In this explosive Season 2 premiere of Salty’s Fight Talk, "The Big Sexy" returns from a six-month hiatus to sit down with the #2 ranked BKFC featherweight, Nathan "The Reaper" Rivera. Fresh off a jaw-breaking TKO victory over Tommy Stratum, Rivera breaks down the tactical nuances that have led to his 5-0 undefeated record.

Nathan provides a masterclass on why bare-knuckle fighting is a completely different animal than MMA or traditional boxing. He pulls back the curtain on the "Rivera Era," discussing his climb to the top of the most stacked division in the sport and his tunnel-vision focus on taking the belt.

Beyond the chaos of the Squared Circle, we dive deep into the mindset of a modern-day warrior. Nathan opens up about a life-changing moment where he officially quit his 9-to-5 job to become a full-time professional athlete. We explore the "burnout" that haunts elite fighters, his unique "puzzle night" recovery sessions, and how getting married transformed his discipline from youthful hype into a calculated mission to provide for his family. Whether it’s discussing the influence of Conor McGregor on the sport’s growth or his hilarious "wanted posters" and post-fight antics, this conversation shows the man behind the Reaper mask: a dedicated, creative, and grounded athlete paving the way for the next generation of young fighters.

About Nathan ‘The Reaper’ Rivera:

Nathan Rivera is a combat sports athlete and the current #2 ranked featherweight in the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC). Boasting an unblemished 5-0 professional record, Rivera has quickly become one of the most feared and entertaining figures in the sport. Known for his devastating power and high fight IQ, "The Reaper" made waves in the combat sports world with his clinical finish of Tommy Stratum and relentless pursuit of the featherweight title belt Training out of the renowned Team Lima in Georgia, Rivera’s style is defined by a blend of technical striking and a gritty, blue-collar work ethic that resonates with fans worldwide.

Originally from Southern California, Nathan’s journey into the fight game began with a childhood obsession with Bruce Lee movies and martial arts studios. After a successful stint in the amateur MMA and boxing circuits, he found his true calling in the raw intensity of bare-knuckle fighting. Off the canvas, Rivera is known for his creative self-promotion—often using "Wanted" posters and mid-fight notes to Feldman to stand out in a crowded roster. Now a full-time professional fighter, Nathan is dedicated to his "Rivera Era," balancing the pursuit of world titles with a grounded family life and a commitment to mentoring the next wave of young athletes in the Atlanta fight scene.

Follow Nathan 'The Reaper' Rivera’s as he chases the belt:

• BKFC Profile: https://www.bkfc.com/fighters/nathan-rivera
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_nathanrivera/

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In this episode of Salty's Fight Talk we sat down with Darren “D-Day” Whitney, a current BKFC fighter with a storied background in combat sports, specifically MMA. We discussed Darren's journey from a troubled youth growing up in Maine to flourishing as a professional fighter in Texas, his experiences in bare-knuckle fighting, and the personal growth he has achieved through overcoming challenges.

Our conversation highlights the importance of self-belief, healing, resilience, and the unique appeal of bare-knuckle fighting as a sport and challenge. Darren shares insights into his training, the mental aspects of fighting, and his aspirations for the future.

About Darren ‘D-Day’ Whitney:

Darren “D-Day” Whitney got his start in MMA competing across regional circuits, earning a reputation for toughness and submission work in promotions such as Fury FC before transitioning into the bare-knuckle world. In that shift, he joined BKFC and made his debut in June 2025, facing Rodney Hinton in a welterweight bout.

On October 18, 2025, Whitney returns to the Squared Circle at BKFC Fight Night: Horseshoe Hammond Casino in Hammond, Indiana, where he’s slated to face Adam Brady on the main card. With one BKFC bout already under his belt, Whitney enters this matchup looking to reset his trajectory and make a statement in his second bare-knuckle outing.

Follow Darren on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dday6mma

In this episode of Salty's Fight Talk, host Brad Banyas fills in for ‘The Big Sexy’ and interviews amateur MMA fighter Sydney 'High Tech' Hlebik, who shares her unique journey into martial arts, her training regimen, and the mindset required for success in the sport.

