The Bare-Knuckle Dream That Almost Was: Kai Stewart, Cody Garbrandt, and the Fight That Got Away
There’s something about a fight that never happened that lingers in the imagination, isn’t there? It’s like a ghost bout, a shadow match that haunts the minds of fighters and fans alike. Personally, I think the story of Kai Stewart and Cody Garbrandt is one of those tales—a tantalizing ‘what if’ that reveals as much about the sport as any actual fight could.
Stewart, the six-time defending BKFC featherweight champion, is no stranger to making waves in the bare-knuckle scene. But his recent revelation about nearly stepping into the ring with former UFC champion Cody Garbrandt? That’s a detail that I find especially interesting. It’s not just about the fight itself; it’s about what it represents—the blurred lines between promotions, the hunger for crossover legitimacy, and the relentless pursuit of ‘bigger and better’ challenges.
The Almost-Fight That Could’ve Shaken the Scene
What makes this particularly fascinating is the timing. Stewart was on the cusp of clearing out his division, and Garbrandt was nearing the end of his UFC contract. For a moment, the stars seemed aligned for a bare-knuckle showdown that would’ve been nothing short of historic. Stewart himself admitted he was confident it was going to happen, and honestly, who wouldn’t be? A UFC legend stepping into the BKFC ring? That’s the kind of matchup that could’ve redefined both fighters’ legacies.
But here’s where it gets intriguing: Garbrandt re-signed with the UFC, reportedly for an offer he couldn’t refuse. From my perspective, this raises a deeper question: What does it take for a fighter to walk away from a guaranteed payday in one promotion to take a risk in another? Stewart’s willingness to chase this fight speaks volumes about his ambition, but Garbrandt’s decision to stay put? That’s a reminder of the UFC’s gravitational pull in the combat sports universe.
The Personal Side of a Professional Rivalry
One thing that immediately stands out is how personal this almost-fight became. Stewart didn’t hear about Garbrandt’s decision secondhand—he heard it straight from the man himself. There’s something almost poetic about that. Two warriors, face-to-face, acknowledging the path not taken. What many people don’t realize is that these moments of honesty between fighters humanize a sport often defined by its brutality.
Stewart’s reaction? Pure, unfiltered emotion. ‘We were this close!’ he said. You can almost feel the frustration in his voice. But what this really suggests is that fighters carry these missed opportunities with them, long after the contracts are signed and the fights are booked. It’s a reminder that behind every athlete is a person chasing something bigger than a paycheck—validation, legacy, or maybe just the thrill of proving themselves against the best.
The Broader Implications: Bare-Knuckle’s Place in the Combat Sports Landscape
If you take a step back and think about it, this near-miss fight is a microcosm of the larger struggle bare-knuckle boxing faces. BKFC is still fighting for mainstream recognition, and a crossover bout with a UFC star like Garbrandt could’ve been a game-changer. Stewart’s willingness to call out Garbrandt—even now, after the opportunity slipped away—shows how desperate fighters are to bridge that gap.
But here’s the thing: the UFC isn’t just a promotion; it’s an empire. Garbrandt’s decision to stay put underscores the reality that, for many fighters, the UFC is still the pinnacle. Bare-knuckle boxing, for all its grit and growing popularity, hasn’t quite reached that level yet. And that’s okay. What this really suggests is that the sport still has room to grow, to carve out its own identity, and to prove it’s more than just a sideshow.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Stewart?
Stewart’s not one to dwell on the past. His focus is on his upcoming fight at Fenway Park, a venue that, as he puts it, ‘doesn’t get much cooler than that.’ But his callout of Garbrandt—‘Hey Cody, stop being a bitch and take the gloves off’—is more than just trash talk. It’s a statement of intent. Stewart’s not just chasing a fight; he’s chasing legitimacy, respect, and the chance to prove he belongs in the conversation with the best.
In my opinion, Stewart’s journey is emblematic of the bare-knuckle movement as a whole. It’s raw, it’s unapologetic, and it’s hungry for recognition. Whether or not he ever steps into the ring with Garbrandt, Stewart’s pursuit of this fight is a testament to the spirit of the sport.
Final Thoughts: The Fight That Lives On in Our Minds
What makes the Stewart-Garbrandt story so compelling isn’t just what could’ve been—it’s what it reveals about the fighters, the promotions, and the fans. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most interesting fights are the ones that never happen. They live on in our imaginations, fueling debates, inspiring speculation, and reminding us why we love this sport in the first place.
Personally, I think this story is far from over. Stewart’s career is still on the rise, and Garbrandt? He’s got his own battles to fight. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned from this near-miss, it’s that in combat sports, the fight you don’t have can sometimes be just as powerful as the one you do.
So, here’s to the ghost bouts, the shadow matches, and the fighters who chase them. Because in the end, it’s not just about the fights we see—it’s about the ones we dream of.
