Jessica Eye, a well-known figure in combat sports, is making a comeback to professional fighting. The former UFC flyweight title challenger has officially signed with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC).
Eye announced her decision to join BKFC during a recent interview. BKFC also confirmed the signing through their social media channels.
With a long and respected career in combat sports, Eye is particularly recognized for her ten-year run in the UFC from 2013 to 2022. She achieved a top ranking in the flyweight division and competed for the 125-pound championship against Valentina Shevchenko at UFC 238. However, her UFC journey concluded with a four-fight losing streak and an overall UFC record of 5 wins and 10 losses.
At 38 years old, Eye`s last fight was against Maycee Barber at UFC 276. She explained that her time away from the sport was necessary to address ongoing health issues.
“Many people were unaware of the health struggles I faced towards the end of my UFC career,” Eye stated. “There was confusion surrounding my weight misses and other problems. It turned out I had contracted a parasite – a significant worm, which I expelled about five weeks before my final UFC fight in 2022. While I wasn`t truly ready to retire then, my body was depleted from numerous health battles, including gall bladder removal, sepsis, and E. coli. The parasite was finally discovered just before my last fight.”
Eye anticipates her BKFC debut on May 10th in Salt Lake City, although her opponent is yet to be announced. Currently signed for a single fight, Eye is open to the possibility of extending her involvement with BKFC in the future.
