Massive Shakeup to BKFC 89 Title Fight: Jamel Herring Now Faces Michael Larrimore After Opponent Withdrawal
A significant change has reshaped the BKFC 89 main event picture, as Jamel Herring’s pursuit of becoming a two-sport world champion continues—just against a new opponent.
Originally, Herring was scheduled to face Nate Maness in what was expected to be a pivotal step in his bare-knuckle boxing run. However, Maness has been officially removed from the bout after failing to receive medical clearance from athletic commission in California. The issues extended beyond regulatory concerns, as Maness later revealed in a retirement announcement on Instagram that he has been dealing with bulging discs in his back—multiple injuries have ultimately lead the 35-year-old UFC out of competition.
With the original matchup scrapped, BKFC has moved quickly to keep the title fight intact.
The promotion confirmed on The Bare Knuckle Show with Brian Soscia that Michael Larrimore will step in as the new opponent for Herring at BKFC 89. Larrimore, a member of the Shift Fight Team, brings a perfect finishing record into the spotlight, with all three of his BKFC victories coming by first-round knockout. His aggressive, fast-starting style makes him a dangerous late replacement and a very different kind of challenge for Herring to prepare for on short notice.
For Jamel Herring, the matchup still represents a major milestone in his evolving combat sports journey. A U.S. Marine, Olympic representative, and former WBO and IBF junior lightweight boxing world champion, Herring already enters BKFC competition with one of the most decorated striking résumés in combat sports.
He made his bare-knuckle debut in January, taking on the awkward and durable veteran Matt Guymon. While it was a learning curve in a completely different rule set, Herring delivered a controlled and convincing decision win—showing patience, adaptability, and ring IQ as he adjusted to bare-knuckle pacing and damage dynamics.
Now, with a new opponent in Larrimore, the strategic equation shifts. Herring’s technical boxing foundation will be tested against a fighter known for explosive starts and early finishing power, adding unpredictability to an already high-stakes BKFC 89 title clash.
As May 22nd at Palm Desert approaches, the storyline remains the same at its core: Herring’s pursuit of crossover championship status is alive—but the path to it just became more volatile.
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