06/26/2025
🎂 Join us in wishing a HUGE HAPPY BIRTHDAY to BFC’s head honcho, the legendary Joe Ancona.
Some people may not know this, but Joe was PIVOTAL in getting MMA, kickboxing Muay Thai, licensed, sanctioned and regulated in the state of Louisiana.
As a U.S. kickboxing champion, legendary MMA coach, long-time gym owner, boxing coach and kickboxing coach, Joe was one of the first kickboxing and MMA promoters in the state, receiving his kickboxing promoter’s license in 1981.
He’s put on over 80 MMA and kickboxing events, lending his knowledge of the sport and business to get Louisiana regional MMA on the map.
BFC started as the Battle of New Orleans with shows only in the NOLA area until he expanded his team to add the cities of Lafayette and Baton Rouge to his promotion, rebranding as Bayou Fighting Championship. Now he’s set his focus back on New Orleans and building the combat sports community.
BFC has seen many fighters move on to high-level MMA platforms like Bellator MMA and the UFC, which was Ancona’s dream the whole time: to be a grass roots organization showcasing regional athletes on their way up to extreme high-level competition.
Noticing how combat sports can have an impact on young people’s lives and have them in the gym and off the streets led Joe to start his non-profit Martial Arts for Kids (MAK). MAK aims to empower young individuals through martial arts, boxing, wrestling & combat sports training, instilling values such as discipline, confidence, and respect into NOLA area youth. MAK collaborates with local schools, gyms, youth groups, coaches & instructors to offer classes in various disciplines, including kickboxing, boxing, wrestling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, combat sports and mixed martial arts. Through generous donations from individuals, businesses, grants, and fundraising events MAK provides scholarships and covers the costs of classes, uniforms, and equipment for children in need.
Thank you, Joe, for everything you’ve done to move the needle for combat sports being more prevalent and accepted in Louisiana. You have coached a lot of people in this sport and you are loved by many. Happy birthday.
