February 21, 2011 – Less than a week after its last fix, Mixed Martial Arts action returns to downtown Houston this coming Saturday, February 26th, as the International Xtreme Fight Association makes its return to the Verizon Wireless Theatre.

This time around, the IXFA brings a card of heavyweight proportions in the form of an eleven-card slate highlighted by a main event matchup for their heavyweight title belt featuring 3-1 Derrick “The Black Beast” Lewis taking on undefeated 1-0 challenge Taylor Hebert. Also on the card is a light heavyweight title bout as “Hurricane” Ike Villanueva defends his 205 strap against challenger Lex Pappas. The vacant middleweight title is also on the line as one of Houston’s most experienced veterans in John Kirk (16-8) taking on blue-chip prospect Andrew Craig

In addition to the three championship bouts, the card is bolstered by the appearance of a strong undercard led by popular fighters Marc Ramirez, Pat Bierschwale, and more. Strong balanced matchups dominate the nine-bout lineup. Based on what I see, this card has the makings of a very exciting night of action.

Let’s take a look at each of these bouts so fans know what to expect before they walk into the Verizon Wireless Theatre next Saturday.

IXFA Card Preview for February 26, 2011

HWT Title – Derrick Lewis (3-1) versus Taylor Hebert (1-0)

The IXFA should be lauded for listening to the fans and putting together this matchup. Aside from former UFC fighter Sam Hoger (who likely won’t be fighting anytime soon), this bout pits the two most highly-regarded heavyweights coming out of the Houston area. Derrick Lewis proved his case for that statement  by winning his last two bouts decisively, with one of those coming against Ryan Martinez, one of Colorado’s best in the weight class.

Stepping across from “The Black Beast,” Taylor Hebert hopes to steal some shine and overtake Lewis in the hearts and minds of the Houston MMA scene. Hebert won in his professional debut against Larry Crowe, a Silverback teammate of Derrick Lewis.

This bout will be a clash of contrasting styles as Lewis will look to use his formidable strength to overwhelm his opponent while Hebert will rely on his wrestling to control the action. Look for whoever can impose his will in the opening minutes to be the fighter who ultimately takes the fight.

205 Title – Ike Villanueva (7-4) versus Lex Pappas (2-3)

Lex Pappas steps into this slot as a late-replacement for original challenger Chad Cook. Villanueva originally sought a matchup with Artenas Young but it was not to be as Lex gets his shot instead. One would think based on record that “The Hurricane” should make short work of the Macaco-trained Pappas but he also needs to be weary as Pappas’ strongest point may also be his biggest weakness.

Ike Villanueva is an explosive striker who can KTFO anyone if he connects with one of his vicious bombs. For his part, Pappas is not overwhelmingly dominant on his feet but does boast a strong submission game, highlighted by a dangerous guillotine choke. IMO, Villanueva walks into this bout as the heavy favorite but watch out if he exposes his next for Pappas to capitalize on.

185 Title – Jon Kirk (16-8) versus Andrew Craig (3-0)

This has got to be the most intriguing fight on the card in my opinion. I would almost characterize this as old guard vs. new guard as you have “El Jaguar” Jon Kirk protecting his spot up-top the local middleweight rankings against a challenge from Andrew Craig, the undefeated Team Tooke prodigy who defeated Rodrigo Pinheiro in just his second professional bout.

It’s hard to say how this one is going to go or where the bout will take place. Both fighters are well-rounded enough to fight anywhere. I have a feeling the two will exchange in a striking chess match to gain advantage rather than rush into exchanges on the feet or on the mat.

155 – Marc Ramirez (1-1) versus Cody Hoffstatter (0-1)

A late replacement for Kirk Gibson (not the baseball player), Cody Hoffstatter steps into this bout against Marc Ramirez as seeking to upend the fast-rising lightweight. Fresh off a decision loss against everyone’s favorite lightweight Adam Schindler, Ramirez will step into this match as a fast-swinging, always-exciting prospect with lofty expectations set upon his young shoulders.

Cody Hoffstatter will largely be an unknown to Houston MMA crowds having fought only once before, losing to Aaron LaFranco at STFC in South Padre, TX. One thing I do know Hoffstatter is that he is a regular on the BJJ circuit as a member of the Rodrigo Pinheiro BJJ team. He’ll likely try to use that skill set to try to take out Ramirez. We’ll see if can do what BJJ brown belt Adam Schindler couldn’t and accomplish that task on late-notice.If he does, look for Hoffstatter to be in future demand for IXFA. Otherwise, look for Ramirez to continue his ascent in both popularity and rankings.

