Jessica Eye books bare-knuckle debut against fellow UFC vet Mariya Agapova at BKFC 76 in Wichita

Jessica Eye is returning from retirement to make her bare-knuckle debut against fellow former UFC fighter Mariya Agapova at BKFC 76. This move marks a new chapter for both athletes, as they bring their experience from the octagon to the world of bare-knuckle boxing.

Fans of mixed martial arts and combat sports have been waiting to see how these two UFC veterans will match up under a different set of rules. Both Eye and Agapova have shown impressive skills in the UFC, and their fight in BKFC is drawing a lot of attention from the fighting community.

The match-up promises a clash of styles and personalities, making it an event worth watching. To find out more about Jessica Eye’s upcoming fight and what’s at stake, see details from MMA Fighting on her bare-knuckle debut against Mariya Agapova.

BKFC 76: Jessica Eye vs. Mariya Agapova

Jessica Eye is making her bare-knuckle boxing debut at BKFC 76 against fellow former UFC fighter Mariya Agapova. Both athletes are experienced in MMA, but neither has fought under bare-knuckle rules before, making this an interesting clash for fans of combat sports.

Event Background

BKFC 76 is a main event for Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, an organization known for hosting fights without gloves, focusing on striking skills and toughness. The event is scheduled to take place in Texas, which is becoming a popular location for bare-knuckle events.

Jessica Eye, known for her time in the UFC’s women’s flyweight division, stepped away from MMA in 2022. Mariya Agapova, also a UFC veteran, is remembered for her aggressive fighting style. With both fighters trying bare-knuckle boxing for the first time, this fight is generating attention from many MMA fans. The matchup adds interest since both have faced high-level opponents in the past and are now entering a new combat sport.

Fight Announcement Details

The fight between Jessica Eye and Mariya Agapova was officially announced in May 2025. Eye’s debut comes almost three years after retiring from MMA competition. According to reports, this bout will take place at BKFC 76, with both fighters set to compete at a weight class similar to their previous MMA division.

The announcement has created buzz on social media, with fight fans and analysts discussing the possible outcomes. Media outlets released updates and fighter comments, and sites like Tapology have listed the bout and provided space for fans to make predictions. Both Eye and Agapova have responded, expressing excitement for their BKFC debuts.

Comparison of Bare-Knuckle Records

Jessica Eye and Mariya Agapova have plenty of MMA experience, but neither has an official bare-knuckle boxing record. The fight at BKFC 76 will serve as both their debuts in this combat sport.

Below is a summary table:

Fighter	MMA Record (W-L)	BKFC Record	Former UFC Fighter
Jessica Eye	15-11-1	0-0	Yes
Mariya Agapova	10-4	0-0	Yes

The lack of bare-knuckle bouts for both competitors adds unknowns to the contest. Their transition from MMA to bare-knuckle boxing is expected to bring different strategies and excitement for fans of both sports.

Jessica Eye and Mariya Agapova: Career Highlights

Jessica Eye and Mariya Agapova have each competed at high levels in mixed martial arts. Both athletes have earned recognition for their performances in major promotions such as the UFC, and now bring their experience to bare-knuckle boxing.

Jessica Eye’s UFC Journey

Jessica Eye competed in the UFC from 2013 to 2022. She fought in both the bantamweight and flyweight divisions, facing top contenders throughout her career.

A notable moment was her dramatic knockout win against Katlyn Chookagian in 2018. Eye earned a title shot against Valentina Shevchenko in 2019, although she lost via head kick.

During her time in the UFC, Eye was known for her toughness, boxing skills, and willingness to face high-profile opponents. She retired from MMA in 2022 after a long and competitive run. Eye was recognized for her resilience and for consistently fighting ranked fighters.

Career Highlights	Details
UFC Debut	2013
Notable Win	vs. Katlyn Chookagian
Title Fight	vs. Valentina Shevchenko
Retirement	2022

Mariya Agapova’s MMA Achievements

Mariya Agapova is a flyweight fighter from Kazakhstan. She joined the UFC in 2020 after making an impression on Dana White's Contender Series.

Agapova became known for her aggressive striking and submission skills. She has victories over fighters such as Hannah Cifers and Sabina Mazo. In the octagon, Agapova often pushed the pace and aimed for finishes rather than decisions.

She faced ups and downs in her UFC career, showing flashes of potential with highlight-reel finishes. Although her record is mixed, Agapova remains respected for her exciting fighting style and ability to adapt in tough situations.

Notable Wins:

• Hannah Cifers (Submission)

• Sabina Mazo (Submission)

Transition to Bare-Knuckle Fighting

Both Eye and Agapova are set to compete in bare-knuckle boxing at BKFC 76. This event marks Eye’s return from retirement and Agapova’s entry into the world of bare-knuckle competition.

Bare-knuckle fighting requires a different approach compared to MMA. There are no gloves, and the focus is on striking without grappling. Both athletes must adjust their techniques, defense, and strategies.

Fans are interested to see how each fighter’s skills will translate to this new format. The matchup brings two experienced competitors into a new challenge, bringing attention to the BKFC event.