Lorawnt-T “Smash” Nelson talks about his fighting career and the fight scene in Tulsa

Oklahoma is now home to the three-time world champion in bare-knuckle fighting, a full-contact martial art.

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

Nelson holds 14 different belt titles in five different fighting disciplines and is considered by many to be the best fighter in the world.

Nelson stopped by the porch of Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages to talk about his career and Tulsa's emerging fight scene.

How did you get into fighting as a sport?

I think I got into fighting because I'm an adrenaline junkie. I also like to test myself. And what's better than competing against another human being who is also training? I also like to keep in shape and for me fighting is all of those things in one. It's just great.

Why did you choose bare-knuckle fighting as your current competitive sport?

I chose fist fighting because it is not only incredibly exciting, but in my opinion it is the most realistic fight, a technical hand-to-hand combat. I also get paid the most at the moment and I am at a point in my career and life where I need to earn money.

Image provided by: Lorawnt-T “Smash” Nelson

Can you tell us about your childhood in South Africa and your journey to Oklahoma?

I was born in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa and had a wonderful childhood. My parents were constantly travelling and took me around the world, so I was exposed to different cultures and landscapes, from Muay Thai fighting and chicken fighting in the streets of Thailand to extreme sports in the Swiss Alps. I am blessed to have experienced all of this. I made fighting my career.

The Tulsa, Oklahoma area is a great place for me to focus on myself and my hard work. I also found the perfect gym for me and my trainer in Leo Perrucci and Forza Combat Sports, which in turn led me to live here in Oklahoma and I love it.

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

There's a great MMA scene here in Oklahoma, and bare knuckle boxing has just started here. I won a couple of world titles in kickboxing at XFN (Xtreme Fight Night), which is usually held at the River Spirit Resort and Casino, where I've fought many times. They have MMA, kickboxing, and bare knuckle fighting.

There are many other gyms and martial arts organizations outside of Oklahoma and, surprisingly, a large and talented group of fighters here as well.

Which championships have you won so far?

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

I hold the North American Muay Thai middleweight title.

I have won three world titles in bare knuckle fighting. I have numerous MMA titles and even a regional boxing title from Colorado.

Image provided by: Lorawnt-T “Smash” Nelson

What do you love about fist fighting?

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

What makes your career in Tulsa so exciting right now?

What makes my career here in Tulsa so exciting is that I think I'm one of the few that does so much bare knuckle boxing and has numerous world titles. Right now I'm being called the best bare knuckle boxer in the world. I think that's a big deal because I live here in Tulsa and I want to bring more exposure to the athletes and the sport here in Tulsa and show that we have skill here in Oklahoma. We have heart and great gyms, so give more people a chance here.

Image provided by: Lorawnt-T “Smash” Nelson

What are your goals in bare-knuckle fighting?

My goal in bare knuckle boxing is to continue to evolve and move up. I will continue to defend my titles, win new titles and conquer the world with each fight. I know I am the best in the world and I will continue to prove it.

Where and when will your next fight take place? Who will you fight against?

I'm not sure when I'm fighting next. I expect I'll be defending one of my title belts. I'm not sure which one or who I'll be fighting, but like I always say, I'm always in shape, I'm always ready and I'll fight anybody in the world. I also still fight with gloves, so who knows if we'll find a fight with gloves in the meantime while I wait for my next bare knuckle fight as well.

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