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New Bantamweight Champion will be crowned at BKFC 89
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship is set to crown a new bantamweight king at BKFC 89 following a surprising shakeup at the top of the division.
Justin Ibarrola is no longer the BKFC Bantamweight Champion, as confirmed by BKFC President David Feldman during an appearance on the Bare Knuckle Show hosted by Brian Soscia. While Feldman praised Ibarrola—also known as “JoyBoy”—for his accomplishments, he explained that the champion felt he was not fully prepared for the responsibilities that come with holding the title.
Despite relinquishing the belt, Ibarrola is expected to remain active under the BKFC banner, though he is also exploring opportunities in traditional boxing. His departure from the championship picture opens the door for a compelling clash to determine the division’s next titleholder.
Former WBO junior lightweight world champion Jamel Herring will square off with surging contender and UFC veteran Nate Maness for the vacant bantamweight strap. Herring made his BKFC debut earlier this year at BKFC 86, earning a unanimous decision victory over Matt Guyman. While the bout served as a learning experience in the bare-knuckle ranks, Herring’s composure and skillset were evident against a durable opponent.
Maness, meanwhile, has quickly made a name for himself in the promotion rising to No. 4 in the Bantamweight rankings with an impressive 2-0 record. Both victories came by stoppage, including a third-round knockout of Nick Burgos and a second-round finish of Tyler Randell, showcasing his power and ability to close the show.
Beyond his in-ring credentials, Herring brings the mentality of a veteran, having served two tours in Iraq during his time in the military. That experience, combined with his championship pedigree, adds another layer of intrigue to the matchup.
With proven experience on one side and rising momentum on the other, BKFC 89 promises a high-stakes battle to crown a new bantamweight champion.
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