Former BKFC lightweight champion Franco Tenaglia is set to make his highly anticipated debut with the Professional Fighters League at PFL Madrid on March 20th. Known for his diverse combat sports background, Tenaglia will face Yassin Najid inside the Smart Cage, promising an explosive start to his PFL career.
Tenaglia epitomizes the spirit of a true combatant, often stating his readiness to fight anywhere, anytime. He sees himself as a ‘real mixed martial artist,’ a title he backs up with an incredibly active schedule, often competing seven or eight times a year. His impressive resume spans boxing, bare-knuckle boxing, kickboxing, and various forms of MMA, showcasing his versatility across the combat spectrum.
Despite transitioning from fighting for meager earnings to the global PFL stage, Tenaglia reveals he hasn’t yet secured a multi-fight deal, currently engaged in negotiations. His priority, however, remains consistent activity. He views fighting not just as a profession, but as a form of therapy, emphasizing his desire for numerous bouts annually over meticulously strategized career paths. Tenaglia’s aggressive philosophy is clear: “I love to win and I always when I go there, I try to kill the guy.” He dismisses overly cautious approaches, declaring, “I’m not going to fight a timid fight… I’m going to risk it all.”
Franco Tenaglia Training with UFC Champion and UK’s Best
Tenaglia is preparing for Najid, who is recognized as a submission specialist. Tenaglia anticipates a strategic approach from his opponent: “He’s a smart guy. I don’t think he’s going to be so dumb to involve in close distance with me to exchange punches because he knows I can hit and I can take a punch.” He expects Najid to maintain distance and seek takedowns. However, Tenaglia expresses supreme confidence in his own grappling, honed by training with elite fighters like UFC champion Ilia Topuria and Michael ‘Venom’ Page at London Shoot Fighters.
“Everyone’s going to be very, very surprised about my wrestling and my ground game,” he asserts, noting that while he prefers striking, his ground victories have been swift and decisive. He further emphasizes his formidable reputation in Spain, claiming local fighters often demand higher pay to face him, a testament to their awareness of his skill level.
Tenaglia’s connection with the Spanish crowd is undeniable, having delivered thrilling performances, including his BKFC Spain championship win against Tony Soto. He affirms that fighting in front of his adopted home crowd ignites a special fire within him. “I love the Spanish crowd,” he states. “I live here. I love this country. I love these people.” While proud of his Argentinian heritage, Tenaglia feels a deep bond with Spain, aiming to showcase the “strong soldiers” ready to defend the nation, whatever the cost.
