“The Underground King,” whose post-UFC career included a brief stint in ONE Championship, arrived on the bareknuckle scene in 2023, going 1-1 in BKFC with a win over Chad Mendes followed by a loss to Mike Perry for the symbolic “King of Violence” title (basically the BKFC’s take on the UFC’s BMF championship). At 41, Alvarez is well out of his prime, his best years behind him, but fighting at home in Philly against an equally worn Stephens might just produce an entertaining scrap.

As for the co-main event, it’s hard to see heavyweight champ Mick Terrill vs. “Big” Ben Rothwell going the distance. Rothwell, another former UFC star, actually asked for this release from the MMA powerhouse with a fight on the books. He immediately became a player in BKFC, earning three finishes in three fights, most recently against fellow UFC alum Todd Duffee.

Early on in BKFC’s run, “Rowdy” Bec Rawlings, an Ultimate Fighter 20 and UFC alum, earned the nickname “The Queen of Bareknuckle” as she became the promotin’s first female champ winning the Police Gazette Women’s Featherweight World Championship as well as the World Boxing Foundation Latin American championship by BKFC 4 in 2019. After leaving the promotion briefly, she returned, only to come up short in two chances at the BKFC flyweight championship. At BKFC KnuckleMania 5, she’s been paired up with the ever-popular Taylor Starling, a two-time title challenger. If nothing else, the winner jumps back in the win column.

Where to Watch BKFC KnuckleMania 5

Saturday, January 25, 2025 sees BKFC KnuckleMania 5 takes place at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA. The card airs live on DAZN starting at 8PM ET, 5PM PT. Full results from the event can be found below.

BKFC KnuckleMania 5 Results

Jeremy Stephens def. Eddie Alvarez by TKO (corner stoppage), Round 3, 2:00
Ben Rothwell def. Mick Terrill (c) by KO Round 1, 0:36 – for the BKFC heavyweight championship
Bec Rawlings def. Taylor Starling by unanimous decision (50-44, 50-44, 49-45)
Pat Brady def. Zach Calmus by TKO, Round 1, 0:53
John Garbarino def. Apostle Spencer by KO, Round 1, 0:59
Kaine Tomlinson Jr. def. Pat Sullivan by KO, Round 1, 0:37
Steve Banks def. Joey Dawejko by TKO, Round 3, 1:54
Dustin Pague vs. JD Burns
Brandon Meyer def. Zed Montanez by KO, Round 2, 0:39
Travis Thompson def. Zach Panell by KO, Round 2, 0:41
Phil Caracappa def. Noah Norman by DQ, Round 4, 0:40
Cody Russell def. Logan Tucker by KO, Round 3, 0:49
Itso Babulaidze def. Bryan McDowell by unanimous decision (48-42, 47-43, 48-42)

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Alvarez (30-8 MMA, 1-1 BKFC) makes his return to bare knuckle after more than a year away following his loss to Mike Perry in Dec 2023. He returns for BKFC’s flagship event in his hometown of Philadephia.

Stephens (29-21 MMA, 2-0 BKFC) returns following a decision victory over Bobby Taylor at BKFC 65 last September.

The press conference will feature Conor McGregor who will be in town to promote the event going down this weekend.

BKFC KnuckleMania 5’s card:

• Eddie Alvarez vs. Jeremy Stephens
• Mick Terrill vs. Ben Rothwell
• Taylor Starling vs. Bec Rawlings
• Patrick Brady vs. Zachary Calmus
• Dustin Pague vs. JD Burns
• Travis Thompson vs. Zachary Pannell
• John Garbarino vs. Apostle Spencer
• Pat Sullivan vs. Kaine Tomlinson Jr
• Cody Russell vs. Logan Tucker
• Phil Caracappa vs. Noah Norman
• Zedekiah Montanez vs. Brandon Meyer
• Itso Babulaidze vs. Bryan McDowell
• Joey Dawekjo vs. Steven Banks

BKFC KnuckleMania 5 takes place at the Wells Fargo Arena in Philadelphia, PA on Saturday Jan 25. Watch the entire presser above.

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Former UFC staples Eddie Alvarez and Jeremy Stephens will headline then event. For Alvarez it’s a fight on home turf where the ‘Underground King’ made his up the pro MMA ranks.

Alvarez (1-1 BFKC) holds a victory over fellow former UFC fighter Chad Mendes in BKFC. He also holds a loss to BKFC star Mike Perry.

Stephens (2-0) holds wins over Jimmie Rivera and Bobby Taylor.

More matchups are expected to be announced during the press conference.

