MODERN-DAY GLADIATORS: Freestyle Bullfighting is coming to Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale

December 28, 2018
Posted by Barrett-Jackson

Barrett-Jackson events are known for providing a little something for everyone – and that doesn’t just mean the diverse offering of collectible vehicles! At the 2019 Scottsdale Auction, visitors will be able to experience a unique western sport: freestyle bullfighting from Bullfighters Only (BFO).

In the last decade, freestyle bullfighting – long a crowd favorite at rodeos – has become a premiere western sport, pitting one freestyle bullfighter against a Spanish or Mexican fighting bull. It is the ultimate competition between one man and one animal, alone in an arena in a matchup of skill, finesse and athleticism versus power, size and ferocity.

Freestyle bullfighting is up to 60 seconds of nonstop, electrifying intensity, with the spotlight tightly focused on the bullfighter and bull performing in the center of the arena.

Unlike cowboy protection, in which bullfighters work to keep bull riders and other cowboys safe and out of harm’s way, freestyle bullfighting calls for the bullfighter to engage 1,000-pound fighting bulls that are born meaner, faster and more agile than their much larger counterparts.

Completely different from traditional Latin American bullfighting, the bulls in these competitions are at no disadvantage, with BFO committed to being on the front edge of human animal handling practices. No bulls are harmed whatsoever; on the contrary, they are the pampered stars of the show.

Bred specifically for their aggression and quickness, BFO’s Spanish fighting bulls are true athletes in every sense of the word. Thanks to their natural instinct to charge, fighting bulls make the perfect “dance partners” for the human athletes. BFO’s superstar fighting bulls like “Spitfire” and “The Spaniard” are just as popular as their human counterparts, garnering serious reputations among bullfighters and fans alike for their ability to unleash devastation each time they enter the ring.

Bullfighters have a 60-second time limit and can be awarded up to 50 points for style, control and difficulty while maneuvering around and jumping over the bull. The bull, too, is judged and can be awarded up to 50 points based on his aggression, quickness and willingness to remain engaged with the fighter. While each bout can last up to one minute, the bullfighters may “declare” any time after 40 seconds, ending the fight without risking point deductions. To gain extra points, bullfighters will try and “sell” – ending the fight on a high note. Expect Superman-like leaps and death-defying feats within inches of the business end of an angry bull.

This is something you’ve never seen. This is Freestyle Bullfighting.

Freestyle Bullfighting at the Bullfighters Only Barrett-Jackson Invitational can be experienced at Barrett-Jackson on January 17-19, included with admission to the 2019 Scottsdale event. Each evening of live music and bullfighting begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Equidome at WestWorld of Scottsdale. For tickets, click HERE.

Check out this video for a taste of what you’ll see!

Barrett-Jackson sincerely thanks our sponsors for their support of the first-ever Bullfighters Only Barrett-Jackson Invitational – A Different View Productions, Cre8ive Event Rentals, Diamond Event & Tent, GTI Golf Cars, InProduction, LandCorp, Mobile Force Refueling, Pro Em National Event Services, Right Away Disposal, Southwest Earthwork, Swisstrax and United Rentals – as well as the great BFO sponsors: Hooey, FlexFit, Otterbox, Total Feeds, Wrangler and WW Livestock Systems.