Bare-knuckle boxing is fundamentally a brutal sport. It doesn’t involve gloves, wrestling, or kickboxing distances—just raw, unfiltered violence at close quarters, as nature intended.
Despite its harshness, some individuals manage to find their niche within this unpredictable environment.
Mike Perry’s Rise in Bare-Knuckle Boxing
Take Mike Perry, for instance. He never gained significant recognition during his tenure in the UFC. Known for entertaining fights and a memorable personality, he wasn’t regarded as an elite fighter.
After a disappointing streak that saw him lose four out of five fights, Perry was let go from the UFC. This setback, however, ultimately proved beneficial for him.
Following a win in the now-defunct Triad Combat, Perry joined the leading organization in the burgeoning bare-knuckle boxing arena, Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC). He made his debut on February 19, 2022, winning a split decision against Julian Lane, recognized widely as the “lemme bang” guy.
Perry quickly established himself in the BKFC, securing a majority decision victory over Michael “Venom” Page. This impressive showing attracted a substantial audience, effectively making Perry the face of BKFC. His subsequent knockout victories over Luke Rockhold, Eddie Alvarez, and Thiago Alves generated considerable revenue for both him and the organization.
Success Stories in Bare-Knuckle Boxing
Other former MMA fighters transitioning to bare-knuckle boxing include Jeremy Stephens, Ben Rothwell, Thiago Alves, and John Dodson. Of this select group, two are current BKFC champions (Rothwell and Dodson), while Alves is a former titleholder. Additionally, Stephens made his way back into the UFC via BKFC.
Before Mike Perry’s ascent, Artem Lobov, a former UFC featherweight, helped to attract attention to bare-knuckle boxing. With a record of 2-1 in BKFC, Lobov headlined all three of his matches, notably garnering attention for his bout with ex-boxing champion Paulie Malignaggi on June 22, 2019, which became the promotion’s biggest event thanks to the pre-fight drama surrounding it.
Lobov’s notable traction in BKFC was largely due to his friendship with Conor McGregor. McGregor has long been interested in bare-knuckle boxing, and in April 2024, he officially announced his part ownership of BKFC, significantly boosting the league’s profile.
The Dark Side of Bare-Knuckle Boxing
While there are inspiring examples like Rothwell and Stephens, there is also a more troubling side to this journey.
Consider Greg Hardy, who was knocked out in his debut bare-knuckle boxing fight. With a history of KO losses from his NFL and UFC careers, the cumulative impact of his fights raises serious concerns about brain injuries.
Fans were especially disheartened by the recent knockout of another former UFC heavyweight, Alexei Oleynik, who is a seasoned MMA fighter with over 80 bouts. At 47, he opted for a bare-knuckle boxing match, reportedly due to financial pressures.
Concluding Thoughts on Bare-Knuckle Boxing
Bare-knuckle boxing has become a popular avenue for retired MMA fighters. For some, it serves as a way to relive past glories; for others, it represents a fresh start for their careers, while some simply view it as a lucrative opportunity to capitalize on their names.
Despite the sport’s inherent brutality, many argue that preparing for bare-knuckle boxing is more straightforward than gearing up for an MMA match.
“MMA training involves a lot of uncertainty regarding whether you’ll make it through the camp unscathed,” stated Eddie Alvarez, a former UFC lightweight champion now competing in BKFC, during an interview on “Mighty Cast.” “Boxing is much simpler in comparison.”
