Kevin “Crash” Croom didn’t think twice when he got the call to fight Tony “Loco” Soto in the BKFC 52 Co-Main Event.

“None at all,” the UFC vet says with a laugh when asked if there was any hesitation to accept this assignment. “Nope.”

It’s doubtful Croom has ever turned down a fight, but this is undoubtedly the biggest opportunity of his blossoming BKFC career.

Soto is undefeated in his first five BKFC showdowns and is the No. 3 contender in the stacked BKFC lightweight division. Their fight takes place Oct. 20 in Columbus, SC, so the Hickory, NC-based Soto will have an army of supporters at the packed Colonial Life Arena.

Croom entered hostile territory countless times during his 38-fight professional MMA career and he’s unbeaten with a pair of knockouts in his first two BKFC fights, so he has the confidence to spoil Soto’s homecoming and take his spot in the rankings.

Nothing less than a third straight highlight-reel finish will satisfy Croom.

“I definitely think it’ll be a KO. I definitely want it to be a KO because it’s his home state, home crowd, and I want to shut him down,” Croom says.

“It’s just business as usual – I like making my haters my fans.”

Croom has a shot at the BKFC World Lightweight Championship in his sights. He knows a big win over Soto would do much to strengthen his argument for a title shot in 2024.

“If I keep doing what I’ve been doing, I won’t be denied.”