Josh “Stay Down” Watson is making his long-awaited return to New England when he steps into the Squared Circle at BKFC Fight Night at Mohegan Sun on June 14th! It’s been over a decade since the Maine native fought in the region, and this homecoming is more than just a fight, it’s a full-circle moment. In our recent interview, Watson opened up about his journey from the New England MMA circuit to the world of bare-knuckle fighting, where he’s become known for his no-nonsense knockout power and fan-first fighting style.
He shared insights into the toll weight cutting can take on fighters, as well as how lingering physical issues led him to switch from MMA to BKFC. Despite the brutal nature of bare-knuckle bouts, Watson feels at home in the ring and he actually prefers short-notice fights, saying they help him stay focused and avoid overthinking.
Watson also looked back on some unforgettable career highlights, including selling out a fight in Portland and his viral knockout of former NFL player and UFC vet Greg Hardy. As always, he’s keeping things in perspective and not letting the pressure get to him.
With a strong support system, including sponsors based in Maine, Watson is ready to make some noise at Mohegan Sun. Tickets for the June 14th event are still available here! Fans can follow him on Instagram or Facebook for training updates and behind-the-scenes fight prep. To learn more, check out our interview below!
