HOUSTON, TX, January 4, 2012 – Things are already moving and shaking for the Legacy Fighting Championship 10 card set to air on HDNet next month on February 24th. The first offering of 2012 already featured incoming fighters such as Carson Beebe, Eric “Big Head” Davila, Pat Audinwood, and more. Now we can add another former UFC fighter to the mix in the form of The Ultimate Fighter veteran Gerald Harris.
The native Oklahoman nicknamed “Hurricane” will make his Legacy FC debut opposite a returning Houston MMA veteran in Artenas “Machine Gun” Young.
“Machine Gun” was last seen at Legacy opposite Jonathan Mack in April of last ear, winning by unanimous decision. Since then, he’s gone 2-2 outside the promotion while fighting mainly for Shark Fights, picking up notable wins over Elvis Mutapcic and Kyle Bracey. He most recently lost his last fight to current UFC fighter Clifford Starks at Shark Fights 20 before making his way back to Houston for this clash with Harris at Legacy FC 10.
As for Gerald “Hurricane” Harris, he will be entering this bout looking for his third win in a row. The Tulsa native first burst on the scene on the The Ultimate Fighter as a member of Team Rampage on season 7 of the popular reality show. Losing only to eventual winner Amir Sadollah, he would go on to a 3-1 record in the UFC before a surprise cut follow his loss to Maiquel Falcão at UFC 123. Since then, he’s gone 2-1 with his lone loss coming at the hands of fellow Oklahoman and current UFC vet James Head. Last winning at Dream 17 over Kazuhiro Nakamura, he’ll no doubt try to use Legacy FC 10 as a springboard back into the octagon.
Let’s t take a look at this upcoming matchup and break things down in preparation for the fight set to go down at the Arena Theater at Legacy next month.
TXMMA Tale of the Tape – Artenas Young vs. Gerald Harris
A Look at Artenas “Machine Gun” Young
Location: Houston, Texas
Team: Hoger MMA / IV Ounce Fight Club / Jackson’s MMA
Height / Weight: 6 ft 2 in. / 185 lbs.
MMA Record: 7-4
Notable Facts:
► Originally from Oxnard, CA.
► Began his training under the tutelage of UFC vet Sam Hoger before making his way to Jackson’s MMA in New Mexico. Currently working with IV Ounce Fight Club as well.
► Former Legacy Amateur (LSBD) champion at 205. Won title in September 2009 over Raul Jimeenz by KO in 1:39 of the first round.
► Has a very outspoken fan base known as “Machine Gun Nation.”
Biggest Strengths in the Cage:
► Artenas is known primarily for his boxing and counter-punching ability. His hand speed and reaction ability make him a danger to any attacking fighter. Throughout time he’s worked to develop his takedown defense and has shown significant gains in that area while facing fighters such as Mutapcic and Bracey in Shark Fights. After time spent working at Jackson’s MMA in New Mexico, he’s now working with Bob Perez, Jeremy Mahon, and crew back here in Houston to get ready for this fight.
What he may need to do to win this fight:
► Looking at this matchup stylistically, one thing “Machine Gun” will be sure to be wary of is Harris’ takedown ability. The Oklahoman is known as an extremely strong fighter capable of hurting his opponents mightily should he get them in a prone position so Young will have to use his ring saavy to avoid the takedown and control the angles. If he’s successful there, he can use his hand speed to stay a step of his opponent and punish him for his shots.
What does this fight mean to his career?
► A win here would put Artenas Young back in the win column and count as his third win over his past four fights. He’d most certainly be in the hunt for the Legacy FC mdidleweight title should he get past what could be his biggest challenge to date.
A Look at Gerald “Hurricane” Harris
Age: 32
Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma
Team: Grudge Training Center
Height / Weight: 5 ft 11 in. / 185 lbs.
MMA Record: 19-4
Notable Facts:
► Member of season 7 of The Ultimate Fighter as part of Team Rampage; Made it to the semi-finals.
► Outside of MMA, Gerald has performed as a stand-up comedian in years past.
► Well-traveled in both where he’s trained and where he’s fought, Gerald has trained as far as Liverpool, England and taken fights as far as Saitama, Japan.
Biggest Strengths:
► Gerald Harris is a physical specimen who can match strength and speed with anyone he’s up against. He’s won the majority of fights in his career via KO/TKO and is known for his vicious slams, like the one he scored on Renzo Gracie black belt Dave Branch to win ‘knockout of the night’ honors at UFC 116.
What he may need to do to win:
► Take him down and beat him up. The game plan could be that simple for the “Hurricane” as far as what he intends to do to Artenas Young at Legacy Fighting Championship 10. We look for him to want to establish the takedown early in order to establish the tempo in this fight. In order to do so, he’ll have to cut off the cage and use the fence to his advantage in order to minimize opportunities for escape against his opponent.
What does this fight mean to his career?
► With a win on February 24th or pehaps after one more fight, Gerald Harris should once again be knocking on the UFC’s doors. If not, he’ll be in the mix for a regional title or perhaps even earn himself a title shot at Legacy FC.
In conclusion
Based on all the information above and a clear look at all their past, this matchup has the potential for another spectacular finish on HDNet. If the fight goes Young’s way, viewers will be treated to a show of spectacular counter-striking and punishment on the feet. If it goes the other way in favor of “The Hurricane,” then look for vicious ground-and-pound to be the lay of the land. All things considered, we’re looking forward to this one and it should be a very exciting battle.
What are YOUR thoughts on this upcoming bout? Chime in with your comments below!
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