Bare-knuckle boxing veteran Jarod "Kid Gatti" Grant has already tasted championship glory in the world’s most prominent bare-knuckle fighting promotions, but his relentless competitive drive refuses to slow down. With another prestigious strap firmly in his crosshairs, Grant is shifting his immediate focus toward a high-stakes headlining showdown against Luis Guerrero at BKB: Bally’s Fight Night, scheduled for October 23rd.
The former interim Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) titleholder and former interim BKB champion detailed his upcoming plans, career trajectory, and thoughts on the broader landscape of the sport during an exclusive interview at BKB 58 in Miami on August 29th. Known for his explosive style and willingness to step into the squared circle against anyone, Grant approaches his next venture with the same fearless mindset that defined his rise through the ranks.
A Quest for Redemption and Future Bouts
Intertwined within Grant’s current journey is the shadow of his former rival, John Dodson. Grant’s path crossed with the former UFC veteran at BKFC KnuckleMania III, where Grant suffered a stoppage loss. Speaking with Bare Knuckle Bowker, Grant admitted that the desire to avenge that defeat still burns brightly, noting how a future opportunity against Dodson could help correct the record.
"I really feel like this could clean up my face from my former loss with John Dodson," Grant shared.
Beyond his unfinished business with Dodson, Grant is also keeping a close eye on the BKB lightweight division. When asked if a redemptive rematch with BKB lightweight champion Jon Barnard could materialize should he secure a strong victory over Luis "Pantera" Guerrero next week, Grant indicated that such a matchup would only be fair given their history.
"Yeah, I mean it would only be fair," Grant said. "I gave him a rematch. I gave him a rematch our first fight. Obviously ended in a no contest, but I feel like I obviously was the one that came out clean that fight. But I think it’s only fair like if he’s going to continue fighting, I would think down the line, he would give me a rematch. I definitely would look forward to that."
The competitive landscape is heating up further with BKB super featherweight champion Alberto Blas discussing a potential move up in weight to challenge fighters in Grant’s division. When asked about Blas potentially leapingfrog-style maneuvering into his territory, Grant offered a characteristically blunt response: "If I haven’t proven it already, I take any fight. Just show me the money and I’m fighting them."
Criticism of BKFC Inactivity and Praise for BKB’s Schedule
Reflecting on the earlier mention of John Dodson, the conversation naturally shifted to the lengthy periods of inactivity Dodson faced under the BKFC banner prior to his booking against bantamweight titleholder Jamel Herring. Grant did not mince words regarding how top-tier talent is managed across different promotions.
"I think it’s f*ed up," Grant stated. "You got a former UFC star that came into Bare Knuckle, won the title, and you guys are not even keeping him active. I mean, it’s just bullst. I feel pity for him as far as him not getting the activity he should get, but it is what it is."
Having competed under the banners of multiple major bare-knuckle organizations, Grant drew a distinct contrast regarding fight frequency and scheduling consistency. While fighters in other promotions have occasionally voiced concerns over sporadic bookings, Grant praised the steady activity level provided by his BKB contract.
"Yeah, if you guys could see since the start of my career I’ve been active in my career," Grant explained. "I’ve been back and forth. They keep me active. I’ve been fighting non-stop. So that’s something I like too."
BKB Praised Heavily by Jarod Grant as "Kid Gatti" Eyes His 3rd Bare Knuckle Belt
To maintain his elite competitive edge, Grant continues to refine his pugilistic skills strictly within the boxing discipline. When asked about his training environment at Team Slaughterhouse and his current preparations, Grant confirmed his dedicated focus on pure boxing fundamentals.
"Yeah. I train at Carter Park, Contenders Boxing Gym," Grant noted. "So I strictly train boxing only. So that’s just what it is."
Addressing Alberto Blas’s prior comments about potentially bypassing him to secure a shot at BKB lightweight champion Jon Barnard, Grant made it clear that his ambitions transcend individual divisional squabbles. His eyes are set squarely on a historic milestone.
"No, I mean whatever Mel [Valenzuela] wants to do. I’m moving forward with my career, man," Grant said. "Like I already won the title at 135. I could care less who else gets it. I’m going for a new title now. I want to become a three-time world champion."
The weight of history is not lost on the veteran fighter, particularly given the nearly 150-year lineage associated with the iconic Police Gazette diamond belt. When asked about the significance of being interwoven into such a storied tradition of bare-knuckle history, Grant reflected on his improbable journey from difficult beginnings to the pinnacle of combat sports.
"Yeah, I mean, listen, I hold all my accomplishments near and dear to me, especially when I came from nothing," Grant stated. "I wasn’t supposed to make it this far. Honestly, these accomplishments to me mean a lot."
For a fighter who once navigated a turbulent path far removed from athletic stardom, the realization of his current status remains surreal. Contemplating whether his younger self could have ever envisioned this level of success, Grant offered a humble and candid perspective.
"No. If you would have told me when I was 17 years old that I would be here and I would be a two-time world champion, fighting on TV, doing all these amazing things. No, I wouldn’t have believed you."
As he prepares to step back into the squared circle on October 23rd to face Luis Guerrero, Grant took a moment to express his overarching appreciation for the sport that transformed his life and the promotion that provides his platform.
"No, Bare Knuckle is amazing," Grant concluded. "It’s one of the fastest growing sports in the world. BKB is absolutely the best promotion in the world. I love being here and performing for you guys."
