Tag: BKFC

Conor McGregor teases BKFC clash with Jeremy Stephens in the future: ‘That’s an exciting fight’

Conor McGregor teases BKFC clash with Jeremy Stephens in the future: 'That's an exciting fight'Former two-weight UFC champion, Conor McGregor has been a vocal board member of the BKFC (Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship)…

Conor McGregor teases BKFC clash with Jeremy Stephens in the future: 'That's an exciting fight'

Former two-weight UFC champion, Conor McGregor has been a vocal board member of the BKFC (Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship) since striking a deal with the David Feldman-led promotion earlier this annum. And amid links to a potential move to the organization in the future, he has now suggested a grudge match with former Octagon contender, Jeremy Stephens.

McGregor, a former undisputed lightweight champion and a featherweight gold holder, has been out of action for more than three years, most recently fracturing his left tibia and fibula in a first round doctor’s stoppage TKO loss to Dustin Poirier in the main event of UFC 264.

'I don't see it': Shavkat Rakhmonov unfazed by Conor McGregor's potential welterweight push

Fracturing a toe on his left foot midway through June, McGregor was then forced from an end-of-month clash with Michael Chandler at the welterweight limit at UFC 303 during International Fight Week, however, has been linked with both December and January returns to fighting.

Conor McGregor, Michael Chandler
Image via: Getty

Conor McGregor weighs up fight with Jeremy Stephens

And retaining just two fights on his current Octagon deal, Dublin counter striker, McGregor has now added fuel to the fire on a potential move to the BKFC, claiming a bout with long-standing foe, Stephens would be an exciting pairing.

Chael Sonnen outlines Conor McGregor's comeback attempts: 'He loves to feint power'

“BARE KNUCKLE WARRIORS LETS GO!” Conor McGregor posted on his official X account. “We are live this Friday from Salt Lake City, Utah with the ladies flyweight title on the lie as our dominant world champion @CHRISTINEFEREA_ looks to defend her belt against the explosive up and coming @jademassonwong! A cracking matchup! The ladies leading the charge once again!”

“In our co-main event also we have “who the f*ck is that guy” facing off against Bobby Taylor,” Conor McGregor continued. “Me and “who the f*ck” is an exciting bare knuckle fight down the line 100%! Good luck to all our combatants! EXCITED! @bareknucklefc FIGHT WEEK! Swipe for the card and full schedule!

Nate Maness Signs With New Promotion Following Public Complaints Over Shock UFC Exit

After his well-supported push for a UFC re-signing fell on deaf ears, Nate Maness has his next career step confirmed. Maness competed seven times inside the Octagon after signing in 2020, going 5-2 and recording three finishes in the process. His only defeats came at the hands of the undefeated Umar Nurmagomedov at 135 pounds […]

Continue Reading Nate Maness Signs With New Promotion Following Public Complaints Over Shock UFC Exit at MMA News.

After his well-supported push for a UFC re-signing fell on deaf ears, Nate Maness has his next career step confirmed.

Maness competed seven times inside the Octagon after signing in 2020, going 5-2 and recording three finishes in the process. His only defeats came at the hands of the undefeated Umar Nurmagomedov at 135 pounds and ranked flyweight Tagir Ulanbekov.

Following those back-to-back losses, “Mayhem” bounced back with a first-round knockout of Mateus Mendonça last October and a decision win over Jimmy Flick this past June. But while those results built momentum for the 33-year-old, his contract was not renewed.

That decision drew plenty of backlash across the mixed martial arts community, especially when Maness revealed he was told by UFC matchmaker Mick Maynard that he was not exciting enough to remain on the 125-pound roster.

Maness Becomes Latest Ex-UFC Fighter To Join BKFC

Despite his bemusement and disappointment regarding his forced departure from the UFC being widely shared by fans and analysts, Maness will need to continue his career in combat sports elsewhere.

And more than just exiting MMA’s leading promotion, “Mayhem’s” next step sees him depart the sport as a whole for the time being.

This week, it was confirmed that Maness is BKFC bound, having signed a multi-fight deal with the top bare-knuckle boxing organization, which is part-owned by UFC star Conor McGregor and boasts the likes of Mike Perry under its banner.

“News is out. We’re @bareknucklefc bound,” Maness wrote on X.

It remains to be seen when Maness will make his debut in the BKFC ring. But when he does, the 33-year-old will look to prove that the UFC made the wrong decision by not offering him a new deal.

