Kai Stewart to Defend Featherweight Title for Fifth Time on Friday
Kai Stewart aims to defend his BKFC featherweight belt for a fifth time on Friday. The Montana native, now based in Spokane, headlines BKFC 87 Hollywood. He will face European featherweight champion Nico Gaffie in Hollywood, Florida.
The matchup
Stewart brings an undefeated 8-0 record into the fight. Gaffie arrives with a 4-1 mark and a reputation for knockouts. The bout will pit Stewart’s clinch-heavy game against Gaffie’s stand-up power.
Stewart measures about 5-foot-6 with a 70-inch reach. Gaffie is listed at 5-foot-4 with a 66-inch reach. Those dimensions figure into the bout’s tactical narrative.
Fighting styles and strategy
Stewart draws on a wrestling background to control the clinch. He uses that position to land short, damaging strikes and to manage distance. Gaffie prefers to stand and trade, seeking a decisive finish.
The Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship rules allow clinching but ban ground fighting. That ruleset suits Stewart’s ability to pressure an opponent across multiple rounds.
Preparation and mindset
Stewart began formal boxing training in 2021. Since his last win in April, he completed multiple fight camps for bouts that later fell through. He says those extra camps improved his conditioning and weight cut.
Strength and conditioning coach Dr. Dylan Lemery credited Stewart for a high work rate. Stewart has said he prefers to grind opponents down over five rounds rather than seek risky, single-shot finishes.
What’s at stake
The winner will leave Hollywood’s Hard Rock Hotel and Casino with the featherweight crown intact or reclaimed. Stewart hopes to keep building his profile by facing top competition in BKFC.
He has previously shared ambitions to bring a Bare Knuckle event to Spokane Arena. For now, he will focus on retaining the title this Friday.
Event details
BKFC 87 Hollywood: Stewart vs. Gaffie is set for Friday at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Fla. The event begins at 5 p.m. Eastern. Fans can stream the card on BKFC+ and Fubo TV.
Filmogaz.com will cover fight night and provide post-fight analysis and results.
