LAS VEGAS – Julian Lane is still banging after all these years, bro.
The main character of one of “The Ultimate Fighter’s” most infamous moments, Lane laughs when he looks back on his extreme anger that was captured in 2012.
“I embrace it. It’s tatted on my body now,” Lane recently told MMA Junkie on the red carpet at the 16th Annual World MMA Awards. “So wherever I go, that’s all people call me. That’s my name, ‘Let Me Bang.’ That’s my fight name now, too. It was a blessing in disguise for my career, man. Like I said, I’m thankful to be here.”
Lane, 37, was 29 at the time. A member of Roy Nelson’s team on the reality series, Lane became enraged one night in the “TUF” house thanks to a combination of alcohol and taunts from fellow cast member Matt Secor.
While he may never shake the “Let me bang, bro,” memory, Lane is trying to add more to his resume than just that. Since 2017, Lane has competed in bareknuckle boxing. He was one of the first recognizable MMA names to make the jump.
“It’s been lovely,” Lane said. “In bareknuckle, I’ve finally found a company that wants to let me bang. There’s nothing better to do that bareknuckle. … MMA has been my passion since Day 1 and I’ve still got it. Don’t blink, man. You might see back in that cage.”
Lane returns to action Feb. 1 at a recently-announced BKFC event at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. He’ll headline vs. former UFC fighter Cameron VanCamp.
Despite the success and notoriety garnered with the gloves off, Lane expects to put them back on one day.
“I came in on my debut fight becoming the world Bare Knuckle Boxing champion,” Lane said. “I beat a guy 17-0 from Ireland. I became the world Bare Knuckle Boxing champion. My goals are to become the BKFC champion. You can look for me in the next couple (events). I’m going to be wearing that strap around my waist. … Look for me in the beginning of the new year.”
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