Nate Maness has quickly found a new home, and fight fans are buzzing! After a seven-fight stint in the UFC, Maness is now heading to Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) with a fresh multi-fight deal. This move came just weeks after he revealed that his UFC contract had not been renewed, catching many by surprise. Maness' manager, Pat Wilson of Rise Sports Management, along with BKFC officials, shared the exciting news with MMA Junkie, and Maness made it official on social media soon after.
What’s intriguing about Maness’ departure from the UFC is that it wasn’t due to a lack of performance. In fact, Maness went 5-2 in the UFC, earning three Performance of the Night bonuses along the way. His two consecutive victories before his contract expired showcased his undeniable talent and determination inside the octagon. Typically, a fighter on a winning streak would be considered a valuable asset, making his release from the UFC somewhat puzzling to fans and analysts alike.
Despite his string of wins and impressive showings, UFC officials decided not to re-sign Maness. Initially, Maness was in the dark about the reasons behind the promotion’s decision. In a conversation with MMA Junkie back in late July, he mentioned that the UFC had not provided any clear justification for letting him go. Later, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), Maness revealed that he was informed that some members of the UFC’s higher-ups were not thrilled with his “excitement level.” It’s an interesting critique, especially considering his thrilling performances that won him multiple bonuses.
For Maness, the transition to BKFC represents a fresh start and a new chapter in his fighting career. While UFC is renowned for its global reach and recognition, BKFC offers a unique platform where fighters can showcase a different style of combat, stripped of gloves and in raw, bare-knuckle form. This gritty and adrenaline-pumping environment could be the perfect fit for Maness, who’s no stranger to delivering action-packed fights. It’s also a testament to his adaptability and willingness to take on new challenges in the ever-evolving world of combat sports.
Here are some key points that make this move particularly exciting:
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Multi-Fight Deal: Signing a multi-fight deal with BKFC isn’t just a one-off gig; it’s a commitment to being a part of the growing popularity of bare-knuckle fighting. This indicates that both Maness and BKFC are looking at a long-term collaboration, which is promising for fans who enjoy his fighting style.
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Performance History: Maness’ record in the UFC was far from lackluster. With three Performance of the Night bonuses and a 5-2 record, it’s clear that he can hang with the best. His departure wasn’t due to performance deficiencies, which makes his next steps in BKFC even more intriguing. Will he bring the same intensity to BKFC’s bare-knuckle bouts?
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Unresolved Questions: Maness’ UFC exit still raises questions. Was it truly about his “excitement level,” or were there other factors at play? Fans will be eager to see if he can make a statement in BKFC that perhaps the UFC overlooked a star in the making.
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BKFC’s Growing Popularity: BKFC has been steadily gaining traction as a must-watch promotion, especially for fans who crave more raw and unfiltered combat. Maness joining BKFC is a signal that top-tier talent is taking notice of what the organization has to offer, potentially drawing in more fans and fighters alike.
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Maness’ Mindset: Moving to a new promotion after a stint in the UFC can be daunting, but it can also be invigorating. Maness has shown resilience and a fighter’s mentality throughout his career, and this move could fuel him to reach new heights. His fans can expect to see a fighter who’s motivated to prove himself and deliver on the BKFC stage.
In the fight world, adaptability is key, and Maness seems ready to embrace this new chapter with enthusiasm. It’s clear that while his UFC journey might have ended on an unexpected note, he’s not letting that slow him down. Instead, he’s jumping headfirst into a new arena that celebrates raw, unfiltered combat. BKFC fans can look forward to seeing Maness bring his high-level skills and competitive spirit to the ring, making his fights must-see events.
Maness’ journey is a reminder that in the world of combat sports, opportunities can arise from the most unexpected places. His move to BKFC isn’t just about finding a new home; it’s about setting new goals, reaching new fans, and continuing to prove that he’s a force to be reckoned with in any combat arena. As he steps into the BKFC ring, all eyes will be on how he adapts and evolves in this new, exciting chapter of his career.
Stay tuned, because if Maness’ history in the UFC is anything to go by, his time in BKFC promises to be nothing short of electrifying. Whether it’s delivering knockouts or putting on a show, Maness is ready to make his mark in BKFC, and fans are here for the ride.
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