The Marine Returns to Duty: Mike Richman Wants to Reward Fans With Another KO

Originally posted on BoxingNews.com | Last updated Apr 10, 2024 4:39 AM ET

Mike Richman couldn’t stay at home and not fight. Richman, 38, initially decided to retire after his knockout loss to David Mundell while challenging for the BKFC middleweight championship last July. But Richman, a former BKGC interim lightweight champion, couldn’t rest for long.

Richman still feels like he has more left to give. In terms of combat sports success, Richman should have considerably more happy feelings than his upcoming opponent, Erick Lozano. During Richman’s MMA career, he put together an 18-8 record and fought in the Legacy Fighting Alliance and Bellator.

Lozano also fought in professional MMA. However, online boxing news may show he may be better suited for bare-knuckle boxing. While fighting for various organizations, Lozano was only 14-23 during his MMA career.

Lozano does have some strong performances on his resume. When Lozano went up against former BKFC champion Francesco Ricchi, he picked up a 54-second knockout win. Lozano also fought Lorenzo Hunt, who was a two-time BKFC champion. While Lozano lost to Hunt, it was impressive to see him take on top competition.

If Richman will earn another shot at a championship, he must impress in this matchup. Richman should find a way to bring this fight to a stoppage well before the judges need to get involved. Lozano has found some success in BKFC, but the former title challenger will get back on track with another victory.

Lozano may be a tough fighter, but he won’t be prepared for the onslaught that Richman will bring. Even though he did take some time off, Richman has stayed in good shape.

There is always a concern about a fighter who starts talking about retirement. It can be hard to put their entire heart into training when the end is near. But this is a fight to back the former interim champion to find his old spark and make one last push for a championship.

Bets to consider: Richman by KO.

Veteran Wants to Protect His Spot

Elvin Brito had the advantage of being on the ground floor of the BKFC. When the welterweight star joined the organization back in 2018, BKFC was only on its third numbered card. Since then, Brito has been a game participant who has strung together a 5-4 record.

Brito, 38, is starting to get up there in age. The latest boxing news online shows that Brito has had a difficult time picking up wins in all arenas as of late. Brito has lost his last two fights in BKFC, both by decision. In addition, Brito tried his hand at boxing with gloves.

Brito ended up taking a decision loss to Samat Abdyrakhmanov in the traditional boxing match. In addition, much earlier in his career Brito also attempted to fight MMA. After losing seven straight fights, Brito stepped away from MMA and had a 9-9 professional record.

But the latest boxing news shows Brito and his next opponent, Ja’Far Fortt, will both be trying to protect their reputations. Fortt has fought three times in BKFC, stopping two of those fights by KO in less than 30 seconds.

How much does experience matter in this promotion? There are many fighters who come in and only have a couple of fights before they get elevated to the rankings and a shot at a championship. Brito has more experience, but Fortt has a tremendous amount of potential.

Before winding up in the BKFC, Fortt tried his hand, unsuccessfully, at MMA by compiling a 1-4 record. But none of that matters now. With a win, Fortt can put himself on the radar for big things in the future.

Bets to consider: Fortt by KO, Under 1.5 rounds

Ready for the Big Stage

JR Ridge and Tyler Randall have already earned their spots as the top two contenders in the BKFC flyweight rankings. The only thing that may be holding the two men back from getting a shot at flyweight champion John Dodson is the result of Dodson’s last fight.

There is a chance that BKFC may want to back the fight with Dagoberto Aguero. Aguero felt he should have come away with the win in a razor-sharp fight. Dodson likely feels the same way.

But all of the waiting will be agonizing for Ridge. Ridge, who is the No. 1 contender, had an opportunity to claim the inaugural belt, but ended up losing via TKO to Dodson in the first round at BKFC 48.

Randall is the No. 2 contender despite some mixed performances with the promotion. Randall is just 2-2 with BKFC thus far. Due to his relative lack of experience, not to mention success, Ridge should be able to pick up a win here and maintain his spot at the front of the line for the championship.

Thompson Hoping for Climb Back Into Bantamweight Title Picture

Travis Thompson’s last fight against Ryan Reber didn’t go as he’d hoped. Thompson is 5-5 in bare-knuckle boxing, but his overall skill set has him sitting as the No. 5 contender in the division.

Thompson has won four of his previous six fighters. However, against Reber, Thompson was outworked in a decision loss. During Thompson’s run of four victories in six fights, three of those victories came via stoppage.

Thompson will be matched up with Abdiel Velazquez. Velazquez had difficulty finding consistency during his combat sports career. During his time in MMA, Velazquez assembled a 9-8 professional record fighting on the regional scene.

He needed help being strong with bare-knuckle boxing as well. Velazquez won’t be able to keep up with Thompson.

Bets to consider: Thompson by knockout.

Here’s a look at the other fights on the card that aren’t listed above: