Home/UFC

via Imago

via Imago

It seems like NBA Hall-of-Famer Shaquille O’Neal has a new ‘favorite fighter’! Why? Well, he has himself declared, and that too – on social media. So, who’s this ‘special’ fighter that has got Shaq’s attention?

Well, he’s none other than BKFC’s featherweight prodigy, Howard “HD” Davis. In case you’re not up to speed with who that is, Davis is one of the most promising stars on the Bare Knuckle Fight Championship’s roster. He currently sits as the #2 featherweight in the promotion. So, what does ‘DJ Diesel’ have to say about this rising star?

NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal has a new ‘favorite fighter’ in the BKFC

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

It seems like NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal is pretty impressed by “HD” and his rise to bare-knuckle fighting stardom. So much so that he has openly endorsed the 29-year-old boxing prodigy on social media.

Taking to Instagram, the duo shared a collaboration video that has made waves across the combat sports community. What’s more, Davis himself seized the opportunity to promote himself after Shaq decided to surprise him with a heartfelt comment of appreciation on the IG post.

The NBA legend’s comment read: “The champ is here!!  If y’all haven’t been watching @bareknucklefc lately, you are missing out on a special fighter. This guy, @nhhd876 is my favorite fighter to watch. wooweeee. He is the face and the future of BKFC and in my opinion the 145lb champ. HD you are the People’s Champ. @davisfeldmanbkfc @bkfc_matchmaker @your_accidentattorney @raynelomgmt Make this fight happen before the end of the year. I would love to see it in person!! @aisportsagency y’all killed this video. I need to see this fight happen ASAP.”

Read More: Earning No More Than $1 in ‘Alternate Career’, Shaquille O’Neal Embraces New Title as a Badge of Honor

And what did “HD” do? He simply reposted Shaq’s comment on his Instagram post’s caption! Talk about a way to get some heads turning! But why is O’Neal fixated on Davis’ growth?

Has Shaq found an uncut gem? The tantalizing growth of BKFC star Howard Davis

2023 has undeniably been a remarkable year for Howard “HD” Davis. With his latest victory, a 72-second stoppage against Jeff Chiffens at BKFC 49 in Miami, he has improved his record to an impressive 3-0 this year. Notably, all three of these victories have come by way of finishes, making “HD” a force to be reckoned with in the featherweight division.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

In an exclusive interview with a BKFC insider, Howard Davis revealed his clear and ambitious career goal—to challenge the undefeated BKFC World Featherweight Champion, Kai Stewart. With a current record of 5-1-1, including four knockout victories, Howard Davis exudes confidence and determination. In a post-fight interview, he even asserted that he has earned the BKFC title shot for himself and his family.

“This is the most active I’ve been and the most dangerous I’ve been – this is my time,” Davis confidently asserted. He further emphasized his belief in his superior record and past opponents, stating, “If you look at records and past opponents, I’m the featherweight who’s fought the best competition. The only person close to me is Brandon Allen. Other than that, nobody has a resume close to mine.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Based on this immense confidence – it seems like Shaq’s bets on this #2 BKFC featherweight have a good chance of paying off. As Howard “HD” Davis continues his impressive streak, the MMA world eagerly anticipates a potential showdown between these two formidable fighters. Will Davis be the one to dethrone the undefeated champion, Kai Stewart, and claim BKFC gold? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!

Watch this Story: NBA Star Kevin Durant Sends Out a Message to Suga Sean Following His Electrifying UFC 292 Win