Ex-UFC fighter Mariya Agapova signs with BKFC

Mariya Agapova is removing her gloves and she’s taking her talents to BKFC.

The promotion announced via Instagram stories on Tuesday that Agapova has signed with the bare-knuckle outfit following a six-fight run in the UFC. No information in regards to a debut date, or opponent was revealed.

Agapova hopes a change of scenery can get her fighting career back on track.

The 27-year-old was highly touted as a prospect entering the UFC, and delivered a first-round submission of Hannah Cifers in her octagon debut. From there, things began to fall off, as Agapova was on the receiving end of one of the biggest upsets in UFC history in a loss to Shana Dobson in August 2020.

“Money Mashka” ended her UFC tenure going 1-3 in her past four outings, getting submitted in her final three promotional appearances.

BKFC also announced the signing of one-time UFC heavyweight Braxton Smith, who was finished in the first round by Parker Porter in his only UFC fight at UFC 288 in May 2023.