Alvarez’s run in the UFC came after a long time stint spent with Bellator MMA. In UFC he went (4-3-1) with wins against Justin Gaethje, Rafael dos Anjos, Antony Pettis and Gilbert Melendez. He took the title from RDA before dropping it against Conor McGregor just a couple of months later. He also holds a win over Michael Chandler when the two were with Bellator.

Stephens UFC run in the UFC lasted much longer with the former featherweight going 15-18-1 in his time there. He’s fought the who’s who of the 145 division in the UFC including Max Holloway, Melendez, Doo Ho Choi, Josh Emmett, Jose Aldo and Yair Rodriguez to name a few.

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BKFC made the announcement on Tuesday.

PHILLY WILL BE THIS YEARS HOST OF KNUCKLEMANIA! FIRST FIGHT TO DROP IS Philly fight legend @Ealvarezfight vs @LiLHeathenMMA ‼️LIVE AT @WellsFargoCtr! TIX ON SALE NOW! FOR NEXT 48 HOURS USE PASS CODE PHILLYSPECIAL FOR TICKET DISCOUNT HERE: https://t.co/IhQkiU0tmj pic.twitter.com/X9unIdG54J

— Bare Knuckle FC (@bareknucklefc) November 19, 2024

Alvarez comes off a stoppage loss to Mike Perry last December at BKFC 56. The former UFC lightweight champion went 4-3-1 in his UFC run, and holds a BKFC win over Chad Mendes who he beat by split decision last April.

In the UFC he won the lightweight title in July 2016 from Rafael dos Anjos before dropping it just 4 months later against Conor McGregor at UFC 205. He holds victories over Gilbert Melendez, Anthony Pettis, Justin Gaethje and dos Anjos.

Stephens has been more active than his opponent since leaving the UFC. He went into boxing and fought Jose Aldo to a draw last April before losing to Chris Avila in August on the undercard of the Nate Diaz vs. Jake Paul boxing match. He is 2-0 in BKFC and will take on Alvarez on enemy territory in Philadelphia.

The longtime UFC featherweight went 15-18 during his run in the promotion as a fan favorite with a violent style. He holds wins over Josh Emmett, Doo Ho Choi, Melendez, Renan Barao, Darren Elkins and Dennis Bermudez to name a few.

Bouts announced for Knucke Mania:

• Eddie Alvarez vs. Jeremy Stephens

No other bouts have been announced at this time.

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Much like Jorge Masvidal vs. Nate Diaz, the shoe fit when it came to BKFC 56 headliners Mike Perry and Eddie Alvarez. Both have become known for particularly violent fights over their respective careers, regardless of promotion, or even discipline.

If there was any question to the validity of the “King of Violence” label, Perry and Alvarez did their best to dispel it the second the opening bell rang.

Alvarez slipped early, in a round that opened hot and heavy with Perry, clearly the bigger man, pressing forward. “The Underground King” Alvarez doubled up on some left hands, and added a right, however, showing he wasn’t out of his depth! A moment later, he cracked Perry again. His left hands were finding the mark, and he began doubling up on his jab late in the frame.

The firefight continued in the second with Mike Perry coming out and forcing Alvarez to the back foot with volume. Eddie went back to doubling up on his jab, but a Perry right hand hurt Eddie! Perry fanned on an uppercut that might have put things away, but Alvarez was still hurt. He trailed his jab with a right hand, however, connecting on Perry! If this fight went the distance, or even left the second round, it felt like a small miracle would be required. Perry was bloodied. Alvarez looked swollen. But they did, in fact, make it out of the round.

The fight did not, however, continue. With Alvarez having been lit up in the second round, his corner opted to throw in the towel. With that, Mike Perry claimed the King of Violence crown, and proceeded to call out UFC megastar Conor McGregor.

That fight is unlikely to ever happen, even if McGregor has expressed interest in competing in the sport in the past. Still, Perry’s star turn for BKFC continues, and he’s now 4-0 for the promotion.

Official Result: Mike Perry def. Eddie Alvarez by TKO (corner stoppage), Round 2, 3:00

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Both Perry and Alvarez found considerable success in their old home, though Alvarez clearly had the edge there, claiming the UFC lightweight championship before losing it to Conor McGregor at UFC 205 in 2016. In their post-UFC careers, however, it was Perry finding more success, winning three straight BKFC fights, and a match in Triller’s “Triad Combat.”

The symbolic “King of Violence” title, BKFC’s answer to the UFC’s “BMF” belt, was on the line between Alvarez and Perry.

Not included on Saturday’s card was a planned heavyweight bout between “Big” Ben Rothwell and Todd Duffee. Rothwell was forced out of the bout during fight week, having contracted the flu. That fight is now expected to be rescheduled for February.

Christine Ferea, meanwhile, was set for a rematch with Bec Rawlings, with Ferea’s flyweight title on the line. The pair first met in April, with the fight ending early due to a doctor’s stoppage.

