Melvin Guillard will not be competing at BKFC’s Knucklemania 2 after all.
Despite suffering losses in 13 of his previous 14 combat sports bouts, Guillard was slated to face Uly Diaz, a recent title challenger, at the promotion’s Feb. 19 event in Hollywood, Fla. On Thursday, it was revealed in a news release by The Association of Boxing Commissions that the Florida State Athletic Commission, under the jurisdiction of executive director Patrick Cunningham, has denied the booking due to “a serious concern” for Guillard’s health.
“In checking the the certified ABC record sourced, BoxRec and the MMA database, it was determined Guillard is suspended and requires a neurological exam,” the release states. “But even if he cleared that, Guillard has lost the past four BKB bouts and lost nine mixed martial arts events in a row.
“His final fight took place at an unannounced event in Montana, which doesn’t have an operating commission .”
After suffering three straight losses to Justin Gaethje, Derek Campos and Brandon Girtz between November 2014 and February 2016, Guillard picked up a knockout win over David Rickels at Bellator 159 in July 2016. However, Guillard tested positive for a non-performance enhancing drug and was subsequently suspended for one year, while his win was overturned to a no-contest.
Guillard suffered losses in his next 10 fights between MMA and bare-knuckle competition — eight via stoppage — including knockout losses to Israel Adesanya and Takanori Gomi. He was knocked out in the first round by Joe Riggs, an ex-UFC fighter. In October, Guillard sustained five orbital fractures.
After suffering a TKO defeat by Thiago Alves in a wild title bout at BKFC in June, Diaz now needs a new opponent to help him get his chances of getting back into the win column. Diaz holds a three second KO victory over Donelei Benedetto in BKFC in Novembermeber HTML1.
The ABC stated they are “not opposed” to bare-knuckle boxing. The commission sets the standards but has no authority over any individual commissions. However, it does have concerns about fighters older than 35 who have many bouts.
“Most of these fighters are not active for a prolonged period,” said the statement. “Therefore, the Association of Boxing Commissions Medical Committee is especially concerned that athletes competing ‘recycling’ may be at higher risks for acute and chronic injuries.”
ABC president Mike Mazzulli commended the Florida Athletic Commission for their due diligence and hopes BKFC will take a close look at their fighter roster.
“We hope that BKFC will review their rosters to make the sport more enjoyable for all fighters,” Mazzulli stated. “If not, the ABC and the member commissions will be ready to hold their feet to the fire.”
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