Kai Stewart, the reigning BKFC featherweight champion, is gearing up for his seventh consecutive title defense against Harry Gigliotti at the upcoming card in Boston. With his division seemingly cleared, Stewart is now eyeing bigger and better challenges, including a potential showdown with former UFC champion Cody Garbrandt.
Stewart reveals that he was incredibly close to securing a fight with Garbrandt for KnuckleMania, a highly anticipated event. However, the fight never materialized as Garbrandt re-signed with the UFC, a decision that left Stewart feeling disappointed.
In a surprising turn of events, Stewart learned about Garbrandt's decision directly from the champion himself. Garbrandt explained that the UFC offered him a lucrative multi-fight deal, which he couldn't resist. This revelation stung Stewart, who felt they were on the cusp of a historic bare-knuckle bout.
Despite the setback, Stewart remains optimistic and determined. He believes that the opportunity to face Garbrandt in BKFC is still alive and suggests that Garbrandt should reconsider. Stewart emphasizes his eagerness to showcase his skills against the best and is open to fighting Garbrandt at any weight class.
Stewart's focus is on his upcoming fight against Gigliotti, but he is already planning for the future. He aims to maximize his exposure and earnings by exploring various opportunities, even if it means stepping up to different weight classes to stay busy and relevant in the highly competitive world of mixed martial arts.
This situation highlights the delicate balance between loyalty to one's current organization and the pursuit of new and exciting challenges. Stewart's journey serves as a reminder that in the world of combat sports, opportunities can arise and disappear in an instant, leaving athletes to navigate the complexities of their careers with resilience and a keen eye for the future.
