Two trips to the squared circle and two entries in the record books for a BKFC newcomer.
November 23rd marked the second appearance of heavyweight Anthony Garrett (2-0, 2 KO) inside the BKFC Squared Circle. A former MMA fighter with experience in boxing and Muay Thai, the 6'5" specimen made a splash in his debut back in August of this year. In just 16 seconds, the Kansas native scored a knockout victory, the fastest in BKFC heavyweight history. A stunning result for the newcomer, who had his name etched in the record books while the echo of the bell was still ringing throughout the arena.
However, the story picks up here: just two days ago, three months after his debut, Garrett once again found himself rewriting history. Facing off against Lavar "Big" Johnson in the main event of BKFC Fight Night Los Angeles, Garrett landed a beautiful right hook right to the jaw, and down went Big Johnson. By the time the count was abandoned and the fight was waved off, Garrett had claimed victory in just 12 seconds, once again breaking his own record for the fastest knockout in BKFC heavyweight history.
Following the stunning performance, Garrett issued his warning to the rest of the heavyweight division, “Heavyweight division you’re on notice! Anthony Garrett is in the house. Let's go!”
Possibly the greatest first two fights in BKFC history, off the top of my head, Austin Trout is the only fighter who comes to mind as a possible comparison, having defeated long-time pound-for-pound number one Luis Palomino in his second contest. But to set a knockout record in your debut and then break it in your follow-up performance might just be the best two-fight combo to start a campaign the sport has ever seen.
The funniest part is, despite being a two-time record holder with two wins and a perfect knockout ratio, we still know very little about the guy. How good is he really? Is he the next heavyweight champion, or just a flash in the pan? The best way to find out is to get him in there again!
I think none other than fan favorite Zach Calmus should take on Garrett next. Calmus has struggled with consistency in the past, but after a stellar 2024 campaign, it looks like he’s ironed out his issues and is firmly back on a run to the title.
Whatever is next for the combat sports veteran, you won’t want to miss it, because there’s a good chance history will be made!
Top Photo Courtesy of BKFC.
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