Joe Riggs is a 47-18 MMA fighter. He did this legit fighting in Strikeforce, WEC, and the UFC. He has also boasted wins over greats like Nick Diaz, Phil Baroni, and Kendall Grove. He has 35 wins by knockout, and is also hailed for having the best ground-and-pound in the history of the sport.
Now he is killing it in Bareknuckle. He has a many fights in Bare Knuckle FC, including an extremely entertaining free bout on YouTube.
Q: When you entered Bare Knuckle, was there any certain aspect that was hard to adjust to?
A: My first bareknuckle boxing fight was 2-3 years ago. And it was against the UK’s light heavyweight champion. And I knocked him out. And the biggest difference is the distance you to use to bareknuckle from 160z gloves or 10oz gloves or even in mma with 4oz gloves. The difference in length could range from 6 inches to 3 inches. And when it comes to getting punched in the face or trying to find some in the face that’s a big difference
Q: Unlike many MMA fighters who have transitioned from MMA to Bare Knuckle, your style has meshed well with the boxing aspects. What do you contribute to this to?
A: I contribute it to the fact that I’ve been boxing since I was 10. And I do all my bag work and mitt work bareknuckle.
Q: What were some elements of MMA you integrated into Bare Knuckle?
A: The only thing that is similar in mma in Bareknuckle aside from the punching is u can tie get a half plum and dirty box.
Q: In an interview with Montana Sports two months ago you said, “I am a better coach than I am a fighter.” With a new wave of prospects being trained by guys like Conor McGregor, Urijah Faber, and Dominick Cruz, do you think we will one day see guys coming into the UFC trained by you?
A: Absolutely I have had a few gyms in my life. And have all been successful. But u can’t train people and fight yourself. And the reason I’m a better trainer is because I’ve always had a mental block in fights that didn’t allow me to do things I’m able to do. But I have so many years of knowledge and experience that I’m able to pass on.
Q: You have fought in a couple of weight classes in your career, which weight class did you feel most comfortable fighting in?
A: I’ve fought from super heavyweight to welterweight. And I feel the best at light heavyweight.
Q: Throughout your MMA you have kept up an amazing physique, do you think having a good physique has helped you when it comes time to fight?
A: Yeah always being in the best physical condition
... keep reading on reddit ➡Interesting? Didn't think he would drop down, but I guess it's worth trying. Let's see if he can avoid a split decision this time
UPDATE: UFC's own has refuted the claim that this is a WW bout, it is at middleweight.
Source: http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2015/7/3/8889793/mma-news-uriah-hall-vs-joe-riggs-ufc-fight-night-nashville
> Initially, the article said Hall vs. Riggs would be at welterweight, but the UFC's own confirmed report says they will compete at middleweight.
