Miami, FL – BYB Extreme Bare Knuckle Fighting Series CEO Gregory Bloom announced today the signing of undefeated (3-0, 3 KOs) BYB Heavyweight champion “Hurricane” Ike Villanueva to a new, multi-fight contract extension following his decisive 4th round TKO against former champ DJ Linderman at BYB 24 Super Brawl Saturday this past month. 

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Villanueva, who made his bare knuckle and BYB debut this past December and cites his “Blue Collar Mexican'' work ethic, knockout power and charisma, has quickly made a name for himself as one of the top heavyweights in the sport.  While doing so, he has repeatedly expressed his desire to be both the face of the company and bare knuckle’s next international superstar. 

Said Villanueva, “I’ve been an athlete my entire life. Boxing was always my first love, but my MMA career took off first. I made it to the top in the UFC. Now it’s time to continue to build the next chapter and my legacy in BYB and bare knuckle.  There’s not a fighter on the planet that can stop me.” 

Said Bloom, “Ike is the epitome of what we look for in a fighter.  He is tough, durable, dedicated and willing to take on all comers. As we continue to grow and innovate as a company, we are proud to have him lead the way as our reigning, undisputed, undefeated heavyweight champion.”

Villanueva is slated to headline his second straight BYB card in late summer.  Follow @bybextreme on all social channels for the latest news and information.  

BYB’s next event, BYB 25 Brawl on the Bay, is scheduled for April 4 in Tampa, Florida, followed by BYB 26 Mile High Brawl which is scheduled for May 10 in Denver, Colorado.  For tickets, information and where to watch, visit bybextreme.com.‍

ABOUT BYB‍

Originating in South Florida with backyard legend Dada 5000, whose backyard fights gained worldwide popularity online, BYB was founded to harness the excitement of bare knuckle fighting into a more structured product for a wider, more mainstream audience. Since 2015, BYB has worked diligently to grow the reach of bare knuckle on both a domestic and international level, hosting events in Colorado, Wyoming, Mississippi, Florida, South Carolina, London, and Dubai, and is continuing to work with athletic commissions throughout the United States and globally to expand the fanbase growing sport of bare knuckle fighting.

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