When it comes to the unique and unforgiving confines of the BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing Trigon, no fighter has established a legacy quite like Cub "The Savage" Hawkins. With a phenomenal promotional track record and a reputation as one of the most devastating punchers in the sport, the 28-year-old Chicago native continues to write his name into the history books of bare-knuckle fighting. Having already captured prestigious championships in both the 175-pound and 185-pound weight divisions—with his most recent championship victory coming against elite mixed martial arts veteran and Professional Fighters League and Ultimate Fighting Championship alumnus Jesse Ronson—Hawkins stands alone at the top of the BKB mountain with more victories inside the Trigon than any other athlete in the organization’s history.
Yet, for a fighter who grew up as one of 13 children in a bustling Chicago household, conquering challenges is simply a way of life. Hawkins has built an impressive overall bare-knuckle boxing record of 10-1, showcasing a staggering finishing rate that sees nine of those ten victories coming by way of knockout or technical knockout. Known for his raw power, relentless pressure, and a deep mental toughness that thrives on the primal nature of the sport, Hawkins approaches bare-knuckle combat not merely as a test of physical attributes, but as an ultimate psychological battleground where the stronger mind inevitably prevails.
Cub Hawkins Discusses Rowdy Legend Montgomery Matchup and His Usual Training Approach for BKB Biloxi
As Hawkins prepares for his next high-stakes appearance, a compelling stylistic and physical puzzle awaits him. The record-setting champion is set to step back into the squared circle to face Rowdy Legend Montgomery in a non-title 160-pound matchup. The bout serves as a marquee attraction for Bally’s Fightnight by BKB, scheduled for Friday, October 23, at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi in the state of Mississippi.
The matchup introduces an immediate and notable physical disparity. Montgomery stands at an imposing 6 feet and 2 inches tall, granting him a substantial six-inch height advantage over the compact, powerful 5-foot-8 frame of Hawkins. For many fighters, facing a significantly taller opponent requires an exhaustive, meticulous breakdown of tape, intricate game-planning, and specialized sparring regimens designed to simulate reaching an elusive target.
However, Hawkins is taking a remarkably relaxed and unorthodox approach to the preparation process. Rather than spending endless hours dissecting footage or agonizing over his opponent’s tendencies, the BKB superstar is keeping his focus entirely internal.
"I don’t really know anything about him," Hawkins candidly stated in an interview with Sherdog.com, offering a glimpse into his straightforward mindset. "I just know I’m going to show up and, you know, do what I do."
That minimalist philosophy extends to his camp’s strategic sessions. According to the champion, he and his coaching staff have deliberately chosen not to construct a complex, opponent-specific strategy tailored exclusively to counteract Montgomery’s physical dimensions. Instead, they have trusted the foundational principles that have propelled Hawkins to the top of the sport.
"We just get ready for our fight and just train how we usually train," Hawkins explained, exuding an absolute calmness that stems from years of battle-tested experience. When asked about his expectation for the final outcome of the October 23 clash, his response was predictably concise and unwavering: "Of course, with me getting my hand raised."
That unwavering self-belief is rooted in Hawkins’ profound understanding of the sport he has chosen to master. Bare-knuckle boxing strips away the protective padding of traditional gloved combat sports, exposing fighters to a harsher reality where defensive lapses carry severe consequences and offensive output demands absolute precision. For Hawkins, this stark environment is precisely what makes the discipline so appealing.
"I think it’s a mental game—whoever’s stronger," Hawkins reflected on the psychological landscape of bare-knuckle fighting. "And that’s what I like."
At the same time, the power-punching champion is acutely aware of the physical toll that throwing devastating blows without the benefit of multi-ounce gloves can take on the human body. The risk of fracturing or bruising his hands remains an ever-present occupational hazard, requiring a delicate balance between unleashing his trademark knockout power and maintaining structural integrity during exchanges.
"I know how much power I throw, and that’s just something you’ve got to look out for," he noted, demonstrating the veteran savvy necessary to sustain a long and successful career in the combat sports industry.
To prepare for the unique demands of the BKB Trigon and his upcoming assignment in Biloxi, Hawkins put himself through a rigorous training camp under the guidance of head coach Jesse Brock. Brock brings a wealth of high-level combat sports experience to the gym, having competed as a professional veteran across major organizations including Bellator MMA, the Resurrection Fighting Alliance, and the World Series of Fighting. To ensure he was sharp, fast, and fully prepared for the chaos of fight night, Hawkins surrounded himself with elite talent during sparring sessions, trading leather with professional fighters Raymond Lawley and Andrew Cruz, the latter of whom also lends his expertise as a coach at SBG Idaho.
Outside of his immediate preparations, the broader combat sports landscape frequently sparks debates among fans and pundits regarding potential promotional crossovers. In particular, dream matchups between top-tier competitors from BKB and rival bare-knuckle organization BKFC often capture the imagination of combat sports enthusiasts looking to see the absolute best face the best, regardless of organizational banners. However, Hawkins remains realistic, expressing deep skepticism that such inter-promotional bouts will ever materialize in the current landscape of combat sports politics.
"They would never do that," Hawkins assessed regarding the likelihood of a major crossover event.
Instead of looking across industry divides, Hawkins remains firmly focused on his immediate domain and his long-term standing within BKB. Having dominated multiple weight classes and cemented his status as the premier fixture of the organization’s signature Trigon structure, his ambitions are clear, stable, and centered entirely on legacy preservation.
"I’m the champ and so that’s the goal—to stay the champ," he affirmed.
With another opportunity to validate that statement waiting for him inside the ring, Cub Hawkins prepares to step under the bright lights in Biloxi, ready to let his fists do the talking once again.
