James DeGale BKFC Debut Erupts in Chaos After Rival Headbutts Former Boxing Champion
MMA superstar Conor McGregor’s promotion, BKFC, has quickly become the perfect destination for retired boxers and MMA fighters. Recently, former world boxing champion James DeGale stepped into the bare-knuckle ring for his highly anticipated BKFC debut against Matt Floyd. DeGale secured a dominant, unanimous decision win, but the fight showcased far more chaos compared to traditional professional boxing bouts.
James DeGale’s taste of dirty fighting inside the BKFC cage
The event unfolded inside the AO Arena in Manchester, hosting several notable fights that attracted passionate fans from across the region. The featured clash turned intense and dirty, with Floyd repeatedly fouling, including a blatant headbutt against DeGale. That dangerous foul almost caused Floyd’s disqualification but ultimately resulted in only a two-point deduction instead of an immediate stoppage.
Throughout five heated rounds, the referee issued four total deductions, dividing penalties between both competitors for their continuous fouling actions. Tensions erupted into a near all-out brawl when both teams stormed the ring, though officials quickly restored order and continued. The bout was largely dominated by headbutts and excessive clinching fouls, with only occasional glimpses of clean boxing exchanges.
Despite bare-knuckle boxing’s brutal reputation, James DeGale displayed refined skills, highlighted by his sharp jab and clean technical striking. The bout lasted all five rounds, with judges unanimously awarding DeGale victory through decisive scorecards reading 48-43, 48-43, and 47-44.
James DeGale’s post-fight interview featuring Conor McGregor
This win marked a successful beginning to DeGale’s bare-knuckle journey, proving his ability to adapt in such a harsh environment. The fighter was excited about the win and made sure to hype the crowd for his next outing. It’s bare-knuckle boxing, it’s highly different. The holding, punching, it’s crazy! Crazy stuff. But do you know what? I’m 1-0 in bare-knuckle. JD is second coming. He’s tough, he’s game. In boxing, that’s his best move, holding the back of the head and uppercutting. He always gets warned. In a boxing fight, he won’t last two rounds. So I thought, let me have a bare-knuckle boxing make it more even,” said DeGale.
Conor McGregor was also in the ring and praised James DeGale’s performance and gave the former Olympic gold medalist his flowers. McGregor appreciated how much DeGale seemed to enjoy his debut experience competing under the BKFC banner, embracing the brutal new challenge. “It’s an interesting puzzle in the bare-knuckle… I wanna see frames. It looked like he f***ing enjoyed it,” said McGregor.
READ MORE: Jack Della Maddalena Vows to Finish Islam Makhachev at UFC 322
Recent posts
