27-fight UFC vet Joe Lauzon signs with BKFC, set for debut at Fenway Park

Joe Lauzon, a 27-fight UFC veteran, has signed a multi-fight deal with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship and will debut for the promotion at BKFC 92 on August 29 at Fenway Park in Boston.

The 42-year-old Massachusetts native, who last competed in October 2019 with a 93-second TKO victory over Jonathan Pearce at UFC Boston, expressed elation about fighting at the legendary baseball venue. "The thing that got me really excited was fighting at Fenway Park," Lauzon said. "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."

Lauzon made his UFC debut in September 2006 at UFC 63 with a remarkable short-notice 48-second knockout of then-lightweight champion Jens Pulver. He went on to become one of the promotion's most reliable bonus earners and competed on season five of "The Ultimate Fighter." Following his 2019 win over Pearce, Lauzon was scheduled to face Donald Cerrone on three separate occasions, but all three bouts fell through due to various circumstances including illness and injury.

With nearly seven years away from competition, Lauzon views the Fenway Park opportunity as something he won't forget. "Boston has always shown up for me," he noted. "Every time I've fought there, my friends, family, and supporters have packed the building. I can't wait to experience that again." An opponent for his BKFC debut will be announced at a later date.