Overview

• BKFC officially announced that former UFC contender Yoel Romero will face fellow newcomer Theo Doukas in a heavyweight bare-knuckle bout at BKFC 80 on Sept. 12 at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida.
• Theo Doukas arrives with a 2-2 professional MMA record and is focusing his camp on cutting from 248 to fight weight with an emphasis on cardio and refined striking technique.
• Promotion founder David Feldman said multiple BKFC fighters turned down the matchup after Romero’s signing, underscoring the 48-year-old’s reputation as a formidable opponent.
• Romero challenged for the UFC middleweight title in 2020 and has since competed in Bellator, PFL and Mike Perry’s Dirty Boxing, compiling stoppage victories in his last two Dirty Boxing appearances.
• Since becoming co-owner in April 2024, Conor McGregor has expanded BKFC with high-profile ex-MMA signings, a $25 million tournament and a fighter equity program.