Joe Lauzon, 42, returns to combat sports with BKFC appearance slated for Fenway Park

Joe Lauzon is planning a comeback. The 42-year-old Brockton, Massachusetts native, long known for his run through the UFC lightweight division, will compete again in combat sports after a multi-year absence, according to a report published Monday.

Lauzon last fought in 2019, the same year he exited the UFC spotlight with a break that has now stretched into several inactive seasons. In the time since, the longtime veteran has remained a familiar name to mixed martial arts audiences, particularly among fans who followed his career during the earlier, grittier era of UFC lightweight contests.

The next step for Lauzon will be outside the octagon. The report says Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) will stage an outdoor event at Fenway Park in Boston on August 29, and Lauzon is expected to be part of the fight card.

BKFC fights are contested under bare-knuckle rules, a format that differs from the UFC’s gloves-and-cage environment. For fighters who have built reputations in MMA, the switch in striking conditions can change timing and risk, and it typically places a premium on efficient punching while still controlling opponents at close range.

For Lauzon personally, the move represents more than simply returning to competition. It is also a homecoming of sorts. Boston-area fans have long associated Lauzon with the region, and an appearance at Fenway Park would place the UFC veteran on a major mainstream stage in front of a broader audience than the typical boutique fight setting.

The event also underscores how combat sports promotions have leaned into iconic venues in recent years, pairing established names with higher-visibility locations. Even without additional confirmed details from the report about his opponent or bout order, the selection of Lauzon suggests BKFC is aiming to draw attention through recognizable UFC credentials and an event setting that carries built-in historic cachet.

What to watch next is clarity on the full BKFC card and the specific matchup for Lauzon. The report indicates he will be on the August 29 slate, but further confirmation is needed on weight class, bout length, rules specifics, and whether the organization has finalized all participants.

Until official BKFC confirmation of the complete event lineup is available, the safest way to frame Lauzon’s return is as an announced plan rather than a finalized bout commitment. Still, for a veteran coming off inactivity since 2019, the Fenway Park date sets a clear deadline for confirmation, and a clear test for how Lauzon’s skill set translates to bare-knuckle competition.