Ex-UFC competitor Darren Till joins Conor McGregor’s BKFC following departure from Misfits

Former UFC competitor Darren Till has entered into a multi-fight agreement with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship and is scheduled to make his debut on May 30 at BKFC 90 in Birmingham, England’s Utilita Arena.

Till recently announced his exit from Misfits Boxing, where he competed three times. His tenure included victories over MMA veterans Anthony Taylor and Darren Stewart, followed by a knockout win against former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold, which earned him the promotion’s bridgerweight title in August.

He is anticipated to make his BKFC 90 debut in a 185-pound match, with his opponent yet to be announced. The 33-year-old expressed his enthusiasm about joining BKFC upon the news.

“I am very pleased to be signing with the BKFC. It’s an amazing promotion! F— everyone on this roster, I’m coming to be the face of violence. No one can beat me.”

UFC legend Conor McGregor holds a partial ownership stake in BKFC, while Olympic gold medalist and former two-time IBF super-middleweight champion James DeGale has also competed under the promotion. McGregor’s involvement follows his company, McGregor Sports and Entertainment, acquiring a share in the promotion in April 2024.

The sport has seen a rise in popularity in recent years, despite being mired in controversy. The first sanctioned fight in the United States in 130 years occurred in Wyoming in 2018.

Meanwhile, Till experienced a challenging end to his UFC career, losing five of his last six bouts before departing the promotion in 2023. After joining Misfits, he became a fan favorite and achieved a 3-0 record.

On Monday, Till confirmed his departure, stating he was leaving “on extremely good terms” after his three fights with the KSI-led promotion.

“I’ve got nothing but love for Misfits, the owners and promoters and all the people who work behind the scenes, [but] it’s time to try my hand at something else.”