In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the combat sports world, former UFC title contenders Darren Till and Luke Rockhold have officially agreed to settle their differences in the bare-knuckle boxing ring.
The two MMA superstars have finalised a deal with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), setting the stage for a brutal showdown that promises to be one of the most talked-about events of the year.
From Octagon to Bare Knuckles: A Rivalry Ignited
The bad blood between Till and Rockhold has been simmering for years, occasionally boiling over on social media and in interviews. Their move to BKFC represents a dramatic escalation of their feud, taking it from verbal sparring to potentially bloody confrontation.
Rockhold, the former UFC middleweight champion, has been particularly vocal about his desire to face Till, telling reporters: "I'm going to knock that scouser's head off. He's been running his mouth for too long."
Proven Warriors Enter New Territory
Both fighters bring impressive credentials to this unique challenge. Luke Rockhold (16-6 MMA) has faced the who's who of middleweight and light heavyweight divisions during his storied career. Darren Till (18-5-1 MMA), the Liverpool native known for his powerful striking, has battled elite competition including former champion Robert Whittaker.
Their transition to bare-knuckle boxing marks a significant moment for BKFC, which continues to attract big-name MMA fighters seeking new challenges and paydays.
What This Means for Combat Sports
This signing represents another major coup for BKFC, which has successfully positioned itself as a legitimate destination for established MMA stars. The promotion has previously hosted high-profile converts including Mike Perry, Eddie Alvarez, and Paige VanZant.
The Till-Rockhold matchup continues this trend, offering fans a fresh way to see beloved fighters compete under dramatically different rulesets that emphasise pure striking and often result in explosive finishes.
While an official date and venue have yet to be announced, anticipation is already building for what promises to be a spectacular and potentially brutal encounter between two of combat sports' most charismatic figures.
