John Michael Escoboza stands tall in the BKFC Squared Circle.
At 6-foot-3 with a 77-inch reach, he’ll effectively tower over Isaac Doolittle (3-1-1) when they clash at BKFC 57 on Feb. 2 at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, FL, LIVE on The BKFC App. Doolittle stands 5-foot-8 and gives up a 10-inch reach disadvantage to Escoboza.
Escoboza believes his size advantage will play a big role on fight night.
“It’s going to be a huge factor. He’s a tough guy who comes forward and likes to bully guys. He’s a high-level grappler, so he’s good at fighting on the inside,” the Tamarac, FL fighter says.
“Controlling the distance is going to be a huge factor, so I can keep him where he can’t hit me. I have to bully him from the outside – I can’t let him get inside and try to bully me.”
Escoboza is hunting for his second straight victory and trying to improve his overall bare knuckle fighting record to 9-1. Doolittle is the No. 3 contender in the bustling BKFC light-heavyweight division, so the unranked Escoboza knows a big win will help him earn a shot at BKFC gold in 2024.
Also fighting at BKFC 57, LIVE on The BKFC App, is Escoboza’s teammate, the fast-rising lightweight Bryce Henry. Henry looks to earn a fourth straight finish and climb to 4-0 against UFC vet Robbie Peralta (3-0) in the night’s Co-Main Event.
Escoboza marvels at Henry’s talent, and says it’s just a matter of time until they’re both holding BKFC World Championships.
But who will strike gold first?
“It just depends on who gets the first shot,” he says with a laugh. “Hopefully we can get it done on the same night.”
