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Mike Perry Retains 'King of Violence' Title in Dominant perry-vs-stephens Bare-Knuckle Bout **Newark, New Jersey—**Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) champion Mike Perry successfully defended his unofficial ‘King of Violence’ title on Saturday night, defeating veteran competitor Jeremy Stephens by technical knockout (TKO) in the fifth and final round of the BKFC 82 main event in Newark, New Jersey. The highly anticipated bout, framed as a clash between two of the most aggressive strikers to emerge from mixed martial arts (MMA), confirmed Perry’s status as the face of the emerging global bare-knuckle circuit. The victory came after a sustained and brutal offensive display that saw Stephens knocked down multiple times before the referee was forced to intervene 1 minute and 35 seconds into the final frame. The event marked the organisation’s New Jersey debut, signalling a key expansion milestone for the growing combat sport. The Unrelenting Pressure of Perry The contest, held at the Prudential Center, quickly lived up to its billing, beginning with both fighters meeting in the centre of the ring with immediate intent. Stephens, a former long-time featherweight and lightweight contender in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), exhibited sharp boxing skills in the opening rounds, utilising a crisp jab and movement to counter the relentless, forward pressure from Perry. Perry, who is physically the larger fighter, consistently walked through Stephens’ best shots, demonstrating the durability that has become his hallmark in bare-knuckle competition. The turning point came in the third round when Perry’s powerful, close-range hooks began to find their target. The sheer force of the unprotected punches appeared to take a cumulative toll, resulting in the first official knockdown of the fight. Stephens demonstrated grit and managed to rise, but the flow of the contest had decisively shifted. The fourth round saw Perry intensify his assault, resulting in two further knockdowns.
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While Stephens once again beat the count, his face was visibly damaged and his mobility compromised. The end came in the fifth round following a final series of heavy punches by Perry, forcing the third knockdown of the round and prompting the referee’s stoppage. The official scorecard noted Perry landed six knockdowns over the course of the bout. Background and Crossover Appeal Both Perry and Stephens have built their careers on an aggressive, walk-forward fighting style, making their transition to the unfiltered environment of bare-knuckle boxing a natural fit for many fans of contact sport. Perry, known as ‘Platinum’, has been undefeated since moving to the BKFC banner, cementing his position as the promotion’s biggest draw outside of occasional celebrity crossovers. His opponent, Stephens, had found a career renaissance in the sport, coming off a victory over the decorated Eddie Alvarez, whom Perry had also previously defeated. The contest was therefore not just for a symbolic title, but for clear positioning at the top of the welterweight division within the organisation. "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," Perry stated during his post-fight interview, embodying the brash persona that has defined his career. Organisational Growth and Market Penetration Beyond the result, BKFC 82 was strategically important for the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.
The debut event in New Jersey, a significant East Coast market in the United States, drew a reported attendance of over 10,000 people to the Prudential Center. This figure underscores the organisation’s increasing penetration into mainstream combat sports consciousness, moving beyond smaller, regional venues. David Feldman, the President and founder of the BKFC, expressed satisfaction with the event’s reception, noting the enthusiasm of the New Jersey audience. "We had 10,444 people in the building tonight," Mr Feldman said in the post-fight press conference. "I think we showed New Jersey, the Athletic Commission and fans around here that BKFC is the new attraction in town. This is the most exciting combat sport in the world, and I truly believe it’s the most exciting thing out there. " The increasing popularity is also reflected in the willingness of high-profile global figures to associate with the sport. Noted MMA superstar Conor McGregor, who has previously expressed interest in the promotion, was present at the event and entered the ring post-fight, where he offered congratulations to Perry and suggested future challenges. Analyst Perspectives on the Bare-Knuckle Model The increasing profile of bare-knuckle fighting, amplified by high-stakes bouts such as perry-vs-stephens, continues to draw scrutiny from sports analysts regarding its sustainability and ethical positioning within the broader combat sports ecosystem. Dr Evelyn Reed, a sports sociology analyst based in London, suggested the appeal lies in its historical simplicity. "What BKFC taps into is a primal desire for a clear, unfiltered contest," Dr Reed observed.
"The absence of gloves fundamentally changes the physics of the engagement, favouring durability and aggression over pure technical defence, which is what fighters like Perry excel at. The retention of the title validates this style of fighting within their specific framework, confirming the King of Violence moniker. " The match itself offered a clear example of the unique injury profile of the sport, with both men sustaining deep cuts and facial lacerations early in the contest. The Road Ahead With the defence of the 'King of Violence' title secured, Mike Perry’s next step will be crucial in defining the next chapter of the promotion. Attention immediately turns to a potential move up to the middleweight division, with a possible challenge against Dave Mundell, or the prospect of a high-profile crossover fight. The outcome of perry-vs-stephens leaves Perry undisputed in his current realm, cementing his position as the organisation's premier attraction. For Jeremy Stephens, the loss is a significant setback, but his resilience in the face of such a brutal attack ensures his continued recognition as a durable and valuable competitor on the roster. The success of the event in Newark strongly suggests that the BKFC will continue its aggressive expansion across the US and potentially into international markets, using events like this as its benchmark for intensity and fan engagement. For a look at the pre-fight atmosphere and dialogue, you can view the BKFC 82 Mike Perry vs Jeremy Stephens Press Conference Livestream.
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