NMI’s Kelvin “The Big Hit” Fitial is primed for a high-stakes showdown against veteran knockout specialist Lavar Johnson in the main event of Big Dawg Bare Knuckle Boxing 4 Chaos in the Wind on Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Mono Wind Casino in Auberry, California.
For Fitial, this bout is not just another fight; it’s a testament to a career defined by evolution and resilience.
Fitial is acutely aware of the threat posed by his opponent, who is known for his legendary one-punch knockout power, boasting a professional MMA record of 18-10 — 17 of which are by TKO or KO.
“Lavar Johnson is known for his knockout power,” Fitial acknowledged. His strategy is clear —avoid a brawl and deny Johnson the short-range exchanges he thrives on. “Trading punches in the pocket is a bad idea unless you want a short night,” Fitial added.
His plan hinges on movement, using lateral movement, feints, and angles to reduce Johnson’s ability to set his feet and throw bombs. An equally critical component of his strategy is to attack the gas tank by pushing the pace and fighting the long game.
“Take him into deep waters. Clinch, grind against the cage, and make him work. His power fades with fatigue,” Fitial shared. Above all, he stresses the need to “stay disciplined. Don’t get overconfident. All it takes is one mistake to get caught by someone like Johnson.”
When asked about his evolution as a fighter since his professional debut in 2005, Fitial described a complete transformation that goes beyond his physical threshold.
“In 2005, I evolved tremendously. Not just as a fighter, but as a person,” he said. While he initially relied on raw athleticism and aggression, life experience — including losses and setbacks — forced him to become a student of the game.
His maturation focused on fighting smarter, not harder: learning to use time, timing, distance, and angle as weapons; figuring out how to channel his nerves into focus; and maintaining hunger even after achieving milestones. “Physically, mentally, and technically. I’m not the same fighter I was in 2005. I’m far better,” Fitial said.
Headlining a card named “Chaos in the Wind” brings its own unique set of pressures. But Fitial embraces the spotlight, viewing it as a privilege rather than a burden. “Pressure is part of the job, especially when you’re in the main event,” he said. He sees his role as the headline act as delivering a top-tier performance to an audience whose energy he draws from.
Fitial handles the pressure by focusing only on what he can control: preparation, mindset, and game plan. He deliberately tunes out expectations and hype, relying on his training. “I trust in that,” he said. “There’s always pressure, but pressure makes diamonds,” Fitial concluded, confidently stating that the main event is precisely where he’s meant to be.
Watch Kelvin Fitial’s fight at https://bigdawgbareknuckleboxing.ticketspice.com/bdbkb4
