Rick Hawn is one of the most decorated combatants to grace the BKFC Squared Circle.

The Methuen, MA product represented the United States on the judo mat at the Olympic Games in Athens, Greece and is a two-time medalist at the Pan American Judo Championships. Hawn is also a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and was a two-time tournament champion during his impressive career with Bellator MMA.

“I enjoy the process of training — carrying out a training camp and then displaying the final product,” Hawn says when asked about his success in martial arts. “I enjoy winning, of course, but I love the whole process of getting ready and being prepared for whatever is next.”

What’s next for Hawn is his second BKFC matchup on June 14 at the famed Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT. Hawn will look to climb to 2-0 with a second straight, first-round finish at the expense of Sergio Lopez, LIVE worldwide on The BKFC App.

Hawn approaches his bare knuckle fights with the same philosophy and enthusiasm that he possessed in his previous successful athletic endeavors. 

“I love fighting for BKFC, even though fighting isn’t my primary source of income anymore,” says Hawn, who has owned and operated Start Jiujitsu Academy in Plaistow, NH for the last decade.

“BKFC is really fun, and it keeps me motivated to train and do the best that I can. I can still compete and be successful with BKFC, and I enjoy that.”

Hard-and-fast goals dictated Hawn’s time on the mat and in the cage. He’s taking an admittedly more laid-back approach in his tenure with BKFC, the world’s fastest growing combat sports promotion.

“I don’t really have any set goals except preparing as well as I can, performing as well as I can, and just enjoying the high-level competition,” he says.

“BKFC is really popular right now — they’re big time — so it’s really exciting to be a part of the promotion. The sport is only getting more popular, so it’s awesome to have the opportunity to compete for them.”