Where to Watch BKFC 56

BKFC 56 takes place on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at the Maverik Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. The main card airs live on PPV, with a full list of providers found here. The preliminary card streams live and free below; full results can also be found below. The action gets underway at 8PM ET.

BKFC 56: Perry vs. Alvarez Results

Main Card

Mike Perry def. Eddie Alvarez by TKO (corner stoppage), Round 2, 3:00 — for the BKFC “King of Violence” title
Christine Ferea (c) def. Bec Rawlings by unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45) — for the BKFC women’s flyweight championship
Kai Stewart (c) def. Howard Davis by unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 48-47)— for the BKFC featherweight championship
Mick Terrill def. Arnold Adams by KO, Round 4, 0:47 — for the vacant BKFC heavyweight championship
Jeremy Stephens def. Jimmie Rivera by TKO (doctor’s stoppage), Round 3, 3:00
Ben Moa def. Bridger Bercier by TKO (doctor’s stoppage), Round 3, 0:51
Erick Lozano def. Mike Jones by KO, Round 3, 0:51

Preliminary Card

Esteban Rodriguez def. Keegan Vandermeer by KO, Round 2, 1:06
Trevor Bradshaw def. Troy Dennison by KO, Round 1, 1:55
Danny Hilton def. LJ Schulz by TKO (doctor’s stoppage), Round 1, 3:00

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The debut of Alvarez, looking to shake off a rocky stint in ONE Championship, came in a fight that could potentially be the very last for “Money” Mendes, who had openly pondered retirement ahead of the bout.

Alvarez had preached accuracy over power ahead of his debut on Saturday, and showed that early, staying patient as the pair looked to find their range. Mendes surged forward, firing a right hand, and Alvarez welcomed the challenge. Both men connected, and things opened up a little as the final minute arrived. Alvarez fired an uppercut, a right, and Mendes was soon showing a bit of blood by one eye.

Round two saw Alvarez dropped early, though he immediately popped back up and gave a thumbs up. Mendes, rather than chase a finish, chose to take his time, and they squared off again. A couple of exchanges followed; Alvarez fanned on an uppercut that had some mustard on it. Mendes, meanwhile, worked his jab, and finished the round landing uppercuts and a hook.

It was Eddie Alvarez landing a knockdown of his own early in the third. Like Alvarez a round prior, Mendes was right back up. Eddie was on his horse in the second, and when Mendes whiffed on a big punch, “The Underground King” wagged his fingers in response.

Round four arrived with the fight still very much up for grabs. Mendes landed his jab. Eddie found a home for his right hook. As the round progressed, Mendes was walking down the former UFC champ, with Alvarez looking to counter. No knockdowns in this frame, and they would head to the fifth in what was still a close fight.

Alvarez pressed the action in round five, leading the dance and getting off several combos. Mendes had some success with counters, but circled out of harm’s way. The next exchange saw them tie up; the ref came in to separate them, and Alvarez was warned for punching off the break. Alvarez really turned up the heat in the final minute, just winging lefts and rights as Mendes covered up! Mendes went down, and Alvarez might have had it in the bag, but then Mendes scored a knockdown of his own right at the buzzer!

After an excruciating wait for the judges to render their verdict, the fight was ruled a split decision — in favor of Eddie Alvarez. A very close fight, and if that was the final fight of Chad Mendes, he went out on a good one, something Alvarez acknowledged in his post-fight interview.

After a brief break, Mendes returned to the ring to announce his retirement. “I’m officially hanging them up tonight,” said Mendes, thanking his dad, his coaches, Team Alpha Male, Urijah Faber, and the fans before making his exit.

Official Result: Eddie Alvarez def. Chad Mendes by split decision (47-46, 46-47, 47-46)

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Rockhold, who requested his release from the UFC last year, was paired up with a fellow UFC alum in “Platinum” Mike Perry, who had promised to “headbutt” the former Strikeforce champ’s hands in the hopes of breaking them. Alvarez, meanwhile, had a slightly less dramatic build-up to his fight with Chad Mendes, which served as the evening’s co-main event.

For Mendes, his fight against Alvarez had the possibility of being his last in combat sports. Citing other successful business interests, Mendes admitted ahead of BKFC 41 that he doesn’t need to fight, though the money — a key motivator for Chad “Money” Mendes — was good, so nothing was certain.

Alvarez, for his part, was simply looking to turn things around after a disappointing run in ONE Championship, which saw the former Bellator MMA and UFC lightweight champion post a 1-2, 1NC record across four fights.

