Combat sports and unique tattoos seem to go hand in hand, and Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) fighter Rayne Wells has taken that to a whole new level. At the weigh-ins for BKFC 66, held on Thursday, September 12, 2024, the 42-year-old fighter made waves not only for hitting the scales at 165 pounds but for revealing an eye-catching new tattoo that has the combat sports community buzzing.
Wells surprised fans and media alike when he flexed on stage, showing off an elaborate back tattoo featuring none other than BKFC President David Feldman and the promotion’s new co-owner, Conor McGregor. The tattoo, which has drawn mixed reactions, highlights McGregor’s growing influence in BKFC since joining the promotion earlier this year.
McGregor, who became co-owner of BKFC in May 2024, has quickly become a prominent figure in the sport, often stealing the spotlight from Feldman, the man who founded the organization. McGregor, still recovering from a leg injury sustained during his trilogy bout with Dustin Poirier in July 2021, has yet to return to competition. However, his involvement in BKFC has fueled speculation about a potential future appearance in the ring, with fans eagerly awaiting his return to combat sports.
Wells’ Journey in BKFC and MMA
For Rayne Wells, BKFC 66 marks his second fight in the promotion, as well as his second professional bout in the bare-knuckle boxing world. Unfortunately, Wells’ debut in the sport did not go as planned. He suffered an eight-second knockout loss to Angel Hernandez in April 2024, a setback that left him with something to prove in his upcoming fight against Almat Jumanov.
Wells’ combat sports career has been a tough road so far. In mixed martial arts (MMA), he holds a professional record of 0-2 and an amateur record of 2-4. Despite his struggles in both MMA and BKFC, Wells continues to push forward, determined to turn his fortunes around.
McGregor’s BKFC Impact
Conor McGregor’s involvement with BKFC has significantly raised the profile of the promotion. Known for his larger-than-life persona, McGregor has been actively attending BKFC events and promoting the sport, even teasing fans about the possibility of competing in the bare-knuckle ring himself. His addition as co-owner in May 2024 has brought increased attention to BKFC, drawing both fans and fighters to the burgeoning organization.
While McGregor remains sidelined from active competition due to his leg injury, his role in BKFC has kept him in the limelight. His association with the promotion has overshadowed even David Feldman, the man who has been instrumental in growing BKFC into a successful combat sports organization. McGregor’s charisma and influence have undoubtedly boosted the sport’s popularity, and it’s clear that his presence is already leaving a lasting mark on BKFC.
The Tattoo’s Significance
Wells’ decision to immortalize both Feldman and McGregor on his back is a bold one, to say the least. The tattoo underscores the growing significance of McGregor in BKFC and Wells’ admiration for both the sport’s founder and its new face. In a world where tattoos often carry deep personal meaning, this ink can be seen as a tribute to the promotion and its leadership as it continues to gain momentum in the world of combat sports.
Whether the tattoo will serve as a good luck charm for Wells remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the tattoo has already succeeded in garnering attention ahead of his fight at BKFC 66. As Wells steps into the ring for his second fight, all eyes will be on him—not just for his performance, but for the bold statement etched across his back.