A Champion Returns, But Not to MMA
After nearly three years away from active competition, Frankie Edgar is stepping back into the fight game—but this time, without gloves.
The former UFC lightweight champion and recent Hall of Fame inductee has signed on for a return bout under the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) banner. He’s set to fight fellow UFC veteran Jimmie Rivera on October 4 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, as part of BKFC’s first-ever event in Edgar’s home state.
It’s a major moment not only for Edgar but for the promotion itself, which continues to legitimize bare-knuckle boxing by securing big names from traditional MMA.
A New Chapter After a Storied Career
Frankie Edgar retired from MMA in late 2022 following a knockout loss to Chris Gutierrez at UFC 281. That bout marked his third consecutive KO defeat, closing a legendary 36-fight career that spanned three divisions and more than 15 years at the highest level.
Rather than disappearing from the spotlight, Edgar turned his attention to coaching and media. He launched a popular podcast, opened his own training gym, and was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame. At 43 years old, most assumed his fighting days were behind him.
But as any longtime fan could tell you—Edgar doesn’t fade quietly.
“It’s about doing it on my terms,” Edgar said in a recent interview. “This isn’t a comeback for a title run. It’s about competing one more time, in front of my people, with nothing to prove but everything to feel.”
Jimmie Rivera: A Familiar Face, A New Arena
Edgar’s opponent, Jimmie Rivera, is no stranger to the fight game—or to Frankie himself. A fellow East Coast native and former UFC bantamweight contender, Rivera holds notable wins over the likes of Urijah Faber, Pedro Munhoz, and John Dodson.
Since joining BKFC, Rivera has gone 2–2–1, showing respectable adaptation to the bare-knuckle format. Known for his compact boxing and sturdy chin, Rivera is widely considered one of the more technical fighters currently active in BKFC.
This matchup isn’t just a nostalgic reunion between two UFC alumni—it’s a stylistic clash with genuine stakes. Edgar brings movement, timing, and volume. Rivera counters with power, structure, and experience under the unique pressure of bare-knuckle rule sets.
The Event: BKFC Comes to New Jersey
This fight takes place on a historic card—BKFC’s first show in New Jersey. The event will be held at the Prudential Center in Newark, a venue that’s hosted major UFC events and hockey games but has never featured a sanctioned bare-knuckle fight.
Edgar vs. Rivera will serve as one of the co-main attractions, alongside a headline bout between Mike Perry and Jeremy Stephens for the self-styled “King of Violence” title.
BKFC is expected to announce more fights for the New Jersey card in the coming weeks. But this early lineup already signals a major evolution in how combat sports promotions are expanding regionally and creatively.
Fighter Profiles and Career Overview
Table: Career Stats for Edgar and Rivera Across Combat Platforms
| Fighter | UFC Record | BKFC Record | Career Highlights |
| Frankie Edgar | 18–11–1 | Debut | UFC Lightweight Champion, 3-division competitor |
| Jimmie Rivera | 7–4 | 2–2–1 | UFC Top 10 Bantamweight, 22 pro wins |
Why Bare-Knuckle? Edgar’s Unfinished Business
For many fans, the question isn’t why Frankie Edgar is fighting again—but why here?
Bare-knuckle boxing is widely seen as one of the most unforgiving formats in combat sports. It strips away the margin for error. No gloves, no cage wrestling, no time to ease in—just fast, raw, close-range violence. But that’s exactly what appeals to a fighter like Edgar.
Though he’s known for his wrestling roots and endless cardio, Edgar also developed some of the cleanest hands in MMA during his career. His fights with Gray Maynard, BJ Penn, and Cub Swanson showcased the kind of volume striking and toughness that translates well into bare-knuckle competition—especially over short rounds.
More importantly, Edgar sees this return as personal, not promotional.
“It’s a fight I can do on my own terms,” he said. “Not chasing rankings, not worrying about five rounds—just me and another guy, standing and throwing.”
For a fighter who always carried himself with discipline and heart, this return feels less like a comeback and more like a final message: I still choose how my story ends.
What’s at Stake for Both Fighters?
For Frankie Edgar
This bout gives Edgar a chance to compete in front of a home-state crowd one last time. It’s also a platform to show younger fans who might’ve missed his UFC prime that toughness and precision never go out of style.
But it’s not without risk. A poor showing, especially a damaging loss, could cloud what’s otherwise a stellar career arc. Edgar has nothing left to prove in terms of legacy—but combat sports rarely let legends leave untouched.
For Jimmie Rivera
Rivera may have the most to gain. While Edgar headlines the marquee, Rivera has the opportunity to reassert himself in the spotlight by defeating a Hall of Famer. A strong performance could earn him title consideration in BKFC and potentially revive crossover appeal if other promotions come calling.
BKFC’s Strategy: Build with Familiar Names
The Frankie Edgar vs. Jimmie Rivera fight also highlights BKFC’s broader strategic direction. Rather than building a roster from scratch, the organization has increasingly relied on UFC veterans to attract fans and lend credibility.
Other notable UFC names who’ve entered the BKFC ring include:
- Chad Mendes
- Eddie Alvarez
- Mike Perry
- Ben Rothwell
- Thiago Alves
This formula works. Perry’s chaotic rise within BKFC has drawn massive attention online, especially among younger combat sports fans hungry for raw spectacle. By booking Edgar, BKFC isn’t just making a fight—it’s creating an event with emotional weight, nostalgia, and local appeal.
What Comes Next?
It’s hard to say if this will be a one-off appearance or the start of a new chapter for Edgar. His language suggests finality, but if he performs well and the crowd response is strong, BKFC or another outlet might come knocking with more offers.
Jimmie Rivera, meanwhile, is in the midst of establishing himself as a serious player in the division. A win over Edgar—especially in convincing fashion—could vault him into title talks within the promotion.
In either case, October 4 promises more than just a fight. It’s a moment of transition: a past legend crossing into a new format, and a seasoned contender trying to make that format his own.