LFA 199 Main Card Preview and Predictions
For the first card of the new year, the LFA is set to deliver another stacked offering featuring rising stars and seasoned veterans looking to make a statement. Here’s a breakdown of the main card matchups and my predictions for each fight.
Larry Gonzales vs. Billy Ray Valdez (Heavyweight)
An explosive heavyweight bout kicks off the main card as Larry Gonzales faces Billy Ray Valdez. Both fighters share a common opponent in Steven Asplund, but it’s Valdez’s finishing ability that stands out. With Gonzales coming off a KO loss earlier this summer, Valdez has the edge.
Prediction: Valdez via KO, Round 1.
Said-Magomed Abdulgaziev vs. Theo Haig (Middleweight)
Journeyman Said-Magomed Abdulgaziev looks to break a two-fight skid against undefeated prospect Theo Haig. While Abdulgaziev’s experience could test Haig, the prospect’s exceptional wrestling and grappling should prove too much.
Prediction: Haig via Submission, Round 2.
Enkhtur Bayartsogt vs. Shovkahl Churchaev (Lightweight)
Mongolia’s Enkhtur Bayartsogt brings a 7-4 record and recent KO win into this bout against Russia’s enigmatic Shovkahl Churchaev. Known more for his antics than his performances, Churchaev is unpredictable but could find success with his reach and boxing.
Prediction: Churchaev via Decision.
Azizbek Temirov vs. Magomed Shakhbanov (Bantamweight)
Two undefeated prospects collide as Azizbek Temirov faces Magomed Shakhbanov. Shakhbanov’s relentless wrestling and grappling pressure should give him the edge in a tightly contested bout.
Prediction: Shakhbanov via Decision.
Josh Hokit vs. John Lopez (Heavyweight)
Former professional football player Josh Hokit brings his perfect 2-0 record to his LFA debut against John Lopez. Expect Hokit to impose his grappling early and secure another dominant finish.
Prediction: Hokit via TKO, Round 1.
Rafael do Nascimento vs. Emran Tara Khail (Catchweight 140 lbs)
Former bantamweight title challenger Rafael do Nascimento looks to rebound against Emran Tara Khail. While Tara Khail has struggled recently, Nascimento’s well-rounded skill set should allow him to control the fight.
Prediction: Nascimento via Decision.
Main Event: Ary Farias vs. Sabit Zhusupov (Featherweight)
In the night’s main event, Shooto Brazil bantamweight champion Ary Farias takes on Kazakhstan’s Sabit Zhusupov. Farias’ submission expertise will be his key to victory, but Zhusupov’s well-rounded game and KO power give him a slight edge in what should be a competitive fight.
Prediction: Zhusupov via Decision.
