​Kai Stewart enters the upcoming BKFC card at Fenway Park in Boston on August 29 already a six-time defending featherweight champion, poised to claim a seventh consecutive title. Yet after dominating his division, he’s openly exploring bigger, more challenging routes beyond the BKFC realm. While he emphasizes that he will always answer BKFC’s call, Stewart admits he believed a major crossover bout could finally materialize when he was in talks for a showdown with former UFC champion Cody Garbrandt. Garbrandt was nearing the end of his UFC contract at the time, and Stewart felt certain the fight would happen, potentially marking a landmark moment for his career.
“I was so close to fighting Cody Garbrandt,” Stewart told MMA Fighting. “It was almost done for KnuckleMania, and I felt like I had to get that one. That’s a fight I really need for me, because I want to prove I can hang with the best of the best.”
In 2025, Garbrandt publicly shared that he had signed a new multi-fight deal to remain with the UFC, with his next bout scheduled for UFC 329 against Adrian Yanez. Yet Stewart says that just before the UFC decided to retain Garbrandt, a bare-knuckle showdown between them was very much on the table. The moment Garbrandt’s name came up, Stewart acknowledges, he believed the crossover bout could become a reality.
“I actually heard it from his mouth,” Stewart said when describing Garbrandt’s status. “I was going to keep it a secret. I was told that it wasn’t done and they weren’t discussing it, but we talked to Cody Garbrandt face-to-face. He straight up said, ‘yeah, UFC gave me an offer I couldn’t resist.’ I was like, f—! We were this close! But in due time. 100% God’s plan. I’m being placed in the situations I’m in for a reason, and it wasn’t my time yet.”
Stewart remains resolute that Garbrandt could still move a heavyweight or featherweight into BKFC, as long as the terms align with his goals and schedule. The door isn’t closed, even if the timing isn’t right at this moment. He sees the Fenway Park event on August 29 as more than just a local showcase; it’s a stepping stone toward bigger opportunities and a platform from which he can maximize earnings, exposure, and consistency in competition.
“Aug. 29, home plan, Fenway Park—it doesn’t get cooler than that,” Stewart said, acknowledging the significance of fighting on such a storied stage. “I still want that Cody Garbrandt crossover if it’s possible. Cody can still step away from the UFC and put the gloves on and come fight me. I’m saying that opportunity and offer is still out there. Whatever weight class he wants me to compete in, I’m ready.”
Before any blockbuster cross-promotion materializes, though, Stewart must first beat his current opponent. He’s set to face a decorated competitor from a prominent organization who has proven his own pedigree. The plan is clear: secure the win, assess the landscape, and determine the next best path to maximize money, visibility, and consistency. If a two-weight-class approach becomes necessary to stay busy, Stewart isn’t shying away from it—as long as the fights make sense and advance his career.
In short, Kai Stewart remains focused on defending his BKFC title this August while keeping one eye on the horizon. The possibility of facing Cody Garbrandt remains alive in the back of his mind, and a successful victory at Fenway Park could accelerate his case for a high-profile crossover and a pursuit of even bigger challenges in combat sports. Fans should expect a high-stakes performance from a champion who is not content with simply defending a belt; he’s intent on proving he can compete with the best and secure opportunities that elevate his profile and earnings in the sport.