In this explosive Season 2 premiere of Salty’s Fight Talk, "The Big Sexy" returns from a six-month hiatus to sit down with the #2 ranked BKFC featherweight, Nathan "The Reaper" Rivera. Fresh off a jaw-breaking TKO victory over Tommy Stratum, Rivera breaks down the tactical nuances that have led to his 5-0 undefeated record.

Nathan provides a masterclass on why bare-knuckle fighting is a completely different animal than MMA or traditional boxing. He pulls back the curtain on the "Rivera Era," discussing his climb to the top of the most stacked division in the sport and his tunnel-vision focus on taking the belt.

Beyond the chaos of the Squared Circle, we dive deep into the mindset of a modern-day warrior. Nathan opens up about a life-changing moment where he officially quit his 9-to-5 job to become a full-time professional athlete. We explore the "burnout" that haunts elite fighters, his unique "puzzle night" recovery sessions, and how getting married transformed his discipline from youthful hype into a calculated mission to provide for his family. Whether it’s discussing the influence of Conor McGregor on the sport’s growth or his hilarious "wanted posters" and post-fight antics, this conversation shows the man behind the Reaper mask: a dedicated, creative, and grounded athlete paving the way for the next generation of young fighters.

About Nathan ‘The Reaper’ Rivera:

Nathan Rivera is a combat sports athlete and the current #2 ranked featherweight in the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC). Boasting an unblemished 5-0 professional record, Rivera has quickly become one of the most feared and entertaining figures in the sport. Known for his devastating power and high fight IQ, "The Reaper" made waves in the combat sports world with his clinical finish of Tommy Stratum and relentless pursuit of the featherweight title belt Training out of the renowned Team Lima in Georgia, Rivera’s style is defined by a blend of technical striking and a gritty, blue-collar work ethic that resonates with fans worldwide.

Originally from Southern California, Nathan’s journey into the fight game began with a childhood obsession with Bruce Lee movies and martial arts studios. After a successful stint in the amateur MMA and boxing circuits, he found his true calling in the raw intensity of bare-knuckle fighting. Off the canvas, Rivera is known for his creative self-promotion—often using "Wanted" posters and mid-fight notes to Feldman to stand out in a crowded roster. Now a full-time professional fighter, Nathan is dedicated to his "Rivera Era," balancing the pursuit of world titles with a grounded family life and a commitment to mentoring the next wave of young athletes in the Atlanta fight scene.

Follow Nathan 'The Reaper' Rivera’s as he chases the belt:

• BKFC Profile: https://www.bkfc.com/fighters/nathan-rivera
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_nathanrivera/

- -

This episode is proudly sponsored by Band Groupeez, a live music service connecting music lovers with independent musicians and local venues.

Access your local music scene now at https://bandgroupeez.com

In this episode of Salty's Fight Talk we sat down with Darren “D-Day” Whitney, a current BKFC fighter with a storied background in combat sports, specifically MMA. We discussed Darren's journey from a troubled youth growing up in Maine to flourishing as a professional fighter in Texas, his experiences in bare-knuckle fighting, and the personal growth he has achieved through overcoming challenges.

Our conversation highlights the importance of self-belief, healing, resilience, and the unique appeal of bare-knuckle fighting as a sport and challenge. Darren shares insights into his training, the mental aspects of fighting, and his aspirations for the future.

About Darren ‘D-Day’ Whitney:

Darren “D-Day” Whitney got his start in MMA competing across regional circuits, earning a reputation for toughness and submission work in promotions such as Fury FC before transitioning into the bare-knuckle world. In that shift, he joined BKFC and made his debut in June 2025, facing Rodney Hinton in a welterweight bout.

On October 18, 2025, Whitney returns to the Squared Circle at BKFC Fight Night: Horseshoe Hammond Casino in Hammond, Indiana, where he’s slated to face Adam Brady on the main card. With one BKFC bout already under his belt, Whitney enters this matchup looking to reset his trajectory and make a statement in his second bare-knuckle outing.

Follow Darren on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dday6mma

In this episode of Salty's Fight Talk, host Brad Banyas fills in for ‘The Big Sexy’ and interviews amateur MMA fighter Sydney 'High Tech' Hlebik, who shares her unique journey into martial arts, her training regimen, and the mindset required for success in the sport.

Sydney discusses her transition from soccer to wrestling in high school, her passion for striking, and the importance of mental preparation in mixed-marital arts. She emphasizes the significance of personality in fighting and how it can impact an athlete's success. Sydney also talks about her future plans, the support she needs, and encourages young athletes to pursue their dreams without fear of failure.

About Sydney Hlebik:

Sydney Hlebik is a 22‑year‑old female amateur MMA fighter hailing from Texas, competing in the flyweight division (125 lb/56.7 kg). Fighting out of Fortis MMA academy, she made her amateur debut at Tap or Scrap 12 in Victoria, Texas, on August 1, 2025, against Krystal Miller. Klebik impressively scored a first‑round TKO victory just 1 minute and 17 seconds into the bout, securing her first official win.

Beyond her early success inside the cage, Sydney Hlebik has quickly gained attention as a promising prospect in the women’s amateur ranks. Ranked among the top 500 active female fighters in the U.S. pound-for-pound and now demanding attention within the Texas regional scene, she represents the new wave of talent emerging from Fortis MMA. With a strong foundation in striking and the backing of a respected gym, Hlebik’s combination of youth, skill, and momentum suggests she is only beginning to make her mark in the sport.

Sydney Hlebik on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sydney.hlebik/?hl=en

Video Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Sydney Hlebik

02:45 Sydney's Journey into Martial Arts

05:32 Training Regimen and Fighting Style

08:22 Making the Leap to Full-Time Training

11:25 Mindset and Mental Preparation

14:06 The Importance of Personality in Fighting

16:51 Experiences Sparring with Professionals

19:55 Future Plans and Support for Sydney

22:45 Closing Thoughts and Encouragement

#martialarts #mma #combatsports #mmatraining #ufc #fighterinterview