Connor Tierney expects his dedication and focus will lead him to victory over Rico Franco in their rematch Saturday at BKFC 90 in Birmingham.
Tierney (9-2, 4 KOs) collides with old rival Franco (10-3, 7 KOs) for the Interim BKFC Welterweight Title. Franco handed Tierney his first loss by knockout in March 2019.
Since then, the two men have established themselves as high-level bare knuckle fighters. Tierney will get the opportunity Saturday to avenge the defeat and win a title in his hometown.
According to Tierney, the life changing opportunity has pushed him like never before.
““I’ve come too far in this game to take a loss. I know how hard this fight is mentally, emotionally, physically,” he said, when asked by BKFC’s Cyrus Fees why he’ll win on Saturday.
“Toughest fight of my career. But the work that I’ve put in for it. I put myself to the depths of uncomfortability.”
“I’ve put myself in the danger zone every camp, but this one, it’s been different,” he said.
“There’s a different engine in me. A different fire burning. And I can’t see anything other than a win.”
Rico Franco: “You’re All Gonna Be Entertained”
Fees asked Franco, the current BKFC European Champion, if he could take Tierney out early or if the fight would be a war?
“Wherever it goes, we’re both gonna taste it. What a time to be alive,” Franco replied.
“Fuckin hell,” Franco said with a laugh.
“Listen, truly blessed to be alive and healthy. Grateful for this opportunity to be headlining main event in Birmingham. Stacked card. Full of killers. And you’re all gonna be entertained. Let’s go,” he said.
BKFC President Feldman “Very Excited” About Tierney-Franco Rematch
BKFC President David Feldman is in the UK for the event and hosted the press conference. Feldman noted its the first time two British fighters have fought for a BKFC title.
““This is the first all-Brit World Championship that we’ve done for BKFC, and I’m very excited about it,” said Feldman.
“We’re going to take over the U.K. We’re going all over. We’re making a big splash here, and we’re going all over the world,” he said.
Lytle: “This is Gonna be the Best Fight We’ve Ever Had Here”
Fees asked BKFC commentator and former bare knuckle and UFC fighter Chris Lytle for his thoughts on Saturday’s fight. Lytle, probably the most knowledgeable bare knuckle fight analyst around, expects Saturday’s fight to be memorable.
““We’ve got two of the best fighters in the world.This is gonna be the best fight we’ve ever had here, I’m convinced,” he said.
“The main event, that’s gonna be a tactical battle. And if you get to see one fight this year, t think this might be the one to watch.”
Photo Credit: BKFC
