Perry and Stephens Set to Collide at BKFC 82, Promoted by McGregor

Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) 82 is set to feature a headline clash between Mike Perry and Jeremy Stephens, with the event receiving promotional backing from UFC star Conor McGregor. The event is scheduled for Saturday, October 4, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

Perry, known as "Platinum," has transitioned into a prominent figure in BKFC following his departure from the UFC. He holds an undefeated 5-0 record in bare-knuckle fighting. Perry’s success in the BKFC has also led to crossover opportunities, including a boxing match against Jake Paul in the previous year. Perry has competed at weights as high as light heavyweight and is currently on a three-fight knockout streak, having defeated Thiago Alves, Eddie Alvarez, and Luke Rockhold. Perry also holds a notable bare-knuckle victory over Michael "Venom" Page, who is currently an active contender in the UFC.

Stephens, formerly a featherweight and lightweight competitor in the UFC, is moving up to welterweight for the fight against Perry. Known as "Lil Heathen," Stephens has also found renewed success in BKFC, with a 3-0 record that includes stoppages against former UFC champion Eddie Alvarez and Jimmie Rivera.

The co-main event was scheduled to feature Jimmie Rivera against UFC Hall of Famer Frankie Edgar, but Edgar withdrew from his BKFC debut. Rivera will now face short-notice replacement Timmy Mason.

Background on Mike Perry

Mike Perry’s transition to bare-knuckle fighting has been marked by a series of high-profile victories and a reinvention of his fighting career. After a tenure in the UFC that saw mixed results, Perry has found a niche in BKFC, where his aggressive style and knockout power have translated effectively.

Perry’s victory over Michael "Venom" Page is particularly noteworthy. Page, known for his unorthodox striking and agility, is a significant name in mixed martial arts. Perry’s ability to defeat Page in a bare-knuckle context highlights his adaptability and effectiveness in the discipline.

Background on Jeremy Stephens

Jeremy Stephens’ career has spanned multiple weight classes and organizations. Known for his durability and striking power, Stephens has faced some of the toughest competitors in MMA. His transition to BKFC has allowed him to showcase his skills in a different format, where his experience and grit have proven valuable.

Stephens’ victories over Eddie Alvarez and Jimmie Rivera in BKFC underscore his ability to compete at a high level in bare-knuckle fighting. Alvarez, a former UFC and Bellator champion, is a significant scalp for Stephens, while Rivera is a respected veteran in the bantamweight division.

BKFC: A Growing Promotion

The Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship has grown in popularity in recent years, attracting both established fighters from other combat sports and new talent. The promotion is known for its emphasis on striking and its unique set of rules, which differentiate it from traditional boxing and MMA.

BKFC events often feature fighters with backgrounds in boxing, MMA, and other combat sports, creating a diverse and competitive landscape. The promotion’s willingness to feature crossover fights, such as Perry’s bout against Jake Paul, has also contributed to its growing profile.

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

BKFC 82 Fight Card

Mike Perry vs. Jeremy Stephens
Jimmie Rivera vs. Timmy Mason

DAZN PPV Details

The event will be broadcast live on DAZN PPV, requiring viewers to purchase access to the stream. DAZN has become a significant player in combat sports broadcasting, securing rights to a variety of events and offering a subscription-based service for fight fans. The PPV price of $49.99 is standard for major combat sports events.

Frankie Edgar’s Withdrawal

The withdrawal of Frankie Edgar from the event has altered the landscape of the undercard. Edgar, a UFC Hall of Famer and former lightweight champion, was scheduled to make his BKFC debut against Jimmie Rivera. His withdrawal due to undisclosed reasons led to the selection of Timmy Mason as a replacement.

Mason, a relatively unknown quantity in the bare-knuckle scene, represents a significant change in opponent for Rivera. The short-notice nature of the replacement may impact Rivera’s preparation and strategy for the fight.

Prudential Center in Newark

The Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, is a multi-purpose arena that has hosted a variety of sporting events, concerts, and other entertainment. The arena has a capacity of over 17,000 for basketball and hockey games and is home to the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League (NHL).

The selection of the Prudential Center as the venue for BKFC 82 reflects the growing popularity of the promotion and its ability to attract audiences to major arenas. The event is expected to draw a significant crowd to Newark, boosting local businesses and generating excitement among fight fans.

Conor McGregor’s Promotional Role

Conor McGregor’s involvement in promoting BKFC 82 underscores the growing crossover between MMA and bare-knuckle fighting. McGregor, one of the most recognizable figures in combat sports, has used his platform to promote the event and its main attractions.

McGregor’s promotional efforts may attract a wider audience to BKFC, including fans who are primarily interested in MMA. His endorsement of the event could also lend credibility to the promotion and its fighters, further solidifying BKFC’s position in the combat sports landscape.

Betting Odds and Analysis

As the event approaches, betting odds will likely be released by various sportsbooks. These odds will provide insight into the perceived likelihood of each fighter winning their respective bouts. Analyzing betting odds can offer a statistical perspective on the matchups and help fans make informed decisions when placing wagers.

Expert analysis and predictions will also become available in the lead-up to the event. These analyses may consider factors such as each fighter’s recent performances, fighting style, and experience in bare-knuckle fighting.

Future of BKFC

The Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship is poised to continue its growth trajectory in the coming years. The promotion’s ability to attract established fighters, secure broadcast deals, and generate excitement among fans suggests a promising future.

BKFC’s unique format and emphasis on striking make it a compelling alternative to traditional boxing and MMA. As the promotion continues to evolve, it may attract even more talent and expand its reach to new markets.