HWT – Larry Crowe (2-1) versus Jordan Clissold (0-2)

Watching Larry Crowe is always a crowd pleaser as he brings fast hands and a penchant for swinging them as his greatest cage asset. I really don’t what else to say about Jordan Clissold other than that he’s battled some tough luck in failing to garner a professional win through two outings. Jordan’s fought some tough guys though so I’m not giving up on him yet. Larry Crowe should be another set in that mold to test Clissold and we’ll see what he’s made of in this bout. A win should keep him around but a third-strike loss may send him packing from the IXFA roster.

205 – Jason Sullivan (1-1) versus Jared Taylor (4-7)

Everyone loves a good old-fashioned slugfest and both of these journeymen love being in them. I wouldn’t label either as technical prodigies but both these guys have the attitude of gladiators. Jared Taylor is actually riding high after a spinning backfist KO of top prospect Artenas “Machine Gun” Young got him noticed not too long ago. Some would call that a fluke but hey, he aimed for a target and hit it so give him due credit. For his part, Jason Sullivan is coming off a tough loss to Justin Ledet but is looking to use this bout to bounce back. Look for a relentless pace from both guys in this bout, a potential sleeper for brawl of the night.

170 – Tony Orozco (0-0) versus Shawn Machado (1-0)

Oh man, am I looking forward to this bout!

As the leader of the much talked-about Silverback Fight Club, Tony Orozco is making his professional debut with no amateur fights at the ripe old age of three-hundred and forty-three years old.

Orozco is actually only forty-three years old. I only said the previous line to make him seem younger? Did it work?

In all seriousness, Orozco has taken on a monumental challenge to step into the cage for the very-first time despite not having an amateur MMA background to speak of. Like he said in my in-depth interview with him, he’s looking to do this mainly to prove a point to his students. His team has been in the news for many different things lately, good and bad. With that being said, many people will be looking forward to this bout.

His opponent, Shawn Machado out of Team Hoger is built in the same mold as Orozco, gorilla-style. Look for both these powerhouses to swing for the fences right out of the gates with bad intentions. If they trade, it could be anybody’s ballgame depending on who connects first. If it hits the ground though, look for Orozco to use years of BJJ experience to impose his will.

185 – Pat Bierschwale (0-0) versus Jeremy Morris (1-0)

This is an interesting bout as Pat “The Bison” Bierschwale makes his pro debut after an impressive amateur career where he went 4-1, splitting a pair of bouts with John Malbrough.

Bierschwale will be making his pro debut against another tough, well-rounded fighter in Jeremy Morris, who made quick work of Rick Bigger in his own professional debut at IXFA this past November, winning by triangle choke at 1:34 of the first round.

It will be interesting to see how their strategies play out in this fight but based on their skill sets, this has the makings of a true fight of the night candidate.

185 – Terrance Ferguson (1-0) versus Joshua Foster (1-2)

Josh Foster has made a living in professional MMA of taking really tough fights. In fact, he did the same in the amateurs as well so this guy definitely has the true grit of someone who loves getting in there. From what I’ve seen of Josh, he’s definitely a grinder who doesn’t make it too easy for people to control him. That’s exactly what Terrance Ferguson will be looking to do considering his grappling pedigree.

This bout should come down to whether Ferguson can take Foster down and keep him there. If he can’t, look for Foster to be active from the outside and in the clinch to try and take this fight on the feet.

155 – Alex Black (1-0) versus Gilbert Jimenez (4-2)

There’s an old saying I hear around here… “Always Bet on Black.”

A lot of people will be doing just that after Alex beat the highly-touted Greg Bellomy in his Legacy debut. Fast improving both on his feet and on the floor, Alex Black is looking to test himself as much as possible in order to make a run to the top of the local bantamweight rankings. In fact, he’s already got a bout set up for April at Legacy against another top 45’er in Tim Snyder.

Black’s opponent, Gilbert Jimenez of the San Antonio area, walks into bout holding a 4-2 record. Nicknamed “The Pitbull,” Gilbert fights with a tenacious abandon befitting his nickname and is always involved in exciting fights, win or lose.

This fight is another favorite for me in three categories – fight of the night, submission of the night, or knockout of the night. In fact, I can almost guarantee at least one of those honors will be awarded via this bout.

What do you guys think of these fights? Speak up and let your voices be heard.

For anyone interested in ticket information, feel free to visit the event website at IXFA.tv.