Perry and Stephens Set to Clash in Highly Anticipated BKFC 82 Main Event, Promoted by Conor McGregor

NEWARK, New Jersey – Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) is poised to deliver a high-octane night of bare-knuckle action as Mike Perry squares off against Jeremy Stephens in the headline event of BKFC 82. The event, slated for Saturday, October 4, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, is further amplified by the promotional involvement of UFC superstar Conor McGregor, who has been actively promoting the event across various media platforms.

Mike Perry, a former UFC fighter, has experienced a career resurgence since transitioning to BKFC. Perry holds an unblemished 5-0 record in bare-knuckle fighting, solidifying his status as a prominent figure in the burgeoning sport. His success in BKFC led to a crossover boxing match against Jake Paul last year, broadening his exposure to a wider audience. Perry’s BKFC record includes notable victories over Thiago Alves, Eddie Alvarez, and Luke Rockhold, all via knockout. Notably, he also holds a bare-knuckle win over Michael "Venom" Page, a current UFC contender. Perry has competed as high as light heavyweight in the past.

Jeremy Stephens, another UFC veteran, joins Perry in the BKFC arena. Stephens, who previously competed at featherweight and lightweight in the UFC, will be moving up to welterweight for this highly anticipated matchup. Stephens has also found success in BKFC, boasting a 3-0 record with wins over former UFC champion Eddie Alvarez and Jimmie Rivera, both of which came by way of stoppage.

The BKFC 82 card also features a compelling matchup between Jimmie Rivera and Timmy Mason. Mason steps in as a late replacement for UFC Hall of Famer Frankie Edgar, who was forced to withdraw from his scheduled BKFC debut.

Event Details

Date: October 4
Location: Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey
Start Time: 7 p.m. ET
Live Stream: DAZN PPV
PPV Price: $49.99

Fighter Backgrounds

Mike Perry

Mike Perry, known for his aggressive fighting style and charismatic personality, has become a fan favorite in BKFC. Since leaving the UFC, Perry has fully embraced the bare-knuckle format, showcasing his power and durability. His transition to BKFC has allowed him to revitalize his career and establish himself as a top draw in the promotion.

BKFC Record: 5-0
Notable Wins: Thiago Alves (KO), Eddie Alvarez (KO), Luke Rockhold (KO), Michael "Venom" Page
Fighting Style: Aggressive, Power Puncher
Stance: Orthodox

Jeremy Stephens

Jeremy Stephens, a seasoned veteran of the UFC, brings a wealth of experience and a reputation for delivering exciting fights. Known as "Lil Heathen," Stephens is a hard-hitting fighter with a proven track record of finishing opponents. His move to BKFC has provided him with a new platform to showcase his skills and continue his combat sports journey.

BKFC Record: 3-0
Notable Wins: Eddie Alvarez (TKO), Jimmie Rivera (TKO)
Fighting Style: Aggressive, Knockout Artist
Stance: Orthodox

Historical Context

The transition of fighters from established MMA organizations like the UFC to BKFC highlights the growing appeal and legitimacy of bare-knuckle fighting. BKFC has successfully attracted notable names from the MMA world, offering them new opportunities and challenges. The involvement of prominent figures like Conor McGregor further elevates the profile of BKFC and contributes to its increasing popularity among combat sports fans.

Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship

Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) is the first promotion allowed to hold a legal, sanctioned, and regulated bare-knuckle event in the United States since 1889. Based in Philadelphia, BKFC is led by its Founder and President, David Feldman. BKFC events are primarily held in the United States but have also expanded internationally.

Rules and Regulations

BKFC fights are contested under specific rules that differentiate them from traditional boxing and MMA. Key aspects of BKFC rules include:

No Gloves: Fighters compete without gloves, using only their bare knuckles.
"Squared Circle": Fights take place in a four-rope ring with two ropes at each turnbuckle.
Clinch Restrictions: Clinching is limited to five seconds.
Backfists and Kicks Prohibited: These strikes are not allowed.
10-9 Scoring System: Similar to boxing and MMA, fights are scored using the 10-9 scoring system.

Conor McGregor’s Involvement

Conor McGregor’s promotional involvement in BKFC 82 adds significant star power to the event. McGregor, one of the most recognizable figures in combat sports, has been actively promoting the event through social media and media appearances. His association with BKFC brings increased attention and exposure to the promotion and its fighters.

Betting Odds

Betting odds for the main event and other fights on the BKFC 82 card are available on various sports betting platforms. These odds reflect the perceived probabilities of each fighter winning and provide fans with opportunities to engage with the event through wagering.

Fight Card

The BKFC 82 fight card features a mix of established BKFC fighters and newcomers to the promotion. The card includes:

Main Event: Mike Perry vs. Jeremy Stephens
Co-Main Event: Jimmie Rivera vs. Timmy Mason
Other Bouts: Additional fights featuring BKFC veterans and rising stars.

Location Significance

The Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, is a well-known venue for combat sports events. Hosting BKFC 82 at this location provides the event with a high-profile setting and ensures accessibility for fans in the New Jersey and New York metropolitan areas.

Future of BKFC

The success of BKFC 82 and the continued growth of the promotion will likely depend on several factors:

Attracting Top Talent: BKFC needs to continue attracting established fighters from MMA and boxing to build its roster and draw in fans.
Promotional Efforts: Effective marketing and promotional strategies are crucial for raising awareness and generating interest in BKFC events.
Maintaining Safety Standards: Ensuring the safety of fighters is paramount for the long-term viability of bare-knuckle fighting.
Regulatory Approval: Continued regulatory approval and sanctioning of BKFC events in various jurisdictions are essential for the promotion’s growth.

The BKFC 82 event, headlined by the clash between Mike Perry and Jeremy Stephens, marks a significant moment for the promotion. With Conor McGregor’s promotional support and a compelling fight card, BKFC 82 has the potential to further solidify BKFC’s position in the combat sports landscape.