Two Russian Fighters Compete at Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA Event

Russian fighters Nikolai Kovalenko (11-2) and Denis Petrov (1-1) competed at Jorge Masvidal's Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA event featuring Smith vs Sherman. Kovalenko, known from RCC and Titans appearances, dominated early but fatigued severely and lost by disqualification. Petrov knocked out his opponent despite nearly being finished himself. Former UFC fighters Anthony Smith, Chase Sherman, Luis Pena, and Thiago Santos also competed. Smith returned from retirement with a fully blacked-out arm tattoo and defeated Sherman. The event featured bare-knuckle MMA but was described as underwhelming with mediocre production, mostly boring fights, and past-their-prime fighters despite the unique format.