Keith “The Rockstar” Richardson is the new BKFC World Bantamweight Champion.
The Rock Hill, SC fighter had the belt wrapped around his waist for the first time Friday after defeating the defending champ Reggie Barnett Jr. via second-round TKO in the Main Event of BKFC 52.
“It’s honestly pretty surreal still,” Richardson says after his first weekend with the belt.
“I’m still getting used to the fact that I have a physical representation of the fact that I’m the best in the world right now. It feels really good. It’s been a long, long journey, so it feels like I’m finally getting recognition for all the work that I’ve put in.”
Richardson debuted with BKFC in January. He signed with the organization after a long MMA career that included over 30 professional fights. Despite an impressive record of 22-11 and a four-fight winning streak, Richardson felt his MMA career hit a dead end in 2022.
“I didn’t know exactly where it was going to go when I signed with BKFC,” Richardson says. “There was a lot of frustration in my MMA career. I felt like I was getting snubbed by all the big organizations, and I didn’t feel like I had anywhere I could progress.
“When I first signed (with BKFC), I was just trying to see if it would be a good fit. After my first fight, I was hooked, and once I’m in something, I want to be the best at it.”
Four impressive victories later, including three by stoppage, Richardson is the newest World Champion on the BKFC roster. Richardson has rapidly progressed from being a newcomer to the sport of bare knuckle fighting, to a title holder with the world’s fastest combat sports promotion.
Richardson was already back to training within 48 hours. He’s working hard to evolve from the sport’s top bantamweight to the best fighter in the world.
“I want to keep raising my stock. With the way I fight, it’s an easy sell. In four fights I’ve had a potential Fight of the Year, some pretty crazy knockouts, and I just beat a guy who would be on the Mount Rushmore of bare knuckle fighting,” Richardson says.
“I definitely want to establish myself as one of the faces of the organization and be a part of some high-profile fights.”