Continue Reading Nate Maness Signs With New Promotion Following Public Complaints Over Shock UFC Exit at MMA News.

Watch: BKFC Fighter Trevor Bozniak Dislocates Ankle, Casually Snaps It Back Like Nothing Happened

Trevor Bozniak47-year-old Bare Knuckle FC debutant Trevor Bozniak showcased elite toughness in his first appearance inside the ring. On Saturday…

Trevor Bozniak

47-year-old Bare Knuckle FC debutant Trevor Bozniak showcased elite toughness in his first appearance inside the ring.

On Saturday in Edmonton, Bozniak and his opponent, Kayden Giroux, squared off on the BKFC Prospect Series card. Both sides were looking to earn the attention of David Feldman and secure a full-time spot on the promotion’s ever-growing roster.

Just seconds into the fight, Giroux landed a massive right hand that dropped Bozniak to the canvas. As Bozniak collapsed, his ankle twisted awkwardly and fully dislocated. The referee then stopped the fight, but he then put his ankle back into place in an attempt to keep fighting.

Trevor Bozniak Snaps Ankle at BKFC Prospect Series Event

Watch Bozniak put his dislocated ankle back into place mid-fight below.

Bozniak took the loss, officially, but he could potentially be re-invited to BKFC after the injury. As for Giroux, the 6-2 amateur boxer earned his first victory in the bare-knuckle ring.

BKFC has featured many twists and turns since its inception, aside from Bozniak’s injury and self-repair. In recent years, former UFC standouts such as Mike Perry, Paige VanZant, and John Dodson have appeared inside the ring.

The BKFC Prospect Series is similar to the UFC’s Dana White’s Contender Series. Fighters like Bozniak and Giroux invited to the series compete for slots on the BKFC active roster.

As of this writing, it’s uncertain if Bozniak’s dislocated ankle was a reaggravation of a previous injury. In either case, his toughness can’t be questioned as he continues his BKFC pursuits.

Tai Emery Told Conor McGregor and BKFC that She Wouldn’t Flash The Crowd … Again

Tai Emery Told Conor McGregor and BKFC that She Wouldn't Flash The Crowd ... AgainTai Emery is getting a lot of attention these days. The Aussie burst onto the scene under the BKFC…

Tai Emery Told Conor McGregor and BKFC that She Wouldn't Flash The Crowd ... Again

Tai Emery is getting a lot of attention these days.

The Aussie burst onto the scene under the BKFC banner in September 2022 following an impressive first-round TKO against Rung-Arun Khunchai in Thailand. But as impressive as her performance was, it was her post-fight celebration that had everyone talking.

Immediately following the win, Emery hopped up onto the ropes and flashed the crowd, giving fans in Bangkok a little something extra. The incident was caught on camera and quickly went viral on social media.

A recently formed partnership between the BKFC and RIZIN sent Emery to Japan in July for a bare-knuckle scrap with Charisa Sigala at Super RIZIN 3. Emery once again scored a quick finish, leaving Sigala with a badly broken nose following a first-round TKO.

Before Emery was allowed to step inside the ring at Saitama Super Arena, she had to make some promises that her jaw-dropping celebration in ‘The Land of Smiles’ wouldn’t be repeated.

“100 percent,” Emery told MMA Mania, promising not to flash the Saitama crowd. “In every single email, every single phone call from David Feldman. I literally had to learn how to say, ‘No, I promised David Feldman and Conor McGregor that I wouldn’t flash and I wouldn’t be naughty.’ I learned how to say that in Japanese just for the sheer fact that I knew they’d ask me that.

“I had to pull that [phrase] out in some of the interviews and they were impressed.”

Tai Emery sets sights on BKFC gold and potential boxing debut

After making her big debut in Japan, Emery has a host of options, but her goal of one day claiming BKFC gold remains a top priority. With that said, Emery is more than willing to strap on a pair of boxing gloves should the opportunity present itself.

“I want the belt. I want what’s mine. That will be the moment I can finally go (exhales), okay, on top of the mountain, let’s smell one flower, and let’s get back to work,” Emery said. “Outside of that, I really want to put on the gloves and box whether that’s with RIZIN or Misfits or both. I think it’s exciting times for fighters right now.”

