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BKFC boss explains why it’s hard to find an opponent for Yoel Romero: ‘A couple of guys…’

Originally posted on HITC | By Curtis Calhoun | Last updated Jul 15, 2025 12:14 PM ET

Setting up a fight for former UFC title challenger Yoel Romero is no simple task.

Bare Knuckle FC has added another big name to its roster, signing Yoel Romero. The promotion later revealed that Romero is set to make his bare-knuckle debut on September 12th, though they haven’t yet named an opponent.

Romero appeared alongside fellow BKFC newcomers Thiago Santos and Aspen Ladd at a press conference in Florida. Despite his impressive career, the promotion is already running into difficulties finding him an opponent.

BKFC Fighters turn down Yoel Romero shortly after his signing

Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images

Romero’s professional record may scare potential rivals. Even at 48, some fighters still avoid him. During his career, he defeated opponents such as Luke Rockhold and Chris Weidman with brilliant knockouts.

Since leaving UFC, he has fought in Bellator and PFL. Now, as a veteran, he seems ready for a new chapter at BKFC, with his athleticism making him look much younger.

As he gets ready for his BKFC debut, the organisation is already facing some challenges that come with signing a former UFC star.

Speaking to MMA Junkie, BKFC President David Feldman revealed that several fighters had already turned down a bout with Romero just hours after he joined the roster.

“We have a couple of guys who already turned it down, and then we just had one guy that said he would take it,” Feldman said. “We don’t know if that fight is going to happen, but I’m very excited about it – especially because he’s going to make his debut Sept. 12 here at the Hard Rock. So in Miami, where he’s from.

“And to see Yoel Romero with the gloves off, I mean, that’s a dangerous thing.”

Romero has given fans a glimpse of what to expect from him in bare-knuckle boxing during his time with Mike Perry’s Dirty Boxing Championship promotion. He delivered brutal knockouts against Ras Hylton and Duane Crespo

Conor McGregor’s speech at BKFC press conference splits opinion among fans

Elsewhere, Conor McGregor’s unusual remarks during a recent BKFC press event sparked plenty of debate online, with some fans raising concerns about his condition. The former UFC champion and current part-owner of the promotion hasn’t fought since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264.

Despite the long layoff, McGregor has hinted at a possible return to action, even mentioning a potential matchup with Mike Perry. Perry is scheduled to fight again later this year, though his opponent hasn’t been confirmed yet.

McGregor has been dropping hints about a comeback for nearly five years now, all while staying busy with his campaign for the Irish presidency.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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