Lorawnt-T "Smash" Nelson Discusses Fighting Career And Tulsa's Fight Scene

(Video Credit BYB Extreme Fighting Series)

Oklahoma is now home to the three-time bare-knuckle fighting World Champion, which is a full-contact combat sport.

Lorawnt-T “Smash” Nelson is originally from South Africa but now resides in Tulsa.

With 14 different belt titles in five different combat disciplines, Nelson says that many believe he is the best fighter in the world. 

Nelson dropped by the Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages Porch to talk about his career and Tulsa’s up-and-coming fight scene. Learn even more at SmashBattalion.com

How did you get into fighting as a sport?

I feel like I got into fighting because I am an adrenaline junkie. I also like to test myself. What better way to do so than against another human being who trains as well? Also, I love staying in shape, so fighting, to me, is all that combined. So, it’s amazing.

Why did you choose bare-knuckle fighting as the sport you currently compete in?

I have chosen bare-knuckle fighting because it is not only such an amazing thrill but the most real fighting in my eyes, toe-to-toe technical brawling. They are also paying me the best right now, and I’m at a point in my career and life where I need to make money as well.

Image Provided By: Lorawnt-T “Smash” Nelson

Can you tell us about growing up in South Africa and how you came to Oklahoma?

I was born in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, and had an amazing childhood. My parents always traveled and brought me with them around the world, so I got to experience different cultures and scenery, from Muay Thai fights and chicken fights in the streets of Thailand to extreme sports in the Alps in Switzerland. I am blessed to have done it all. I chose fighting as my career.

The Tulsa, Oklahoma area is an amazing place for me to focus on myself and my grind. Also, I found the perfect gym for me and Coach in Leo Perrucci and Forza Combat Sports, which, in turn, led me to live out here in Oklahoma, and I love it.

Can you tell us about the local fight venues and the MMA scene here in Oklahoma?

There is an awesome MMA scene out here in Oklahoma, and they actually just started doing bare-knuckle boxing out here as well. I have won a few world titles in kickboxing for XFN (Xtreme Fight Night), which is normally held at the River Spirit Resort and Casino, where I have fought numerous times. They do MMA, kickboxing and bare-knuckle fighting. 

There are many other gyms and fight promotions out of Oklahoma, and surprisingly a large and talented group of fighters out here as well.

What championships have you won so far?

I have won 14 title belts in 5 different disciplines, so I have quite a few. Like I’ve said, I have 4 world titles for XFN kickboxing.

I have the North American middleweight Muay Thai title. 

I have won 3 bare-knuckle World Titles. I have numerous MMA titles and even one regional boxing title from Colorado.

Image Provided By: Lorawnt-T “Smash” Nelson

What do you love about bare-knuckle fighting?

I love everything about bare-knuckle fighting. I was born to do it. From the thrill of the fight to training in the gym to the excitement of the smallest ring in combat sports, bare-knuckle boxing, to me, is the most exciting fighting for the fighter and the fans.

What makes your career exciting at this point in Tulsa?

What makes my career so exciting out here in Tulsa is that I’m one of the few, I believe, that does so much bare-knuckle and has numerous World Titles, and right now, they’re calling me the best in the world at bare-knuckle boxing, so that’s a big thing, I believe, because I live out here in Tulsa, and I want to bring more eyes to athletes and the sport out here in Tulsa and show that out here in Oklahoma, we have skill. We have heart and great gyms, so give more people out here the opportunity.

Image Provided By: Lorawnt-T “Smash” Nelson

What are your goals in bare-knuckle fighting?

My goal in bare-knuckle boxing is to keep moving forward and going up. Keep on defending my titles, winning new titles and taking over the world one fight at a time. I know I’m the best in the world, and I’m gonna keep proving it.

Where and when will your next fight be? Who will you be fighting?

I’m not sure about my next fight yet. I assume I’ll be defending one of my title belts not sure which one or who it will be against, but like I always say, I’m always in shape, I’m always ready, and I’ll fight any human in the world. I also still do gloved combat, so who knows if we find a gloved fight in the meantime waiting for my next Bareknuckle fight also.

You can check out Nelson's Instagram pages @Ltsmash7 and @smashftc or find him on Facebook.