James Lilley represents the UK extremely well here in the BKFC! He had four wins and a draw in bare-knuckle boxing before joining the organization and looked absolutely unstoppable until running into the buzzsaw that is Luis Palomino. Before turning his attention fully toward the BKFC, he fought MMA and holds a professional record of 5-6-0. He’s fought some of Wales’ toughest opponents including the UFC’s Oban Elliott. 

The southpaw found out about bare-knuckle boxing from the UK legend, Sean George during a podcast he was hosting back before his BKFC days. He’s got a killer right hand whether he’s throwing it straight or looping and possesses tight boxing fundamentals. He is willing to fight in the clinch or at range but would prefer to bring a heavy amount of pressure and select key shots from distance. His counterstriking is next level as we see in just about every one of his fights.

Lilley’s path to the Squared Circle is an interesting one. His father, Darren Lilley was a boxer and Lilley was around the sport his entire life. He’s a student of Kung Fu but admits his kicks aren’t there so he sharpened his punches and stuck to the sport that is part of his family’s history. Growing up in the 90s, he watched Power Rangers and tested moves out on his brother constantly which upset his mother who doesn’t love that he fights but supports him fully. Lilley fights for his family which consists of kids and a wife and you’d be hard-pressed to find a more respectful and humble fighter on the BKFC roster.