A pair of past UFC stars turned bare-knuckle boxers will headline BKFC’s fifth-ever “Knuckle Mania” card.
Pennsylvania’s own Eddie Alvarez is expected to face Jeremy Stephens in the main event of a card from the Wells Fargo Arena in Philadelphia on January 25th, per a recent announcement by the promotion.
Alvarez and Stephens never crossed paths while in the UFC, mainly due to competing in different divisions at the time.
Alvarez most notably had a brief run as the UFC Lightweight Champion, capturing the title in 2016 with a first-round stoppage over Rafael dos Anjos. The former Bellator champ dropped his title later that year in a loss to Conor McGregor.
Stephens’ notoriety came less from a high accomplishment in the sport and instead from impressive longevity within the brand. First joining the promotion in 2007, Stephens held onto his role in the UFC for more than a decade, leaving in 2021 after 34 appearances.
Alvarez will be coming back from his first-ever bare-knuckle boxing loss, a stoppage defeat he suffered just under a year ago to Mike Perry. He faced another former UFC talent before then, beating Chad Mendes in a split decision.
Stephens, on the other hand, has yet to taste defeat in BKFC. He previously got past Jimmie Rivera and Bobby Taylor, putting him on a two-fight winning streak in combat sports for the first time since 2018.
The upcoming card will be BKFC’s first time appearing in Philadelphia.
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