Video via @arielhelwani on X

What happened: On Ariel Helwani's show, Paulie Malignaggi said the cuts he sustained in his most recent bare-knuckle fight led to serious health complications. He blamed the medical staff who treated him in the UK, claiming the people stitching him up would not be allowed to work on farm animals in the United States. The remarks came during a wide-ranging interview that also touched on boxing's power struggle and the Ali Act.

Why it matters: The comments add to Malignaggi's ongoing critique of combat-sports infrastructure and reinforce long-standing concerns about post-fight medical care in bare-knuckle boxing, a sport that already faces scrutiny over safety. Coming the same day Malignaggi slammed TKO's Ali Act lobbying, the appearance underscores his pivot into one of the sport's loudest in-ring-to-microphone voices. Cornerwork and cut treatment have become flashpoints as bare-knuckle promotions push for mainstream legitimacy.

What to watch: Watch for any response from BKFC or the UK medical commission overseeing the bout, and whether Malignaggi names the promotion or specific event. His Helwani run today suggests more clips will follow.

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