Former WWE Star Rezar (Gzim Selmani) Confirms Bare-Knuckle Boxing Debut with BKFC in England

Gzim Selmani, widely recognized by his professional wrestling moniker Rezar as one half of the formidable Authors of Pain (AOP) in WWE, has officially committed to a bare-knuckle fighting career, with his debut bout slated for the upcoming Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) event in Newcastle, England. The 31-year-old combatant is scheduled to face Daniel Curtin in a heavyweight contest on March 14, marking a significant transition back to legitimate combat sports following an extensive tenure in professional wrestling.

The announcement was made by promotion officials after Selmani finalized his contract with BKFC. Initial speculation had placed Selmani’s debut at the high-profile KnuckleMania VI event, but the organization confirmed his first bare-knuckle appearance would instead take place on the March card. This event is set to feature former BKFC heavyweight champion Mick Terrill in the main event against Ghost McFarlane, highlighting the continued expansion and growing talent pool within the bare-knuckle boxing circuit, particularly in the United Kingdom.

Selmani’s journey through combat sports has been varied and noteworthy, encompassing a foundational period in mixed martial arts (MMA) before his prominent career in professional wrestling. Born in Huizen, Netherlands, Selmani embarked on his professional MMA career in 2012, quickly establishing a reputation for his powerful striking and grappling prowess. Over a two-year span, he compiled a professional record of four wins and two losses. His early career saw him compete across various European promotions, securing victories primarily via knockout or submission, showcasing a well-rounded skill set.

A pivotal moment in Selmani’s MMA trajectory occurred in March 2014 when he faced current UFC heavyweight contender Ante Delija. This bout, held under the Final Fight Championship banner, resulted in a first-round knockout loss for Selmani. Delija, a seasoned Croatian fighter with a strong record, represented a significant step up in competition, and the experience provided Selmani with invaluable insight into the elite levels of heavyweight MMA. Later that year, Selmani made his solitary appearance for Bellator MMA at Bellator 130, where he suffered a TKO loss to Thomas Vasquez. This marked his final professional MMA fight before pivoting entirely to the world of professional wrestling, a move that would elevate his public profile considerably.

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In 2015, Selmani signed with WWE, joining their developmental territory, NXT. There, he formed a formidable tag team known as the Authors of Pain (AOP) with Sunny Dhinsa, who competed as Akam. Managed initially by the legendary Paul Ellering, AOP quickly rose through the ranks of NXT, characterized by their dominant, no-nonsense style and physical intensity. Their ascent culminated in capturing the NXT Tag Team Championship at NXT TakeOver: San Antonio on January 28, 2017, where they defeated #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa). They held the titles for 152 days before dropping them to SAnitY at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn III in August 2017.

Following their impactful run in NXT, AOP made their main roster debut on WWE Raw in April 2018. Their transition was marked by a shift in management, as they eventually aligned with Drake Maverick, who served as their comedic and strategic mouthpiece. This partnership proved successful, leading to the Authors of Pain capturing the WWE Raw Tag Team Championship on November 5, 2018, by defeating Seth Rollins in a handicap match, with Rollins defending alone after Dean Ambrose walked out. They reigned as champions for 35 days, solidifying their status as one of WWE’s premier tag teams.

Selmani and Dhinsa experienced their first release from WWE in September 2020, amidst a period of widespread roster cuts by the company. However, their partnership was rekindled when they were re-signed to new deals in 2023, signaling a potential return to WWE programming. Despite the re-signing, their second stint with the company did not result in a televised return to the ring, and both Selmani and Dhinsa were once again released in 2025. This second release effectively closed the chapter on their WWE careers, paving the way for Selmani’s full-time return to competitive combat sports.

The decision to join BKFC represents a calculated risk and a fresh start for Selmani. Bare-knuckle boxing, while a distinct discipline, shares certain fundamental elements with both MMA and professional wrestling – primarily the need for physical toughness, strategic striking, and a compelling persona. BKFC has rapidly grown in popularity by attracting athletes from various combat sports backgrounds, including former UFC fighters, boxers, and, increasingly, professional wrestlers looking for new challenges and opportunities. The raw, unfiltered nature of bare-knuckle fighting, where fighters compete without gloves, demands a different level of resilience and precision compared to gloved boxing or MMA.

Selmani’s opponent, Daniel Curtin, will be looking to leverage his experience within the BKFC ruleset. While specific details on Curtin’s bare-knuckle record are being compiled, local UK fighters often bring a robust background in amateur boxing, Muay Thai, or other stand-up disciplines, coupled with an inherent toughness that aligns with the BKFC ethos. The heavyweight division in BKFC is known for its explosive power and quick finishes, making every exchange critical.

The BKFC Newcastle event on March 14 is poised to be a significant card for the promotion’s international footprint. Headlined by Mick Terrill, a former BKFC heavyweight champion known for his aggressive style and knockout power, against Ghost McFarlane, the event aims to further establish BKFC’s presence in the competitive European fight market. Selmani’s inclusion adds a layer of intrigue, drawing interest from both professional wrestling fans curious about his transition and bare-knuckle enthusiasts eager to see how a physically imposing athlete with his combat sports pedigree will adapt to the unique demands of the squared circle without gloves.

For Gzim Selmani, this debut is more than just a fight; it is a declaration of his intent to re-establish himself as a legitimate force in combat sports. His impressive physique, forged through years of professional wrestling and prior MMA training, suggests he possesses the physical attributes necessary for bare-knuckle success. However, the intricacies of the sport, including managing cuts, adapting to the impact on bare hands, and maintaining composure in high-pressure situations, will be the ultimate test. As March 14 approaches, all eyes will be on Newcastle to witness the next chapter in the career of a fighter determined to make his mark, bare knuckles and all.

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