Rico Franco

Rico "Bon Bon" Franco—the relentless, high-velocity powerhouse from Grimsby who has solidified his status as one of the most exciting and destructive forces in bare-knuckle boxing history. Renowned for his iron chin, technical footwork, and a brutal power-punching style that has shattered promotional records, Franco has engineered a reputation as a fighter who doesn't just look for wins—he looks for spectacular finishes.

Before transition metrics led him to the gloveless world, Franco built a rugged, highly respectable foundation in mixed martial arts. Compiling a professional MMA record of 6-4, he discovered that his true structural calling was the raw, pure exchange of boxing.

Upon shedding the gloves entirely, "Bon Bon" instantly unlocked his final form. Combining elite head movement, deceptive agility, and devastating short-range power, he became a marquee attraction across both BKB and BKFC promotional banners.

Franco cemented his name in global combat sports folklore at BKFC 46 in Newcastle. Facing off against highly durable American favorite Kaleb "The Lion Heart" Harris, Franco unleashed an absolute masterclass of pocket boxing. He systematically dismantled Harris, dropping him a staggering nine times before securing a 5th-round stoppage. The brutal, action-packed display stands widely as one of the single most explosive performances in BKFC history.

In March 2019, Franco captured widespread European acclaim at BKB 16. Entering a grueling lightweight prizefighter tournament, he advanced to the finals by securing a jaw-dropping, highlight-reel knockout just seconds into the first round against a rising prospect named Connor Tierney—setting the baseline for a modern-day rivalry.

Franco’s pedigree has consistently pitted him against global combat icons. He has shared the squared circle in world-title caliber wars against legendary BKB king Jimmy Sweeney and former boxing world champion Austin "No Doubt" Trout in Marbella, Spain, earning immense universal respect for his unbreakable fighting spirit.

Six years of fierce regional rivalry are about to explode as Rico Franco travels straight into hostile territory to headline BKFC 90 at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham.

He stands across the ring from his old nemesis, Connor Tierney, in a massive "repeat or revenge" blockbuster. While Franco holds the psychological edge of a lightning-fast knockout win from their previous encounter, the stakes in 2026 have completely transformed. Headlining the biggest bare-knuckle event ever staged in the UK—right alongside the highly anticipated debut of co-main event star Darren Till—Franco aims to silence Tierney’s hometown crowd, shut down years of trash talk, and capture the coveted Interim BKFC World Welterweight Title.