JR “The Lion” Ridge prays for the opportunity to fight in The Philippines.
“That would be amazing,” says Ridge, who was born in the Southeast Asian country before moving to Florida at a young age.
“BKFC is going everywhere – this would be a perfect fit.”
Filipinos are some of the biggest combat sports fans in the world, Ridge says, and the country is filled with fighters who could do serious damage in the Squared Circle.
“There are so many talented boxers and combat athletes out there that just need a platform, and BKFC is such a massive worldwide platform,” he says.
“It would be amazing.”
Ridge says the perfect first Main Event for a BKFC Philippines card in Manilla would be a rematch between him and BKFC World Flyweight Champion John “The Magician” Dodson (3-0), who also has Filipino roots.
Of course, Dodson needs to defend his title first against Dagoberto Aguero (1-0) in the Main Event of BKFC 59 on March 29 at Tingley Coliseum in Albuquerque, NM. Additionally, Ridge must get past Tyler Randall (2-2) at BKFC Fight Night Clearwater on April 12 at Bert's Barracuda Harley-Davidson in Clearwater, FL. Both events stream LIVE on The BKFC App.
Ridge is eager to cement his status as the No. 1 contender in the bustling BKFC flyweight division by climbing to 4-2 in the Squared Circle with a third stoppage victory over Randall, the No. 2 contender.
“He won’t be able to deal with my power,” Ridge says.
“I think I’m going to end it in the first couple rounds.”
