1 00:00:08,175 --> 00:00:10,093 ♪ ♪ 2 00:00:10,093 --> 00:00:13,597 ANNOUNCER: Johnson pressing forward, landing short punches. 3 00:00:13,597 --> 00:00:15,891 MARIANA VAN ZELLER: The allure of fighting is nothing new. 4 00:00:15,891 --> 00:00:17,726 ♪ Have you ever been hurt... ♪ 5 00:00:17,726 --> 00:00:18,936 COMMENTATOR: And he goes down. 6 00:00:20,229 --> 00:00:21,772 Goes in on him now. 7 00:00:21,772 --> 00:00:23,732 ♪ Hurt me away... ♪ 8 00:00:23,732 --> 00:00:24,900 MARIANA: Over the last century, 9 00:00:24,900 --> 00:00:27,361 boxing, wrestling, and MMA 10 00:00:27,361 --> 00:00:29,363 have all made billions of dollars 11 00:00:29,363 --> 00:00:31,448 through live events and TV deals. 12 00:00:33,200 --> 00:00:35,619 Hollywood too knows what we like. 13 00:00:35,619 --> 00:00:38,580 Rivals spilling blood is irresistible, 14 00:00:38,580 --> 00:00:40,499 no matter how mismatched 15 00:00:42,042 --> 00:00:43,585 or otherworldly. 16 00:00:46,797 --> 00:00:49,591 But my beat has always been the underground. 17 00:00:49,591 --> 00:00:51,510 And we could just hear gunshots. 18 00:00:52,803 --> 00:00:53,887 And, recently, 19 00:00:53,887 --> 00:00:56,139 a more savage brand of fighting 20 00:00:56,139 --> 00:00:57,641 has been gaining steam. 21 00:00:59,977 --> 00:01:01,645 Professional bare-knuckle fighting 22 00:01:01,645 --> 00:01:06,149 is only legal in less than half of US States. 23 00:01:06,149 --> 00:01:09,194 Punches are being thrown every day and night 24 00:01:09,194 --> 00:01:11,321 in backyards, and parking lots, 25 00:01:11,321 --> 00:01:14,324 and homemade rings from coast to coast. 26 00:01:14,324 --> 00:01:16,910 ♪ ♪ 27 00:01:16,910 --> 00:01:19,371 Oh, wow. I actually see a ring here. 28 00:01:19,371 --> 00:01:23,000 This is the story of how a forbidden brand of combat... 29 00:01:23,000 --> 00:01:24,459 Oh, my God. 30 00:01:24,459 --> 00:01:27,379 ...is trying to find its way out of the shadows. 31 00:01:27,379 --> 00:01:28,880 MAN: 32 00:01:28,880 --> 00:01:31,174 MARIANA: And a young American fighter 33 00:01:31,174 --> 00:01:33,302 who's banking his future on it. 34 00:01:33,302 --> 00:01:36,221 MAN: It's a big risk, but it's a risk I'm willing to take. 35 00:01:36,221 --> 00:01:38,724 The opportunity is massive. I just can't pass it up. 36 00:01:45,230 --> 00:01:48,275 ♪ ♪ 37 00:01:55,657 --> 00:01:57,117 (man speaking Thai) 38 00:02:03,040 --> 00:02:05,250 MARIANA: I guess this is where the fight is happening tonight. 39 00:02:05,250 --> 00:02:07,586 Somewhere on this street. 40 00:02:07,586 --> 00:02:09,796 They told us to knock when we see a big gate. 41 00:02:09,796 --> 00:02:12,174 Like, knock on the door and, uh, the fight promoter, 42 00:02:12,174 --> 00:02:14,134 the underground fight promoter guy called Jonathan 43 00:02:14,134 --> 00:02:15,594 will be waiting for us. 44 00:02:18,472 --> 00:02:20,182 This looks like a big gate. 45 00:02:23,477 --> 00:02:24,770 (knocking) 46 00:02:28,106 --> 00:02:30,484 -Hello? -MAN: Hello? 47 00:02:30,484 --> 00:02:32,027 MARIANA: Hi. I'm Mariana. 48 00:02:32,027 --> 00:02:33,820 MAN: Mariana? Oh, okay, okay. 49 00:02:33,820 --> 00:02:36,114 -MARIANA: Can I come in? -MAN (off screen): Okay. Okay. 50 00:02:36,114 --> 00:02:37,157 MARIANA: Jonathan? 51 00:02:40,452 --> 00:02:41,912 Jonathan? JONATHAN: Hi, Mariana. 52 00:02:41,912 --> 00:02:44,498 -MARIANA: How are you? -JONATHAN: How are you? 53 00:02:44,498 --> 00:02:46,124 MARIANA: Nice to meet you. Can I come in? 54 00:02:46,124 --> 00:02:47,459 JONATHAN: Yeah, yeah, yeah. Come inside. 55 00:02:49,419 --> 00:02:53,215 -MARIANA: Amazing space. -JONATHAN: Yeah, yeah, yeah. 56 00:02:53,215 --> 00:02:55,759 MARIANA (off screen): So this is where the fight is happening tonight? 57 00:02:55,759 --> 00:02:59,179 JONATHAN: 58 00:03:03,266 --> 00:03:04,726 MARIANA: Wow. 59 00:03:04,726 --> 00:03:06,853 JONATHAN: 60 00:03:06,853 --> 00:03:08,688 MARIANA: Thailand has long been a mecca 61 00:03:08,688 --> 00:03:12,067 for fighters and fans of martial arts. 62 00:03:12,067 --> 00:03:14,236 But it's taken me months to get access 63 00:03:14,236 --> 00:03:16,029 to illegal fights like this one, 64 00:03:16,029 --> 00:03:18,740 organized by a man we'll call Jonathan. 65 00:03:18,740 --> 00:03:20,450 JONATHAN: 66 00:03:20,450 --> 00:03:21,952 MARIANA: Great. Thank you. 67 00:03:21,952 --> 00:03:23,829 So, yeah, so it's about to start. 68 00:03:23,829 --> 00:03:29,584 JUDGE (in Thai): 69 00:03:40,470 --> 00:03:42,973 JONATHAN (in Thai): 70 00:03:45,350 --> 00:03:46,393 JUDGE (in English): Fight! 71 00:03:47,519 --> 00:03:50,605 ♪ ♪ 72 00:03:52,232 --> 00:03:54,443 (spectators clamoring) 73 00:03:55,527 --> 00:03:56,945 MARIANA: Oh, my goodness. 74 00:03:59,614 --> 00:04:01,199 (spectators cheering) 75 00:04:03,368 --> 00:04:05,078 MARIANA: This is the first bare-knuckle bout 76 00:04:05,078 --> 00:04:06,913 that I've ever witnessed, 77 00:04:06,913 --> 00:04:09,916 and it's even more brutal than I imagined. 78 00:04:09,916 --> 00:04:13,295 (spectators cheering) 79 00:04:13,295 --> 00:04:14,838 But it's not new. 80 00:04:16,173 --> 00:04:17,799 Back in the 19th century, 81 00:04:17,799 --> 00:04:20,177 as the sport of boxing became more formalized, 82 00:04:20,177 --> 00:04:21,720 there were two camps: 83 00:04:21,720 --> 00:04:26,099 one pushing for bare-knuckle and the other for gloves. 84 00:04:26,099 --> 00:04:27,934 Ultimately, gloves, which were thought 85 00:04:27,934 --> 00:04:30,061 to attract a better class of patron, 86 00:04:30,061 --> 00:04:31,897 became the standard, 87 00:04:31,897 --> 00:04:34,941 and the bloodier bare-knuckle was banned. 88 00:04:34,941 --> 00:04:35,984 (Trip Gong dings) 89 00:04:39,696 --> 00:04:43,158 If busted, Jonathan could face a year in jail 90 00:04:43,158 --> 00:04:45,243 or a hefty fine. 91 00:04:45,243 --> 00:04:46,912 He tells me that in the past, 92 00:04:46,912 --> 00:04:50,624 they've also paid off cops or just ran away. 93 00:04:50,624 --> 00:04:52,626 But he doesn't seem too concerned. 94 00:04:52,626 --> 00:04:55,420 If the police came here, what would happen? If the police come? 95 00:04:55,420 --> 00:04:56,755 JONATHAN: 96 00:04:56,755 --> 00:04:58,173 MARIANA: So you would say that you're filming 97 00:04:58,173 --> 00:04:59,800 -a movie basically? -JONATHAN: Yeah. 98 00:05:04,846 --> 00:05:06,681 MARIANA: The fights are lined up 99 00:05:06,681 --> 00:05:08,850 one after another after another. 100 00:05:08,850 --> 00:05:10,435 It's ruthless, 101 00:05:10,435 --> 00:05:12,395 and that's part of the appeal. 102 00:05:12,395 --> 00:05:15,023 Here, you have the two guys that, uh, were hurt. 103 00:05:15,023 --> 00:05:16,816 They're both being treated. 104 00:05:16,816 --> 00:05:19,986 Spectators are lured in with the promise of blood. 105 00:05:24,991 --> 00:05:28,328 But not everyone here is just a spectator, 106 00:05:28,328 --> 00:05:30,747 and that's the real reason I've come, 107 00:05:30,747 --> 00:05:32,749 to meet this guy. 108 00:05:33,625 --> 00:05:36,127 (spectators cheering) 109 00:05:37,546 --> 00:05:39,840 I saw you giving money to some of the fighters. 110 00:05:39,840 --> 00:05:41,049 What was that about? 111 00:05:41,049 --> 00:05:42,509 MAN: When you see a kid like that, 112 00:05:42,509 --> 00:05:43,760 he gets up three times 113 00:05:43,760 --> 00:05:45,303 after getting knocked down with a bare fist, 114 00:05:45,303 --> 00:05:47,681 I just feel like I wanna do something 115 00:05:47,681 --> 00:05:49,099 to show him my appreciation. 116 00:05:49,099 --> 00:05:50,392 The heart that kid had 117 00:05:50,392 --> 00:05:51,726 was worth paying him a little bit of money for. 118 00:05:51,726 --> 00:05:53,228 MARIANA: So, tell me, what do you do exactly? 119 00:05:53,228 --> 00:05:55,981 MAN: I'm the CEO of Bare Knuckle Fighting in Thailand. 120 00:05:55,981 --> 00:05:59,025 MAN: I put these bones to domes, baby! 121 00:05:59,025 --> 00:06:02,696 MARIANA: BKFC is actually an American company 122 00:06:02,696 --> 00:06:05,448 with global ambitions. 123 00:06:05,448 --> 00:06:07,659 It's hoping to follow in the footsteps 124 00:06:07,659 --> 00:06:10,120 of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, 125 00:06:10,120 --> 00:06:13,164 which recognized the growing appeal of mixed martial arts 126 00:06:13,164 --> 00:06:16,376 and packaged it into a multi-billion-dollar juggernaut. 