BKFC 55 Leeds: Danny Christie set for Jared Warren 'war'

The Carlisle-based UK light-heavyweight champion faces American opponent Jared Warren at BKFC 55 Leeds on Saturday.

Christie, from Currock, is hoping to add the USA fighter to a list of scalps that includes British opponents Terry Brazier, Darren Godfrey and Anthony Holmes.

A fourth BKFC victory could move Christie closer to a world title shot against Lorenzo Hunt.

But the Cumbrian says he isn’t looking past Saturday night’s showdown against his first overseas opponent.

“I know he [Warren] is a good fighter, he’s got power, good balance and by the sounds of it, he’s coming over here for a fight, which is what I’m looking for,” Christie said.

“It’s a long way to come to run around and not engage. This is bare knuckle boxing – let’s meet in the middle, let’s have a shootout, and let’s see who the best man is.

“I’m not scared of rolling the dice, I’m not scared of second chances, I’m not scared of his left hand, and I’m not scared of losing. So let’s just see who the best man is.”

Christie has made an impressive impact on the BKFC scene since his debut in August 2022, and in April this year became British champion by defeating Holmes in Leeds.

His return to the Yorkshire city will see a different kind of challenge against ‘Captain Deadpool’ Warren, who has a record of five wins and two defeats in BKFC in America and is an experienced MMA (mixed martial arts) fighter.

Christie is British light-heavyweight champion after defeating Anthony Holmes in April (Image: BKFC)

“On paper he’s more powerful and is a better fighter than Anthony Holmes. However I don’t think he’ll have quite the speed and mobility Anthony Holmes had, but time will tell,” said Christie.

“Styles make fights. I’m not anticipating an easy night by any stretch of the imagination.

“By listening to this man, he’s coming over to do a job on me. There’s been a lot of noise made about his left hand – well, woo hoo. I’ve got a left hand and a right hand, and I knock people out with them both, so maybe he should be worrying about my power. Because I’m certainly not concerned about his.”

Christie, 38, is ranked as the joint leading contender to world champion Hunt in the official BKFC light-heavyweight rankings and the Carlisle man would love a shot at the global title.

“I’m told the Lorenzo Hunt fight can be made providing I can come through this one. However I haven’t given it too much thought at the moment – this is a one-fight-at-a-time type game and I’d be a foolish man to overlook Jared Warren,” he said.

“He’s a real, live opponent, he’s big, strong and dangerous.

“Personally I see this fight going one way, and it’s a war that I win. Of course only time will tell.

“It seems to me every time he gets a good smack, he kind of goes in reverse a little bit. Of course he’s safety conscious and I can only imagine a couple of good smacks around the head will get him thinking of his future, his health, brain cells, these type of things.

“These are things that run through my brain. As long as there’s breath in my lungs I’ll keep fighting.”

Christie said the initial stages of his preparation were hit by injury and illness but he added: “The last five weeks we’ve been flying. It’s not a case of how I was feeling then, it’s how I’m feeling now and I’m ready to do the business.

Danny Christie, from Currock, is preparing for his fourth big BKFC barek-knuckle contest (Image: News & Star)

“I feel strong, I’m hitting harder than I’ve ever hit before. I’ve always had a good shot, I’m strong, and fit. I dare say it’s the best shape I’ve ever been in.

“Fight week’s a little bit frustrating – you’ve done all the work, you’re not allowed to train or eat too much, you’re sitting around waiting to put your hands on somebody. It’s like a bomb inside waiting to go off, you’re just waiting to pull the pin.”

Christie will have plenty of support from Carlisle as he heads to Leeds’ Planet Ice, with more fans set to watch via BKFC’s live stream.

“I’ve sold plenty of tickets and tables, it’s just a case of getting in there, going through the gears and seeing how this fight unfolds,” he added.

“I get messages from people all over the globe saying they love to watch me fight, they love that raw, honest, throwback style of fighting. I’m very flattered.

 “It can be overwhelming sometimes considering where I was two years ago [Christie has had a well-documented fight to overcome drug addiction and spells in prison].

“I do have to keep myself grounded and in touch with higher power. I just have to keep myself down on ground level. It can go to my head, it can run away with me, and I need to remember, I’m just little old working class Danny who loves to fight and who’s very privileged, honoured and proud to be in the position he’s in, so I need to conduct myself in that manner.”

The contest with Florida-based Warren is top of the bill in Leeds and the Carlisle fighter added: “I’m in the same feeling and mindset as any fight. I can’t wait until it’s over.

“I want to watch it as a fight fan – I want to go back to the hotel and watch the fight and see me emphatically laying this man out in slow motion; a highlight reel finish is what I’m looking for.”

BKFC 55 Leeds will be streamed via BKFC's subscription service - for more information visit the website HERE