Keith Richardson needed just 21 seconds to make a major statement at BKFC 69 on Friday in Atlanta.
“People thought I was done, and I’ll admit that pissed me off a bit. I think everybody forgot who I am, but I’m the guy who went from making my debut to holding the belt in 10 months,” Richardson says after his lightning-fast KO over the previously undefeated Mike Larrimore on Friday at the sold-out Gas South Arena.
“I’m still that guy.”
Richardson kicked off his BKFC career with four straight wins, including a second-round stoppage victory over Reggie Barnett Jr., for the BKFC World Bantamweight Championship in the Main Event of BKFC 52. Richardson lost his belt — and spoiled his unblemished record — with his loss to the unbeaten Alberto Blas at BKFC 62.
“One bad fight and all of a sudden everybody thinks you’re through,” the Rock Hill, SC product says with a laugh. “That definitely isn’t the case.”
Richardson hopes Friday’s victory is enough to earn a shot at reclaiming the BKFC World Bantamweight Title in a rematch with Blas in 2025. He sees the second installment playing out much differently than the first.
“If I fight to the best of my ability, there’s nobody in this organization that can stop me,” Richardson says. “When you fight against somebody like Blas, you’ve got to be perfect.”
