NEWARK, NJ – October 4, 2025 – Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) stormed the Prudential Centerin Newark for its historic New Jersey debut, BKFC 82, and the night concluded with combat sports icon Conor McGregor personally crowning the promotion’s undisputed “King and Queen of Violence.”
The event, broadcast globally on DAZN, solidified the status of two dominant champions in what is rapidly becoming the world’s fastest-growing combat sport.
King of Violence: “Platinum” Mike Perry Destroys Stephens
In the electric Main Event, the unstoppable “Platinum” Mike Perry (now 6-0) successfully defended his BKFC King of Violence Championship with a clinical, destructive performance against the previously undefeated Jeremy “Lil Heathen” Stephens.
Perry, who hails from Orlando, FL, put on a masterclass of pressure and power, logging a staggering six knockdowns throughout the fight, including three in the decisive fifth round. The barrage forced the referee to halt the bout with just 25 seconds left in the final frame, giving Perry his fourth straight finish in the Squared Circle.
Mike Perry on his performance: “It is fitting that I’m the King of Violence. It makes sense. I can take it; it’s nothing to me except just a little candy, and I’ll munch on it all day long. I’m grateful for the opportunity.”
Perhaps the biggest shock of the night came after the fight as Perry and McGregor—who have a well-documented history of bad blood—appeared to bury the hatchet in a stunning show of mutual respect.
Conor McGregor sharing the spotlight with Perry: “That was an incredible representation of bare knuckle fighting, ladies and gentlemen. I have respect for you, and I’d love to [fight] you one day for sure. Congratulations to you, your team and your family. I’ve got a lot of respect for who you are and what you’re about.”
Queen of Violence: Ferea Makes History
The Co-Main Event saw another champion solidify her legacy. Undisputed BKFC Women’s Flyweight World Champion Christine “Misfit” Ferea cemented her title as the most accomplished female fighter in BKFC history by stopping Jessica “The Black Widow” Borga (now 3-1) to claim the inaugural BKFC Queen of Violence Championship.
The historic matchup was a brutal back-and-forth affair from the start. Both fighters hit the canvas in a wild opening round, with Ferea displaying incredible resilience to rally after being dropped. The Las Vegas native turned the tide decisively, finishing the fight with a knockout just 26 seconds into the fourth round.
Ferea now boasts an incredible 11-1 record and holds the longest female winning streak in the promotion’s history with nine straight victories. She also leads all female BKFC fighters with 11 total wins and eight finishes.
Christine Ferea on her victory: “This is the best feeling in the (expletive) world. Thank you, David Feldman, and thank you, Conor McGregor, for coming in here and blowing this sport up even more.”
BKFC 82 proved to be a watershed moment for the promotion, delivering high-octane violence and cementing the stars that will carry bare knuckle fighting into the mainstream.
