Houston – Are you ready to feed your MMA addiction this weekend?
With a lineup featuring fifteen matchups including three title fights in an arena well-known for not having a bad seat in the house, this iteration of the popular amateur MMA event is sure to excite the Houston area crowd once again. In talking to event promoter Mick Maynard, he said he was definitely looking forward to not only the three title fights, but also seeing new amateurs get started. As a promoter, Mick is amazed to see how many new fighters we have up and coming here in Houston. When asked what he hoped to hear from fans coming out of this event, Mick answered that what he wanted to see this coming Saturday are some exciting matchups, big crowds, and hopefully some rave reviews. “It’s not only a good night of fights,” Mick says. “We try to make it (Lonestar Beatdown and Legacy Fighting Championships) an event where fans, both male and female, can truly have a good time. We focus heavily on matchups first and foremost to create that an exciting atmosphere for the fans.”
I also asked Mick which matchup he was looking forward to most, a hard question considering there are fifteen matchups on the card. Mick was quick to mention anticipating an exciting matchup for the 155 title between Houston’s Ola Siyanbola and Michael Lytle, an Austin, TX based fighter.
For Mike Lytle, out of Austin Xtreme Sparring, this title bout is important because of the potential that he could win his second belt in as many months. Just last month, the 4-1 fighter captured the NTUF 155 Title in the Rodeo Arena in Alvarado, TX via second round submission in a war against Burt McDonald (3-2). Now he looks to repeat that performance here in Houston, his opponent’s backyard.
Undeterred, Ola Siyanbola of Hoger MMA recently told me he was focused and ready to compete heading into this fight. It looks like Mick may be right in predicting an exciting fight in this one based on Ola’s comments. “It really doesn’t matter to me, whether I knock him out or I submit him. I’m going to look to finish the fight.” Ola mentioned. “My motivation comes from my belief, my team, family, friends, and fans; I’m not go to let them down. They believe in my ability, support and trust me. I’m doing this for them, I will give them a fight… BELIEVE… I AM THE PROOF.”
For additional in-depth pre-fight coverage, head over to TheCageDoor.net as Justin Trapp, Richard Burmaster, and myself break down the night’s title fights and offer our predictions on all the upcoming bouts at the Arena Theatre this Saturday. The full fight card and live event coverage including live play-by-play by me will also be available here during fight night. Quick results can also be found on Twitter @txmmadotcom so don’t forget to follow us there.
For those still in need of tickets, hurry over to the event website and get yours while they still last.
To subscribe to the Houston MMA Today column, click here. Interested fans can also catch me on Twitter via @houstontxmma or on my personal account @mikecalimbas. See you at the fights, fans!