127 00:06:16,376 --> 00:06:17,544 CONOR MCGREGOR: They're all trying to talk like me. 128 00:06:17,544 --> 00:06:19,129 They all wanna be me. 129 00:06:19,129 --> 00:06:21,590 Everyone in the game wants this fight. 130 00:06:21,590 --> 00:06:23,216 MARIANA: Unlike the fights I just watched, 131 00:06:23,216 --> 00:06:26,136 BKFC is legal in Thailand. 132 00:06:26,136 --> 00:06:29,097 That means it follows guidelines for fighter safety, 133 00:06:29,097 --> 00:06:31,516 including pre-fight physicals 134 00:06:31,516 --> 00:06:35,020 and the presence of medical staff during the bouts. 135 00:06:35,020 --> 00:06:36,730 What do you do when you come to these fights, 136 00:06:36,730 --> 00:06:38,023 these underground fights? 137 00:06:38,023 --> 00:06:39,316 MAN: Honestly, I'm looking for talent. 138 00:06:39,316 --> 00:06:40,650 Like, I'm scouting to see guys 139 00:06:40,650 --> 00:06:42,485 that I can potentially give an opportunity to. 140 00:06:42,485 --> 00:06:44,529 I tell you, when you come down to this level, 141 00:06:44,529 --> 00:06:46,323 this is where the real tough guys are, the real hard nuts, 142 00:06:46,323 --> 00:06:47,490 and that's what I'm looking for. 143 00:06:47,490 --> 00:06:50,243 I found one here that I wanna sign now. 144 00:06:50,243 --> 00:06:52,454 That guy there. I liked his demeanor. 145 00:06:52,454 --> 00:06:54,205 He's mean-looking. He looks the part. 146 00:06:54,205 --> 00:06:55,957 But when he went fighting, he was calm, he was powerful. 147 00:06:55,957 --> 00:06:59,210 I-- I want that guy on my show. I can pay him good money. 148 00:06:59,210 --> 00:07:02,088 MARIANA: Fights like this are happening all over Thailand 149 00:07:02,088 --> 00:07:03,673 every week, every night? 150 00:07:03,673 --> 00:07:04,716 MAN: All the time. 151 00:07:04,716 --> 00:07:05,717 MARIANA: It was insane. 152 00:07:05,717 --> 00:07:06,926 You could feel it in your body. 153 00:07:06,926 --> 00:07:08,678 -The crowd was yelling. -MAN: Yeah. 154 00:07:08,678 --> 00:07:09,638 MARIANA (off screen): And you could hear the punches. 155 00:07:09,638 --> 00:07:11,139 You actually hear them. 156 00:07:11,139 --> 00:07:12,724 It felt like every time they were punching me. 157 00:07:12,724 --> 00:07:14,351 -I was going like this. -MAN: It was brilliant. 158 00:07:14,351 --> 00:07:16,811 Uh, I just love to see these guys showing heart. 159 00:07:16,811 --> 00:07:19,522 (both speaking Thai) 160 00:07:19,522 --> 00:07:21,650 MARIANA: If BKFC is trying to become 161 00:07:21,650 --> 00:07:24,486 the next UFC, it needs fighters. 162 00:07:24,486 --> 00:07:26,029 Lots of fighters. 163 00:07:26,029 --> 00:07:29,115 And since bare-knuckle fighting isn't a recognized sport 164 00:07:29,115 --> 00:07:31,117 in many places around the world, 165 00:07:31,117 --> 00:07:33,495 including the majority of the US, 166 00:07:33,495 --> 00:07:36,581 one major source of new bare-knuckle talent 167 00:07:36,581 --> 00:07:40,919 is in illegal fight clubs like this one. 168 00:07:40,919 --> 00:07:44,422 MAN: Human beings have always loved fighting, you know, 169 00:07:44,422 --> 00:07:46,174 like, from the gladiator days. 170 00:07:46,174 --> 00:07:47,592 It's in us. It's in our nature. 171 00:07:47,592 --> 00:07:49,761 If I see someone in the underground scene 172 00:07:49,761 --> 00:07:51,137 that has potential, 173 00:07:51,137 --> 00:07:52,847 absolutely I'll recruit them, you know? 174 00:07:52,847 --> 00:07:55,475 If I can take 'em away from that, it's a win-win. 175 00:07:55,475 --> 00:07:57,977 I get a guy that can fight and loves what he does, 176 00:07:57,977 --> 00:08:00,271 and he gets a new career chance, so. 177 00:08:00,271 --> 00:08:01,773 I think most people love to see a good fight, 178 00:08:01,773 --> 00:08:03,650 especially when it's bare-knuckle 179 00:08:03,650 --> 00:08:05,402 and there's gonna be blood and someone's gonna get knocked out. 180 00:08:05,402 --> 00:08:06,736 That's what people wanna see. 181 00:08:06,736 --> 00:08:09,155 MARIANA: So BKFC is an American organization 182 00:08:09,155 --> 00:08:10,615 -started by an American man? -MAN: Yeah. 183 00:08:10,615 --> 00:08:13,034 MARIANA: Why Thailand? Why is BKFC in Thailand? 184 00:08:13,034 --> 00:08:14,869 MAN: So when I come to Thailand, 185 00:08:14,869 --> 00:08:17,455 I realize that most people in Thai society 186 00:08:17,455 --> 00:08:20,417 have this deep-rooted appreciation for the striking arts, 187 00:08:20,417 --> 00:08:23,294 and it's so ingrained in their history and their culture. 188 00:08:23,294 --> 00:08:24,295 It'd become apparent to me 189 00:08:24,295 --> 00:08:26,506 that there's this massive 190 00:08:26,506 --> 00:08:29,426 underground thing going on. 191 00:08:29,426 --> 00:08:32,929 MARIANA: Nick saw an opportunity and reached out to BKFC 192 00:08:32,929 --> 00:08:37,100 to sell them the idea of opening shop in Thailand. 193 00:08:37,100 --> 00:08:38,852 NICK: I started looking at social media. 194 00:08:38,852 --> 00:08:40,687 This guy's got like millions of followers. 195 00:08:40,687 --> 00:08:42,105 And then I went on YouTube, 196 00:08:42,105 --> 00:08:43,773 and I could see these fights that were happening. 197 00:08:43,773 --> 00:08:45,942 I kinda got in touch with the guys that run these events, 198 00:08:45,942 --> 00:08:48,153 and that's how it happened from there, really. 199 00:08:48,153 --> 00:08:49,654 MARIANA: Bare-knuckle or not, 200 00:08:49,654 --> 00:08:53,408 this thirst for brawling isn't just a Thailand thing. 201 00:08:53,408 --> 00:08:55,910 MAN (off screen): Go! Go! Go! (bleep) 202 00:08:55,910 --> 00:08:57,579 MARIANA: If you jump down the rabbit hole 203 00:08:57,579 --> 00:08:59,038 of fight clubs online, 204 00:08:59,038 --> 00:09:01,875 the search will take you all over the world 205 00:09:01,875 --> 00:09:04,294 and into some murky legal waters. 206 00:09:04,294 --> 00:09:08,590 ♪ ♪ 207 00:09:08,590 --> 00:09:11,760 To know if any of these fights is 100% legal, 208 00:09:11,760 --> 00:09:14,012 you'd have to know a litany of specifics 209 00:09:14,012 --> 00:09:16,264 that differ by country and states. 210 00:09:18,099 --> 00:09:21,311 These can include: Is the fight on tribal land? 211 00:09:21,311 --> 00:09:22,896 Are they selling tickets? 212 00:09:22,896 --> 00:09:24,689 Is there gambling? 213 00:09:24,689 --> 00:09:25,940 Are there medics? 214 00:09:25,940 --> 00:09:27,650 Are the fighters paid? 215 00:09:27,650 --> 00:09:29,110 Are they in good health? 216 00:09:29,110 --> 00:09:30,904 Are they wearing gloves? 217 00:09:30,904 --> 00:09:33,656 In most cases, these regulations exist 218 00:09:33,656 --> 00:09:36,326 to try and protect the safety of the fighters. 219 00:09:36,326 --> 00:09:38,036 But that doesn't stop promoters 220 00:09:38,036 --> 00:09:40,163 and participants from breaking the law. 221 00:09:45,543 --> 00:09:48,588 (siren wailing) 222 00:09:52,717 --> 00:09:56,596 I want to find my way inside the American fight club scene 223 00:09:56,596 --> 00:09:58,765 and eventually to the bare-knuckle bouts 224 00:09:58,765 --> 00:10:01,184 where I'm told the BKFC is recruiting. 225 00:10:02,227 --> 00:10:03,937 We just arrived in Detroit. 226 00:10:03,937 --> 00:10:06,439 We hear that there is a lot of illegal activities 227 00:10:06,439 --> 00:10:09,567 that happen surrounding the fights, such as illegal betting. 228 00:10:09,567 --> 00:10:11,444 And we've been trying to get access to people 229 00:10:11,444 --> 00:10:14,656 who will tell us and show us how it's being done. 230 00:10:14,656 --> 00:10:16,366 And we finally got the green light 231 00:10:16,366 --> 00:10:18,409 to go meet with a couple of people 232 00:10:18,409 --> 00:10:19,786 who we believe are involved 233 00:10:19,786 --> 00:10:22,872 in some of these illegal activities. 234 00:10:22,872 --> 00:10:25,625 We don't know a lot about what we're gonna walk into, 235 00:10:25,625 --> 00:10:27,710 but we've been trying to get this access for some time, 236 00:10:27,710 --> 00:10:29,003 so I'm excited 237 00:10:30,004 --> 00:10:31,506 and nervous, as always. 238 00:10:31,506 --> 00:10:34,509 (tense music playing) 239 00:10:38,805 --> 00:10:40,056 (knock on door) 240 00:10:43,810 --> 00:10:44,769 That's him. 241 00:10:46,229 --> 00:10:47,647 Hi. Taliban? 242 00:10:47,647 --> 00:10:48,565 TALIBAN (off screen): 243 00:10:51,025 --> 00:10:52,902 MARIANA: Taliban, tell me where are we? 244 00:10:52,902 --> 00:10:54,112 Uh, what is this place? 245 00:10:54,112 --> 00:10:56,281 TALIBAN: 246 00:10:56,281 --> 00:10:57,240 MARIANA: What do you stash? 