The Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) recently took center stage with a series of significant announcements, highlighted by the prominent involvement of co-owner Conor McGregor. Speaking at the BKFC Champions Summit press conference, McGregor not only addressed the immediate future of one of the promotion`s biggest stars but also unveiled a strategic influx of established talent from the mixed martial arts and boxing worlds, signaling a clear intent for expansion and increased visibility.
Central to the discussion was the return of Mike Perry, often dubbed “The King of Violence” and a key figure in BKFC. After a brief foray into professional boxing, Perry`s bare-knuckle comeback has been anticipated. McGregor, exercising his role as co-owner with a touch of theatrical flair, confirmed Perry`s next bout date and added a layer of managerial oversight. Addressing Perry directly, McGregor emphasized his position, stating, “You`re welcome back because I welcomed you back. Oct. 11 is your date, and you`ll dance for me, boy. You`ll dance for the owner, and then we can talk.” This directive underscores McGregor`s hands-on approach to the promotion`s operations and fighter trajectories.
Perry, for his part, had previously expressed interest in a potential high-profile bare-knuckle clash with McGregor himself. While McGregor remains contractually bound to the UFC for his primary combat sports endeavors, he has openly discussed testing the waters of bare-knuckle boxing in the future. Before any such potential marquee matchup, however, McGregor indicated that Perry faces a significant test. He teased a formidable opponent for the October 11th date, described as “one of the baddest men to ever grace the Ultimate Fighting Championship,” the specific name of whom remains undisclosed but is intended to be a high-caliber challenge for Perry`s return bout.
Beyond the immediate focus on Perry, the press conference served as a platform to announce a wave of new fighter acquisitions, significantly bolstering the BKFC roster with experienced names. Headlining these signings is Yoel Romero, a former UFC middleweight title challenger known for his explosive athleticism and remarkable longevity. At 48 years old, Romero`s transition to bare-knuckle following recent activity in hybrid combat formats represents a major coup for BKFC, bringing instant name recognition and a built-in fanbase.
The recruitment drive didn`t stop with Romero. BKFC also announced the signing of Thiago Santos, another former UFC title challenger known for his striking prowess, who seeks a fresh start in the bare-knuckle format. They are joined by other notable UFC veterans including Derek Brunson and Aspen Ladd, adding depth and competitive legitimacy across different weight classes. Furthermore, former boxing champion James DeGale was announced as a new signee, indicating BKFC`s continued strategy of integrating talent from pure boxing backgrounds into its unique rule set.
These announcements collectively paint a picture of a promotion actively pursuing a higher profile through strategic fighter recruitment and leveraging the star power of its ownership, particularly Conor McGregor. By bringing in established, recognizable names, BKFC is clearly aiming to elevate its competitive landscape and attract a broader audience, positioning itself as a significant player in the evolving combat sports ecosystem, all under the watchful and directive eye of “The Notorious” co-owner.
Marcus Blakely