Justin Gaethje Names Hefty Price for BKFC Switch

UFC star says $10 million would be required to lure him into bare-knuckle boxing, which his mother would hate.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 2:08am

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An abstract, expressionist painting in vivid neon colors, with rapid brushstrokes conveying the explosive power and kinetic energy of a mixed martial arts fighter, conceptually representing the potential risks and rewards of a fighter's career path.An explosive, neon-hued painting that captures the raw energy and kinetic motion of a top UFC fighter, hinting at the potential allure and risks of a move to the more extreme world of bare-knuckle boxing.Denver Today

UFC lightweight contender Justin Gaethje revealed that it would take a massive $10 million payday for him to consider switching to bare-knuckle boxing, an idea his mother would strongly disapprove of. Gaethje, known for his exciting fighting style, said he is more inclined to return to his wrestling roots 'when all else fails' rather than pursue bare-knuckle bouts.

Why it matters

Gaethje is one of the most popular and exciting fighters in the UFC, known for his all-action approach that has earned him 15 post-fight bonuses. A potential move to the more extreme sport of bare-knuckle boxing would be a major storyline, though Gaethje seems hesitant given his mother's likely disapproval and his preference to fall back on his wrestling skills.

The details

In a recent interview at a BKFC event in Denver, Gaethje was asked what it would take for him to make the switch to bare-knuckle boxing. He replied, 'Oh my god, I think my mom would kill me honestly. I'm a wrestler so when all else fails, I should go to wrestling even though you guys are all going to think and know that's a f—— lie but... 10 million.' Gaethje also stated that he expects to retire from fighting by mid-2027, though a heavy loss could push that timeline up.

  • Gaethje made these comments while attending BKFC 88 in Denver on Friday night.

The players

Justin Gaethje

A top-ranked UFC lightweight contender known for his exciting, all-action fighting style that has earned him 15 post-fight bonuses in the promotion.

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What they’re saying

“Oh my god, I think my mom would kill me honestly. I'm a wrestler so when all else fails, I should go to wrestling even though you guys are all going to think and know that's a f—— lie but... 10 million.”

— Justin Gaethje

The takeaway

Gaethje's comments highlight the financial lure of bare-knuckle boxing, but also his hesitation to pursue that path given his mother's likely disapproval and his preference to fall back on his wrestling skills. As one of the UFC's most exciting fighters, a potential move to BKFC would be a major storyline, though Gaethje seems content to remain in the Octagon for the foreseeable future.