247 00:10:57,240 --> 00:11:00,410 TALIBAN: 248 00:11:00,410 --> 00:11:01,786 -MARIANA: Oh, is this heroin? -TALIBAN: Yes. 249 00:11:01,786 --> 00:11:03,663 -MARIANA: Can I see it? -TALIBAN: Yes. 250 00:11:03,663 --> 00:11:05,415 MARIANA: Where do you get your heroin from? 251 00:11:05,415 --> 00:11:07,876 TALIBAN: 252 00:11:14,716 --> 00:11:18,428 MARIANA: Oh, so Cash, he's the one carrying the gun, usually? 253 00:11:18,428 --> 00:11:19,721 Ooh. (chuckles) 254 00:11:19,721 --> 00:11:21,973 Don't point it at me or at him. Can I see it? 255 00:11:21,973 --> 00:11:23,182 TALIBAN: 256 00:11:23,182 --> 00:11:25,101 MARIANA: It's loaded? Holy (bleep). 257 00:11:25,101 --> 00:11:26,561 So definitely be very careful with it. 258 00:11:26,561 --> 00:11:27,937 So, Taliban, 259 00:11:27,937 --> 00:11:29,772 we connected 260 00:11:29,772 --> 00:11:31,524 because we have a friend in common, right? 261 00:11:31,524 --> 00:11:33,401 They know that I've been trying to get access 262 00:11:33,401 --> 00:11:35,028 into one of these underground fight clubs. 263 00:11:35,028 --> 00:11:36,446 And he told me that you actually knew 264 00:11:36,446 --> 00:11:38,406 a thing or two about these fights. 265 00:11:39,574 --> 00:11:41,993 TALIBAN: 266 00:11:44,162 --> 00:11:45,747 MARIANA: And so you go there to bet? 267 00:11:45,747 --> 00:11:47,415 So there's gambling in these fights? 268 00:11:47,415 --> 00:11:50,084 TALIBAN: 269 00:11:50,084 --> 00:11:52,921 MARIANA: Do you think that we'd be able to go to one of these fights? 270 00:11:52,921 --> 00:11:54,005 TALIBAN: 271 00:11:55,798 --> 00:11:58,009 MARIANA: You know people that could let us in? 272 00:11:58,009 --> 00:12:00,887 TALIBAN: 273 00:12:01,596 --> 00:12:04,557 ♪ ♪ 274 00:12:06,476 --> 00:12:09,103 MARIANA: My source connected me to an underground fight 275 00:12:09,103 --> 00:12:11,314 at a location northwest of downtown. 276 00:12:13,316 --> 00:12:14,984 (knocking on door) 277 00:12:20,156 --> 00:12:22,075 Hi. How are you? 278 00:12:22,075 --> 00:12:25,244 Is this-- I'm Mariana, by the way. 279 00:12:25,244 --> 00:12:28,122 SECURITY: 280 00:12:28,122 --> 00:12:29,874 MARIANA: Is that okay? Can I go in? Thank you. 281 00:12:29,874 --> 00:12:30,792 Thanks. 282 00:12:32,543 --> 00:12:35,797 ♪ ♪ 283 00:12:35,797 --> 00:12:39,759 MAN 1: I got your boy from the red corner. Anybody wanna bet? 284 00:12:39,759 --> 00:12:40,885 Bro, beat his ass, bro. 285 00:12:40,885 --> 00:12:42,053 MAN 2: We got a hundred on blue. 286 00:12:42,053 --> 00:12:43,763 MARIANA: I'm told that by day, 287 00:12:43,763 --> 00:12:46,099 this place is a soup kitchen for the homeless. 288 00:12:46,099 --> 00:12:48,059 But at night, it turns into 289 00:12:48,059 --> 00:12:50,812 a secret fight club and gambling ring. 290 00:12:50,812 --> 00:12:54,023 ♪ ♪ 291 00:12:55,733 --> 00:12:59,278 -MAN 1: Goes to the red corner. -(all cheering) 292 00:12:59,278 --> 00:13:02,573 MARIANA: I'm truly shocked about how open all of this, the betting, 293 00:13:02,573 --> 00:13:04,117 which is obviously illegal. 294 00:13:04,117 --> 00:13:07,787 There's what is considered as unsanctioned fight. 295 00:13:07,787 --> 00:13:11,708 In Michigan, an event like this, clearly staged for an audience, 296 00:13:11,708 --> 00:13:14,711 would need a license to operate legally. 297 00:13:14,711 --> 00:13:16,337 That license requires the promoter 298 00:13:16,337 --> 00:13:18,423 to follow a host of safety measures, 299 00:13:18,423 --> 00:13:22,218 like giving medicals and HIV tests for fighters, 300 00:13:22,218 --> 00:13:25,763 and having an ambulance and two paramedics on site, 301 00:13:27,974 --> 00:13:29,559 none of which we spotted. 302 00:13:31,102 --> 00:13:32,812 FIGHTER: You're gonna see more of me. 303 00:13:32,812 --> 00:13:34,981 MARIANA: Are you hoping to be noticed in one of these fights 304 00:13:34,981 --> 00:13:36,858 -by someone from the big leagues? -FIGHTER: Definitely. 305 00:13:36,858 --> 00:13:38,735 MARIANA: Is that why a lot of people come and fight here? 306 00:13:38,735 --> 00:13:41,529 FIGHTER: Yes. Yes. 307 00:13:41,529 --> 00:13:44,699 MARIANA: The dream of hopping from obscurity to the big time 308 00:13:44,699 --> 00:13:46,492 may sound improbable, 309 00:13:46,492 --> 00:13:47,952 but it's happened before. 310 00:13:47,952 --> 00:13:50,371 (spectators clamoring) 311 00:13:50,371 --> 00:13:51,330 (bleep) 312 00:13:52,832 --> 00:13:54,083 MAN (off screen): There's the champ. 313 00:13:56,044 --> 00:13:57,545 MARIANA: In the early 2000s, 314 00:13:57,545 --> 00:14:00,214 Kimbo Slice became a viral sensation 315 00:14:00,214 --> 00:14:04,761 as fans passed around online clips of his street fights. 316 00:14:04,761 --> 00:14:06,679 ANNOUNCER (off screen): Kimbo Slice! 317 00:14:06,679 --> 00:14:09,849 MARIANA: That led to a much-hyped jump to the UFC, 318 00:14:09,849 --> 00:14:13,352 where he earned up to half a million dollars per bout 319 00:14:13,352 --> 00:14:15,605 and garnered the kind of glory 320 00:14:15,605 --> 00:14:19,233 that most backyard fighters can only dream about. 321 00:14:21,069 --> 00:14:23,321 KIMBO SLICE: I started out, you know, as a street fighter. 322 00:14:23,321 --> 00:14:25,823 We went from the streets, from the backstreets to the front streets, 323 00:14:25,823 --> 00:14:27,575 from the front streets to the main streets. 324 00:14:27,575 --> 00:14:31,621 And it's a big opportunity for myself and for all the fighters. 325 00:14:31,621 --> 00:14:33,372 MARIANA: That's the same dream 326 00:14:33,372 --> 00:14:36,793 that BKFC is selling to the hungry bare-knuckle fighters. 327 00:14:40,213 --> 00:14:43,257 ♪ ♪ 328 00:14:45,176 --> 00:14:48,304 But bare-knuckle rings are much harder to find. 329 00:14:50,389 --> 00:14:54,060 The stigma has forged an insular culture. 330 00:14:54,060 --> 00:14:57,980 So it took me a bit of time to find the invite I was looking for. 331 00:15:02,819 --> 00:15:04,737 I actually see a ring here. 332 00:15:04,737 --> 00:15:05,905 See that ring? 333 00:15:11,786 --> 00:15:13,079 -MARIANA: Hi. -MAN: Hey. Yes. 334 00:15:13,079 --> 00:15:14,497 MARIANA: How are you? Mariana. 335 00:15:14,497 --> 00:15:15,873 -MAN: Nice to meet you. -MARIANA: Nice to meet you. 336 00:15:15,873 --> 00:15:17,750 Thanks, uh, thanks for having-- So this is it? 337 00:15:17,750 --> 00:15:20,044 MAN (off screen): Yeah. Yeah. Absolutely. This is it. 338 00:15:20,044 --> 00:15:24,674 ♪ ♪ 339 00:15:24,674 --> 00:15:27,552 MARIANA: This fight club, called American Prize Ring, 340 00:15:27,552 --> 00:15:31,848 draws fighters and fans from all over the Southeast. 341 00:15:31,848 --> 00:15:34,183 It's not an easy scene to break into, 342 00:15:34,183 --> 00:15:36,561 but after weeks of back and forth, 343 00:15:36,561 --> 00:15:38,729 the promoter finally allowed us to film. 344 00:15:38,729 --> 00:15:41,899 MAN: Hey, who's fighting over here? Who wants to fight over here? 345 00:15:41,899 --> 00:15:44,277 FIGHTER 1: I'm-- I'm up, if you-- if you need it. 346 00:15:44,277 --> 00:15:46,070 FIGHTER 2: Yeah, I'll fight if you all got a fighter. 347 00:15:46,070 --> 00:15:47,780 MAN: Y'all good with fighting each other? 348 00:15:47,780 --> 00:15:49,532 MARIANA: It can be argued 349 00:15:49,532 --> 00:15:52,702 that mutual combat laws protect an event like this, 350 00:15:52,702 --> 00:15:55,663 which is why this fight appears to be legal, 351 00:15:55,663 --> 00:15:58,249 assuming there's no gambling involved 352 00:15:58,249 --> 00:16:00,835 and that no fighters are being paid to fight. 353 00:16:00,835 --> 00:16:03,129 Why do you think it's illegal in so many parts? 354 00:16:03,129 --> 00:16:05,173 Why is it not allowed? Why is it underground? 355 00:16:05,173 --> 00:16:08,217 MAN: It's crazy how many people do MMA 356 00:16:08,217 --> 00:16:10,928 but say, like, (bleep) that to bare-knuckle. 357 00:16:10,928 --> 00:16:13,306 Like, I can kick another man in the head 358 00:16:13,306 --> 00:16:15,016 with no shin guard, that's fine. 359 00:16:15,016 --> 00:16:16,642 I can knee him in the head, a-okay. 360 00:16:16,642 --> 00:16:18,436 But if I am gonna hit somebody with bare-knuckle, 361 00:16:18,436 --> 00:16:19,770 people are like, "Whoa!" 362 00:16:19,770 --> 00:16:21,939 People just automatically assume, 363 00:16:21,939 --> 00:16:24,233 like, bare-knuckle fighting is just, 364 00:16:24,233 --> 00:16:26,819 like, illegal, uh, dudes gambling 365 00:16:26,819 --> 00:16:31,282 and doing all sorts of things, which, of course, that goes on. 366 00:16:31,282 --> 00:16:34,493 MARIANA (off screen): How much of that do you think we'll be able to see? 367 00:16:34,493 --> 00:16:36,162 MAN: I don't know. Can't answer that. 368 00:16:36,162 --> 00:16:37,747 MARIANA: I-- It's my job to ask you. 369 00:16:37,747 --> 00:16:39,415 MAN: Yeah. Yeah. No, no, it's perfectly fine. 370 00:16:39,415 --> 00:16:41,459 I don't know. I just ref the fights. 