Darren Till signs multi-fight deal with Bare Knuckle FC, debut set for May 30

Former UFC welterweight contender Darren Till has signed a multi-fight deal with Bare Knuckle FC, with his promotional debut confirmed for May 30 in his home city of Birmingham, England. An opponent for the first bout has not yet been named.

Till, 33, leaves behind a career built inside the Octagon that saw him compile an 18-5-1 record across the welterweight and middleweight divisions. Known as "The Gorilla," the southpaw from England stood as one of the more technically refined strikers the UFC produced, working behind a 74-inch reach from a measured, pressure-based style. He landed 2.3 significant strikes per minute at a 46 percent striking accuracy rate over his MMA career, rarely relying on the grappling game — he averaged just 0.55 takedowns per 15 minutes and recorded no submission attempts in that span. He last competed under the banner of Astra Fight Team.

The move to Bare Knuckle FC represents a substantial departure from the regulated MMA environment Till has known throughout his professional career. The bare-knuckle format strips away gloves and much of the cushioning that defines the sport he rose through, placing an even heavier premium on precision and punch economy — areas where Till's background gives him a credible foundation.

Why it matters

• Till was a former UFC welterweight title challenger and ranked contender, making this a marquee signing for Bare Knuckle FC
• His technical striking background translates more directly to bare-knuckle boxing than a grappling-heavy style would
• The Birmingham location gives the event a built-in gate draw, with Till fighting in front of a home crowd
• The opponent announcement will determine how significant a debut this becomes on the bare-knuckle circuit