Perry and Stephens Set to Collide in Highly Anticipated BKFC 82 Showdown

Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) is set to deliver a high-octane night of bare-knuckle action as Mike Perry and Jeremy Stephens headline BKFC 82 on Saturday, October 4, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. The event, drawing significant attention, has also seen BKFC part-owner Conor McGregor engaging in media rounds, further amplifying the anticipation.

Mike Perry, having revitalized his career through BKFC after departing from the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), enters the contest with an unblemished 5-0 record in bare-knuckle competition. Perry’s transition to bare-knuckle fighting has been marked by notable victories and a growing prominence within the sport, leading to a crossover boxing match against Jake Paul last year. Perry, who has competed at light heavyweight, is currently on a three-fight knockout streak, having secured stoppages against Thiago Alves, Eddie Alvarez, and Luke Rockhold. His record also includes a significant bare-knuckle victory over Michael "Venom" Page, an active contender in the UFC.

Jeremy Stephens, also a UFC veteran, makes the move up to welterweight to face Perry. Stephens, who competed exclusively at featherweight and lightweight during his UFC tenure, has found a resurgence in BKFC, compiling a 3-0 record. His BKFC run includes a stoppage victory over former UFC champion Eddie Alvarez and a win against Jimmie Rivera.

The co-main event was slated to feature UFC Hall of Famer Frankie Edgar’s BKFC debut against Jimmie Rivera. However, Edgar was forced to withdraw, and Rivera will now face a short-notice replacement in Timmy Mason.

Mike Perry’s BKFC Rise

Mike Perry’s transition from the UFC to BKFC has been one of the more compelling narratives in combat sports in recent years. After a mixed run in the UFC, Perry embraced the bare-knuckle format, showcasing a different dimension to his fighting style. His aggressive, forward-pressure approach has proven highly effective, leading to a series of impressive victories.

Perry’s knockout streak includes notable names such as Thiago Alves, a seasoned veteran with a long history in the UFC, and Eddie Alvarez, a former UFC and Bellator champion. His victory over Luke Rockhold, a former UFC middleweight champion, further solidified Perry’s status as a force to be reckoned with in the bare-knuckle world.

Beyond his in-ring accomplishments, Perry’s personality and willingness to engage with fans have made him a popular figure in BKFC. His crossover boxing match against Jake Paul, while not a bare-knuckle fight, brought additional attention to Perry and the BKFC promotion.

Jeremy Stephens’ BKFC Resurgence

Jeremy Stephens, known for his explosive striking and durability during his UFC career, has also found a new lease on his fighting career in BKFC. After a long and eventful run in the UFC, Stephens transitioned to bare-knuckle fighting and has quickly established himself as a top contender.

Stephens’ BKFC debut saw him face off against former UFC champion Eddie Alvarez, a highly anticipated matchup between two seasoned veterans. Stephens emerged victorious, showcasing his power and resilience. He followed up with a win against Jimmie Rivera, further solidifying his position in the BKFC welterweight division.

Stephens’ move to welterweight for the fight against Perry presents an interesting dynamic. Having spent his career at featherweight and lightweight, Stephens will be facing a larger opponent in Perry. However, Stephens’ power and experience could make him a dangerous opponent for Perry.

Undercard Adjustments

The undercard for BKFC 82 has seen some adjustments in the lead-up to the event. The most notable change is the withdrawal of Frankie Edgar from his scheduled fight against Jimmie Rivera. Edgar, a UFC Hall of Famer and former lightweight champion, was set to make his BKFC debut against Rivera, a fellow UFC veteran.

However, Edgar was forced to pull out of the fight, and Timmy Mason has stepped in as a short-notice replacement to face Rivera. Mason, a BKFC veteran, will be looking to capitalize on the opportunity to face a high-profile opponent like Rivera.

BKFC 82 Fight Card and Odds

The BKFC 82 fight card features a number of other notable matchups in addition to the main event between Perry and Stephens and the co-main event between Rivera and Mason.

How to Watch BKFC 82

BKFC 82 will be broadcast live on DAZN PPV. The event will begin at 7 p.m. ET.

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