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Ex-UFC contender Darren Till to debut vs Aaron Chalmers

5/28/2026

Summary

Darren Till Debuts

England's Darren Till, former UFC welterweight title contender, will make his bare-knuckle boxing debut against Aaron Chalmers at BKFC 90 in Birmingham.
He signed a BKFC contract after a lucrative offer boosted his earnings.
He says trauma is his biggest hurdle in fighting, while noting a return to MMA is unlikely but not ruled out.
He aims to be BKFC’s face, promote shows, and stay until a bout with Mike Perry.

Summary

Aaron Chalmers Quits

Darren Till said boxing carries the greatest head-trauma risk, especially with 16-ounce gloves.
Aaron Chalmers quit Geordie Shore to pursue fighting, seeking a challenge beyond money.
The Birmingham BKFC bout will have Chalmers at 185 lb, while Till fought previously at 192 lb.
After the fight Chalmers may travel to Turkey for dental-veneer repairs; the card also includes John Phillips and a lightweight title bout between Connor Tierney and Rico Franco.

History

Historical Context

Founded in April 2018, BK FC held its first state-sanctioned bout on June 2, 2018 in Cheyenne, marking the first U.S. bare-knuckle event since 1889. After expanding to the UK with BK FC 27 in August 2022 and acquiring the Bare Fist Boxing Association, the promotion now signs former UFC star Darren Till and ex-Geordie Shore personality Aaron Chalmers for the Birmingham 90 headline, part of a schedule that reached 142 events by December 2025.

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Darren Till Debuts

England's Darren Till, former UFC welterweight title contender, will make his bare-knuckle boxing debut against Aaron Chalmers at BKFC 90 in Birmingham.
He signed a BKFC contract after a lucrative offer boosted his earnings.
He says trauma is his biggest hurdle in fighting, while noting a return to MMA is unlikely but not ruled out.
He aims to be BKFC’s face, promote shows, and stay until a bout with Mike Perry.

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