Chris Camozzi Retires After Slugfest With Esteban Rodriguez at BKFC 88

The former BKFC cruiserweight champion called it a career after 54 professional fights, including seven in the bare-knuckle circle.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 10:27am

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An abstract, expressionist painting in neon colors depicting the intense physicality and raw energy of a bare-knuckle boxing match, with the fighters' forms dissolving into a chaotic blur of brushstrokes.Camozzi's final fight in the bare-knuckle circle was a bloody, all-out war that encapsulated his gritty, warrior spirit.Denver Today

After 54 professional fights, including seven in the bare-knuckle circle, Chris Camozzi announced his retirement from fighting following a loss to Esteban Rodriguez in the main event of BKFC 88 in Denver. The 39-year-old former BKFC cruiserweight champion said he made the decision to retire during fight week, wanting to focus on his family and upcoming fatherhood.

Why it matters

Camozzi was one of the most successful fighters in the young history of bare-knuckle boxing, compiling a 4-3 record that included two championship victories. His slick southpaw style and elite head movement made him a dominant force in the brutal sport, though he ultimately fell short in his quest to regain the cruiserweight title.

The details

In the BKFC 88 main event, Camozzi and Rodriguez engaged in a bloody slugfest, with Camozzi appearing to take control before a well-placed punch to his eye led to the first knockout loss of his bare-knuckle career. Camozzi had only been finished by knockout once in his 42 professional MMA fights and had never lost inside the distance in kickboxing, making Rodriguez the first fighter to truly beat him that way.

  • Camozzi announced his retirement decision during fight week for BKFC 88.
  • The BKFC 88 main event took place on Friday, April 17, 2026 in Denver, Colorado.

The players

Chris Camozzi

A 39-year-old veteran fighter who competed in 54 professional fights, including seven in the bare-knuckle boxing circuit. Camozzi was a former BKFC cruiserweight champion, compiling a 4-3 record in the promotion.

Esteban Rodriguez

Camozzi's opponent in the BKFC 88 main event, who delivered the first knockout loss of Camozzi's bare-knuckle career.

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What they’re saying

“I wanted to do this here in Denver, tell everybody thank you. I decided this week that win, lose, draw, anything, I'm retiring. My life is getting busy. I got a daughter on the way next month. I want to be a family man and be present for my kid, so I decided before with my team here, I'm going out throwing. This is how I wanted to go out. I'd like to go out winning, but either way, I was going to go out giving it all.”

— Chris Camozzi

The takeaway

Camozzi's retirement marks the end of an era for one of the most successful fighters in the short history of bare-knuckle boxing. Though he came up short in his final bout, Camozzi's slick southpaw style and warrior mentality made him a fan favorite and a dominant force in the brutal sport.