Russians Kovalenko and Petrov compete at Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA event

Two Russian fighters competed at Jorge Masvidal's Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA event featuring Smith vs Sherman. Nikolai Kovalenko (11-2), known from RCC, dominated early but gassed badly and lost by disqualification. Denis Petrov (1-1) engaged in a brawl and knocked out his opponent after nearly being finished himself. The event also featured former UFC fighters Anthony Smith, Chase Sherman, Luis Peña, and Thiago Santos. Smith returned from retirement with a fully blacked-out arm tattoo and defeated Sherman, while Peña submitted his opponent after a groin strike. Ray Cooper III delivered the event's only spectacular knockout.