that split Copeland’s brow wide open. The damage worsened as Arlovski poured on pressure, forcing the referee to call for a medical timeout before Round 4. Though the fight briefly resumed, the ringside doctor stepped in moments later to stop the bout due to the severity of the cut.
A New Chapter for “The Pitbull”
At 46 years old, Arlovski’s transition to bare-knuckle fighting was met with skepticism, but his performance silenced critics. The win adds another layer to his storied combat sports résumé and positions him as a legitimate contender in BKFC’s heavyweight division.
What’s Next for Arlovski?
BKFC President David Feldman hinted at a potential matchup between Arlovski and fellow UFC veteran Ben Rothwell, who has also found success in the BKFC ring. A clash between the two could headline a future pay-per-view and draw massive fan interest.
Copeland, despite the loss, remains a tough and respected figure in the division. His durability and willingness to trade make him a valuable test for rising heavyweights.
BKFC 76 Highlights
- Ben Bonner def. Tony Soto – Unanimous Decision
- Andrei Arlovski def. Josh Copeland – TKO (Doctor Stoppage), Round 4
- Jessica Eye def. Mariya Agapova – Unanimous Decision
- Kenzie Morrison def. Alex Davis – TKO, Round 1
- JC Deleon def. Ruben Warr – TKO (Retirement), Round 3
- Anthony Garrett def. Haze Wilson – TKO, Round 1
- Willie Gates def. Brandon Meneses – KO, Round 1
- Cameron Delano def. Jesse Desrosier – TKO, Round 3
- Jeremy Sauceda def. Israel Rodriguez – TKO, Round 1
- Roderick Stewart def. James Gray – Unanimous Decision
Final Word
Andrei Arlovski’s BKFC debut was a violent reminder that experience and grit still matter in combat sports. With a dominant win over Josh Copeland, “The Pitbull” has officially entered the bare-knuckle arena—and he’s already hunting for bigger prey.
