Bec Rawlings wants to match Bare Knuckle FC title success in Bellator

Bec Rawlings returns to MMA for the first time in more than 18 months on Friday at Bellator 231. With the comeback comes a renewed level of self-belief.

Rawlings (7-8 MMA, 0-0 BMMA) is looking at her flyweight matchup with Ilara Joanne (8-4 MMA, 0-0 BMMA) as something of a fresh start. She’s lost four MMA bouts in a row, but since her last MMA fight found major success with Bare Knuckle FC.

Although she went unbeaten in the ring and earned the adage as the “Queen of Bare Knuckle,” Rawlings felt MMA calling her back, and Bellator presented a worthwhile contract offer.

“It’s nice to have all my weapons back,” Rawlings told MMA Junkie at Bellator 231 media day. “I love bare knuckle, I really enjoy that sport it’s definitely nice to be back where I belong, where I started and it’s going to be good to showcase myself.”

Bellator 231 takes place at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. Rawlings vs. Joanne is part of the main card, which airs on Paramount following prelims on MMA Junkie.

After dropping four straight fights with UFC, it seemed Rawlings’ days of competing in high-profile MMA bouts was over. She views Bellator opportunity as a chance to prove she’s better than her 2-5 UFC record shows, and Rawlings said she’s putting 100 percent dedication into maximizing the platform.

“I’m set on Bellator for now,” Rawlings said. “I want to focus on the division here and chasing gold here. I don’t know what the future holds but right now I’m focusing on focusing on tomorrow and see where we are. I’m here of Bellator to stay.

“Definitely the goal is to chase gold. I got a taste of gold with Bare Knuckle and I’m focused on getting that for Bellator.”

The losses may stand out on her record, but Rawlings has faced a significantly higher level of MMA experience than Joanne. The Aussie wants to make a statement at Bellator 231, and she said the matchup if perfect to make that happen.

“I don’t think she’s going to come near me,” Rawlings said. “I don’t think she’s going to touch me. My distancing, my striking, everything is on point. If it does go to the ground I don’t think she has a super big advantage down there.”