Jessica Eye Makes Stunning Comeback: Former UFC Contender Signs with BKFC

The fight world just got a major shake-up! Jessica “Evil” Eye, once a feared contender for the UFC flyweight crown, is making her combat sports return – but not where you might expect. The Ohio native has officially signed with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), bringing her gritty style to the world of knuckle-dusting action.

Eye broke the news Tuesday during an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, confirming what many fight fans had speculated about in recent weeks. BKFC quickly followed up with their own announcement, welcoming the former UFC standout to their growing roster of combat sports stars.

From Octagon to Bare Knuckle: Why This Matters

I’ve followed Jessica’s career closely over the years, and this move feels like a perfect fit. If you’ve watched Eye fight, you know she’s never been one to shy away from a brawl. Her aggressive, in-your-face style that earned her a UFC title shot against Valentina Shevchenko back in 2019 could translate beautifully to the no-gloves format.

This signing represents another major coup for BKFC, which continues to snap up recognizable MMA talent looking for new challenges. They’ve previously recruited the likes of Paige VanZant, Mike Perry, and Chad Mendes – adding Eye to this roster further legitimizes their standing in the combat sports ecosystem.

Eye’s UFC Legacy and What’s Next

Jessica Eye compiled a 15-11 MMA record during her professional career, including a 5-10 run in the UFC. While those numbers might not jump off the page, they don’t tell the whole story. Eye fought the absolute elite of women’s MMA, including:

• Valentina Shevchenko (UFC flyweight title fight)
• Joanne Calderwood
• Jennifer Maia
• Katlyn Chookagian
• Jessica-Rose Clark

After a four-fight skid culminating in a loss to Maycee Barber in July 2022, Eye announced her retirement from MMA. Many thought we’d seen the last of “Evil” Eye in combat sports – turns out we were wrong.

“I feel reinvigorated,” Eye told Helwani during her announcement. “This is a perfect opportunity to showcase what I do best – get in there and throw hands. No takedowns to worry about, just pure striking. That’s where I shine.”

What Can Fans Expect from Eye in BKFC?

If there’s one thing Jessica Eye never lacked, it was heart. Her willingness to engage in firefights made her a fan favorite, even when results didn’t go her way. In BKFC, where defense often takes a backseat to aggression, Eye’s pressure-heavy approach could make her an immediate contender.

The big question: Who will BKFC match her against for her debut? While no opponent has been named, several intriguing possibilities exist:

The Bigger Picture: UFC Fighters Finding New Life in BKFC

Eye’s signing continues a fascinating trend of UFC fighters extending their careers in bare knuckle boxing. While some initially scoffed at BKFC as a novelty, the organization has proven to be a legitimate landing spot for established names looking for new challenges and paydays.

Mike Perry, in particular, has found tremendous success since transitioning from the UFC, becoming one of BKFC’s biggest stars. Could Jessica Eye follow a similar path to bare knuckle stardom?

What This Means for Women’s Combat Sports

Women’s fighting divisions continue to grow across all combat sports platforms. With Eye joining BKFC, it adds another recognizable name to their female roster and potentially opens doors for more women fighters to consider bare knuckle as a viable option.

For Eye personally, this represents not just a comeback, but a reinvention. At 37 years old, she’s choosing to step back into the fire rather than stay retired – a testament to her competitive spirit and love for fighting.

When Will We See Eye in Action?

While no date has been announced for Eye’s BKFC debut, the organization typically moves quickly to capitalize on new signings. I’d expect to see her making her bare knuckle debut within the next 3-4 months, likely on a significant BKFC card.

One thing’s certain – when Jessica Eye steps into the BKFC squared circle for the first time, the combat sports world will be watching. Her aggressive style seems tailor-made for bare knuckle, and this comeback story could be one of the most compelling narratives in fighting this year.

Ready to See Jessica Eye’s BKFC Debut?

Are you excited to see Jessica Eye back in action? Will her UFC experience translate to success in bare knuckle fighting? Drop your predictions in the comments below, and stay tuned for more updates as we learn about her first BKFC opponent and fight date!

Source: The Ariel Helwani Show, BKFC official announcements