Frankie Edgar Pulled From BKFC 82 After Denied Clearance

Frankie Edgar was pulled from his scheduled BKFC 82 bare‑knuckle return in Newark after the promotion’s chief medical officer and outside reviewers from the Association of Ringside Physicians declined to clear him despite Edgar reportedly passing a battery of tests, including an echocardiogram, stress test, eye exam, bloodwork, EKG and MRI. BKFC founder David Feldman said the decision followed reviews with the promotion’s team and outside medical members and that the promotion will ensure Edgar is cared for in his preparation and promotion. Jimmie Rivera will remain on the historic first state‑sanctioned bare‑knuckle card in New Jersey at the Prudential Center and is expected to face replacement Timmy Mason. Edgar, 43, had retired from the UFC after three consecutive knockout losses in 2021–22 and had been training for months despite warnings from family and friends. BKFC emphasized that medical caution prevailed and left the door open to a future return if Edgar can obtain medical clearance. The promotion and partners stressed that fighter safety was the overriding concern.