UFC veteran Joe Lauzon ends seven-year absence by signing with BKFC for Fenway Park debut

Joe Lauzon is returning to combat sports for the first time in nearly seven years, signing a multi-fight deal with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship and set to debut at BKFC 92 on August 29 at Fenway Park in Boston. The 42-year-old Massachusetts native last competed in October 2019, when he stopped Jonathan Pearce via TKO in 93 seconds at UFC Boston.

Lauzon, a veteran of 27 UFC fights, cited the iconic venue as the decisive factor in his decision. “The thing that got me really excited was fighting at Fenway Park,” he said in a release. “I’ve fought in Boston before and I fought at TD Garden, but there’s something special about competing on the field at Fenway. I grew up a Red Sox fan, played baseball as a kid, and watched the Red Sox win the World Series while I was in college. To have the chance to fight there is pretty incredible.”

The homecoming element also played a significant role. “Boston has always shown up for me,” Lauzon added. “Every time I’ve fought there, my friends, family, and supporters have packed the building. I can’t wait to experience that again. There aren’t many venues more iconic than Fenway Park. Getting to fight there is something I’ll remember forever.”

An opponent for his debut has yet to be announced.

Lauzon’s extended absence from competition was partly shaped by circumstance. Following his win over Pearce, he was booked to face Donald Cerrone on three separate occasions, but each bout fell through for varying reasons. His return to action marks a significant transition — from the UFC’s gloved octagon to bare-knuckle competition.

For those unfamiliar with his career, Lauzon’s UFC story began memorably. He competed on season five of The Ultimate Fighter before announcing himself to the wider MMA world with a 48-second knockout of former lightweight champion Jens Pulver at UFC 63 in September 2006 — one of the most striking debut performances in the promotion’s history.