BKFC lightweight contender James Lilley thinks he’s got at least one more in him.
The Swansea fighter posted his thoughts on last weekend’s loss.
Lilley lost by TKO to underdog Felipe Maia at the BKFC on Dazn event held in Marbella, Spain.
Lilley appeared to injure a rib during the fight, pointing at his side as he talked to his corner after a knockdown.
According to Lilley, when he stepped between the ropes, he wasnt his usual self.
“Thought I’d leave it settle a a couple days before I posted …I am obviously gutted with the result and everything that happened,” Lilley wrote on Instagram.
“My opponent came in over the limit but we were there to fight , we thought it was a calculated risk but in hindsight we needed an outside source to make a educated decision cos as fighters we wanted to fight,” continued Lilley.
“To go with that I felt a strain in my side warming up on the pads but we were hoping once I got warm and in there the adrenaline would kick in. It wasn’t to be I didn’t feel my best and my mobility was affected. This is the fight game. Highest of highs , lowest of lows.”
“We will reset , heal up and see how we feel in the next few weeks. I don’t think I’m done yet and @bareknucklefc have said they want me back. It was an amazing to be part of such a huge historic event. Enjoyed the week and everything that went with it bar the result,” wrote Lilley.
The Maia loss is Lilley’s third in a row. Before the match, Lilley told Bare Knuckle Heroes he viewed the fight as a must-win. He’d lost close decisions to then champion Luis Palomino and new champion Franco Tenaglia before he faced Maia.
But fighting at less than 100 percent against a heavy opponent, Lilley had no option but to stand in the pocket. The good news is BKFC still wants to work with the Welsh fighter. Lilley scored impressive stoppages against Adam Pellerano and Bobby Taylor before the Palomino title fight loss.
BKFC’s lightweight division is stacked with talent. Lilley could return there or possibly move down to featherwieight.
He’s got options if he continues, and let’s hope Lilley decides to give it another go before retiring.
