Former BKFC fighter stabbed Yoel Romero with samurai sword in 2022, later acquitted for attempted second-degree murder

Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) announced last month that it terminated its relationship with Bantamweight champion, Alberto Blas, because of unprofessional conduct.

In a press release, BKFC outlined the reasons for the decision:

BKFC values discipline, accountability, and respect for the sport both inside and outside the ring. While the athlete’s performance inside the squared circle has been exceptional, repeated incidents and conduct inconsistent with the values and image of the organization have made it necessary to part ways.

“We have a responsibility to uphold the integrity of our promotion and the sport as a whole. There were multiple infractions that went into this decision. We wish him well in his future endeavors,” said BKFC president David Feldman.

BKFC remains committed to promoting world-class athletes who embody the grit and professionalism that define bare knuckle fighting. A decision regarding the future of the now-vacant 135lb title will be announced shortly.

One of Blas’ reported infractions has recently come to public attention, revealing a serious incident from 2022 in which he was arrested in Miami-Dade County, Fla., on charges of attempted felony murder, causing injury and battery.

The victim was reportedly former three-time Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) title challenger (and newly-signed BKFC fighter), Yoel Romero.

MMA YouTube channel Ragdoll MMA recently released a video about the incident, and an anonymous source cited in the video described the incident.

According to the video, it reportedly began with a verbal altercation between Blas and Romero at American Top Team. The argument escalated and moved to the parking lot, where Blas allegedly attempted to strike Romero with his car. After missing Romero twice, Blas reportedly exited his vehicle, retrieved a sword from his trunk, and struck Romero twice in the arm and hand.

Romero was hospitalized to treat his injuries, which included a damaged tendon in his arm, according to multiple sources confirming the incident to MMAmania.com. Authorities were notified, and Blas was later arrested and charged with attempted felony second-degree murder and misdemeanor battery.

Romero attended all court dates, but did not testify, and Blas was ultimately acquitted by a jury on all charges back in Dec. 2024.

The incident was not widely publicized at the time, with Romero reportedly keeping the matter private. MMAmania.com has verified the details of the incident through multiple sources, confirming its accuracy.

What makes this incident even crazier is that Romero competed twice in 2022, even though he had a damaged tendon, stopping both of his opponents (watch highlights).

Since his release from BKFC, Blas has signed with rival bareknuckle promotion, BKB.

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