BKFC’S LIBERTY BRAWL: JOHNNY ‘CANNOLI’ GARBARINO VS. MIKE ‘THE MARINE’ RICHMAN ANNOUNCED AS FEATURE FIGHT FRIDAY, JULY 3 AT THE XFINITY MOBILE ARENA

Philadelphia, PA (May 28, 2026) Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), The World’s Fastest Growing Combat Sports Promotion, has announced the Feature Fight at Liberty Brawl, a Middleweight Rivalry Clash between Undefeated Philly Sports Fan Favorite Johnny ‘Cannoli’ Garbarino, (4-0, 4 KOs) and Former Two-Time BKFC World Champion and #5 Ranked Mike ‘The Marine’ Richman, (8-3), of Rosemount, MN.

Liberty Brawl, Philadelphia’s 250th Anniversary Celebration of America, is set for Friday, July 3 emanating from the Xfinity Mobile Arena. Tickets are Now On-Sale and can be purchased online at BKFC.com. Liberty Brawl marks the third BKFC event at the Xfinity Mobile Arena; the previous two historical record setting sellouts taking place at Knuckle Mania VI on January 25, 2025 (Attendance 17,762) and Knuckle Mania VI on February 7, 2026 (Attendance 18, 217).

“Johnny ‘Cannoli’ Garbarino has become one of the most popular professional athletes in Philly with his exciting victories along with his fan friendly style and charisma,” said David Feldman, Founder and President of BKFC. “However, Mike Richman is one of the most accomplished and baddest men we’ve had in BKFC. This is an explosive matchup and one that truly belongs on this monumental card celebrating the 250th Anniversary of our country.”

“Our last two events at Xfinity Mobile Arena have sold-out and I strongly encourage fans to purchase tickets in advance for this can’t miss Philly event.”

Said Johnny Garbarino, “BKFC’s Liberty Brawl in Philadelphia is going to be special for me. Fighting a veteran like Mike Richman on one of the biggest stages of my career is exactly the type of challenge I asked for. I always said that in order to be the best you have to beat the best. I’m fighting to prove that I belong amongst the top names in BKFC.”

“On July 3rd, in historic South Philadelphia at the Xfinity Mobile Arena, I plan on making history. Not just Philadelphia sports history, but world combat sports history. I believe the fireworks are going to come a day early this year, and cannoli’s are gonna fly.”

“This isn’t just another venue to me, this is my backyard. I grew up blocks from this arena. I played here as a kid, fought here as a man, and built my name in this city. These aren’t just fans to me. These are my people. We come from the same blood. The blood of Italian Americans. Nobody comes into South Philadelphia expecting to take my place in front of my people. July 3 is going to be my night, and a memorable night for the fans. I promise.”

Stated Mike Richman, “This kid will be a star one day just not against me! I’m not the star gate keeper. I’m still fighting for gold! Let’s F*cking go!”

Among the most popular stars in the sport’s rich city of Philadelphia, the hard-hitting Johnny Garbarino burst onto the BKFC scene with a first-round stoppage against Apostle Spencer at KnuckleMania V. Following the victory, Garbarino proposed to his future wife Gianna to the roar of the crowd inside the sold-out Xfinity Mobile Arena. Additional knockout victories in front of his massive local fan base have come against Rayne Wells (KO-1), Erik Lopez (KO-2) and most recently against Kaine Tomlinson Jr. at KnuckleMania VI. A longtime chef specializing in Italian cooking, Garbarino has also impressed fans and media with the ‘distributing’ of cannoli’s at press events resulting in numerous viral moments.

Mike Richman first attained world title glory at BKFC-31 stopping fellow contender Isaac Doolittle in the third round garnering the BKFC Light Heavyweight World Title. He reclaimed the title with a stunning first round knockout of Jared Warren on December 21, 2024. In his Philly debut at KnuckleMania VI, Richman won a dominant decision over battle-tested veteran Joe Elmore. Among the world champions and top contenders Richman has fought in memorable battles include; Lorenzo Hunt, David Mundell, Josh Dyer, Erick Lozano, David Rickels and Dakota Cochrane.

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Previously announced and fighting in the Main Event at Liberty Brawl for the vacant BKFC Lightweight World Title, Undefeated and #2 Ranked Pound-for-Pound Fighter Austin ‘No Doubt’ Trout, (5-0), of Las Cruces, NM faces #1 Divisionally Ranked Lightweight and Former World Champion Ben ‘The Bomber’ Bonner, (5-2), of Yorkshire, United Kingdom.

Co-headlining, BKFC Female Fighting Legend, Britain Hart, (10-3), of Bedford, VA defends her BKFC Strawweight World Title against #1 Divisionally Ranked and Undefeated Challenger Sarah ‘TNT’ Shell, (3-0), of Chandler, AZ.

Additional fight announcements for Liberty Brawl will be forthcoming.

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