Former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold will make his bare-knuckle boxing debut on April 29 at BKFC 41. He will take on the heavy-hitting Mike Perry in the main event of the evening.
Rockhold joined BKFC earlier this year, and fans have been eagerly awaiting his promotional debut. However, things got a little weird during the press conference when the two faced off for the first time.
Perry and Rockhold engaged in a staredown, with Rockhold squaring up to his opponent. The former champion then faked a knee to Perry’s mid section, which led to Chael Sonnen stepping in to prevent any further escalation. Perry then proceeded to pick his nose and wipe it on Rockhold’s jacket, causing Sonnen to burst out laughing.
Despite his recent struggles in the UFC, Rockhold remains a formidable opponent, and his transition to bare-knuckle boxing is sure to attract attention from fight fans worldwide. Perry, meanwhile, has found success in BKFC since parting ways with the UFC, and he will be looking to add another win to his record.
The co-main event of the evening will feature Chad Mendes, making his second BKFC appearance, taking on promotional newcomer Eddie Alvarez, who signed with the promotion at the same time as Rockhold.
Former UFC star Bec Rawlings will also be in action, as she takes on Christine Ferea for the women’s 125-pound championship. Rawlings is always dangerous without gloves, but Ferea has won four consecutive bouts under the BKFC banner.
In addition to the main and co-main events, BKFC 41 will also feature UFC vets Chris Camozzi and Dan Spohn going toe-to-toe. Unfortunately, Ben Rothwell’s opponent recently pulled out, and they are still searching for a replacement.