Reggie Northrup Previews Upcoming Hometown Fight On Jorge Masvidal’s Gamebred Bareknuckle Mma Event

JACKSONVILLE, FL. – Jacksonville-native and XFL standout Reggie Northrup discussed his plans to put on a show for his hometown fans and more before the two-sport star takes on Cody “The Reason” Herbert on Jorge Masvidal’s Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA event on Friday, September 8 from VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida and streaming live on the Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA YouTube page.

“I’m training for this like I’m about to fight Jon Jones,” said Northrup, who’s 1-0 in pro MMA in addition to five MMA and one bareknuckle triumphs as an amateur. “I have one goal and that’s to win while displaying high-level martial arts skills. I respect Herbert for agreeing to step into the cage with me. I know he’ll bring his A-game and that’s why I’m taking him very seriously.”

After starring on the Florida State University football team, Northrup had stints with the Los Angeles Rams and Washington Commanders before playing in the CFL, AAF, USFL and his current position with the XFL’s DC Defenders. Because of this experience, Northrup believes he has special insight into what kind of entertainment fans want and is determined to deliver on September 8.

“My style is very entertaining and electrifying,” said Northrup. “Being a pro football player for almost a decade, I have a good grasp for entertainment and what excites people. I have the skills and I’m an entertainer, so people have a lot to look forward to when they see me inside the cage on September 8.”

Northrup also explained how he balances training for the two sports, which have their similarities, along with plenty of differences.

“The cardio is definitely different,” said Northrup. “You have to have crazy cardio for both sports, but it’s different muscle groups and spurts versus longevity. In football, it’s a lot of fast-twitch work. Cardio in fighting is like a marathon. It takes a lot longer and is more tiring. Fighting is tiring, period. I wrestled in high school. Three two-minute rounds will drain you if you’re not in shape. But my work in MMA also helps me with my football training. My wind is already on point when I go back to football.”

When describing how he first began adding MMA training to his football career, Northrup sets his expectations high, as he aims to put himself on a short list of athletes who’ve excelled in two different sports.

“It’s not easy doing both at the same time, but I’m trying to be one of the greatest athletes to ever walk this planet,” said Northrup. “I want to inspire young people and everyone to let them know that anything is possible. You can be extremely successful at more than one thing, and it’s great to be active in two of the most violent sports in the world.

“I started doing some Muay Thai as part of my training with the Los Angeles Rams, but I didn’t really start training in MMA until 2020. The pandemic hit, everything shut down and I found that I needed an adrenaline rush. Combat sports were the only thing going on at the time. So I started taking my MMA training more seriously and I had my first fight in 2020. I’ve been undefeated ever since and with every fight I just want to improve my technique, fight IQ and overall execution.”

Northrup has conducted his training camp in Ocoee, FL. At the Fusion X-Cel Performance gym with his head coach Julian Williams as he prepares to showcase his skills in front of his hometown crowd. When asked about his long-term goals in the sport, Northrup again sets his expectations high as he hopes to show fans on September 30 that he has what it takes to become a future world champion.

“I will be a light heavyweight world champion,” said Northrup. “You have to really buy into this and pay your dues, which is what I’m doing. Ultimately, I’m working toward getting to the top so that I can prove I’m the best at light heavyweight. I’m putting in the time and the hours to make this dream come true and that’s what counts.”

Roberto Villa

Roberto Villa is the CEO, Founder, Executive Writer, Senior Editor of FightBook MMA. Has a passion for Combat Sports and also a podcast host for Sitting Ringside. He’s also a former MMA fighter and Kickboxer.