Legacy FC 35 Preview – 205 title fight, BJJ stars headline AXS TV fight card

By TXMMA Staff

Heavyweight champ Myron Dennis defends light heavyweight title against BJJ world champion Leo Leite

TULSA, OK – Legacy FC 35 hits national airwaves from the Hard Rock Casino in Tulsa, OK this Friday night. The main card planned for AXS TV features LFC’s heavyweight champion Myron Dennis defending the belt for the first time since beating UFC vet Paul Buentello for it this past March. Going into the fight with a 3-fight win streak intact is certainly good for the momentum of the champion but he’ll be facing a different kind of challenge on together compared to his last opponent. That challenge comes in the form of BJJ world champion Leonardo Leite. A two-time Worlds winner, Leite made the transition to MMA back in June 2013. He’s won 4 in a row during that span including 2 submissions and will make his Legacy FC debut by walking directly into this light heavyweight title bout. With Myron Dennis already having proven himself courtesy of his win vs. Buentello, this pivotal matchup will tell a lot about the future for the winner.

Two more BJJ world champs set to debut in Legacy FC – Rafael Lovato Jr. and Justin Rader

Speaking of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu superstars, Legacy FC 35 features two more world champions, making this one of the most anticipated cards ever for those fans who enjoy watching heavily credentialed grapplers compete in the MMA cage.

First up is the MMA debut of the most decorated American submission grappler of all time, Rafael Lovato Jr.

A 31 year old also fighting out of Oklahoma City, Lovato was the first non-Brazilian to win the Brazilian National Championship at the adult black belt level. He’s won multiple world titles both in and out of the gi and has also competed in other prestigious sub grappling events including ADCC and Metamoris. Known for his expertise both passing and submitting from the guard, Rafael has also boxed since he was a child – often citing the sport as his first true love prior to BJJ. Rafael will be facing Tulsa’s “Super Beast” Canaan Grisby in his pro MMA debut. Winning his last 3 in a row, Grigsby was last seen scoring perhaps one of the most vicious knockouts of the year so far with his brutal KO of Lumumba Sayers at Fight to Win’s fight Club this past August. He’s finished 3 in a row by KO/TKO so Lovato will be nothing but tested in his first time out.

Also set for debut at Legacy FC 35 is Lovato student and fellow BJJ world champion Justin Rader. “Darth” Rader is a black belt NOGI world champion reputed for his strong top game and wrestling acumen. Like his instructor Rafael, Rader has also competed at ADCC, where he won a bronze medal. He transitioned to MMA this past January and has won his first two bouts while finishing both opponents, one by sub and one via KO. Justin will be taking on a more experienced opponent in his LFC debut in Jarrett Rouse, 4-0 out of Bartlesville, OK.

Best of the Rest at Legacy Fighting Championship 35

Legacy FC 35 features a grand total of 9 pro bouts in additional to 3 more amateur bouts to complete the card. The AXS main card features the heavyweight title bout along with Lovato Jr.’s MMA debut. Four more bouts will be highlighted on the national broadcast and here’s a brief summary on the rest:

In the co-main event former US military sniper Andrew Todhunter puts his undefeated 6-0 record on the line against fellow former serviceman Levi Avera.

Edward Cline takes on Nolan Norwood to follow up a big KO win in his last bout versus Josh Weston. Meanwhile Norwood comes in off a loss but has won 3 out of his last 5.

Marshall, TX’s own “D-Rock” Derrick Krantz travels west to face former UFC fighter Daniel Roberts. This will be the second octagon vet in a row for Krantz following his submission of Louisiana’s Kyle Bradey at Legacy FC 32.

Last but not least in the opening bout of the night on AXS TV is a battle of Okie MMA prospects in 25 year old Jesse Chafin out of Okemah taking on Claremore’s James Warren.

Check out the complete card for Legacy FC 35 below:

MAIN CARD (AXS TV, 10 p.m. ET)

• 205 lbs.: Myron Dennis (10-3) vs. Leonardo Leite (4-0) * TITLE
• 185 lbs.: Levi Avera (18-14) vs. Andrew Todhunter (5-0)
• 170 lbs.: Edward Cline (0-0) vs. Nolan Norwood (3-2)
• 170 lbs.: Derrick Krantz (15-8) vs. Daniel Roberts (15-5)
• 185 lbs.: Rafael Lovato (0-0) vs. Canaan Grigsby (3-1)
• 155 lbs.: Jesse Chaffin (5-2) vs. James Warren (6-1)

PRELIMINARY CARD (Untelevised, 8 p.m. ET)

• 145 lbs.: Justin Rader (2-0) vs. Jarrett Rouse (1-0)
• 125 lbs.: Cody Fuller (10-8) vs. Micah Stockton (6-6)
• 125 lbs.: Nicole Knudsen (2-2) vs. Erin McDougall (1-0)
• 155 lbs.: Ken Coulter (4-0) vs. Aaron McKenzie (6-2) * amateur
• 145 lbs.: Derrick Adkins (6-3) vs. Daryl Wilson (6-1) * amateur
• 145 lbs.: Austin Anderson (6-1) vs. Julian Learned (8-0) * amateur