Anthony Johnson has signed with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, but he won’t be fighting outside of the UFC any time soon.
“Rumble” Johnson appeared on the broadcast of BKFC 4 in Cancun, Mexico, and fans quickly linked his appearance to the possibility that he could be fighting in a bare-knuckle boxing contest with the promotion.
Ariel Helwani of ESPN confirmed that Johnson will not be fighting for Bare Knuckle FC; he has joined the promotion in an ‘ambassador type of role.’ Helwani also confirmed that Johnson is still under contract with the UFC.
The organization currently hosts a long list of fighters who have previously participated in the UFC. Bec Rawlings, Leonard Garcia, Joe Riggs, Kendall Grove, Joey Beltran, amongst others, dropped the gloves to begin competing in bare-knuckle boxing.
Bare Knuckle FC’s heavyweight fighters can breathe a sigh of relief.
Listen I’m not fighting for Bare Knuckle…
Dope organization and I can say that because I’m here at an event now. My job is FIGHTER RELATIONS ONLY.
Who was the 1 that put it out there that I’m fighting?— Anthony Johnson (@Anthony_Rumble) February 3, 2019
During the broadcast, the promotion also announced their upcoming schedule of events:
- Saturday, April 6 – Manchester, New Hampshire
- Saturday, April 20 – Biloxi, Mississippi
- Saturday, June 1 – Cheyenne, Wyoming
- Saturday, July 27 – London, England
- Saturday, August 24 – Mexico City