Check out some images from Emery’s appearance in Japan:

Tai Emery
O4PO9AGH
Tai Emery
Tai Emery

Strikeforce alum Lumumba Sayers arrested for alleged revenge killing at child’s birthday party

Strikeforce alum Lumumba Sayers arrested for alleged revenge killing at child's birthday partyLumumba Sayers, a former fighter under the now-defunct mixed martial arts promotion, Strikeforce, as well as the BKFC (Bare…

Strikeforce alum Lumumba Sayers arrested for alleged revenge killing at child's birthday party

Lumumba Sayers, a former fighter under the now-defunct mixed martial arts promotion, Strikeforce, as well as the BKFC (Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship), has been arrested after he allegedly shot and killed a man in a revenge attack at a child’s birthday party. 

Sayers, 46, last competed in combat sports earlier this year at a BKFC Prospect Series event, landing a first round knockout win over Jeremy Morrison inside just 12-seconds.

lumumba

And according to an arrest affidavit obtained by Denver7 earlier this week, the previously mentioned, Lumumba Sayers was arrested on Saturday last, after he is alleged to have shooting a man in the head after approaching him at a child’s birthday party at Pioneer Park in Commerce City.

sayers

Lumumba Sayers arrested for alleged revenge killing

Sayers, who remains in police custody in Adams County, Colorado – has been charged with first-degree murder and felony menacing charges, with his bond currently set at $1,000,000, as per court records obtained by MMA Fighting. 

The alleged victim in the incident surrounding Sayers was indentified as Malcolm Watson, who is believed to be an associate of another man who has been accused of murdering Lumumba Sayers’ son during a shooting in August of last year. 

The affidavit obtained by Denver7 revealed how it stated that “this murder was probably in retaliation or revenge”. 

Sayers in alleged to have approached the above-mentioned Watson, 28, before shooting him “in the head at close range”. Furthermore, Sayers is also alleged to have went back to the body of Watson in a bid to shoot him for a second time before his weapon malfunctioned. 

lumumba sayers

Over the course of his mixed martial arts career, which ended back in 2014, Sayers ended his career in the sport in the midst of a three-fight losing run, all coming via stoppage which included a first round triangle loss to former UFC title challenger, Anthony Smith.

In his most recent professional mixed martial arts win, Sayers defeated Scott Smith with a first round guillotine choke submission win at Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey.

Just Bleed: Britain Hart and Taylor Starling’s Gruesome Title Fight at BKFC 63 – Highlights

Britain Hart, Taylor StarlingBare Knuckle FC strawweight champion Britain Hart retained her title in a wild fight against Taylor Starling at BKFC…

Britain Hart, Taylor Starling

Bare Knuckle FC strawweight champion Britain Hart retained her title in a wild fight against Taylor Starling at BKFC 63.

Hart defeated Starling by unanimous decision in the BKFC 63 main event on Saturday in Sturgis, South Dakota. After weeks of bad blood brewed between her and Starling, Hart backed up the pre-fight trash talk with one of the most impressive performances of her fighting career.

Hart vs. Starling lived up to the pre-fight hype as the two bare-knucklers threw wild exchanges over five rounds of action.

WATCH: Britain Hart Outpoints Taylor Starling At BKFC 63

Check out some of the highlights from Hart vs. Starling below.

Hart has now won five consecutive fights since a loss to Christine Ferea at BKFC: KnuckleMania 2 in 2022. She won the inaugural BKFC women’s strawweight strap by defeating Charisa Sigala at BKFC 29.

After winning the belt, Hart hasn’t slowed down, defending the title three times over the likes of Melanie Shah and Jenny Clausius. An up-and-down start to her bare-knuckle boxing career has been followed up by wins in nine of her last ten fights.

Starling’s loss to Hart came after a unanimous decision win over Jenny Clausius in the BKFC Prospect Series in January. Before that, she defeated the likes of Sigala, Hannah Guy, and Cassie Robb in the BKFC ring.

Hart’s star power grew when she defeated former UFC star Page VanZant at BKFC KnuckleMania 1 in Feb. 2021. She followed up the VanZant win with victories over Pearl Gonzalez and Bec Rawlings en route to the strawweight title win.

Hart’s win wasn’t the only standout performance from an eventful night at BKFC 63. Heavyweight Sam Shewmaker and middleweight Josh Dyer earned wild knockouts that sent the Sturgis crowd into a frenzy.

Hart’s latest title win came with UFC superstar Conor McGregor sitting ringside. The former two-division UFC champion holds a stake in BKFC ownership.