The headline fight at Friday's BKFC69 in Atlanta sees Keith Richardson face up to Michael Larrimore.
Larrimore hasn't fought in 2024, but he heads into the weekend on the back of a stellar 2023 which saw him win both his bouts as he got his bare-knuckle career off to the best possible start. His arrival on the scene in 2023 ensured he quickly became one of the standout bantamweight fighters in BKFC, gaining recognition for his technical skill and adaptability. Ahead of his highly anticipated bout against Keith Richardson at BKFC69, here’s an in-depth look at his journey, accomplishments, and fighting style.
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MMA foundations
Larrimore’s combat sports career began in mixed martial arts, where he built a solid reputation across both the amateur and professional circuits. With a strong foundation in grappling and striking, Larrimore transitioned to bare-knuckle fighting to explore a new challenge, bringing his versatile MMA skillset to the squared circle.
BKFC beginnings
Larrimore made his BKFC debut in early 2023, with a seamless adaptation to the fast-paced, brutal style of bare-knuckle boxing. His debut fight against Daniel Gary highlighted his capability, as he balanced technical precision with raw aggression to secure a decisive victory. Following this success, he delivered another strong performance later in the year this time against Justin Watson, finishing 2023 with a 2-0 BKFC record. These victories set the tone for his rise in the bantamweight division.
Fight style
Nicknamed “Papa G,” Larrimore’s fighting style is a blend of calculated offense and unyielding determination. Drawing from his MMA background, he employs an array of combinations to outclass opponents. His ability to adapt mid-fight has been a defining factor, allowing him to overcome more experienced fighters in bare-knuckle bouts. This adaptability will be a key element in his fight against the highly regarded Richardson, a seasoned BKFC contender.
BKFC69: a pivotal challenge
Facing Keith Richardson at BKFC69, Larrimore enters one of the biggest tests of his career. Richardson is a formidable opponent with a wealth of bare-knuckle experience, making this a true clash of styles. Larrimore’s ability to withstand Richardson’s relentless pace and bring his own brand of calculated aggression will likely determine the outcome.
Personal life and training
Outside the ring, Larrimore is known for his humble demeanour and dedication to fitness. Training out of Gulf Breeze, Florida, he is part of a close-knit combat sports community that has supported his growth as a fighter. His Instagram presence provides fans with an inside look at his rigorous training routines and personal reflections on his journey in combat sports.
Future aspirations
With two consecutive BKFC victories, Larrimore is positioning himself as a contender for bantamweight title. A win against Richardson could propel him further up the rankings, solidifying his status as a top-tier fighter in the division.
Watch BKFC 69 live on DAZN
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