Overview

• Edgar, 43, has signed with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship for a bare-knuckle boxing debut at BKFC 82 at Prudential Center.
• Former UFC bantamweight Jimmie Rivera, who is 2-2-1 in BKFC, is expected to be his opponent, according to multiple reports and Edgar’s manager.
• The Newark event is headlined by Mike Perry vs. Jeremy Stephens for BKFC’s “King of Violence” title and is scheduled the same night as UFC 320.
• Edgar retired in 2022 after consecutive knockout losses and was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2024.
• Reaction has been mixed, with BKFC part-owner Conor McGregor amplifying the announcement as fans and fighters voice safety concerns about Edgar’s late-career return.