Apostle Spencer vs. Gene Perez Set to Headline Nowhere to Run XXIII
The professional era begins September 26 as Nowhere to Run XXIII – Pro Series I brings professional kickboxing to the spotlight, with two New Mexico combat-sports veterans squaring off in the main event.
Apostle Spencer will meet Gene Perez at 170 pounds under K-1 kickboxing rules, headlining a card that also features a full slate of amateur Muay Thai and kickboxing matchups.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, September 26, 2026, with the location still to be announced.
For Spencer and Perez, the matchup represents an intriguing collision of experience across multiple combat-sports disciplines. Both men have already stepped inside the squared circle for Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, giving them familiarity with the pressure and intensity of bare-knuckle competition. Now they’ll bring that experience into a different kind of striking contest. Perez, in particular, has established himself as a recognizable name within New Mexico’s combat-sports scene through a lengthy résumé in both boxing and MMA. That experience gives the veteran plenty of familiarity with different styles, opponents and fight environments. Spencer enters the matchup with his own experience at the highest levels of bare-knuckle competition, making this more than a traditional kickboxing matchup. Both fighters have been tested in disciplines where toughness, composure and the ability to perform under pressure are essential.
The shift to K-1 kickboxing adds another wrinkle. Unlike boxing, the rules will allow both fighters to incorporate punches and kicks, forcing each veteran to adapt their approach. Distance management, leg kicks, combinations and the ability to defend against attacks from multiple levels could become decisive factors over the course of the fight. And with the matchup taking place at 170 pounds, there should be plenty of power on display. Also has to be worth noting that Perez has fought as at 125 lbs. in his career.
While the professional main event grabs the spotlight, Nowhere to Run XXIII will also feature a busy amateur card showcasing the next wave of New Mexico-area talent.
The announced amateur bouts include Colin Friberg vs. William Mena at 155 pounds, Hannah Shearin vs. Paola Corral at 150, Donovin Ponce vs. Spencer Delara at 155, and Robert Lopez vs. Creed Spencer at 115.
The card also features Alex Wwesthoff vs. Francisco Martinez and Aaron Alcon vs. Justin Rice at 185 pounds, Maddy Etre vs. Evimeria Marquez at 120, CJ Brown vs. Rohith Kamisetty at 165, and Casey Moser vs. Alberto Joya at 140.
Additional matchups include Kevin Munoz vs. Damion Brown at 155, Brayan Chavez vs. Chris Quintana at 180, Jose Franco vs. Iden Merritt at 125, and Angelo Baca vs. Andy Morales at 140.
With the tagline “The Professional Era Begins,” Nowhere to Run XXIII is positioned as a major step forward for the promotion.
And at the center of that transition will be two fighters who already know what it takes to compete under the bright lights.
Apostle Spencer vs. Gene Perez.
Two New Mexico veterans. Two BKFC-tested fighters. One 170-pound K-1 kickboxing main event.
Nowhere to Run XXIII takes place Saturday, September 26, 2026. Location to be announced. And more fights are in discussion to be added.
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