“I Leveled Up 3x Since November”: Montana Underdog Beats BKFC Veteran Zach Calmus
Chloe Ramirez
Published May 15, 2026
“I Leveled Up 3x Since November”: Montana Underdog Beats BKFC Veteran Zach Calmus
From a Montana underdog to a BKFC opponent, he’s leveled up in every sense of the word.
August 7, 2026
This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on August 7, 2026
On August 2, 2026, in Sturgis, South Dakota, Corey Willis, a new fighter from Montana, upset BKFC veteran Zach Calmus, showing great heart, skill, and determination in this exciting match.
And this news is trending on social media, fight forums, and Fans are talking about this surprising result from the Sturgis rally event.
A former Amateur MMA Fighter Turned Bare-Knuckle Brawler Entered the BKFC Ring with Something to Prove
Facing off against the seasoned Zach Calmus, a respected name in the sport, Corey Wills was ignored by some as a “no-name” fighter.
Calmus himself downplayed Wills’ credentials on “The Mike and Mish Show,” suggesting the Montana native was out of his depth.
But Wills had other plans.
In a recent Facebook post after the fight, he clapped back at the doubters, writing,
“I know I am the best version of me, and I leveled up 3x over since my BKFC debut last November.”
ViaAfter eight months of harsh training, he was ready to prove his strength.
The fight itself was a tale of resilience and adaptation. From the opening bell, Wills admitted to feeling overwhelmed.
The bright lights, roaring crowd, and high stakes of the Sturgis event intimidated him in the first round.
He shared,
“Don’t get me wrong the 1st round I was off script. I couldn’t hear them and Zach was fucking wild. Maybe I was star struck on the biggest stage of my career.. but During the break they calmed me down and reminded me what I needed to do.”
ViaBut his corner’s guidance proved invaluable, which helped him calm down, refocus, and stick to the game plan by the second round.
Wills used his speed to counter Calmus’ slow, predictable punches effectively.
Calmus, known for his heavy hands, brought a stronger jab than Wills expected, but preparation made the difference.
Wills’ intense training regimen allowed him to stay one step ahead, dodging Calmus’ power shots and landing crisp, calculated strikes of his own.
At the last moment came when one of Calmus’ punches scratched the back of Willi’s eye, shortly blurring his vision.
Willis admitted,
“I backed away, and thankfully I did because it was turn into BareKnuckle brawl for a second and I got the fuck out! Again I owe that to my coaches! They knew that was going to be the only way he could beat me.”
ViaInstead, he stayed disciplined, sticking to the strategy that carried him through.
By the third round, Wills was ready to release more of his game plan, but the ringside doctor stopped the fight.
Calmus, though hurt, had fought some of the toughest shots from Willis.
He said, “I hit him harder than anyone I’ve ever hit and he stayed in the fight,” tipping his hat to Calmus’ toughness.
He acknowledged that, despite the continued fighting, Calmus’s spirit might have turned the tide. “he was a warrior, a man with no quit,” he added.
This victory marks a turning point for a former amateur MMA fighter with a flawless 4-0 record and two title defenses.
But his Shift to Professional Bare-Knuckle Fighting has been full of Challenges
Starting combat sports later in life, Wills’ pro career has been a mixed bag until now, his win over Calmus at BKFC Philly proves he’s a serious opponent in the heavyweight division.
Wills’ transformation goes further than the ring, as dubbed the “Big Sky Striker,” he’s undergone a phenomenal physical and spiritual overhaul.
Shedding pounds of fat and packing on muscle, his social media shows his discipline, filled with progress photos and posts showing his strong, deep-rooted faith.
His social media is filled with biblical quotes and messages of determination that show the mindset that helped him defeat veteran Calmus.
He added: “
“I’m not gonna lie I am glad I got to share the squared circle with shark attack Zach. He was a lot tougher than I anticipated. I know now mentally I need to be like Zach and have no quit in me if I want to succeed in this sport!”
ViaAfter the win, the Sturgis upset has captured attention in the BKFC community, where Fans and analysts are excited about Willi’s speed, preparation, and composure, labeling him a rising star.
Despite being the underdog, he fought the odds, and he’s not planning to stop there.
As for Calmus, the loss stings, but his reputation as a long-lasting and dangerous fighter remains intact.
The veteran will definitely be back, looking to reclaim his spot in the BKFC hierarchy.
For Corey Wills, this win is more than just a notch on his belt, but it’s a statement.
From a Montana underdog to a BKFC opponent, he’s leveled up in every sense of the word.
With his sights set on bigger challenges, the Big Sky Striker is ready to keep climbing, one bare-knuckle brawl at a time.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Corey Willis is 6’1 “tall and 39 years old.
- He is living in Billings, Montana, with his wife Kayla Willis and five children.
- Check other Articles on
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