Lex Ludlow has long been a name familiar to combat sports enthusiasts, but this March 21, he’s stepping into uncharted territory. The iconic 2300 Arena in Philadelphia will host his debut on the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) main card. Known for his resilience, humility, and fiery determination, Lex opens up about his transition from MMA to bare-knuckle fighting, his past experiences, and what drives him to keep pushing forward. This is not just another fight—it’s a statement.
A Career Full of Grit and Determination
Lex Ludlow’s journey began over a decade ago, starting his MMA amateur career in 2013. At 31, he’s no stranger to the toll the sport can take mentally and physically. Reflecting on his decision to dive into bare-knuckle fighting, Lex shares a moment of clarity: “I’m not going to have many opportunities like this left.” Turning down past offers from Bellator and the World Series of Fighting, he sees BKFC as the perfect chance to prove himself on a grand stage.
When asked why now, Lex’s response is simple yet profound. “I fight for my family. I’ve got four kids at home, and this is my full-time job now. I used to fight for myself, and I’d quit on myself. That’s not who I am anymore.” His mindset shift, from fighting for individual accolades to fighting for his family, fuels him to push harder than ever before.
From Wrestling Roots to Bare Knuckle
Before MMA, Lex’s life revolved around wrestling, a foundation that shaped his approach to combat sports. Despite his wrestling background, he’s dedicated the last two years to improving his striking game. “I knew my biggest hole was striking. For two years, I focused entirely on my boxing, even in sparring. I didn’t throw kicks or shoot takedowns—I just wanted to evolve,” he explains.
When asked about his training for BKFC, Lex emphasizes the unique challenges of preparing for bare-knuckle fighting. “The only thing I do differently is hitting pads without gloves and body conditioning. My teammates hit me in the body with their bare knuckles to prepare for the impact. But honestly, once I’m in there, I don’t feel anything.”
Facing Connor McKenna: A No-Nonsense Approach
Lex’s upcoming opponent, Connor McKenna, has sparked some pre-fight tension. “This guy followed me on Instagram, liked a picture of me and my girl, and kept watching my stories. So I blocked him. Now he’s wondering what I’m up to, and I’m in his head,” Lex laughs, clearly unfazed.
Despite McKenna’s record, Lex is confident in his ability to dominate. “Every fight I’ve lost, I was winning until I mentally quit. That’s not happening this time. I’m going to bully him in there. He has no idea what he’s up against.” Lex’s confidence isn’t arrogance—it’s a reflection of his years of preparation and newfound mental fortitude.
Lessons from Pro Wrestling and Team Support
Lex’s love for pro wrestling has unexpectedly influenced his MMA and BKFC career. “One thing I learned from wrestling is to keep your circle small. You don’t fanboy over your coworkers. That’s why I stick with my team—Chris Daukaus, Kyle Daukaus, and Will Martinez. They’re my brothers, and I’d do anything for them.”
With the help of his team, Lex has rebuilt not just his skills but also his mental game. “Chris and Kyle have been instrumental in helping me mentally reset. I’m in a better place now than ever before. They’ve been in my ear every step of the way, and I’m ready to deliver.”
Embracing the BKFC Challenge
For Lex, fighting in the 2300 Arena—a venue soaked in history—is a return to his roots. But this time, he’s leaving the fanfare behind. “Last time, I got too caught up in the crowd and the atmosphere. Not anymore. I don’t even get nervous for fights now. I’m here to do my job and make a statement.”
As for his future in BKFC, Lex is keeping an open mind. “This is like a trial run for me. If it goes well, I’d love to stick around. But I’m also open to returning to MMA. I take it one fight at a time—I’m just here to live in the moment.”
Support the Fighters, Not the Millionaires
In his typical candid style, Lex took a moment to reflect on the world of sports fandom. “People celebrate millionaires who don’t even know who they are. But here we are, fighters grinding every day, and we don’t get that same support. Support the fighters, man. We’re the ones out here giving it everything we’ve got.”
Don’t Miss BKFC Philly: March 21
Lex Ludlow’s bare-knuckle debut is set to be a thrilling main card event at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia. Whether you’re a die-hard BKFC fan or new to the sport, this is a fight you won’t want to miss. Tickets are still available, and the event will also stream live on the BKFC App.
