Kai Stewart says Cody Garbrandt bare-knuckle fight nearly done

BKFC featherweight champion Kai Stewart came within striking distance of landing a crossover bout with former UFC bantamweight titleholder Cody Garbrandt before the promotion re-signed him.

Stewart, who defends his belt for the seventh consecutive time against Harry Gigliotti at Fenway Park on Aug. 29, told MMA Fighting he was in advanced negotiations for a bare-knuckle showdown with Garbrandt that was targeted for KnuckleMania. The champion said he learned directly from Garbrandt why the matchup fell apart. "I actually heard it from his mouth," Stewart said, per MMA Fighting. "He straight up said 'yeah, UFC gave me an offer I couldn't resist.'"

Stewart still wants Garbrandt fight after title defense

Garbrandt announced a new multi-fight UFC deal in 2025 and is scheduled to face Adrian Yanez at UFC 329 on Saturday. Stewart said he was confident the BKFC fight was happening until the UFC stepped in with a contract extension. "We were this close," he added. "But in due time. 100% god's plan."

The BKFC champion, who has cleared out his division, said the offer to Garbrandt remains open at any weight class. Stewart also indicated he is exploring opportunities across two weight classes to stay active and maximize exposure after his upcoming title defense. He acknowledged Gigliotti has credentials from other organizations but said he needs to handle that challenge first before revisiting bigger fights.

Stewart faces Gigliotti at BKFC's Fenway Park card on Aug. 29.

Reported via:

• MMA Fighting — BKFC champ Kai Stewart reveals he was ‘so close’ to fighting Cody Garbrandt in bare-knuckle before he re-signed with UFC