Darren Till Joins Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship
Darren Till is officially joining the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), marking a significant shift in his combat sports journey. The former UFC title contender is scheduled to make his BKFC debut on May 30 at the event BKFC 90, taking on fellow MMA veteran Aaron Chalmers in Birmingham, England. This move comes shortly after Till, 33, signed a lucrative three-fight deal with BKFC, which led him to part ways with Misfits Boxing, where he maintained an undefeated record in three bouts in 2025.
Reasons for the Move
On a recent episode of The Ariel Helwani Show, Till shared that while his relationship with Misfits Boxing remains strong, the BKFC deal was simply too enticing to ignore.
“The reason bare-knuckle happened is because I couldn’t turn down the offer. It was irrefusable,”
he expressed. Till emphasized his excitement for bare-knuckle boxing, admitting that the challenge of facing gritty fighters without gloves is a thrilling prospect. He highlighted the need for a different mentality to succeed in a sport known for its toughness.
Future Plans and Concerns
Till, who secured a knockout victory over Luke Rockhold last September, was approached by Most Valuable Promotions‘ co-founder Nakisa Bidarian about a potential return to MMA at an event on Netflix. However, Till opted for the bare-knuckle opportunity instead, indicating that he has largely moved past his MMA career. He has plans to take a year to recover from knee surgery, followed by intensive grappling training, before considering a return to MMA in the future.
Expressing his concerns about the physical toll of bare-knuckle fighting, Till acknowledged the risks involved.
“I don’t really want my face getting smashed up. I’m 33. I’m not the ugliest chap out there,”
he quipped, suggesting that his participation in BKFC will be focused on winning and then potentially stepping away from the sport unless financially compelling reasons arise. He underscored that intense bouts could lead to severe injuries:
“You can’t be doing 10 fights in this bare-knuckle. You’d be walking around with half your face hanging off.”
Upcoming Match and Long-Term Goals
In his upcoming match against Chalmers, known for his previous appearances on the reality show Jordy Shore, Till recognizes that Chalmers will bring his own experience to the ring, noting his training history in Muay Thai and his time spent alongside UFC fighter Leon Edwards. Despite the challenges of fighting a familiar opponent, Till is prepared for the confrontation, emphasizing mutual respect and the significance of their bout.
While embarking on this new bare-knuckle venture, Till’s long-term ambition lies within the boxing realm, where he aims to clinch a world title.
“I want to win a world title in boxing, if I can. I do believe I can, and my skills are getting better each time,”
Till asserted, highlighting his dedication to honing his craft under the guidance of his coach. Until he competes again for a title, Till promised to keep Misfits Boxing in mind as he progresses in his fighting career.