371 00:16:43,419 --> 00:16:46,964 ♪ ♪ 372 00:16:46,964 --> 00:16:48,883 (indistinct chatter) 373 00:16:51,510 --> 00:16:54,430 MARIANA: Looks like we're minutes away from the fight starting. 374 00:16:54,430 --> 00:16:57,600 Uh, it's, uh, Keaton over there with the red shorts. 375 00:16:57,600 --> 00:16:59,644 He's fighting Tyler. 376 00:17:00,978 --> 00:17:03,564 MAN: Fighters! Corners! 377 00:17:03,564 --> 00:17:04,649 MARIANA (off screen): Okay. It's starting. 378 00:17:04,649 --> 00:17:06,525 MAN: All right? All right. 379 00:17:06,525 --> 00:17:07,443 Ready? 380 00:17:08,069 --> 00:17:08,986 Fight. 381 00:17:12,406 --> 00:17:14,242 -WOMAN (off screen): Tyler! -MAN (off screen): Come on, Ty! 382 00:17:14,242 --> 00:17:17,203 MARIANA: When gloves come off, there's no leeway. 383 00:17:17,203 --> 00:17:20,164 You have to strike at exactly the right angle 384 00:17:20,164 --> 00:17:22,541 to avoid shattering your hand. 385 00:17:22,541 --> 00:17:23,834 Oh, my God! 386 00:17:23,834 --> 00:17:25,002 MAN (off screen): All right. Down. 387 00:17:25,002 --> 00:17:26,712 Get to your corner. Get to your corner. 388 00:17:26,712 --> 00:17:28,172 MARIANA (off screen): This hurts me. 389 00:17:29,924 --> 00:17:32,677 MAN: Ten seconds, get to your scratch line. 390 00:17:32,677 --> 00:17:33,970 All right, boys, you ready? 391 00:17:34,929 --> 00:17:35,846 Fight. 392 00:17:42,103 --> 00:17:45,189 ♪ ♪ 393 00:17:50,278 --> 00:17:51,821 MAN: All right. Get to your corner. 394 00:17:51,821 --> 00:17:53,614 Get to your corner. Get to your corner. 395 00:17:53,614 --> 00:17:55,408 Hey, that's bare-knuckle. 396 00:17:55,408 --> 00:17:58,494 (spectators cheering) 397 00:18:02,164 --> 00:18:04,959 Winner by knockdown default, Tyler Sammis. 398 00:18:04,959 --> 00:18:06,711 (spectators cheering) 399 00:18:06,711 --> 00:18:07,628 Okay. 400 00:18:09,672 --> 00:18:12,300 WOMAN (off screen): It happens. Good job, boys! 401 00:18:12,300 --> 00:18:14,635 -MAN: Boom! -MARIANA: That was amazing. You're really good. 402 00:18:14,635 --> 00:18:16,345 -TYLER SAMMIS: Thank you. -MARIANA: How did you feel? 403 00:18:16,345 --> 00:18:18,180 SAMMIS: I feel great. I feel like I can do it again. 404 00:18:18,180 --> 00:18:20,224 MARIANA: It looked like you were ready. You wanted to fight more, right? 405 00:18:20,224 --> 00:18:21,726 You weren't ready for it to be over. 406 00:18:21,726 --> 00:18:23,769 SAMMIS: Yeah. I enjoy doing it. I just wanna keep going. 407 00:18:23,769 --> 00:18:26,731 MARIANA: What's the next step for you? What do you think? 408 00:18:26,731 --> 00:18:27,898 SAMMIS: Do it professionally, you know? 409 00:18:27,898 --> 00:18:29,150 -MARIANA: Yeah? -SAMMIS: Yeah. 410 00:18:31,777 --> 00:18:34,447 MARIANA: There aren't many legal ways to get paid 411 00:18:34,447 --> 00:18:37,199 to fight bare-knuckle in the US, 412 00:18:37,199 --> 00:18:42,038 and only one has the platform to make you a star, BKFC. 413 00:18:42,038 --> 00:18:46,375 ANNOUNCER: Live, worldwide! 414 00:18:46,375 --> 00:18:52,423 It is time to knuckle up! 415 00:18:52,423 --> 00:18:55,760 MARIANA: But the rise of BKFC has been anything but smooth. 416 00:18:55,760 --> 00:18:58,012 ANNOUNCER (off screen): From the United States of America, 417 00:18:58,012 --> 00:19:00,640 Justin Thornton! 418 00:19:00,640 --> 00:19:03,059 MARIANA: It's a controversial path. 419 00:19:03,059 --> 00:19:06,395 And the tragic death of BKFC fighter Justin Thornton 420 00:19:06,395 --> 00:19:09,231 in Mississippi, in late 2021, 421 00:19:09,231 --> 00:19:11,984 brought the promotion under even more scrutiny. 422 00:19:11,984 --> 00:19:13,819 DANA WHITE: First of all, is anybody shocked? 423 00:19:13,819 --> 00:19:16,781 I mean, in-- in bare-knuckle fighting, 424 00:19:18,783 --> 00:19:20,951 I-- I get, I guess I would call it, concerned 425 00:19:20,951 --> 00:19:22,828 when I see some of our people when they leave here 426 00:19:22,828 --> 00:19:24,789 and go there and it's like, "Oh, my God." 427 00:19:26,832 --> 00:19:28,709 MARIANA: Matching a fighter with an opponent 428 00:19:28,709 --> 00:19:33,214 of the same skill level is a crucial part of any combat sport. 429 00:19:33,214 --> 00:19:37,885 An uneven match can put a fighter's life in jeopardy. 430 00:19:37,885 --> 00:19:42,098 BKFC faced criticism from fighters and regulators alike 431 00:19:42,098 --> 00:19:43,933 for allowing Justin Thorton, 432 00:19:43,933 --> 00:19:46,227 a fighter with five straight losses, 433 00:19:46,227 --> 00:19:48,187 in the ring with Dillon Cleckler, 434 00:19:48,187 --> 00:19:50,648 who had won his debut BKFC fight 435 00:19:50,648 --> 00:19:55,403 as well as 11 of his last 12 MMA matches. 436 00:19:55,403 --> 00:19:57,029 MAN: Fighters know when they get in the cage 437 00:19:57,029 --> 00:19:59,573 or-- or in the ring that this could be an outcome. 438 00:19:59,573 --> 00:20:03,702 And that's where the ABC comes in to make sure that's a fair fight. 439 00:20:03,702 --> 00:20:06,038 MARIANA: Mike Mazzulli is the president 440 00:20:06,038 --> 00:20:08,124 of the Association of Boxing Commissions. 441 00:20:08,124 --> 00:20:12,461 It's his job to set regulatory standards for combat sports. 442 00:20:12,461 --> 00:20:16,340 The nonprofit organization was so alarmed by Thornton's death, 443 00:20:16,340 --> 00:20:19,552 that they issued a "proceed with caution" warning 444 00:20:19,552 --> 00:20:23,097 to states considering hosting bare-knuckle events. 445 00:20:23,097 --> 00:20:25,933 MIKE MAZZULLI: Each state has their own minimum medical requirements 446 00:20:25,933 --> 00:20:27,810 set by the-- the government. 447 00:20:27,810 --> 00:20:30,938 In Mississippi, I think they require 448 00:20:30,938 --> 00:20:34,358 a physical and blood, and that's it. 449 00:20:34,358 --> 00:20:38,320 BKFC go to Mississippi because of that reason 'cause it's easier? 450 00:20:38,320 --> 00:20:39,905 That's debatable. 451 00:20:39,905 --> 00:20:42,992 Did they go to Wyoming because there's less medicals? 452 00:20:44,827 --> 00:20:47,329 Did they go to Montana because there's no regulation? 453 00:20:50,249 --> 00:20:51,917 ANNOUNCER: ...was tagged when he's backing up. 454 00:20:55,254 --> 00:20:56,547 MARIANA (off screen): How did you feel that day? 455 00:20:56,547 --> 00:21:00,301 MAN: It was death. It was-- it was hard for me. 456 00:21:00,301 --> 00:21:03,053 It was really hard because I've been in this my whole life. 457 00:21:03,053 --> 00:21:05,890 And to see that happen under our watch 458 00:21:05,890 --> 00:21:08,184 was-- It was-- It was awful. 459 00:21:08,184 --> 00:21:10,269 MARIANA: This is Dave Feldman, 460 00:21:10,269 --> 00:21:12,605 the founder and president of BKFC. 461 00:21:12,605 --> 00:21:13,981 DAVE FELDMAN: When you're hitting someone in the head 462 00:21:13,981 --> 00:21:16,442 with a bare fist or a gloved fist, it's not safe. 463 00:21:16,442 --> 00:21:19,195 But bare-knuckle, it's no more dangerous 464 00:21:19,195 --> 00:21:21,071 than any other combat sport on the planet. 465 00:21:21,071 --> 00:21:24,658 We have the data that backs up that we are no more dangerous. 466 00:21:24,658 --> 00:21:27,244 We have less injuries than boxing or mixed martial arts. 467 00:21:27,244 --> 00:21:31,081 MARIANA: I found the data that Feldman was referencing. 468 00:21:31,081 --> 00:21:34,502 It's a study that was led by a ringside physician 469 00:21:34,502 --> 00:21:37,338 who now works for BKFC. 470 00:21:37,338 --> 00:21:38,839 Its conclusion suggests 471 00:21:38,839 --> 00:21:42,259 that bare-knuckle fights lead to more lacerations 472 00:21:42,259 --> 00:21:44,178 but fewer concussion symptoms. 473 00:21:45,679 --> 00:21:49,225 ♪ ♪ 474 00:21:49,225 --> 00:21:51,477 But that doesn't make me any less nervous 475 00:21:51,477 --> 00:21:54,146 for 18-year-old Tyler Sammis, 476 00:21:54,146 --> 00:21:56,732 the fighter I met in Florida. 477 00:21:56,732 --> 00:22:01,779 Fighters like Tyler are essentially breaking new ground. 