“And new” BKFC interim bantamweight champion, Reggie “Educated Hands” Barnett Jr.
Full interview with the new BKFC Bantamweight interim champion, Reggie “Educated Hands” Barnett above
They say the third time is a charm and for the new BKFC interim bantamweight champion, Reggie “Educated Hands” Barnett Jr, that proverb couldn’t be any more spot on.
Starting his illustrious career inside the BKFC squared circle, Barnett gained the attention of the brass early on during the original try outs. Clearly standing apart from some of the other talent, Barnett began to build his legacy shortly thereafter at BKFC 1 when he defeated Travis Thompson vis Unanimous Decision.
Barnett would continue to build, and progress, holding a record (at the time) of 3-0 until ultimately landing his initial title shot with then-bantamweight champ, “Brutal” Johnny Bedford. Coming up short on two separate occasions against the title holder, Bedford, Barnett went back to the drawing board to make the proper adjustments and continue his trek to BKFC gold.
Following a lengthy layoff, frustration settled in from simply sitting on the shelf. Knowing his worth and how much of a threat he is in the division, he tirelessly trained and stayed the course for his next opportunity to make sure it didn’t fall through the cracks.
On July 24th, Barnett would get a third time at redemption as he got another opportunity to vie for BKFC gold. Taking on undefeated, interim champ, Jarod “Kid Gatti” Grant in the main event of BKFC Fight Night: Tampa 2.
Looking like a different fighter than most are accustomed to seeing, Barnett stayed poised, yet aggressive and was sharper than he’s been in previous bots. Beating Grant to the punch throughout all five rounds, Barnett showed why he deserved to be champion and was clearly coasting his way to a victory.
Following an unfortunate accidental eye-poke, Grant hit the canvas and unbeknownst to Barnett, “Educated Hands” assumed it was a punch that floored his foe. When a break was called to examine Grant, a slew of emotions ran through Barnett’s head. His cornermen, (his father and pro Muay Thai fighter, Chase Walden) were able to bring their fighter back to a calm state as the fight would ultimately end slightly before the scheduled time limit and would go to the judges’ scorecards.
When the dust settled, and ring announcer Jeff Houston announced, “And new champion,” a lifetime dreams along with promised were fulfilled. Not only did the BKFC have their first champion from the tryouts, but Reggie “Educated Hands” Barnett Jr. stayed true to his words to “never give up and had the fruits of his labor in his hands.
Tune in above as Reggie “Educated Hands” Barnett Jr. joins MyMMANews once again but for the first time as the BKFC champ. He welcomes his family into the interview in the midst of “game night” as we all talk the trials and tribulations from his start in the squared circle to being the bantamweight king of the BKFC squared circle.
