BKFC has picked up their fifth ex-UFC fighter in just a matter of days.
The world’s fastest-growing combat sports promotion is expanding, reaching new parts of the world and adding more talent to a roster of stars.
On Thursday, BKFC part-owner Conor McGregor announced the signing of former UFC title challengers Yoel Romero and Thiago Santos. Joining them are UFC veterans Derek Brunson and Aspen Ladd, confirmed founder David Feldman.
Apparently, that’s not all, as BKFC has brought a 34-fight veteran out of retirement.
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Jared Gooden signs with BKFC, ends short-lived retirement
At 31 years old, Gooden announced his retirement in March following back-to-back losses on the regional scene.
Gooden’s retirement decision happened not long after his second UFC release last year, which stemmed from a loss and weight miss to Chidi Njokuani at UFC Vegas 98 in October. Gooden went 2-5 in the UFC across two stints.
Initially stepping away from the fight game for his family, it looks like Gooden will look to provide for them from inside the Squared Circle, as the former UFC welterweight has signed a BKFC contract.
Nearly half of ‘Nite Train’s’ MMA wins have ended by knockout. Gooden is 23-11 as a pro.
“Some heavy hitters have boarded the BKFC train,” the promotion announced Gooden’s signing on Saturday.
BKFC adds two former boxing world champions
BKFC has been signing more than just ex-UFC stars.
Days ago, David Feldman announced the arrival of two former champions from the sport of boxing: Jamel Herring and James DeGale.
25-3-1 as a pro boxer, DeGale is set to make his bareknuckle debut at BKFC Manchester on Sep. 27. Opponent TBA.
BKFC has seen multiple boxing stars fight in their promotion like Austin Trout, Paulie Malignaggi, Kenzie Morrison and Alfredo ‘Perro’ Angulo, with Trout being the only BKFC fighter to win titles in both boxing and bareknuckle boxing.