LAS VEGAS — Former UFC bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt was hours away from signing a bare-knuckle fight contract. The deal was “so close” to done. Then he re-signed with the UFC.
BKFC featherweight champion Kai Stewart dropped the revelation exclusively. “We had the terms,” Stewart told Yardbarker. “It was nearly finalized.” The fight would have been a massive crossover event for the nascent promotion. It never materialized.
Stewart, 28, is undefeated in bare-knuckle (6-0). Garbrandt, 33, is a former UFC champion with a 14-5 MMA record. The matchup was logical. Both are power punchers. Neither shies from violence.
The Near-Miss: Negotiation Breakdown
According to Stewart, BKFC made a competitive offer. Garbrandt’s camp engaged seriously. “We were talking weight, date, venue,” Stewart told MMA Fighting. “It was real.” The deal fell apart when the UFC intervened. Garbrandt’s existing contract contained a matching clause. The UFC matched BKFC’s terms and added incentives.
The timeline is critical. Garbrandt had not fought since December 2023. His UFC contract was expiring. BKFC saw an opportunity. The UFC saw a threat.
Stewart was disappointed. “I wanted that fight,” he said. “Cody’s a legend. In bare-knuckle, I think I beat him.”
Why Garbrandt Chose the UFC
Financial logic prevailed. The UFC offer reportedly exceeded BKFC’s base purse. Garbrandt also retained UFC health insurance and PPV points. Legacy matters. Garbrandt is 1-4 in his last five UFC fights. A move to BKFC could have been seen as an admission of decline. Staying in the UFC keeps his options for title contention alive, however slim.
| Factor | UFC Offer | BKFC Offer |
|---|---|---|
| Base Purse | Estimated $350,000 | Estimated $250,000 |
| PPV Points | Yes | No |
| Health Insurance | Yes | Limited |
| Fight Guarantee | 3 fights | 1 fight |
Contractual leverage was decisive. The UFC’s right of first refusal is standard. Garbrandt could not accept the BKFC deal without giving the UFC a chance to match. They did.
Matchup Analysis: Garbrandt vs. Stewart
Style-wise, it’s a striker’s dream. Garbrandt is a former Golden Gloves boxer. He owns knockout power in his hands. But his UFC losses have come via submission and knockout. His chin has been questioned. In bare-knuckle, a clean shot ends fights instantly.
Stewart has never been knocked down in BKFC. He fights at 145 pounds. Garbrandt fights at 135. The weight difference is manageable. BKFC could have booked it at a catchweight of 140.
Fan interest was high. Social media exploded when Stewart’s comments surfaced. “That fight would have sold out,” one analyst noted on X.
The Human Side: Garbrandt Unfiltered
In a separate “Anything but Fighting” segment with MMA Fighting, Garbrandt showed his personality. He discussed fishing, his farm, and his love for his dog. “I’m just a normal guy,” he said. “I like being outside.”
That relatability adds promotional value. BKFC could have marketed him as the farmer-turned-fighter. The UFC leverages that same narrative. Garbrandt remains a marketable asset. That partly explains why the UFC matched the offer.
Could the Fight Still Happen?
Yes. Garbrandt’s new UFC contract is reportedly three fights. If he loses consecutive bouts, the UFC may release him. That opens the BKFC door again. Stewart said he is willing to wait. “I’m the champ. I’ll fight anyone. Cody knows where to find me.”
Trends support the possibility. Conor McGregor, Eddie Alvarez, and Chad Mendes all fought in BKFC after UFC exits. Bare-knuckle boxing pays well for recognizable names. Garbrandt’s brand remains strong.
Fan and Expert Reaction
MMA forums lit up. “I can’t believe this didn’t happen,” one Reddit user wrote. “Stewart vs. Garbrandt is the fight to make.” Another countered: “Garbrandt made the right call. UFC pays better.” Expert consensus is mixed. Some believe Garbrandt’s striking would overwhelm Stewart. Others argue Stewart’s bare-knuckle experience gives him a decisive edge.
The Unfinished Business
The Garbrandt-BKFC story is not closed. It is paused. The near-miss reveals a fighter at a career crossroads. He chose the familiar path. But the bare-knuckle itch is unlikely to fade. Stewart will remain champion. The offer will remain on the table.
For now, Garbrandt fights under the UFC banner. The question is not if he will fight in BKFC. It is when.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Why did Cody Garbrandt’s BKFC fight fall through?
- A: The deal was nearly finalized, but the UFC exercised a matching clause in Garbrandt’s contract, matched BKFC’s terms, and added incentives, leading Garbrandt to re-sign with the UFC.
- Q: Who would Cody Garbrandt have fought in BKFC?
- A: Garbrandt was set to face BKFC featherweight champion Kai Stewart, who is undefeated in bare-knuckle with a 6-0 record.
- Q: Could the Cody Garbrandt vs. Kai Stewart fight still happen?
- A: Yes, Stewart remains open to the fight, and Garbrandt’s UFC contract could expire again in the future, making a BKFC crossover still possible.
- Q: What made Garbrandt choose the UFC over BKFC?
- A: The UFC offer reportedly exceeded BKFC’s base purse, plus Garbrandt retained UFC health insurance, PPV points, and legacy considerations.
