Stepping into the heart-pounding industry of bare-knuckle boxing, Chris Jensen, widely known as “Big Boy,” has made his mark not only as a seasoned fighter but as a passionate matchmaker and consultant. With Valor Bare Knuckle, he’s found the perfect arena to showcase his unwavering dedication and commitment to this electrifying sport.

The Seeds of Passion

Chris’s journey into combat sports wasn’t happenstance; it was a calling. Gracie Tampa, his original team, kindled the flames of his passion, eventually leading him into the MMA world. “Gracie Tampa was my original team, and they inspired me to compete in jiu-jitsu, which ultimately landed me in the MMA world,” Chris reminisces.

A Seamless Transition to Bare-Knuckle Boxing

The transition to bare-knuckle boxing was, for Chris, more of a natural progression than a stark transition. It became his calling as soon as it became legal. His dedication to the sport is evident in his straightforward words: “There wasn’t much of a transition for me; it just became legal! If you ask anyone that knows me, I like to fight!”

Influences Along the Way

In the world of combat sports, mentors and guiding figures play a pivotal role in shaping one’s journey. For Chris, Joe Valdez, the owner of RFC (Real Fighting Championships), has been instrumental. “Joe Valdez gave me my first chance at fighting, matchmaking, TV hosting, and believing in me,” Chris says. The belief and trust Valdez had in him are cherished as pivotal moments.

An Impressive Track Record

Chris Jensen’s career in combat sports has seen him contribute to numerous Florida promotions, showcasing his skills as a fighter, matchmaker, and consultant. “A lot of Florida promotions used my talents! RFC, AFC, FCF, WCFL, Nature Coast Fight League, and many more!” Chris elaborates.

The Future of Bare-Knuckle Boxing

With his two decades of experience in combat sports, Chris is convinced that bare-knuckle boxing has a meteoric future. He envisions it will become a highly popular and globally recognized combat sport in the next five years. “Not only will this sport be mainstreamed in five years, but I think it will be one of the most watched and talked-about competitive arrangements that we can see between humans,” he boldly predicts.

Chris “Big Boy” Jensen

Challenges and Responsibilities

One of the challenges Chris faces in his role as a matchmaker and consultant is to help fighters understand their own promotional value. He emphasizes the importance of fighters realizing how much control they have over their brand’s growth. He notes, “It’s really hard to explain to a fighter how much in control they really are of their own promotional value.”

Preparing for Battle

Chris believes that the essence of preparation for bare-knuckle boxing is not significantly different from other combat sports. “As far as preparations and management go, it’s not much more different than any of the other combat sports. The only difference between bare-knuckle and the others is he might get some prettier scars and lose teeth a little bit faster than you would in any gloved sport,” he explains.

A Memorable Upcoming Event

The imminent Valor BK2 event holds a special place in Chris’s heart. Scheduled for October 27 in Jacksonville, Florida, it promises to be one of the most significant events he’s ever been a part of. “Right this minute, we are literally days away from the moon’s largest bare-knuckle event that I have personally ever had anything to do with. My whole life will change because I will have made my thumbprint in the world of matchmaking Bareknuckle with Valor BK2,” Chris expresses his excitement.

A Glimpse into the Future

With an infectious enthusiasm and a wealth of experience, Chris sees himself continuing to educate, influence, and entertain within the world of bare-knuckle boxing. His commitment to making the sport grow and building it for a global audience is unwavering. He intends to further evolve his role and influence within the sport, all while keeping an eye out for new talents.

A Vision for Bare-Knuckle Boxing

Addressing the misconceptions around bare-knuckle boxing, Chris emphasizes that the sport is not just a barbaric display of chaos. He believes it is a pure and primal form of striking. Regarding the sport’s biggest challenge, he hopes that more states will legalize bare-knuckle boxing. In his eyes, the sport is not any more dangerous than gloved combat sports and deserves the same recognition and acceptance.

Chris Jensen’s journey in the world of bare-knuckle boxing continues to be an inspiring odyssey. He’s set to make a significant impact with Valor BK2, an event that holds immense promise and excitement. As he strides into the future, Chris brings with him a passion for the sport and a determination to carve his legacy in the world of bare-knuckle boxing.

Chris Jensen at ValorBK1