Former UFC standout Darren Till makes bold combat sports pivot with multi-fight bare knuckle contract.
Liverpool's Darren Till is stepping into uncharted territory after inking a multi-fight agreement with Conor McGregor's Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. The former UFC welterweight contender will make his raw-knuckle debut at BKFC 90 on May 30 at Birmingham's Utilita Arena, marking a dramatic career shift following his departure from Misfits Boxing.
Till's move represents the growing global appeal of bare knuckle fighting, a sport that's gaining momentum across continents. The 31-year-old striker brings serious pedigree to BKFC, having faced elite competition including Tyron Woodley, Jorge Masvidal, and Robert Whittaker during his octagon tenure.
This transition mirrors the combat sports evolution we're witnessing worldwide, including across Africa where fighters like South Africa's Dricus du Plessis have risen to UFC championship contention. Till's BKFC signing under McGregor's promotional umbrella adds star power to a growing combat discipline that values pure striking fundamentals.
The Birmingham showdown will test whether Till's Liverpool grit translates to bare knuckle success. With no gloves to cushion impact, fighters must rely on technique, conditioning, and mental fortitude – qualities that have made combat sports a global phenomenon from Manchester to Morocco.