The undefeated Tony “Loco” Soto stops just shy of calling himself the best fighter on the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship roster.

“On the whole entire roster, I think there’s Lorenzo Hunt, then there’s me,” Soto says in between training sessions.

But if you’re talking about being the top dog in BKFC’s stacked lightweight division, Soto says that’s a no brainer. The New York-born, Hickory, NC product is unbeaten in his first five trips to the BKFC Squared Circle, with three of his wins coming by stoppage.

“I train my (expletive) off,” Soto says about his success in what is arguably BKFC’s toughest weight class.

“I watch every one of my fights and I see how I can beat myself, then I work on those things and keep on leveling up. Filling those gaps and making myself grow.” 

Soto returns to action against UFC vet Kevin Croom (2-0, 2 KOs) in the Co-Main Event of BKFC 52 on Oct. 20 in Columbia, SC, LIVE on The BKFC App. 

“I’m going to be turning up the volume. There’s going to be a lot more movement and explosiveness,” he says.

“Just a lot more ‘Loco-ness.’”

Soto predicts a fourth stoppage will be added to his highlight reel at the expense of the unbeaten Croom. He hopes that will be enough to earn him a shot at the BKFC World Lightweight Championship in 2024. If not, he’s not worried – he already sees himself as the division’s uncrowned king.

“Just like I always say – this is just like every other fight. Nothing different. I’ve got an objective, so I’m going to go in there and take care of it,” Soto says. 

“After that, there should be a title shot. If not, I’m just going to keep doing what I’m doing until I get one.”