MMA Preview: Fans weigh in on Legacy Fighting Championship 44

By TXMMA Staff

Texas vets aiming to capture big wins at Legacy FC 44; fans eager to see it

HOUSTON, TX – The latest HOU MMA fight card to watch takes place this Friday night at the Arena Theatre with Legacy Fighting Championship 44. Broadcast LIVE on AXS TV as usual, the August 28^th card features plenty of local talent looking to take the step up to natural prominence with wins on the main stage.

Most notably, Gracie Barra black belt and muay thai specialist Alex Morono faces his biggest challenge yet in the night’s main event against Blackzilian athlete Valdir “Baby Monster” Araujo. Other athletes looking to level up with a top performance at LFC 44 include Justin Reiswerg who takes on another FL-based fighter in undefeated Carrington Banks and Cleveland’s Charlie Ontiveros who’ll be taking on DFW’s Bilal Williams.

Two other fan-friendly matchups complete the local card and should be ones to watch for local fans as hard-punching Jon Harris takes on fellow knockout artist Rey Trujillo and Colin Wright faces his most experienced opponent yet in ”Riptide” Ryan Hollis.

Here’s what some of the local TXMMA community is saying about this fight card:

TXMMA Fan Buzz – What the local community is looking forward to most at LFC 44

Question: What fighter/fight are you looking forward to most at LFC 44 and why?

Answers

“I’m pretty interested in how (Alex) Morono is gonna do. Sounds like it’ll be a tough fight and I’d like to see him beat a Blackzilian.” – Michelle Paez, NOGI Competitor

“Baby Monster and Moreno.  Both are tough.  Moreno wants to steal Baby Monster’s shine.  Going to be bombs away in that one. I also love that the Blackzilians are on the card but I’m looking forward to Sage Northcutt here. Ttough fighter. Sage has the looks and skill to make it big. He impressed Dana in his last fight. We’ll see where it goes.” – Abel Guillen, Writer, Legacy FC

“For me personally it has to be Morono. Truth be told I don’t know anything about his opponent but alex could make a fight with a brick wall exciting. The kid is vicious and goes for the kill every time.” – Drew Ratichek, Gym Owner, ACS

“Man I was looking forward to the whole card. Alex Morono I would say is one. I’ve seen that guy train personally and I think he is always improving. Sage northcutt vs. Rocky Long is another good fight. Rocky is no joke, has a lot of experience so Sage is going to have to calm down a little. Ryan Hollis vs Colin wright. Collin is strong so I think it’s good opportunity for him to show his skills. I think he should take Ryan to the ground and grind it out.” – Reshal Malik, BJJ Purple Belt

“Bee Nguyen. I like her drive and her mettle. I believe she could be an atomweight force to reckon with when it comes to who has their mind in the game. From what ive seen and heard, she is legit. I can’t wait to see her fight. I like her fighting style and want to see how she’s evolved.” – Mike Goss, Armed Forces Vet / MMA Supporter

“Alex Morono 100%. First I have watched him for years through the scene and want him to make a huge name for himself. Now we get to see him take it to the next level. He deserves it. He’s one of the few that competes any and everywhere he can. Boxing, MMA, kickboxing. Dominating. A true martial artist.” – Missy Estrada, Tournament Organizer / UG Forum Moderator

“My hubby of course. I always love watching Danny (Orr) step into that cage. I think Hutton is a good seasoned fighter with 15 pro fights to Danny’s 2. I love watching Danny be challenged. It brings out the best of his stand up and ground game all in one fight.” – Lacie Luster Orr, Fighter’s Wife

“I am looking forward to the matchup between Sage Northcutt vs Rocky Long the most. Legacy has done a great job in finding Sage quality opponents throughout his career. I really like to see the young up and comers take on seasoned veterans like Rocky. It builds as a true test for Sage on his way up through the ranks. A veteran with as much experience as Rocky Long are the type to try and derail the youngsters hype. I like Sage’s pedigree. He has a lifetime of martial arts experience and a World Kickboxing title to back himself up as a future contender. I think Sage wins early second round via TKO. Be on the lookout for this kid.” – Ricky Barrientes, MMA Promoter

“I would have to say it’s Morono vs. Baby Monster. I love watching the local boys do well and Alex has been training very hard for the bout. It’s a great challenge for him as BB is coming off TUF and comes from such a great gym with such highly recognized names. In the tune of “The Voice” “It should be a barn burner!” – Cody Owens, Amateur Fighter

“Carrington Banks (3-0) vs. Justin Reiswerg (9-4) – really looking forward to see how Justin does. I am impressed with his skill level more and more with each fight. Just curious how he will do with some from a well-known team like the Blackzillians. I feel this will be the fight that showcases his skill level, and make him known a little more.” – Belinda Serrano, MMA Production

“I’m looking forward to Reiswerg’s fight the most because he’s a solid fighter that could be in the UFC by now. He just needs the right win or a good win streak. Same could be said for Morono’s fight. And I’m looking forward to another fight on the card too.” – Colin Wright, LFC 44 Fighter

“Colin wright. Want him to put on a show.” – Edgar Juárez, Pro Fighter

“Alex Morano because I train with him. And he’s a cool guy, and a great coach! Also looking forward to watching Bee’s fight!” – CJ Hancock, Amateur Fighter

Legacy Fighting Championship 44 – Updated Fight Card for August 28, 2015

Main Card

• 170 lbs.: Valdir “BBmonstro” Araujo (14-5) vs. Alex Morono (10-3)
• 170 lbs.: Rocky Long (21-32) Sage Northcutt (4-0)
• 155 lbs.: Carrington Banks (3-0) vs. Justin Reiswerg (9-4)
• 155 lbs.: Jonathan Harris (9-5) vs. Rey Trujillo (18-14)
• 170 lbs.: Bilal Williams (3-1) Charlie Ontiveros (5-3)
• 135 lbs.: Colin Wright (3-2) vs. Ryan Hollis (9-6)

Prelims

• 125 lbs.: Ramiro Ruiz (1-1) vs. Mike Trinh (2-1)
• 185 lbs.: Patrick Hutton (5-9) Danny Orr (2-0)
• 125 lbs.: Mike Deleon (1-1) vs. Roberto Sanchez (2-0)
• 160 lbs.: Mike Lyons (0-0) vs. Jason Langellier (1-0)
• 105 lbs.: Denise Bruckner (1-2) vs. Bi Nguyen (4-2) * amateur
• 125 lbs.: Erick Brazier (1-3) vs. Chris Soliz (1-0) * amateur
• 125 lbs.: Jonathan Davis (1-0) vs. Victor Lomax (2-4) * amateur
• 115 lbs.: Alden Coria (0-0) vs. Daniel Negrete (0-0) * amateur