478 00:22:01,779 --> 00:22:04,031 I can see people who think that what you do is crazy 479 00:22:04,031 --> 00:22:06,534 because it's so risky and dangerous and-- 480 00:22:06,534 --> 00:22:07,826 Why would you wanna do this? 481 00:22:07,826 --> 00:22:09,370 SAMMIS: It's a very risky sport. 482 00:22:09,370 --> 00:22:11,622 One punch can hinder my entire career. 483 00:22:11,622 --> 00:22:13,165 MARIANA: Do you have health insurance right now? 484 00:22:13,165 --> 00:22:14,291 SAMMIS: No. 485 00:22:14,291 --> 00:22:15,960 MARIANA: Your parents think you're crazy 486 00:22:15,960 --> 00:22:17,878 for doing this with no insurance? 487 00:22:17,878 --> 00:22:20,589 SAMMIS: They don't know I don't have insurance. 488 00:22:20,589 --> 00:22:23,342 MARIANA: Tyler was invited to try out for BKFC 489 00:22:23,342 --> 00:22:25,302 after a recruiter saw footage 490 00:22:25,302 --> 00:22:27,388 of one of his underground fights. 491 00:22:27,388 --> 00:22:29,598 MAN (off screen): Stay on him, Jackson! 492 00:22:29,598 --> 00:22:31,976 -SAMMIS: It's a big step, for sure. -MARIANA: Yeah. 493 00:22:31,976 --> 00:22:34,019 SAMMIS: Now I've got the opportunity to go pro 494 00:22:34,019 --> 00:22:35,479 for something massive. 495 00:22:35,479 --> 00:22:37,273 It's-- It's very surreal. 496 00:22:37,273 --> 00:22:38,482 MARIANA: Nervous? 497 00:22:38,482 --> 00:22:40,192 SAMMIS: Yeah. It's pretty fair to say. 498 00:22:40,192 --> 00:22:42,152 MARIANA: Yeah, what does this moment mean for you? 499 00:22:42,152 --> 00:22:43,487 SAMMIS: I wanna say it means the world to me, 500 00:22:43,487 --> 00:22:45,239 but, um, you know, 501 00:22:45,239 --> 00:22:47,575 I've got another meaning to that now. 502 00:22:47,575 --> 00:22:49,535 Um, I have a little son on the way, 503 00:22:49,535 --> 00:22:52,746 so, you know, that's-- that's-- that's my world now. 504 00:22:52,746 --> 00:22:54,790 -MARIANA: Your girlfriend is pregnant? -SAMMIS: Yes. 505 00:22:54,790 --> 00:22:57,668 -MARIANA: Wow. How far along? -SAMMIS: I think 18 weeks. 506 00:22:57,668 --> 00:22:59,420 MARIANA: Does that change anything for you 507 00:22:59,420 --> 00:23:00,838 in terms of what's about to happen? 508 00:23:00,838 --> 00:23:01,755 SAMMIS: Yeah. 509 00:23:02,548 --> 00:23:03,591 It-- 510 00:23:05,134 --> 00:23:06,218 Oh, my God. 511 00:23:08,762 --> 00:23:09,847 (sniffling) 512 00:23:11,181 --> 00:23:13,684 It's-- It's an eye-opener. 513 00:23:15,519 --> 00:23:19,898 I was bullied from kindergarten all the way to seventh grade. 514 00:23:19,898 --> 00:23:23,110 I was really small always, 515 00:23:23,110 --> 00:23:25,029 and I had a really high-pitched voice. 516 00:23:25,029 --> 00:23:27,865 I was just picked on and bullied a lot. 517 00:23:27,865 --> 00:23:30,618 I'm just gonna use it to push harder. 518 00:23:33,954 --> 00:23:36,415 (line ringing) 519 00:23:36,415 --> 00:23:39,001 Hey! Well, how'd the appointment go? 520 00:23:39,001 --> 00:23:40,294 WOMAN: It was good. 521 00:23:40,294 --> 00:23:41,545 SAMMIS: Said he was all healthy and all? 522 00:23:41,545 --> 00:23:43,005 WOMAN: Yup, healthy 523 00:23:43,005 --> 00:23:44,590 and curled up in there like a pretzel. 524 00:23:44,590 --> 00:23:46,842 MARIANA: And your girlfriend, how does she feel about it? 525 00:23:46,842 --> 00:23:48,552 SAMMIS: Doesn't like watching me get hit, 526 00:23:48,552 --> 00:23:50,888 but she's as supportive as can be. 527 00:23:50,888 --> 00:23:53,140 As supportive as I can ask for. 528 00:23:53,140 --> 00:23:54,099 She's my rock. 529 00:23:54,099 --> 00:23:56,060 She's what motivates me, 530 00:23:56,060 --> 00:23:57,436 and now my son. 531 00:23:57,436 --> 00:23:59,980 They both motivate me to push it harder than ever. 532 00:23:59,980 --> 00:24:01,690 WOMAN: I would say good luck, but you don't need it. 533 00:24:02,942 --> 00:24:04,193 You got this. 534 00:24:04,193 --> 00:24:06,737 ♪ ♪ 535 00:24:12,910 --> 00:24:17,331 ♪ ♪ 536 00:24:19,833 --> 00:24:22,127 -MARIANA: Huh, weird. -MAN: Can you hear me? 537 00:24:22,127 --> 00:24:26,256 MARIANA: I can, but for some reason, you're now like this. 538 00:24:26,256 --> 00:24:29,551 Yeah. Huh. Oh, there you go. Perfect. 539 00:24:29,551 --> 00:24:34,181 I see that you're surrounded by some, uh, champion belts? 540 00:24:34,181 --> 00:24:36,433 JOSH MAYO: 541 00:24:38,852 --> 00:24:40,813 MARIANA: Josh Mayo is an amateur 542 00:24:40,813 --> 00:24:44,191 who has fought in sanctioned MMA and boxing matches, 543 00:24:44,191 --> 00:24:46,819 as well as illegal bare-knuckle bouts. 544 00:24:46,819 --> 00:24:49,321 He has plans to go pro. 545 00:24:49,321 --> 00:24:51,073 MAYO: 546 00:24:55,786 --> 00:24:59,248 MARIANA: Because BKFC isn't legal in most US states, 547 00:24:59,248 --> 00:25:03,335 Josh relies on underground circuits to get his name out there. 548 00:25:03,335 --> 00:25:05,629 MAYO: 549 00:25:28,193 --> 00:25:30,112 MARIANA: Oh! Are you serious? Forever? 550 00:25:30,112 --> 00:25:32,823 MAYO: 551 00:25:35,159 --> 00:25:37,244 MARIANA: At what point do you, sort of, draw the line 552 00:25:37,244 --> 00:25:39,830 and realize, "You know, I can really hurt this person"? 553 00:25:39,830 --> 00:25:42,416 MAYO: 554 00:25:58,599 --> 00:26:00,768 MARIANA: Fighters who compete in the underground 555 00:26:00,768 --> 00:26:02,311 are well aware of the risks. 556 00:26:02,311 --> 00:26:04,563 MAN 1: So the bare-knuckle's tough 557 00:26:04,563 --> 00:26:08,317 because it only takes one fight, you know? 558 00:26:08,317 --> 00:26:10,903 And you have a head injury, and then you're a disposable hero. 559 00:26:10,903 --> 00:26:12,905 MAN 2: But I hated it because they encourage you 560 00:26:12,905 --> 00:26:14,948 to smash people after they're KO'd, 561 00:26:14,948 --> 00:26:17,117 which is so disgusting to me. 562 00:26:17,117 --> 00:26:20,078 MAN 3: I think bare-knuckle is more brutal because it's bloody. 563 00:26:20,078 --> 00:26:22,414 I mean, as soon as you get hit, boom, your eye's exploding. 564 00:26:22,414 --> 00:26:25,084 MARIANA: But for many with dreams of going pro, 565 00:26:25,084 --> 00:26:29,338 the danger of bare-knuckle fighting is part of the allure. 566 00:26:29,338 --> 00:26:31,632 It's almost a badge of honor. 567 00:26:31,632 --> 00:26:33,217 SHAD SMITH: My finger got ripped backwards. 568 00:26:33,217 --> 00:26:34,802 There was-- The bone was exposed, 569 00:26:34,802 --> 00:26:36,720 and I still kept fighting the whole time. 570 00:26:37,596 --> 00:26:40,098 MAYO: 571 00:26:41,725 --> 00:26:44,770 ♪ ♪ 572 00:26:55,739 --> 00:26:58,867 MARIANA: I've come to this gym outside of New Orleans to meet Tyler 573 00:26:58,867 --> 00:27:02,412 on one of the most important days of his life, 574 00:27:02,412 --> 00:27:06,708 his pro tryout with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. 575 00:27:06,708 --> 00:27:08,710 MAN (off screen): Y'all ready? Two minutes. 576 00:27:08,710 --> 00:27:10,629 Ready? Begin. 577 00:27:10,629 --> 00:27:13,590 ♪ ♪ 578 00:27:19,096 --> 00:27:22,558 Thirty seconds. Thirty seconds. 579 00:27:22,558 --> 00:27:24,935 MARIANA: So what's happening is, uh, 580 00:27:24,935 --> 00:27:26,854 you see these guys are all basically trying out. 581 00:27:26,854 --> 00:27:29,857 They're punching, and Nate, he's over there in the red shirt 582 00:27:29,857 --> 00:27:33,110 he's basically looking at them and seeing which are good fighters, 583 00:27:33,110 --> 00:27:36,780 who he likes, who can possibly then join BKFC. 584 00:27:36,780 --> 00:27:39,116 How many people do you think will get a contract today? 585 00:27:39,116 --> 00:27:41,827 NATE: So today, we had about 70 people register, 586 00:27:41,827 --> 00:27:43,662 but only 24 made it out. 587 00:27:43,662 --> 00:27:45,372 We'll sit down and we'll interview. 588 00:27:45,372 --> 00:27:48,000 And from there, we'll probably pick two to three of 'em. 589 00:27:48,000 --> 00:27:50,919 But the guys that came down here really are impressing us. 590 00:27:50,919 --> 00:27:52,588 MARIANA (off screen): We've been filming with Tyler. 591 00:27:52,588 --> 00:27:53,964 What do you think are his chances today? 592 00:27:53,964 --> 00:27:55,883 NATE: He's young. He's 18 years old. 593 00:27:55,883 --> 00:27:58,343 I saw some of his videos, and he looks impressive. 594 00:27:58,343 --> 00:27:59,928 So I'm eager to see what he can do as well. 595 00:27:59,928 --> 00:28:01,847 MAN (off screen): He goes, "Swing, Jack, swing." 596 00:28:01,847 --> 00:28:04,308 NATE: Time! 597 00:28:04,308 --> 00:28:07,644 Time. Clear the floor. Next group. 