FightBook MMA caught up with Reggie Northrup

One of the First Coasts favored athletes, put on a show under a different set of “Friday Night Lights”

Reggie Northrup is a name familiar to many North and Central Florida football fans. After going undrafted from Florida State, he signed with the XFL to play for the DC Defenders and recorded 48 tackles and a sack in just 8 starts.

Friday September 8 in front of thousands of his hometown fans in Jacksonville, FL Northrup made just his second professional MMA appearance. This time fighting for Gamebred BareKnuckle MMA, Jorge Masvidals self proclaimed ‘most violent show on earth’.

Northrup who goes by the monicker, Black Dragon, stepped into the cage opposite Cody Herbert (3-3) for a light heavyweight battle.

I say battle, but it was definitely a war of attrition between two very game fighters. All three rounds Reggie was able to showcase his ground and pound skills. Takedowns came pretty easy with Northrup’s elbows and hammer fists finding a home on Cody’s face.

Make no mistake Herbert is a dog in the cage, his leg kicks were effective early in the match and his endurance and heart is something to be admired.

In the third round Reggie landed a beautiful flying knee followed by a right hook that sent Cody to the mat, where he received more brutality. Cody did not go away though, he was in the fight until the last bell sounded.

All three judges scored the fight for Northrup, landing a unanimous decision (30-26,30-27,30-27)

His victory Friday night brought his record to 7-0 overall, and 2-0 professionally. This was his first decision win. After the fight Reggie was available for a few questions in an impromptu media session in the back of the dimly lit arena.

When asked how it felt to compete in his hometown, under this promotion, Reggie had this to say.

“I had a blast tonight, feeling the energy from the crowd, my fans and family.” He continues, “that man Cody, he’s tough, he’s crazy. He likes to get beat on.”

Being that Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA is a fairly new promotion and features mostly up and coming talent, I asked Reggie if this is where he wanted to stay and make a name for himself?

“This is something I’ve always wanted to do. Bucket list item. Maybe one day I’ll do another one.”

There’s talk of Reggie looking towards the UFC or possibly making another attempt at the NFL in the future. I think we’re all excited to see where he lands next.