BKFC 82 Sees Shakeup As Fighter Removed From Card

"We'll determine [if Edgar will compete] later on today," Feldman said. "There is a potential medical issue with him. We're not exactly sure, and we will determine that later today."

Before accepting the fight, Edgar had not previously competed since November 2022. Edgar's family seemed to be just as surprised as fans were, as the former UFC lightweight champion admitted that his loved ones were not as into the idea as he was.

Despite the questions surrounding his return to combat sports, Edgar called the bout a "perfect storm." He believed that the money was right and was sold on the opportunity to face another New Jersey native at the Prudential Center.

Jimmie Rivera to face Timmy Mason at BKFC 82

Edgar and Rivera promoted their fight as an unofficial Battle of New Jersey, as both fighters spent their entire lives in the Garden State. BKFC 82 is going to be the promotion's debut in New Jersey and the first-ever sanctioned bare-knuckle event in the state.

Rivera will instead face Timmy Mason, a 32-year-old Montana native with a 2-2 BKFC record. Mason is coming off a first-round knockout of AJ Craig at BKFC 79 in August.

Feldman revealed that Mason would be Edgar's replacement on 'The Ariel Helwani Show.' While acknowledging that Mason does not have the level of fame that Edgar does, he called the recent victor a "very tough fight" for Rivera.

Barring a fight card change, Rivera and Mason will be the third-to-last fight of BKFC 82. Rivera and Edgar were scheduled to compete at featherweight, but it remains to be seen if there will be a weight change due to Mason's last-minute insertion.