Former wrestling star Guzim Selmani, previously known as Leather from the tag team AOP, is officially stepping into the world of combat sports with his upcoming debut in bare-knuckle fighting at BKFC. Selmani, who began his MMA career early with Bellator at 19 before transitioning to professional wrestling, signed a promotional deal in December 2025 and is set to fight at Knucklemania 6 on February 7th. After being released from WWE earlier in 2025, the ex-WWE Tag Team Champion is returning to martial arts to face an opponent yet to be announced in a bare-knuckle boxing match.
In an interview with MMA Fighting, Selmani shared that after leaving WWE he contemplated whether to continue wrestling or return to MMA, ultimately choosing BKFC, which he feels is deeply ingrained in his identity. Despite a long focus on wrestling over the past decade, the 31-year-old fighter boasts a 4-2 MMA record and remains confident about making a strong comeback in combat sports. His debut in BKFC is seen as a crucial moment to prove himself as a serious contender in the fighting world.
Fan Take: This news is exciting for WWE fans as it shows a former wrestling star returning to his fighting roots, potentially bridging the worlds of pro wrestling and combat sports. Selmani’s success in BKFC could inspire other wrestlers to explore new arenas and elevate the visibility of bare-knuckle boxing in mainstream sports.
