The thrill of victory was worth the wait for Rick Caruso.

On Friday in Salem, VA – nearly four years since his debut at BKFC 8 – the Princeton, WV fighter earned his first win in the Squared Circle with a first-round KO over Landon Williams at BKFC 51. With the victory, Caruso improved his BKFC record to 1-3, 1 NC.

A four-fight skid would surely demoralize most fighters, but in that regard Caruso is not like most fighters. He is first and foremost a father, and that’s primarily what’s fueled his BKFC career.

“I have five kids, and I preach that no matter what – win, lose or draw – you chase your dreams. No matter what it is, no matter what other people say, you chase your dreams,” Caruso says.

“That’s why I’ve done all this; I want to be living proof that hard work, dedication and consistency will get you what you want.” 

After taking some pictures with fans and a quick bite, Caruso had only one item on his agenda after Friday’s win – get home to his family.

“We’re only 90 minutes from the venue, so it was important that I got home and hugged everyone before bed,” he says. 

“They all stayed up for me until I got home.”

Now with his first victory under his belt, Caruso wants to keep the good times rolling in the Squared Circle.

“Whenever they want me. I’m always ready and BKFC knows that,” he says. “We stay ready so we don’t have to get ready.”