Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) has expanded its roster by signing notable MMA veterans, including Jon Jones former <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/mma/ufc/”>UFC foe Yoel Romero. The announcement came during BKFC’s recent Champions Summit press event as part of the buildup to BKFC 78 in Hollywood, Florida.
Yoel Romero, a multiple-time title contender in both UFC and Bellator MMA, is transitioning to bare-knuckle fighting after a career marked by powerful striking and wrestling prowess. Alongside Romero, BKFC also signed fellow UFC title challenger Thiago Santos, who lost to Romero by unanimous decision during the PFL vs. Bellator card. Both fighters bring a history of intense competition, adding intrigue to their upcoming bare-knuckle ventures.
At 48, Romero has stayed active in combat sports through the Dirty Boxing Championship (DBX), where he secured wins against Duane Crespo and Ras Hylton, showcasing his enduring skill set in the combat realm.
Additional MMA Veterans Join BKFC Roster
In addition to Romero and Santos, BKFC revealed two more signings from the UFC ranks during the Champions Summit. Aspen Ladd, well known for her fights across Bellator MMA and PFL after departing UFC in 2022, is ready to test herself in the bare-knuckle arena. Ladd has previously competed against top-tier fighters such as Kayla Harrison, Julia Budd, Raquel Pennington, and Germaine de Randamie, across various weight classes.
Former UFC middleweight Derek Brunson, who fought notable names like Israel Adesanya, Anderson Silva, and Robert Whittaker during his UFC stint, is also entering BKFC. After his UFC run ended in 2023, Brunson had a single PFL cage fight before deciding to compete without gloves. His experience against elite competition makes his bare-knuckle debut highly anticipated.
The organization confirmed that none of the newly signed fighters have been matched with debut opponents yet, adding an element of suspense to upcoming BKFC events.
Importance of Veteran Signings for BKFC’s Growth
By enlisting established MMA figures like Yoel Romero and Derek Brunson, BKFC continues to elevate its profile in the combat sports world, broadening its appeal to fans familiar with these athletes’ UFC histories. These signings signal BKFC’s commitment to attracting high-caliber talent capable of delivering exciting fights without gloves, blending striking and toughness in a fresh format.
The introduction of such experienced veterans into bare-knuckle fighting could intensify the competition and generate new storylines, making BKFC events must-watch for fight enthusiasts. As the signings prepare for their debut appearances, the promotion’s momentum is expected to build, potentially reshaping fighters’ careers and the bare-knuckle scene itself.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What did Jon Jones test positive for?
A. Because of this, Jones was temporarily suspended. On September 13, USADA announced that both of Jones’s samples tested positive for Turinabol. Consequently, the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) changed the fight result to a no contest.
Q. What was Jon Jones tested positive for?
A. During the hearing, it was revealed that Jones tested positive for clomiphene and letrozole metabolites. These are found in Tadalafil, a medication for erectile dysfunction that Jones admitted to using.