Local fighter John Garbarino made his Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship debut an unforgettable one at the Wells Fargo Center on Saturday night. In front of a record-setting crowd, the Philadelphia native secured a first-round knockout victory over Apostle Spencer and followed it up with a surprise proposal to his long-time girlfriend, capping off a week that was as dramatic outside the ring as it was inside.
Garbarino shines in hometown appearance
Inside the ring, Garbarino delivered when it mattered most. In the final seconds of the opening round, he unleashed a powerful shot that sent Spencer to the canvas. While Spencer attempted to recover, the referee intervened, ending the fight to thunderous applause from the hometown crowd.
Post-fight proposal goes viral
Garbarino’s night didn’t end with his knockout victory. He invited his girlfriend into the ring to share the moment and surprised her with a marriage proposal.
After a heartfelt speech, he dropped to one knee, prompting cheers from the audience as she accepted.
The touching moment quickly gained attention on social media, adding to the fighter’s remarkable evening.
McGregor praises Garbarino’s memorable performance
Conor McGregor, who watched the fight ringside and later faced off with Jeremy Stephens, praised Garbarino for his performance and showmanship throughout the week. Taking to social media platform X, McGregor wrote:
“Bare knuckle love, #Shesaidyes. Incredible John Garbarino all the way through, just wow! On the weigh-in stage with the cannoli move, to in the ring with stellar defensive work slipping and dipping under heavy attacks so beautifully, followed then by the big one-shot KO win! And then! Praise be to Jesus Christ, he proposes to his lovely woman, and now fiancée soon to be wife! That was MAGICAL John Garbarino! Bravo!”
An event to remember
Garbarino’s win and proposal were among the highlights of BKFC’s KnuckleMania 5, which saw a record-breaking attendance of over 17,000. His performance not only solidified his reputation as a fan favourite but also set a high bar for future BKFC events in Philadelphia.
BKFC: KnuckleMania 5 featured multiple memorable bouts, including Jeremy Stephens’ TKO victory over Eddie Alvarez and Ben Rothwell’s heavyweight title win. However, Garbarino’s combination of skill, showmanship, and a heartfelt proposal ensured his night would be one to remember.
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