Joe Lauzon claims UFC tried to dissuade him from BKFC debut

MMA veteran Joe Lauzon revealed that UFC matchmaker Hunter Campbell attempted to dissuade him from participating in his Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) debut. During an interview on The Ariel Helwani Show, Lauzon stated that Campbell called him on the day of the event to express concern, calling the decision to fight bare-knuckle ‘the stupidest thing ever’.

Campbell reportedly offered Lauzon alternative opportunities, such as grappling cards, to ensure he did not feel pressured to take punches for financial reasons. Despite these concerns, the UFC clarified they would not block the fight or prevent his release.

Lauzon, 42, successfully made his return to combat sports at BKFC Boston held at Fenway Park, where he knocked out Stash Kuykendall in the second round. This victory marked his first fight in seven years following several failed attempts to book a retirement bout within the UFC.