What's Happening?
UFC Hall of Famer Frankie Edgar is coming out of retirement to compete in a bare-knuckle boxing match. Edgar, 43, will face fellow UFC veteran Jimmie Rivera at a Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships (BKFC) event on October 4 in New Jersey. The announcement was made by Conor McGregor, a partial owner of BKFC, and confirmed by Edgar's manager, Ali Abdelaziz. Edgar expressed excitement about competing in his home state. Edgar retired from MMA in 2022 with a record of 24-11-1 and was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2024. The BKFC event will also feature other UFC veterans, including Mike Perry and Jeremy Stephens.
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Why It's Important?
Edgar's return to combat sports is significant as it highlights the growing appeal of bare-knuckle boxing, attracting established MMA fighters. His participation could draw more attention to BKFC, potentially increasing its popularity and viewership. Edgar's decision to compete again may influence other retired fighters to consider similar moves, impacting the dynamics of combat sports. The event could also boost local interest in New Jersey, benefiting the regional sports economy.
What's Next?
Edgar's debut in BKFC is pending approval from the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board. If successful, it could pave the way for more high-profile matches in bare-knuckle boxing. The event is expected to be one of BKFC's biggest of the year, with additional fights to be announced. Stakeholders, including fans and sponsors, will be watching closely to see how Edgar performs and whether his involvement boosts BKFC's profile.
