Overview
- The main event at BKFC 90 on Saturday, May 30, 2026 ended when Rico Franco stopped Connor Tierney after Tierney suffered a severe broken jaw from an accidental headbutt and continued into round two.
- Tierney was taken to a Birmingham hospital, posted graphic footage showing a jaw split in two, and has announced his retirement from bare‑knuckle competition.
- Conor McGregor, part‑owner of BKFC, reposted footage and said 'major surgery' is expected for Tierney, while medical commentary in reports points to likely bilateral mandibular fractures and a prolonged recovery.
- Franco left Birmingham with the interim BKFC welterweight title and a probable unification path, while Darren Till’s knockout earlier on the card boosted the promotion’s profile.
- Fans and commentators raised urgent concerns about fighter pay and protections after reports that UK event insurance linked to ISKA provides limited injury coverage of roughly $25,000, a figure critics say may fall far short of major surgical and long‑term care costs.