MMA fighter Mike Richman reflects on his brutal BKFC light heavyweight title fight against Lorenzo Hunt, which he lost after nearly defeating Hunt, expressing appreciation for the praise he received and a desire for a rematch, while also acknowledging his strengths and weaknesses in bare-knuckle and heavyweight fighting, and his excitement about an upcoming middleweight title fight against David Mundell.
There are times when Mike Richman feels a sense of pride in the recognition he’s gotten for his participation in one of the most thrilling rounds in combat sports history. This adulation comes from his fight for the BKFC light heavyweight title in February. However, there are also instances when Richman prefers not to think about it or discuss it at all. In the fight, Richman almost won over Lorenzo Hunt with an onslaught of punches in the first round. However, Hunt miraculously survived and stunned Richman with a powerful shot that knocked him out cold.
Richman comprehends why fans found this exchange so exhilarating; it was arguably among the most extreme bouts in the history of combat sports. Yet, he wishes it hadn’t been him who lost. “I have moments where it’s like, it was still a great fight for the fans, for both of us to go out there and showcase our skills at a high level,” says Richman. However, he also admits that there are moments when he wishes to forget the entire thing, stating “f*** that, move forward and don’t talk about it.” Richman came to understand that the unpredictability is what makes the fight game appealing. Sometimes, you’re the hammer, delivering punishing blows, and sometimes, you’re the nail, on the receiving end.
Richman’s experience in the fight reassured him about his ability to compete at any level, even in a heavier weight class. His bout with Hunt demonstrated both his ability to take on larger opponents and the risks associated with such fights. Eventually, he was able to put the loss into perspective, compare it to other shocking turns of events in combat sports history, and move forward. He compared his stunning loss to a similar event in a UFC fight back in 2011 and had to reconcile with the feeling of losing just when victory seemed imminent.
Richman accepted the fight with Hunt primarily due to their ongoing rivalry. The decision to fight Hunt cost him a potential middleweight title fight against then-champion Francisco Ricchi. Though Richman wasn’t naturally a light heavyweight, he acknowledged that he would be willing to face Hunt again, only for personal satisfaction. Soon after this blow, BKFC gave him the opportunity to fight David Mundell for the middleweight title, fulfilling his long-term plan. Drawing upon this as motivation, Richman looks forward to proving his mettle once again.