598 00:28:07,644 --> 00:28:10,522 -MARIANA: Tyler. Hi. How are you? -SAMMIS: How's it going? 599 00:28:10,522 --> 00:28:11,648 -MARIANA: How do you feel? -SAMMIS: I'm sweaty. I'm great. 600 00:28:11,648 --> 00:28:12,608 MARIANA: You are sweaty. 601 00:28:12,608 --> 00:28:14,151 Scott, how are you? Mariana. 602 00:28:14,151 --> 00:28:15,777 -SCOTT: Nice to meet you. -MARIANA: Nice to meet you too. 603 00:28:15,777 --> 00:28:17,154 -You're his manager, right? -SCOTT: Yes. 604 00:28:17,154 --> 00:28:19,448 NATE: Begin. 605 00:28:19,448 --> 00:28:21,783 MARIANA: How do you think, uh, Tyler is gonna do today? 606 00:28:21,783 --> 00:28:23,035 SCOTT: I think he's gonna do great. 607 00:28:23,035 --> 00:28:24,745 You know, he's just an awesome kid. 608 00:28:24,745 --> 00:28:26,872 And I think that's the big thing that BKFC is gonna push, 609 00:28:26,872 --> 00:28:28,707 is that he's the youngest. 610 00:28:28,707 --> 00:28:32,127 The average age in BKFC is 36 years old. 611 00:28:32,127 --> 00:28:33,629 So I said, "Well, I got a kid 612 00:28:33,629 --> 00:28:35,422 that's 18 that wants to do it," you know? 613 00:28:35,422 --> 00:28:37,382 "So let's promote that." 614 00:28:37,382 --> 00:28:39,843 SAMMIS: So my name is Tyler Sammis. 615 00:28:39,843 --> 00:28:43,472 I see myself in two years fighting for a title in BKFC. 616 00:28:43,472 --> 00:28:44,765 That's what my long-term goal is. 617 00:28:44,765 --> 00:28:47,517 So, uh, in two years, title, for sure. 618 00:28:47,517 --> 00:28:49,394 MARIANA: If Tyler makes the cut, 619 00:28:49,394 --> 00:28:52,981 he'll be the youngest fighter on the BKFC roster, 620 00:28:52,981 --> 00:28:56,026 but he won't leave here with an answer. 621 00:28:56,026 --> 00:28:59,905 He'll have to wait in suspense for BKFC's call. 622 00:29:02,783 --> 00:29:04,242 SAMMIS: Hello. 623 00:29:04,242 --> 00:29:05,327 MAN (over speaker phone): Hello, is this Tyler? 624 00:29:05,327 --> 00:29:06,286 SAMMIS (off screen): Yes, sir. 625 00:29:06,286 --> 00:29:09,247 ♪ ♪ 626 00:29:11,541 --> 00:29:14,544 ♪ ♪ 627 00:29:23,095 --> 00:29:24,972 MARIANA: The day has finally come 628 00:29:24,972 --> 00:29:28,100 when Tyler finds out if he's made the cut. 629 00:29:28,100 --> 00:29:30,602 With no job, no health insurance, 630 00:29:30,602 --> 00:29:32,229 and a baby on the way, 631 00:29:32,229 --> 00:29:34,481 there is a lot riding on this. 632 00:29:34,481 --> 00:29:36,108 -They're going to call you today? -SAMMIS: Yeah, yeah. 633 00:29:36,108 --> 00:29:37,359 MARIANA: Kayla, how do you feel? 634 00:29:37,359 --> 00:29:38,735 -KAYLA: I'm excited for him. -MARIANA: Yeah? 635 00:29:38,735 --> 00:29:39,861 KAYLA: He's doing big things. 636 00:29:39,861 --> 00:29:41,154 So I'm excited to be by his side 637 00:29:41,154 --> 00:29:42,906 while he does it all, so. 638 00:29:42,906 --> 00:29:44,825 MARIANA: And, wait, we've got the belly. 639 00:29:44,825 --> 00:29:46,118 KAYLA (off screen): Yes. 640 00:29:46,118 --> 00:29:47,577 -MARIANA: Is it okay? -KAYLA: Of course, yeah. 641 00:29:47,577 --> 00:29:49,329 MARIANA: It's the best when they start kicking, right? 642 00:29:49,329 --> 00:29:50,414 -KAYLA: Yes. -MARIANA: You can feel it. 643 00:29:50,414 --> 00:29:52,332 -(phone ringing) -Oh, is that him? 644 00:29:52,332 --> 00:29:54,584 -SAMMIS: Must be Nate. -MARIANA: Yeah. 645 00:29:54,584 --> 00:29:56,294 -Can you put it on speaker for us? -SAMMIS: Yeah. 646 00:29:57,546 --> 00:29:58,797 Hello? 647 00:29:58,797 --> 00:29:59,923 MAN (over phone): Hello, is this Tyler? 648 00:29:59,923 --> 00:30:01,299 SAMMIS: Yes, sir. 649 00:30:01,299 --> 00:30:03,176 NATE SHOOK: Hey, buddy. Nate Shook with BKFC. 650 00:30:03,176 --> 00:30:04,761 - How you doing? -SAMMIS: Not too bad. 651 00:30:04,761 --> 00:30:07,389 SHOOK: Hey, I'll-- I'll just cut to the chase here. 652 00:30:07,389 --> 00:30:09,766 We were really excited when we saw you come out to the tryouts. 653 00:30:09,766 --> 00:30:12,853 You did really well. You impressed everybody. 654 00:30:12,853 --> 00:30:15,814 So, you know, I want to extend an offer, 655 00:30:15,814 --> 00:30:18,567 you know, and offer you a multi-fight deal with BKFC. 656 00:30:19,818 --> 00:30:21,570 SAMMIS: Mmm! Hm. 657 00:30:21,570 --> 00:30:23,530 (chuckling) 658 00:30:23,530 --> 00:30:25,615 KAYLA: You gotta answer him. (chuckling) 659 00:30:25,615 --> 00:30:28,577 SAMMIS: Yes. Yes. 660 00:30:28,577 --> 00:30:30,078 SHOOK: All right, buddy. I'll talk to you soon. 661 00:30:30,078 --> 00:30:31,747 SAMMIS: All right. Thank you so much. 662 00:30:31,747 --> 00:30:32,789 MARIANA: Wow. Amazing. 663 00:30:33,915 --> 00:30:34,833 KAYLA: Good job! 664 00:30:35,542 --> 00:30:36,543 SAMMIS: It's... 665 00:30:38,170 --> 00:30:41,048 It's so much to take in right now. 666 00:30:41,048 --> 00:30:45,802 I just-- I'm extremely excited and-- and blessed 667 00:30:45,802 --> 00:30:47,179 to be able to have an opportunity 668 00:30:47,179 --> 00:30:50,432 to support my little one and my growing family. 669 00:30:50,432 --> 00:30:52,142 MARIANA: Tyler, you're getting emotional. 670 00:30:52,142 --> 00:30:54,227 SAMMIS: Trying not to. Um... 671 00:30:54,227 --> 00:30:55,437 MARIANA: I'm getting emotional. 672 00:30:56,897 --> 00:30:59,983 ♪ ♪ 673 00:31:04,029 --> 00:31:08,241 Despite the risks, I can't help but feel excited for him. 674 00:31:08,241 --> 00:31:11,369 A contract like this could bring in much-needed winnings. 675 00:31:11,369 --> 00:31:13,455 (all laughing) 676 00:31:13,455 --> 00:31:17,834 SAMMIS: I got the phone call, uh, 677 00:31:17,834 --> 00:31:22,339 and I now have a multi-fight contract with BKFC. 678 00:31:22,339 --> 00:31:24,966 (all cheering) 679 00:31:24,966 --> 00:31:26,718 WOMAN (off screen): That's awesome, Tyler. 680 00:31:26,718 --> 00:31:29,096 Protect the knuckles. Protect the knuckles. 681 00:31:29,096 --> 00:31:33,100 Aw, congratulations. 682 00:31:33,100 --> 00:31:34,768 I'm nervous. 683 00:31:34,768 --> 00:31:36,061 TYLER'S MOM (off screen): He's gonna bleed. 684 00:31:36,061 --> 00:31:38,313 I mean, that's gonna happen. He's gonna bleed. 685 00:31:38,313 --> 00:31:40,899 Mom's gonna have a fit trying to watch the fight. 686 00:31:40,899 --> 00:31:44,236 GRANDMOTHER: 687 00:31:44,236 --> 00:31:46,404 MARIANA: You don't like to see your grandkids get hurt, I know. 688 00:31:46,404 --> 00:31:51,409 The fact that he is now going to fight for the BKFC, 689 00:31:51,409 --> 00:31:53,078 make you guys feel better 690 00:31:53,078 --> 00:31:55,122 about the fact that he doesn't have to go 691 00:31:55,122 --> 00:31:57,332 into those other more underground fights? 692 00:31:57,332 --> 00:32:00,585 ERIC SAMMIS: Yeah. They're-- They're better organized 693 00:32:00,585 --> 00:32:03,046 and they got better safety, 694 00:32:03,046 --> 00:32:05,715 obviously, protocols built in place. 695 00:32:05,715 --> 00:32:09,177 But I don't really know about the longevity of a BKFC fighter, 696 00:32:09,177 --> 00:32:10,387 18 years of age. 697 00:32:10,387 --> 00:32:12,222 You can tell, the MMA guys 698 00:32:12,222 --> 00:32:14,307 that have weathered the storm, 699 00:32:14,307 --> 00:32:18,186 they may get three, four fights, and they're gonna call it. 700 00:32:18,186 --> 00:32:20,605 Like, "I've had a career. I'm done." 701 00:32:20,605 --> 00:32:22,691 This is new ground, you know? 702 00:32:25,610 --> 00:32:27,988 MARIANA: Fighting isn't a lifelong gig. 703 00:32:27,988 --> 00:32:30,448 There's only so much punishment your head 704 00:32:30,448 --> 00:32:33,368 and, in bare-knuckle, your hands can take. 705 00:32:33,368 --> 00:32:36,580 BKFC may be safer than backyard brawling, 706 00:32:36,580 --> 00:32:40,750 but at this point, there's no telling how long Tyler's career will last, 707 00:32:40,750 --> 00:32:43,128 or what long-term impact it will have 708 00:32:43,128 --> 00:32:44,796 on his growing family. 709 00:32:44,796 --> 00:32:46,965 (indistinct chatter) 710 00:32:46,965 --> 00:32:48,717 ♪ ♪ 711 00:32:48,717 --> 00:32:51,511 Most pros only last a few years, 712 00:32:51,511 --> 00:32:53,513 and during that time, only fight 713 00:32:53,513 --> 00:32:56,183 two or three times per year. 714 00:32:56,183 --> 00:33:00,103 For the BKFC, that becomes a numbers problem. 715 00:33:00,103 --> 00:33:02,647 If they're hoping to mimic UFC's success 716 00:33:02,647 --> 00:33:04,816 and hold 40-plus events a year, 717 00:33:04,816 --> 00:33:07,652 each showcasing a dozen or more fighters, 718 00:33:07,652 --> 00:33:11,239 they'll need to find dozens of Tylers every year. 719 00:33:13,783 --> 00:33:16,661 ♪ ♪ 720 00:33:16,661 --> 00:33:20,624 BKFC bouts are fast and brutal. 