“Queen of Bareknuckle” Bec Rawlings was also in action at BKFC 41, against Christine Ferea, while “Big” Ben Rothwell looked to make it 2-0 in BKB against fellow UFC veteran Josh Copeland. The hard-hitting Brandon Girtz, a longtime Bellator MMA standout, was paired up with Christian Torres, while Chris Camozzi and Daniel Spohn also faced off.

BKFC 41 takes place on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at the 1STBank Center in Broomfield, Colorado. The card airs live on PPV via Fite.tv. Full results from the event can be found below.

BKFC 41 Results

Main Card

Mike Perry def. Luke Rockhold by TKO (retirement), Round 2, 1:15
Eddie Alvarez def. Chad Mendes by split decision (47-46, 46-47, 47-46)
Christine Ferea (c) def. Bec Rawlings by TKO (doctor’s stoppage), Round 2, 3:00 — for the BKFC women’s flyweight championship
Ben Rothwell def. Josh Copeland by TKO (corner stoppage), Round 3, 3:00
Chris Camozzi def. Daniel Spohn by KO, Round 1, 2:00
Brandon Girtz def. Christian Torres by KO, Round 1, 1:10
James Brown def. Mike Alvarado by TKO (doctor’s stoppage), Round 2, 3:00
Gabrielle Roman vs. Khortni Kamyron ruled a majority draw (48-46, 47-47, 47-47)

Preliminary Card

Marcus Edwards def. Jay Jackson by KO, Round 1, 3:00
Dillon Winemiller def. Matthew Maestas by KO, Round 1, 0:07
Mitch Seybold def. Jack Willoughby by TKO (corner stoppage), Round 1, 1:23

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On Wednesday’s edition of The MMA Hour, BKFC President David Feldman revealed that Rockhold, who was recently granted his release by the UFC, will face off with “Platinum” Mike Perry in the main event of BKFC’s April 29, 2023 card in Broomfield, CO.

Not stopping there, Alvarez will appear in the co-main event, paired up with ex-UFC title challenger Chad “Money” Mendes.

That’s a four-pack of former UFC stars, and some of the biggest names outside the promotion. BKFC had made a business of rehabbing former UFC fighters, with the likes of Ben Rothwell and John Dodson also picking up big wins in the company.

Bare-knuckle boxing has been quickly growing since BKFC helped revive the sport several years back. Roughly half the states in the U.S. have now sanctioned the sport; 24 as of March 1, with more likely to follow later this year. Internationally, the sport continues to grow, with BKFC returning to England this weekend.

When it comes to Rockhold and Alvarez, both appear to have signed on for multi-fight deals.

“Both of the deals, we have options on them. If something big comes along in other sports, we’re going to let them dabble in that,” Feldman said on Wednesday’s appearance. “They are free to do boxing or MMA if we don’t have anything else for them.”

Luke Rockhold (16-6 MMA) was most recently seen in action at UFC 278, where he lost a unanimous decision to Paulo Costa. That extended the former UFC and Strikeforce middleweight champion’s losing streak to three, with the other setbacks coming to Yoel Romero and Jan Blachowicz.

For his part, Mike Perry is 2-0 in BKFC thus far.

Alvarez (30-8, 2NC) was most recently seen competing for ONE Championship, in a rocky run that saw him post a 1-2, 1NC record. He had asked for his release from the Asian MMA outfit last year, and has not fought since a decision loss to Ok Rae Yoon in 2021.

Like Rockhold, Alvarez is a multi-promotion champion, capturing the lightweight title in both Bellator MMA and the UFC. His opponent, Mendes, is 1-0 under the BKFC banner.

BKFC 41 on April 29, 2023 event will take place at the 1stBank Center in Broomfield, CO, and air live on PPV.

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News of the split, described as “amicable,” was first reported by the South China Morning Post.

While ONE Championship officials did not respond to a request for comment, Alvarez released a statement on social media Tuesday, confirming his exit from the company.

“Confirmed, I am no longer with ONE. We parted ways amicably and I remain on good terms with the ONE team. I want to thank Chatri for the opportunity and I look forward to watching their continued success,” Alvarez wrote. “I’m officially a free agent and Ready to Hunt.”

Alvarez finished the statement asking fans to tell him who’s next, signing off as UGK – the Underground King.

The 38-year old Alvarez last competed in April of 2021, losing a unanimous decision to Ok Rae Yoon, who would go on to capture gold in the promotion. The ex-UFC champ’s run in ONE was a rocky one, with just a single win through four fights. He was shockingly knocked out in his promotional debut, finished by Timofey Nastyukhin.

Alvarez submitted former ONE lightweight champion Eduard Folayang in his next fight, then lost a controversial bout against Iuri Lapicus that was originally a DQ due to punches to the back of the head. The result was later overturned to a No Contest.

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