Former WBO junior lightweight champion Jamel Herring is taking off the gloves.
Herring (0-0) will make his bareknuckle debut Jan. 17 at BKFC 86 vs. Matt Guymon (2-1) at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., the promotion announced Monday. BKFC announced Herring’s signing in July. A debut was rumored for September, but he ultimately lands on the promotion’s first numbered event of 2026.
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“Semper Fi” Herring, 40, has not competed since an April 2024 loss dropped him to 25-4 overall and 1-3 in a four-fight span. Prior to the string of defeats that came against Shakur Stevenson, Jamaine Ortiz, and Jackson Jon England. Herring also represented the U.S. in the 2012 Olympics and is a member of the All Marine Boxing Hall of Fame.
Guymon is an 0-2 pro MMA fighter, who found success quickly in bareknuckle boxing as he won both of his first two gloveless bouts by TKO. However, he lost for the first time vs. Ryan Reber by split decision in May.
Updated BKFC 86 fight card includes:
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Julian Lane vs. Dustin Pague
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Jamel Herring vs. Matt Guymon
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: BKFC books debut of former WBO junior lightweight champion