721 00:33:20,624 --> 00:33:23,335 Many fighters believe that the shorter rounds 722 00:33:23,335 --> 00:33:26,463 and the fact that you can't punch as hard with a bare hand 723 00:33:26,463 --> 00:33:28,215 as you can with a protective glove, 724 00:33:28,215 --> 00:33:31,384 actually makes it safer than most combat sports. 725 00:33:32,886 --> 00:33:35,513 But others are not convinced. 726 00:33:35,513 --> 00:33:36,890 MAZZULLI: You're getting hit in the head 727 00:33:36,890 --> 00:33:38,642 every single round of your whole career, 728 00:33:38,642 --> 00:33:40,310 and they're looking for the big knockout. 729 00:33:40,310 --> 00:33:41,519 And the bigger the knockout, 730 00:33:41,519 --> 00:33:43,438 the more money they'll make next time. 731 00:33:44,898 --> 00:33:48,860 ♪ ♪ 732 00:33:48,860 --> 00:33:52,948 MARIANA: Tyler has only six weeks to prep for his BKFC debut. 733 00:33:52,948 --> 00:33:55,992 ♪ ♪ 734 00:33:58,078 --> 00:33:59,788 SCOTT: Get those elbows up, forearms up. 735 00:33:59,788 --> 00:34:01,539 You don't wanna take those punches on your wrist. 736 00:34:01,539 --> 00:34:03,792 Don't get caught up in thinking you're a rock star. 737 00:34:03,792 --> 00:34:05,293 You know, you're there to do a job. 738 00:34:05,293 --> 00:34:06,586 This is the hurt game. 739 00:34:06,586 --> 00:34:08,588 When you get there, and you're in person, 740 00:34:08,588 --> 00:34:11,341 and you can smell blood, and you see teeth on the mat, 741 00:34:11,341 --> 00:34:14,219 and you see people laying in the back moaning or throwing up, 742 00:34:14,219 --> 00:34:15,512 it's different. 743 00:34:15,512 --> 00:34:17,264 So you just gotta prepare for that now. 744 00:34:18,598 --> 00:34:20,100 Good. 745 00:34:20,100 --> 00:34:23,061 MARIANA: As Tyler prepares for his BKFC debut, 746 00:34:23,061 --> 00:34:24,521 half a world away, 747 00:34:24,521 --> 00:34:28,900 the first generation of BKFC fighters in Thailand... 748 00:34:28,900 --> 00:34:30,068 (crowd exclaiming) 749 00:34:30,068 --> 00:34:31,611 ...prepare for theirs. 750 00:34:37,200 --> 00:34:39,244 ♪ ♪ 751 00:34:50,505 --> 00:34:54,301 MARIANA: It's the day before the BKFC Thailand event 752 00:34:54,301 --> 00:34:57,095 and Nick Chapman invited me to see the weigh-ins. 753 00:34:57,095 --> 00:34:58,555 ANNOUNCER (off screen): 60 kilograms. 754 00:34:59,598 --> 00:35:01,558 66.5 kilograms. 755 00:35:01,558 --> 00:35:04,269 73.9 kilograms! 756 00:35:04,269 --> 00:35:07,272 MARIANA: One match is particularly heated. 757 00:35:08,356 --> 00:35:09,941 (crowd exclaiming) 758 00:35:11,151 --> 00:35:13,111 Oh, my God! 759 00:35:13,111 --> 00:35:15,697 These two young men, Naeem and Maseng, 760 00:35:15,697 --> 00:35:17,782 are from rival illegal fight clubs. 761 00:35:22,954 --> 00:35:25,790 This footage is from a prior head-to-head bout 762 00:35:25,790 --> 00:35:27,667 which went viral on YouTube. 763 00:35:31,838 --> 00:35:35,800 Nick saw the potential for a rematch and signed them. 764 00:35:35,800 --> 00:35:38,762 He says it's one of the most highly-anticipated fights 765 00:35:38,762 --> 00:35:39,804 on their title card. 766 00:35:39,804 --> 00:35:40,972 That was intense. 767 00:35:40,972 --> 00:35:43,725 There's real sort of rivalry and hate 768 00:35:43,725 --> 00:35:44,768 between these guys. 769 00:35:44,768 --> 00:35:46,019 They can't wait to fight. 770 00:35:46,019 --> 00:35:47,520 You couldn't even get them together. 771 00:35:47,520 --> 00:35:50,106 They immediately started punching each other. 772 00:35:50,106 --> 00:35:52,484 It's super intense. 773 00:35:52,484 --> 00:35:55,695 If they win, fighters can make over a thousand dollars 774 00:35:55,695 --> 00:35:57,781 which, in Thailand, can go a long way. 775 00:35:57,781 --> 00:36:00,950 But the real winner is BKFC. 776 00:36:00,950 --> 00:36:03,662 They've cherry-picked an existing rivalry, 777 00:36:03,662 --> 00:36:05,497 complete with built-in fan bases, 778 00:36:05,497 --> 00:36:07,999 from the illegal fight club scene. 779 00:36:07,999 --> 00:36:10,126 It's a smart business model, 780 00:36:10,126 --> 00:36:12,087 but it could encourage other fighters 781 00:36:12,087 --> 00:36:14,756 to put themselves into risky situations 782 00:36:14,756 --> 00:36:17,550 without proper medical support 783 00:36:17,550 --> 00:36:21,012 with the hopes that BKFC might come knocking. 784 00:36:21,012 --> 00:36:22,597 NICK CHAPMAN: The reason BKFC is so popular 785 00:36:22,597 --> 00:36:25,392 is because of how popular underground fighting is. 786 00:36:25,392 --> 00:36:27,435 MARIANA: It's interesting because, in-- in a way, 787 00:36:27,435 --> 00:36:29,813 they're sort of feeding off each other, right? 788 00:36:29,813 --> 00:36:33,274 Because BKFC is giving the underground guys 789 00:36:33,274 --> 00:36:35,694 a-- a dream and a goal for the future 790 00:36:35,694 --> 00:36:39,239 and BKFC is using the underground for recruitment. 791 00:36:39,239 --> 00:36:41,032 CHAPMAN: You gotta think these guys are fighting for free. 792 00:36:41,032 --> 00:36:42,242 They're in the street. 793 00:36:42,242 --> 00:36:43,702 All of a sudden, they're in the limelight. 794 00:36:43,702 --> 00:36:45,578 They're on a global stage. 795 00:36:50,959 --> 00:36:53,294 ANNOUNCER (off screen): Ladies and gentlemen, 796 00:36:53,294 --> 00:36:58,758 welcome to BKFC Thailand! 797 00:36:58,758 --> 00:37:01,219 -CHAPMAN: Here we go! -MARIANA: Oh, my God. 798 00:37:01,219 --> 00:37:03,805 CHAPMAN: I get less nervous when I'm fighting! 799 00:37:03,805 --> 00:37:07,392 MARIANA: The next night, I'm ringside with Nick. 800 00:37:07,392 --> 00:37:09,394 COMMENTATOR: Two superstars from Thailand's 801 00:37:09,394 --> 00:37:11,521 underground street fighting circuit. 802 00:37:11,521 --> 00:37:12,730 Round number one! 803 00:37:14,524 --> 00:37:16,609 Big right hand lands from Naeem! 804 00:37:18,695 --> 00:37:20,738 MARIANA: Sitting this close to the action, 805 00:37:20,738 --> 00:37:22,782 it's sometimes hard to watch, 806 00:37:22,782 --> 00:37:25,702 but at the same time, it's hard to look away. 807 00:37:25,702 --> 00:37:27,203 COMMENTATOR: There's that entry left hook. 808 00:37:27,203 --> 00:37:29,873 Lands big from Naeem. Another left hook! 809 00:37:29,873 --> 00:37:32,750 MARIANA: The drama of the fight is that compelling 810 00:37:32,750 --> 00:37:35,795 and that's what BKFC is counting on. 811 00:37:35,795 --> 00:37:37,839 COMMENTATOR: Naeem running into the pocket. 812 00:37:37,839 --> 00:37:39,215 Damage to the eye. 813 00:37:41,426 --> 00:37:45,555 FELDMAN: We have BKFC Thailand, BKFC Russia, BKFC Mexico. 814 00:37:45,555 --> 00:37:48,600 We're in the process of launching a big worldwide tournament 815 00:37:48,600 --> 00:37:51,478 called the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship World Grand Prix. 816 00:37:51,478 --> 00:37:53,688 All the winners are gonna get a million dollars. 817 00:37:53,688 --> 00:37:57,025 ANNOUNCER: Maseng Sornchai! 818 00:37:57,025 --> 00:38:00,236 MARIANA: A lot of the people that started fighting in BKFC 819 00:38:00,236 --> 00:38:02,155 came sort of from the underground world. 820 00:38:02,155 --> 00:38:03,615 Can you talk a little bit about that? 821 00:38:03,615 --> 00:38:06,826 FELDMAN: I think that all different combat sports, 822 00:38:06,826 --> 00:38:09,287 boxing, mixed martial arts, kickboxing, 823 00:38:09,287 --> 00:38:10,914 it all started from the underground. 824 00:38:10,914 --> 00:38:12,248 That's the roots of it. 825 00:38:12,248 --> 00:38:14,459 But I would say 99% of the fighters that I sign 826 00:38:14,459 --> 00:38:16,794 have professional combat sports experience. 827 00:38:16,794 --> 00:38:19,798 It's very rare that we'll sign a guy strictly from the underground-- 828 00:38:19,798 --> 00:38:21,341 MARIANA: But Tyler was in this case. 829 00:38:21,341 --> 00:38:23,426 FELDMAN: Tyler was. Tyler was good. 830 00:38:24,719 --> 00:38:26,304 MARIANA: We saw him actually fighting 831 00:38:26,304 --> 00:38:28,014 in some of these unsanctioned fights. 832 00:38:28,014 --> 00:38:29,974 I think one of the criticisms that exists out there 833 00:38:29,974 --> 00:38:34,020 is that you are incentivizing these underground fights. 834 00:38:34,020 --> 00:38:36,105 Fighters know that if they're seen there, 835 00:38:36,105 --> 00:38:38,066 there's a chance for them to join BKFC. 836 00:38:38,066 --> 00:38:39,776 FELDMAN: As the sport grows, right? 