Alberto Blas, former BKFC bantamweight champion, is no longer with the promotion after a violent 2022 incident. On July 15, 2025, MMA Mania reported that Blas stabbed UFC veteran Yoel Romero with a samurai sword after a dispute at American Top Team in Miami. BKFC’s press release stated:
“BKFC values discipline, accountability, and respect for the sport both inside and outside the ring. While the athlete’s performance inside the squared circle has been exceptional, repeated incidents and conduct inconsistent with the values and image of the organization have made it necessary to part ways.”
Details of the 2022 Attack and Blas’ Career
The conflict started with a verbal argument at American Top Team’s gym in Coconut Creek, Florida. It moved to the parking lot, where Blas allegedly tried to hit Romero with his car, missing twice. He then grabbed a samurai sword from his vehicle’s trunk and struck Romero’s left arm and hand, causing a tendon injury requiring medical attention. Blas was arrested on January 4, 2022, in Miami-Dade County for attempted second-degree murder and aggravated battery. Romero attended court hearings but did not testify, and a jury acquitted Blas on all charges in December 2024. The case gained attention after Ragdoll MMA’s YouTube video highlighted it in early 2025.
Blas, undefeated at 6-0 in BKFC, won the bantamweight title with a first-round knockout of James Dennis at BKFC 52 on October 20, 2023, and defended it against Ryan Reber via unanimous decision at BKFC 62 on June 21, 2024. His last fight was a unanimous decision win over Brandon Allen at BKFC 56 on December 2, 2023. BKFC president David Feldman said:
“We have a responsibility to uphold the integrity of our promotion and the sport as a whole. There were multiple infractions that went into this decision. We wish him well in his future endeavors.” BKFC added, “BKFC remains committed to promoting world-class athletes who embody the grit and professionalism that define bare knuckle fighting. A decision regarding the future of the now-vacant 135lb title will be announced shortly.”
Blas signed with rival bare-knuckle promotion BKB after his BKFC release, allowing him to continue his career despite the acquittal. The incident and other unspecified violations have hurt his reputation. Romero, now 48, signed with BKFC in July 2025 alongside UFC veterans Thiago Santos, Derek Brunson, and Aspen Ladd. Despite the 2022 injury, he competed twice that year in Bellator, knocking out Alex Polizzi on May 13 and Melvin Manhoef on September 23, finishing with a 15-7 MMA record. He also scored knockouts in Mike Perry’s Dirty Boxing Championship in 2024 and 2025 against Duane Crespo and Ras Hylton.
