Jason Knight became a cult hero during his time with the UFC. He earned the nickname ‘Hick Diaz’ after gaining a reputation for keeping it real. After a run of losses, the BJJ blackbelt got cut. Now he’s on the books of Bareknuckle FC and looking to put things right.
But Knight is no pushover. He’ll fight anybody, anywhere, anytime. If you don’t believe us then check out the footage of him fighting in the toilet stall of some bar. We’ve no idea where or why, but Knight unloads with the first punch. He’s a wild man and incredibly entertaining.
Scroll on down to watch the clip.
Jason Knight is now the Official Champ of 2 on 1 Bare-Knuckle Bathroom Fights. Word is Lobov wants his Belt. pic.twitter.com/qDJGjGcqsn
Knight’s friend and training partner Brok Weaver posted the footage to Instagram. Judging by Knight’s appearance in the video, it’s not recent. But he’s clearly a tough guy. He’s well able to handle himself against the two assailants. We’ve heard of fighting in a phone booth, but this really takes it to the next level. Weaver wrote:
Y’all don’t forget to catch one of the real street kings put his toe to the line an go back to war with Artem Lobov at Bare Knuckle Championship in Biloxi, Mississippi this Saturday night. Last fight was epic an we got robbed but this fight we ain’t leaving it up to the judges. Kill or be killed mentality. Jason Knight is in the best shape I’ve ever seen him and more focused than I’ve ever seen him before. Plus he got a new weapon on his side and that’s God, and if God be for us then who be against us?”
Knight told MMA Junkie why he’s fighting for BareKnuckle FC. He said that even if the UFC offered him a new deal, the money he’s on right now is just too good. He said:
They need people to go out there and shine, and they’ve got money like the UFC does. They got that star money where they can pay people, and right now I’m one of the big stars, so I love to be getting that big money. In the UFC, even if I was to fight my ass off and make it back to the UFC, I’m making it to the bottom of the totem pole if I get back to the UFC. I’m not one of the big stars. I’m not one of the high-paid guys in the UFC.
“In Bare Knuckle, as of right now, I’m one of the highest paid, and I plan on it staying that way. I plan on the paychecks getting bigger and bigger, and I’m excited about that. I’ve got a family. I’ve got three kids that look for daddy to take care of them and provide for the future. Right now Bare Knuckle is the spot to do that.”
Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports.
Rematch
Knight will fight Artem Lobov in Mississippi this weekend. The pair have already fought, with Lobov winning by decision. It was a bloody war that instantly became iconic. Knight wants revenge. However, he knows that he can’t underestimate Lobov again.
“Somebody has got to go to sleep, and I’m going to make sure it isn’t me,” Knight said. “I underestimated Artem a little bit last time. I thought I was going to shut him down pretty quick, and I thought I was going to have more heart than him and be tougher than him. I thought it was going to be no problem. But now I know he’s just as durable as I am, so I’m going to make sure I go above and beyond with everything.”
If this fight is half as good as the last one then it will be incredibly entertaining. Can Hick Diaz beat the GOAT? Tune in at the weekend to find out. Or just watch the highlights online.