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From Octagon to Circle: UFC veterans powering BKFC’s rise
As we approach BKFC 82, featuring Mike Perry vs Jeremy Stephens, and Jimmie Rivera vs Frankie Edgar, live on DAZN PPV this Saturday, October 4, let's talk about how signing UFC veterans has impacted the growth of the organisation.
BKFC’s momentum rests on two clear pillars: a product that plays well on screen and athletes fans love.
Bringing recognised UFC veterans into a ruleset that suits compact punching, tight ranges and active clinch work results in unmatched entertainment.
The name value alone draws attention, but consistent matchmaking and clear stakes convert that attention into regular viewing and greater credibility in the combat sports space.
Mike Perry - the proof of concept
Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Platinum Mike Perry is 5-0 in BK boxing and currently holds the King of Violence belt.
Wins over Luke Rockhold, Eddie Alvarez and Michael Venom Page turned him from a known figure into the star of the promotion.
Each of those bouts travelled well on broadcast and across social clips, and each showed why veteran shot selection, chin and experience convert when the gloves come off.
Recordings of Perry's bouts gathered over 13.2 million views on the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship YouTube channel; the interest is undeniable.
Perry didn’t just benefit from BKFC’s rise, he helped drive it. He now meets another former UFC fighter in the form of Stephens at BKFC 82 this Saturday.
Big show veterans - driving viewership
Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
The roster around Perry has kept the spotlight bright. Former champions and contenders Rockhold, Alvarez and Stephens brought the striking pedigree and audience.
Fan-favourite octagon fighters Chad Mendes, Jimmie Rivera and John Dodson translated cleanly to five two-minute BK boxing rounds.
High-profile signings such as Paige VanZant and Frankie Edgar added to the crossover attention and fresh viewership.
The common thread is simple: known fighters make it easier for fans to tune in and understand what’s at stake.
Newark - step up in venue
A star-studded card at Prudential Center tells its own story. Moving a bare-knuckle main event into a major arena indicates scale: a bigger spotlight, a larger audience and a crowd that expects an exciting night, not a novelty.
Pair that with a card built around names people recognise, and you get an event that reads clearly to casual viewers and long-time fans.
Why it matters
UFC veterans bring recognition and proven ability; bare-knuckle showcases their strengths in a way that’s captivating and easy to follow.
With DAZN distribution and major arena dates, BKFC turns that recognition into viewership, ticket demand and wider coverage.
Each successful night strengthens the organisation's position and allows it to keep growing and signing the next wave of talent.
Watch BKFC 82 live on DAZN PPV
Mike Perry and Jeremy Stephens square off this Saturday, October 4. Watch the fight and full card on DAZN PPV.