The latest installment of Legacy Fighting Alliance sees the promotion back with some holiday action. At LFA 96 on Friday, Joseph Holmes (2-1) and Ryan Leininger (4-1) will start off the night. Second, unbeaten prospect Viecheslav Borshchev (2-0) will take on William Starks (3-1) — check these two out on our Weekly MMA Prospect Report. Then a pair of flyweights take the main stage at LFA 96 when Lisa Mauldin (3-2) goes against Mitzi Merry (2-1).
Top of the LFA 96 Main Card
Following the first three bouts, styles clash when Mark Martin (4-1) and Matthew Colquhoun (8-4) meet in the middle. After that undefeated, Mo Miller (4-0) and Regivaldo Carvalho (5-2) go to war in a solid bantamweight match up. The night culminates into a thrilling co main event between Anthony Romero (8-0) and brawler Zach Juusola (11-6). In the main event of LFA 96, welterweights will fight for the vacant championship, as Maycon Mendonça (10-4) squares off against the unbeaten, Batsumberel Dagvadorj (7-0).
Joseph Holmes vs. Ryan Leininger
While Holmes’s record appears skinny, he has a ton of experience stemming from his amateur bouts. In essence, Holmes success usually comes from close quarters. Consequently, one of his primary weapons is snatching necks. Opposite to him, Leininger is an imposing athlete with three first round finishes in a row. Specifically, Leininger’s power poses serious problems for the division. He demonstrated his power in his last fight against Raymond Gray, finishing him with leg kicks. Those kinds of victories jump off the page, and despite having finished fights with his hands, Holmes path to victory surely involves grappling.
Viecheslav Borshchev vs. William Starks
A Russian prospect from Team Alpha Male, Borshchev is on a two fight win streak. And is 2-0 in his career. Despite his young age, the Russian exudes comfort in the cage. With his first professional win resulting in a knockout in a mere 55 seconds, he’s a proven threat to the LFA lightweight division. Conversely Starks, though also young, has a wider range of experience. The American is a well-rounded threat, with victories coming from submission, decision and knockout. Proven on the amateur scene, Starks went 14-1. He now looks to parlay all that work into a win at LFA 96.
Lisa Mauldin vs. Mitzi Merry
Fighting out of Team Oyama, Mauldin will look to bounce back after a decision loss to Sam Hughes. Facing Mauldin is the Invicta FC vet Merry, who has picked up a recent, decisive unanimous decision over Morgan Hickam. After successfully coming back after her first professional loss, Merry will look to keep up the momentum.
Mark Martin vs. Matthew Colquhoun
Coming off a fresh ground and pound victory at LFA 86, Martin’s top pressure is dangerous. Along with this victory, Martin is on a three fight win streak and has maintained activity. In his way, Colquhoun, “The Jamaican Prodigy” enters the bout with more experience. In addition, Colquhoun prefers to handle his business on the feet. Certainly a dangerous starter, and Martin will have to be careful. Colquhoun has a wealth of experience, and has learned some tough lessons against current UFC fighters like Spike Carlyle and Miguel Baeza. Regardless of styles, both fighters like to throw down so this should make for an exciting bout.
Mo Miller vs. Regivaldo Carvalho
The undefeated Miller is a tall and lengthy bantamweight. In his most recent outing for LFA, he showed his versatility with a submission win over Mando Gutierrez. Despite his lack of professional fights, he has amassed plenty of experience on the amateur scene. Along the way, his record looks similar to his amateur record: undefeated with plenty of nasty knockouts. Facing the undefeated American is Carvalho, whose long frame could spell problems for Miller. At LFA 96 fans will find out if Miller is the real deal, or if Carvalho can derail the hype of the undefeated prospect.
LFA 96 Co Main Event – Anthony Romero vs. Zach Juusola
One of Canada’s best, Romero will look to work over the Bare Knuckle Boxing (BKFC) competitor Juusola. While it can be difficult to critique “The Genius” Romero, he has struggled to pick up finishes in his fighting career. Be that as it may, the Canadian has yet to lose, and performs well enough for the judges to side with him. Despite the hiccup to Tristan Connelly last year, Juusola bounced back under BKFC banner. Often ready to die on his sword, Juusola is always in thrilling fights. Overall, Juusola’s path to victory will involve making the fight dirty and keeping it out of the judge’s hands.
LFA 96 Main Event – Maycon Mendonça vs. Batsumberel Dagvadorj
Once again looking to take out an undefeated athlete, Mendonça takes on a tough task against Dagvadorj. Clearly, Dagvadorj will have a future in mixed martial arts. Supported by a wide array of submissions and knockouts, his undefeated record speaks for itself. Since Mendonça has struggled in the past with fast starters, Dagvadorj has a nice style to combat the Brazilian. For the ultimate prize, welterweight gold is up for grabs and both athletes bring unique skillsets to the cage.
LFA 96 goes down the Friday, December 4 starting at 9PM at the Harman Arena in Park City, Kansas. The event airs on UFC Fight Pass.
