Ex-UFC lightweight title challenger Diego Sanchez will make his first foray into the bare-knuckle realm when he faces former boxing champ Austin Trout on Feb. 17.
BKFC announced the matchup will take place in Albuquerque, N.M., as part of the promotion’s Knucklemania 3 event at Tingley Coliseum. The bout was first reported in late November, but it was not officially confirmed until Tuesday due to initial concerns from the New Mexico State Commission regarding Sanchez’s health. The bout was approved at a hearing on Tuesday. Sanchez vs. Trout is expected to serve as the co-headliner at BKFC Knucklemania 3.
The 41-year-old Sanchez appeared on Season 1 of “The Ultimate Fighter” and went 19-13 over a 32-bout stint with the Las Vegas-based promotion that ended in 2020. He was released from the UFC in 2021 after withdrawing from a proposed clash against former training partner Donald Cerrone at UFC on ESPN 24. The Albuquerque native last fought in March 2022, when he dropped a unanimous decision to Kevin Lee at Eagle FC 46.
Trout, a multi-time boxing champion, will also be making his BKFC debut. The 37-year-old Las Cruces, N.M., native owns a 36-5-1 career mark in professional boxing and has squared off against the likes of Canelo Alvarez, Jermell Charlo, Jermall Charlo and Miguel Cotto during his tenure. His last fight came on Dec. 9.
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