Sydney discusses her transition from soccer to wrestling in high school, her passion for striking, and the importance of mental preparation in mixed-marital arts. She emphasizes the significance of personality in fighting and how it can impact an athlete's success. Sydney also talks about her future plans, the support she needs, and encourages young athletes to pursue their dreams without fear of failure.

About Sydney Hlebik:

Sydney Hlebik is a 22‑year‑old female amateur MMA fighter hailing from Texas, competing in the flyweight division (125 lb/56.7 kg). Fighting out of Fortis MMA academy, she made her amateur debut at Tap or Scrap 12 in Victoria, Texas, on August 1, 2025, against Krystal Miller. Klebik impressively scored a first‑round TKO victory just 1 minute and 17 seconds into the bout, securing her first official win.

Beyond her early success inside the cage, Sydney Hlebik has quickly gained attention as a promising prospect in the women’s amateur ranks. Ranked among the top 500 active female fighters in the U.S. pound-for-pound and now demanding attention within the Texas regional scene, she represents the new wave of talent emerging from Fortis MMA. With a strong foundation in striking and the backing of a respected gym, Hlebik’s combination of youth, skill, and momentum suggests she is only beginning to make her mark in the sport.

Sydney Hlebik on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sydney.hlebik/?hl=en

Video Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Sydney Hlebik

02:45 Sydney's Journey into Martial Arts

05:32 Training Regimen and Fighting Style

08:22 Making the Leap to Full-Time Training

11:25 Mindset and Mental Preparation

14:06 The Importance of Personality in Fighting

16:51 Experiences Sparring with Professionals

19:55 Future Plans and Support for Sydney

22:45 Closing Thoughts and Encouragement

#martialarts #mma #combatsports #mmatraining #ufc #fighterinterview

In this episode, we sat down with Justyn Martinez, a passionate bare knuckle fighter and devoted father. Justyn shares his journey from high school wrestling to his transition into MMA and then bare knuckle fighting, highlighting the thrill and intensity of the new sport.

Martinez discusses his upcoming fight against ‘Rambo’ Russo at BKFC 78 in Hollywood, FL, his training regimen, and the importance of setting a standard as a father. Justyn also expresses his aspirations for the future of bare knuckle fighting and his desire to mentor young fighters coming up in the ranks. The conversation touches on many aspects related to bare knuckle fighting such as the evolving landscape of combat sports and the unique opportunities presented to fighters by the BKFC.

Video Chapters

00:00 Justyn's Journey into Fighting

04:04 The Thrill of Bare Knuckle Fighting

07:01 Upcoming BKFC Fight and Preparation

09:58 Life Outside the Squared Circle

12:27 Future Aspirations in Combat Sports

15:56 The Evolution of Bare Knuckle Fighting

18:50 Closing Thoughts and Community Engagement

About Justyn Martinez:

Justyn Martinez is an American bare-knuckle fighter competing in the Flyweight division of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC). Standing at 5'2" with a 64.5-inch reach, Martinez hails from Wichita, Kansas, and is known for his relentless fighting style and resilience in the Squared Circle.

Before embarking on his combat sports journey, Martinez served in the U.S. Army Airborne Division. Outside the ring, he's a dedicated “girl dad” and works as a dog handler/trainer, reflecting his passion for animals. His military background and personal commitments have instilled in him a disciplined and tenacious approach to fighting.

Martinez began his combat sports career in amateur MMA in 2018. He later transitioned to bare-knuckle boxing, making his professional debut with BKFC. Martinez's BKFC record stands at 2 wins, 4 losses, and 1 no contest.

He secured his first promotional victory on January 18, 2025, with a 65-second TKO over Alex "Prince" Gutierrez at BKFC Fight Night: Pechanga. He followed this with another first-round TKO against Zay "Zaybomination" Garcia on February 28, 2025, at BKFC Fight Night: Albuquerque.

Martinez is scheduled to face Matt "Rambo" Russo on July 12, 2025, at BKFC 78 in Hollywood, Florida.

#fighter #bkfc #mma #sports #fighter #sports #bareknuckle #boxer #mmatraining

On this episode of Salty's Fight Talk, Justin 'BK Warmonger' Watson, a bare knuckle fighter, shares his journey from growing up in a rough environment to becoming a professional fighter. He discusses his transition from MMA to bare knuckle fighting, the appeal of the sport, and the importance of experience in fighting.