837 00:38:39,776 --> 00:38:41,194 And as it gets bigger and bigger 838 00:38:41,194 --> 00:38:43,279 and more and more people watch it, 839 00:38:43,279 --> 00:38:45,156 then more and more people wanna be involved with it. 840 00:38:45,156 --> 00:38:48,493 And if that's them doing underground bare-knuckle fights, 841 00:38:48,493 --> 00:38:50,662 then I guess you could say, in that way, 842 00:38:50,662 --> 00:38:54,290 we would encourage them to do those kinda fights. 843 00:38:54,290 --> 00:38:55,708 WOMAN (off screen): Let's go, Tyler! 844 00:38:55,708 --> 00:38:57,168 MARIANA: Where do you think Tyler is gonna go? 845 00:38:57,168 --> 00:38:59,045 FELDMAN: Look, if he's got that star power, 846 00:38:59,045 --> 00:39:00,463 we'll match him right and we'll make sure 847 00:39:00,463 --> 00:39:02,549 that he, you know, can-- can climb that ladder. 848 00:39:04,133 --> 00:39:05,718 ANNOUNCER: Ladies and gentlemen, 849 00:39:05,718 --> 00:39:09,055 we are set for the next fight of the night. 850 00:39:09,055 --> 00:39:11,015 Scheduled for five two-minute rounds 851 00:39:11,015 --> 00:39:13,101 in the featherweight division. 852 00:39:13,101 --> 00:39:16,563 (spectators cheering) 853 00:39:16,563 --> 00:39:19,774 (tense music playing) 854 00:39:19,774 --> 00:39:23,027 SAMMIS: She told me that he can hear now. 855 00:39:23,027 --> 00:39:25,446 So I started talking to him a little bit before bed. 856 00:39:25,446 --> 00:39:27,615 I told him I'm-- I'm gonna make it big. 857 00:39:27,615 --> 00:39:30,326 I'm gonna do this so I can support you all, you know? 858 00:39:30,326 --> 00:39:32,453 This is what I'm gonna do. 859 00:39:32,453 --> 00:39:33,538 This is what I wanna do. 860 00:39:33,538 --> 00:39:35,206 And, uh, I'll make it happen. 861 00:39:40,003 --> 00:39:43,464 COMMENTATOR: 18-year-old Tyler Sammis. 862 00:39:43,464 --> 00:39:47,635 This is his BKFC as well as pro-combat sports' debut. 863 00:39:47,635 --> 00:39:52,056 A full 19 years younger than his opponent, Phil Ramer. 864 00:39:52,056 --> 00:39:54,475 MARIANA: After six weeks of intense training, 865 00:39:54,475 --> 00:39:57,979 Tyler's pro bare-knuckle debut has arrived. 866 00:39:57,979 --> 00:40:00,690 COMMENTATOR: This is the BKFC debut for Phil Ramer. 867 00:40:00,690 --> 00:40:02,025 MARIANA: It's also the first time 868 00:40:02,025 --> 00:40:05,653 that his opponent, ex-MMA fighter Phil Ramer, 869 00:40:05,653 --> 00:40:08,114 has stepped into the BKFC ring. 870 00:40:08,114 --> 00:40:10,491 COMMENTATOR: Phil Ramer said, "I think Tyler Sammis 871 00:40:10,491 --> 00:40:13,536 is going to try to stay long, work off of the jab." 872 00:40:15,246 --> 00:40:16,623 Round number one! 873 00:40:16,623 --> 00:40:18,082 MAN (off screen): Come on, Tyler! 874 00:40:18,082 --> 00:40:19,584 COMMENTATOR: White trunks for Tyler Sammis. 875 00:40:19,584 --> 00:40:21,419 Black trunks for Phil Ramer. 876 00:40:21,419 --> 00:40:24,547 Big shots! Impressive stuff from the 18-year-old Tyler Sammis. 877 00:40:24,547 --> 00:40:27,091 Counter shot. Big left hand and a right hand! 878 00:40:27,091 --> 00:40:28,760 Now circles out Ramer. 879 00:40:28,760 --> 00:40:30,803 Twenty seconds gone in round number one. 880 00:40:30,803 --> 00:40:33,640 Huge right-hand and down goes Phil Ramer. 881 00:40:33,640 --> 00:40:34,932 Sammis is fired up. 882 00:40:34,932 --> 00:40:38,519 He's waving him on. "Get up," he says. 883 00:40:38,519 --> 00:40:41,981 MARIANA: Ramer was an MMA fighter in the early 2000s, 884 00:40:41,981 --> 00:40:43,858 but he had a poor record. 885 00:40:43,858 --> 00:40:46,194 This is only his third professional fight 886 00:40:46,194 --> 00:40:48,363 in the last 16 years. 887 00:40:48,363 --> 00:40:51,157 COMMENTATOR: Ramer with a right and a left hand, eluded by Sammis. 888 00:40:51,157 --> 00:40:54,786 1:05 remaining in a ferocious and furious round number one. 889 00:40:54,786 --> 00:40:57,789 Another big right-hand. We might be done! 890 00:40:57,789 --> 00:41:00,667 And we are! Game, set, match! 891 00:41:00,667 --> 00:41:04,504 Welcome to BKFC, 18-year-old Tyler Sammis. 892 00:41:04,504 --> 00:41:06,589 And Ramer's been knocked out on his feet. 893 00:41:06,589 --> 00:41:08,132 You can see that right there. 894 00:41:08,132 --> 00:41:09,926 He's pushed into the ropes, knocked out. 895 00:41:09,926 --> 00:41:12,303 He made his pro-combat sports' debut 896 00:41:12,303 --> 00:41:14,555 with a first-round finish 897 00:41:14,555 --> 00:41:16,766 in Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. 898 00:41:16,766 --> 00:41:18,935 Shawn, you don't see a knockout like that very often 899 00:41:18,935 --> 00:41:20,853 where you hit a guy and he's on his feet 900 00:41:20,853 --> 00:41:23,106 and he's paused, you know, most of the way. 901 00:41:23,106 --> 00:41:24,857 What a knockout! What a debut! 902 00:41:32,073 --> 00:41:34,575 Sometimes your reaction time is not quite there 903 00:41:34,575 --> 00:41:36,911 but you continue to throw punches like that, 904 00:41:36,911 --> 00:41:39,497 you're opening yourself up and that's exactly what happened. 905 00:41:39,497 --> 00:41:42,125 Tyler Sammis saw that, waited for the right time, 906 00:41:42,125 --> 00:41:43,751 continued waiting for that opening 907 00:41:43,751 --> 00:41:45,461 and he landed the big punch. 908 00:41:47,672 --> 00:41:50,633 ANNOUNCER: At one minute of round number one, 909 00:41:50,633 --> 00:41:53,803 for your winner by KO, 910 00:41:53,803 --> 00:42:01,102 Tyler "Cat-5" Sammis. 911 00:42:01,102 --> 00:42:04,230 TYLER'S MOM (off screen): Yeah! That's my boy! 912 00:42:04,230 --> 00:42:06,315 He did it. He did it. He did it. He did it! 913 00:42:06,315 --> 00:42:08,067 KAYLA: Oh, my gosh. 914 00:42:08,067 --> 00:42:09,777 MARIANA: Would you say that you, you sort of have 915 00:42:09,777 --> 00:42:11,320 a little pact with the devil? 916 00:42:11,320 --> 00:42:14,699 You are dipping your toes in the unsanctioned illegal world 917 00:42:14,699 --> 00:42:19,120 so that you could then make it legal and book the BKFC. 918 00:42:19,120 --> 00:42:22,707 FELDMAN: I mean, in life, everything is risk/reward, right? 919 00:42:22,707 --> 00:42:24,000 We took a risk, I mean, 920 00:42:24,000 --> 00:42:25,126 I bet the livelihood 921 00:42:25,126 --> 00:42:26,627 of everything in my life on this thing. 922 00:42:26,627 --> 00:42:28,171 MARIANA: But I think what the critics 923 00:42:28,171 --> 00:42:29,964 would say was that, yes, you risked a lot 924 00:42:29,964 --> 00:42:32,842 but you risked your investment, um, your money 925 00:42:32,842 --> 00:42:36,095 but the biggest risk came at the expense of the actual fighters. 926 00:42:36,095 --> 00:42:37,221 What do you say to that? 927 00:42:37,221 --> 00:42:39,140 FELDMAN: I would say that generally, 928 00:42:39,140 --> 00:42:40,767 that's probably the truth. 929 00:42:40,767 --> 00:42:45,313 But when I have a guy that his coach or his manager says, 930 00:42:45,313 --> 00:42:47,398 "This kid is the real deal," 931 00:42:47,398 --> 00:42:48,733 then I'm gonna give him a shot. 932 00:42:52,320 --> 00:42:53,905 -MARIANA (off screen): Got it. -FELDMAN: They were calculated. 933 00:42:56,908 --> 00:42:59,452 TYLER'S MOM: That's my boy! (clapping) 934 00:43:00,703 --> 00:43:02,413 TYLER'S BROTHER: Good job, buddy. 935 00:43:02,413 --> 00:43:03,331 SAMMIS: 936 00:43:05,750 --> 00:43:06,918 KAYLA: Hi, baby. 937 00:43:20,306 --> 00:43:21,766 Babe! 938 00:43:21,766 --> 00:43:23,100 SAMMIS (off screen): I love you. 939 00:43:26,437 --> 00:43:27,897 Will you marry me? 940 00:43:27,897 --> 00:43:28,856 KAYLA: 941 00:43:28,856 --> 00:43:29,941 SAMMIS: Can't open this. 942 00:43:29,941 --> 00:43:31,150 KAYLA: You can't open it? 943 00:43:35,363 --> 00:43:36,781 SAMMIS: 944 00:43:37,990 --> 00:43:39,158 KAYLA: What is wrong with you? 945 00:43:39,158 --> 00:43:41,619 (people laughing, cheering) 946 00:43:42,829 --> 00:43:45,122 MARIANA: There's no doubt that BKFC 947 00:43:45,122 --> 00:43:47,375 is helping Tyler's dreams come true. 948 00:43:47,375 --> 00:43:49,627 But I wonder about the young kids 949 00:43:49,627 --> 00:43:52,296 watching these BKFC events at home. 950 00:43:52,296 --> 00:43:54,340 In most places in the world, 951 00:43:54,340 --> 00:43:57,969 there's only one option for the wannabe bare-knuckle fighter 952 00:43:57,969 --> 00:44:01,973 and that's to step into an underground ring.