Franco Tenaglia Calls BKFC Lightweight Title Win “Better than ‘Rocky’” After a Brutal, Unforgettable War

Franco Tenaglia

Standing out in combat sports can be a rare feat, but Argentine bare-knuckle boxer Franco Tenaglia managed to make an unforgettable impact in 2024. In a memorable clash with Tony Soto, Tenaglia captured the vacant lightweight title at BKFC Marbella in Spain, where both fighters delivered an all-out brawl that has already been hailed as one of the wildest fights of the year. Tenaglia’s gritty performance and relentless style paid off, earning him the title and respect from fans and fighters alike.

“It’s almost like a religious experience,” Tenaglia reflected in Spanish, discussing the intense emotion and respect he felt for Soto after the fight. "This was better than ‘Rocky’ because this was without gloves, real, and even more punches,”

Tenaglia emphasized his profound respect for Soto, recognizing that the two would always share a connection through their brutal battle.

Among those deeply impressed by the fight was BKFC co-owner and UFC star Conor McGregor, who attended the event and took the mic after the match to announce bonuses for both fighters, even doubling their base pay. For Tenaglia, McGregor’s praise meant more than the financial reward.

“That Conor McGregor, your idol, tells you that you’re incredible and congratulates you on the fight... it’s priceless,” Tenaglia said. “It’s worth more than the double pay, but obviously I’m happy about it because, as you know, us fighters don’t make as much compared to other athletes.”

Looking ahead, Tenaglia is determined to defend his title and keep a relentless pace in his career. Training out of the renowned Climent Club, home to UFC champion Ilia Topuria, Tenaglia has always embraced an active fighting schedule, competing in bare-knuckle MMA, traditional MMA, and bare-knuckle boxing.

“I usually fight six or seven times a year,” he explained. “This is therapy for me. If I don’t have a fight, I sometimes feel like I’m training for nothing.”

Now crowned BKFC lightweight champion, Tenaglia hopes to defend his title multiple times and cement his place as the top bare-knuckle boxer in the world.