BKFC 90 Results: Rico Franco Stops Connor Tierney, Darren Till Wins Bare-Knuckle Debut

BKFC 90 Birmingham results saw Rico Franco capture the interim welterweight title while Darren Till secured a second-round stoppage victory over Aaron Chalmers in his long-awaited bare-knuckle debut.

Franco Stops Tierney Again to Claim Interim Title

The main event saw Rico Franco (11-3) defeat Connor Tierney (9-3) for a second time, stopping the hometown favourite in the second round to become BKFC Interim Welterweight Champion.

Despite fighting in Birmingham against the local star, Franco appeared to have much of the crowd behind him as fans were chanting his name during Tierney’s walkout.

The fight itself was pure chaos. Franco scored three knockdowns in the opening round before adding two more in round two.

The arena erupted at every knockdown, with fans on their feet throughout much of the contest.

Following the victory, Franco called for a unification bout with reigning BKFC Welterweight Champion Dustin Pague, urging the American to travel to the UK for the showdown.

Darren Till Bounces Back from Early Knockdown to Stop Chalmers

Former UFC title challenger Darren Till (1-0) made a successful bare-knuckle debut with a second-round TKO victory over Aaron Chalmers (2-2).

Chalmers entered to Frank Sinatra's "My Way" and received one of the night's biggest reactions, but Till ultimately stole the show.

The opening round produced a surprise when Chalmers dropped Till. Using an unusual MMA-style hand-fighting approach rarely seen in bare-knuckle boxing, Till was caught and fell on one knee.

Till quickly adjusted and, just 22 seconds into round two, the former UFC star unleashed a right hand that forced the stoppage.

The Liverpudlian was full of adrenaline after the victory, calling out anyone interested in a matchup.

He said: "I was f**ing made for this sh*t", before doubling down with, "I was made for it."

With a successful BKFC debut now behind him, attention will quickly turn to who Till could face next inside the bare-knuckle ring.

Main Card Delivers Brutal Action in Birmingham

John Phillips (2-0) needed just 63 seconds to stop Ryan Barrett (6-6). The bad blood between the pair was evident from the opening bell as both immediately traded heavy shots.

Phillips walked out alongside his partner and BKFC fighter Meghan O'Neill, who had exchanged words with Barrett throughout fight week, and she was promptly escorted out after the loss.

Brian Hyslop (2-1) earned a unanimous decision over fan favourite Jonno Chipchase (3-3). The Scottish fighter dropped Chipchase twice and repeatedly forced unusual scrambles. It was a surprisingly cautious performance from Chipchase, and Hyslop controlled the majority of the bout.

George Thorpe (3-1-1) handed Leigh Cohoon (3-1) his first professional loss after a five-round war. Thorpe dominated the opening round and badly bloodied Cohoon, but the Manchester fighter survived. Even after a late knockdown scare in round four, Cohoon continued fighting back until the final bell in one of the night's best fights.

Michal Lesniak (2-0) stopped Martin McDonough (2-3) after a knockdown, while Liam Hutchinson (3-1) picked up a unanimous decision over Simeon Ottley (3-2).

The first decision of the night belonged to Paul O'Sullivan (2-3) against 45-year-old bare-knuckle veteran Paul Hilz (10-9). Tommy Hawthorn (2-0) stopped Will Smith (1-1) after a one-sided beating. After repeated knockdowns, Smith's corner eventually threw in the towel.

Early Card Sets the Tone

Heavyweights Lukasz Parobiec (1-0) and Kaseem Saleem (0-2) produced a slugfest that ended in the fourth round when Saleem removed his mouthguard and leaned against the ropes.

Kris Trezise (6-2-1) handed Luke Brassfield (0-2) his second loss with a fourth-round stoppage.

Opening the prelims, Nathan Leeson (1-0) also enjoyed a successful debut, stopping Stevie Devenport (0-1) after a bloody contest.

BKFC 90 Birmingham Results (Full Fight Card)

Rico Franco def. Connor Tierney — KO/TKO
Darren Till def. Aaron Chalmers — KO/TKO
John Phillips def. Ryan Barrett — KO/TKO
Brian Hyslop def. Jonno Chipchase — Unanimous Decision
George Thorpe def. Leigh Cohoon — Unanimous Decision
Michal Lesniak def. Martin McDonough — KO/TKO
Liam Hutchinson def. Simeon Ottley — Unanimous Decision
Paul O'Sullivan def. Paul Hilz — Unanimous Decision
Tommy Hawthorn def. Will Smith — KO/TKO
Kris Trezise def. Luke Brassfield — KO/TKO
Lukasz Parobiec def. Kaseem Saleem — KO/TKO
Nathan Leeson def. Stevie Devenport — KO/TKO