Former WWE tag team destroyer Gzim Selmani, better known to fans as Rezar, is jumping back into the fire with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. The Albanian-Dutch powerhouse, who terrorized opponents as one half of the Authors of Pain alongside Akam, spent nearly a decade in professional wrestling.
Rezar Gzim Selmani Talks BKFC
There, the duo racked up NXT Tag Team Championships and brought unrelenting brutality to the ring, think super-heavyweight aggression wrapped in a pro wrestling package. Now 38, Selmani is trading slams for raw, gloved-fist chaos in BKFC, a fast-rising promotion backed by Conor McGregor.
Selmani’s combat roots run deep. He turned pro at 18 in MMA and kickboxing, building a resume of knockouts before WWE scooped him up. After years away from real fights, he’s primed for bare knuckle, calling it a natural return to what he knows best. Speaking in an interview with LowKick MMA, with the help of Casinostugan, we spoke to Rezar Gzim Selmani about his move to BKFC.
On Bringing the Authors of Pain Attitude to BKFC, he explained:
“We were ourselves in that WWE character. We translated our real attitude to TV—it’s not hard because it’s who we are. We never faked it; it’s our own style. No, that attitude belongs to me. It’s who I am. I’m a nice guy outside the ring, but inside, I’m your worst nightmare. That’s how it was in WWE, in MMA before that, and that’s how it’ll be in BKFC.”
Why Bare Knuckle Now?
“I started combat sports young, turned pro at 18 in MMA and kickboxing. It’s what I love, it’s close to my heart. I grew up doing it; I don’t know anything else. WWE came along, and I did it for nine or 10 years. Going back to combat sports was an easy step. I’m still young, in my prime, healthy, and in good shape. BKFC is a new organization that fits my style perfectly. I see it becoming one of the biggest in combat sports.perfect timing for me to join.”
On working with Conor McGregor:
“He played a big role in my signing and invited me to a show in Manchester, United Kingdom. Our talks were great, he has a clear vision and truly believes in BKFC. After watching the event, I believe in it too. There’s nothing like it, no other organization delivers this adrenaline. You won’t find this feeling at an MMA or kickboxing show. Bare knuckle is different; you have to experience it live to understand.”
Selmani’s arrival adds serious star power to BKFC, bridging wrestling’s massive audience with bare knuckle’s gritty appeal. Fans can expect that same nightmare fuel he promises, watch for his debut to light up the promotion.