Justin also reflects on the impact of fatherhood on his life and how coaching young fighters has given him a new perspective. He emphasizes the significance of taking tough fights to gain experience and earn respect in the sport. Justin is also widely recognized as having the fasted knockout (2.17 seconds) on BKFC record during his fight at Gas South Arena in Atlanta, GA.

Video Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of Justin Watson
03:03 Transition to Bare Knuckle Fighting
06:13 The Appeal of Bare Knuckle Fighting
09:05 The Dynamics of Fight Strategy
12:01 Injuries and Future Plans
15:14 The Impact of Fatherhood
18:11 Coaching and Mentoring Young Fighters
20:53 The Importance of Experience in Fighting
24:08 Looking Ahead in Bare Knuckle Fighting

#fighter #bkfc #mma #sports #fighter #sports #bareknuckle #boxer #mmatraining

In this powerful episode of Salty’s Fight Talk, host The Big Sexy welcomes Rodney Hinton, a rising contender in the world of bare knuckle fighting, just ahead of his BKFC professional debut. Interviewed by Cason Banyas, Rodney opens up about his gritty path into combat sports, the mental and physical discipline it demands, and how he’s preparing for one of the biggest moments of his career.

From his early boxing roots to maintaining a 100% knockout rate, Rodney shares the relentless grind behind fight camp, the critical role of mental strength, and the unwavering support from his team and sponsors. Beyond the ring, listeners get a glimpse into Rodney’s passion for rugby, acting, and how those creative outlets contribute to his resilience and adaptability.

This is more than just a fight preview — it’s a deep dive into the mindset of an athlete, the lessons combat sports teach, and the hunger to make a mark in the BKFC.

Raw. Real. Relentless.

Subscribe now, and let’s talk fight!

Produced by SaltyMF Enterprises: Salty's Fight Talk Show with The Big Sexy!

*Everyone has a story to tell, it may not be perfect nor ideal, but it is Real.
The Attitude Wears Well!
www.saltymf.com

Step into the raw and riveting world of combat sports with Salty’s Fight Talk with The Big Sexy. In this electrifying episode, Jay "Action" Jackson joins the mic to share his incredible journey from mall employee to viral MMA sensation and rising star in bare knuckle fighting. With roots in boxing and a deep passion for professional wrestling, Jay dives into the highs, lows, and spiritual revelations that shaped his path.

From ABA Boxing in 2010 to headline bouts in today's combat circuits, Jackson reflects on the evolution of his career, the importance of discipline and respect, and the transformative power of his recent spiritual retreat in Hawaii. Hear firsthand how training, motivation, and the camaraderie among fighters fuel his hunger for success and keep him grounded in an intense world.

Whether you’re a die-hard MMA fan, intrigued by bare knuckle fighting, or simply inspired by personal growth stories, this episode delivers insight, heart, and powerful moments of reflection.

Raw. Real. Relentless.

Subscribe now, and let’s talk fight!

Produced by SaltyMF Enterprises: Salty's Fight Talk Show with The Big Sexy!

*Everyone has a story to tell, it may not be perfect nor ideal, but it is Real.
The Attitude Wears Well!
www.saltymf.com

The Salty Grit Factor with Cameron Delano
Bull Rider. Fighter. Footballer. Entrepreneur.

In this exclusive episode of Salty’s Fight Talk with The Big Sexy, we sit down with Cameron Delano for a raw and unfiltered conversation. They dive deep into Cameron’s journey from Liberty, South Carolina to the national stage—tackling the highs, the setbacks, and the relentless drive it takes to succeed in multiple arenas.

From the dirt of the rodeo arena to the bare-knuckle ring, Cameron is a fearless competitor and blue-collar powerhouse—bull rider, semi-pro football player, bare-knuckle boxer, and business owner.

Hear firsthand how Cameron balances the chaos of extreme sports with running his company and why his story is inspiring a new generation of grinders.

Raw. Real. Relentless.

If you’re into real stories, real grit, and conversations that hit harder than a right hook, you’re in the right place.

Subscribe now, and let’s talk fight!

Produced by SaltyMF Enterprises: Salty's Fight Talk Show with The Big Sexy!

*Everyone has a story to tell, it may not be perfect nor ideal, but it is Real.
The Attitude Wears Well!
www.saltymf.com