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BKFC 94: Darren Till vs. Yoel Romero Headlines Bare-Knuckle Showdown in Manchester

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Check out highlights from Thursday's BKFC 94 Press Conference

BKFC 94: Till vs. Romero Set for Tonight in Manchester

Former UFC stars Darren Till and Yoel Romero will collide in the main event of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) 94 tonight, Saturday, September 26, at the AO Arena in Manchester, England. The cruiserweight bout, contested at a catchweight of 190 pounds, headlines a card featuring three championship fights and a mix of veteran and rising bare-knuckle talent. The event streams live on DAZN, with the main card beginning at 2 p.m. ET (7 p.m. BST). The main event is expected to start around 6 p.m. ET, depending on the length of the undercard.

Till, 33, a Liverpool native and former UFC welterweight title challenger, enters his second BKFC appearance after a successful debut in May, where he knocked out Aaron Chalmers in the second round at BKFC 90. Romero, 49, a Cuban Olympic silver medalist and multi-time UFC middleweight title contender, made his BKFC debut in September 2025 with a quick finish of Theo Doukas. Both fighters are unbeaten under the BKFC banner, though Romero has since gone 1-1 in bare-knuckle competition outside the promotion.

The co-main event features BKFC middleweight champion David Mundell defending his title against British challenger Jack Cullen. Two additional BKFC UK titles are on the line: Gaz Corran faces Mac Bygraves for the vacant middleweight championship, and cruiserweight champion Karl Thompson puts his belt up against Andy Thornton.

A Clash of Former UFC Title Challengers

Darren Till and Yoel Romero share a common thread: both challenged for UFC gold and now seek to prove themselves in the bare-knuckle arena. Till, who left the UFC in 2023 with an 18-5-1 MMA record, has since gone 3-0 in gloved boxing before transitioning to BKFC. His debut knockout of Chalmers showcased his power and willingness to engage, traits that made him a fan favorite during his UFC tenure.

Romero, meanwhile, has remained active across multiple combat sports since his PFL departure in 2024. He has competed in bare-knuckle boxing, bare-knuckle MMA, wrestling under the RAF banner, and Dirty Boxing. His lone BKFC loss came in March 2026 against Vagab Vagabov in Russia, but he rebounded with a knockout win over Alex Nicholson in Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA in May. Despite being 49, Romero remains a physical specimen and a dangerous opponent for anyone.

The fight promises fireworks, as both men are known for their aggressive styles. At the final faceoff on Friday, the two exchanged words, adding fuel to an already heated matchup. Till has been vocal about his desire to deliver "pure f— violence" on Saturday night, while Romero's stoic confidence has been a hallmark of his career.

Full Fight Card and How to Watch

BKFC 94 features a deep card with championship stakes and local talent. The full lineup is as follows:

Main Card (2 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. BST):

Prelims (2 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. BST):

How to Watch: BKFC 94 streams live on DAZN in the United States and globally. The event is a $24.99 pay-per-view in the U.S. A DAZN monthly subscription costs $24.99 on a 12-month contract or $34.99 month-to-month. The annual subscription is $249.99. The DAZN Ultimate package, which includes at least 12 PPV boxing events and over 185 fights per year, is available for $49.99 per month on a 12-month contract or $449.99 per year.

Start times vary by region: 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT in the U.S., and 7 p.m. BST in the UK. The main event is expected around 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT.

Stakes and Implications for BKFC

With BKFC 94, the promotion continues its push into the UK market and its reliance on former UFC stars to draw attention. Till, a hometown hero fighting in Manchester, brings a built-in fanbase and mainstream recognition. Romero, despite his age, remains a marquee name with a loyal following. A victory for either man could propel them toward a title shot or a higher-profile matchup.

For Till, a win would solidify his post-UFC resurgence and establish him as a top contender in BKFC's cruiserweight division. A loss, however, would be a significant setback given the hype surrounding his bare-knuckle career. For Romero, a victory would prove that he can still compete at a high level and add another chapter to his legendary career. A defeat might raise questions about his future in the sport.

The co-main event between Mundell and Cullen is equally significant. Mundell, a Florida-based champion, seeks to defend his title against a British challenger in enemy territory. Cullen, undefeated in BKFC, aims to capture gold and elevate his status. The UK title fights also carry weight, as BKFC looks to crown local champions and build regional stars.

Bare-Knuckle Boxing's Growing Footprint

BKFC 94 is part of a broader trend of bare-knuckle boxing gaining traction worldwide. The sport, once a niche attraction, has attracted former UFC and boxing names, drawn significant streaming audiences, and expanded into new markets. Promotions like BKFC have benefited from the star power of fighters like Till and Romero, who bring name recognition and credibility.

The event also highlights the continued crossover between MMA and bare-knuckle boxing. Fighters such as Till and Romero, who have competed at the highest levels of MMA, find new opportunities in BKFC where their striking skills and toughness translate well. The shorter rounds, lack of gloves, and emphasis on punching power create a unique spectacle that appeals to combat sports fans.

As BKFC continues to grow, events like BKFC 94 serve as a test of its ability to draw in the UK and beyond. With a strong card and two recognizable headliners, the promotion hopes to deliver memorable moments and keep the momentum going.

Final Thoughts

BKFC 94: Till vs. Romero is set to deliver a night of high-stakes bare-knuckle action. With three title fights and a main event featuring two former UFC title challengers, the card offers plenty for combat sports enthusiasts. Whether Till can continue his winning ways or Romero can defy Father Time once again, the outcome will have implications for both fighters and the promotion. The event streams live on DAZN, with the main card starting at 2 p.m. ET.

For fans of combat sports, this is a must-watch. For BKFC, it's another opportunity to showcase its brand of bare-knuckle boxing on an international stage.

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