The LFA bicentennial event is shaping up to be a memorable card, stacked with exciting matchups across the prelims and main card. With promising rising prospects and title unification bouts, this event showcases the depth of talent in the organization. Here’s a breakdown and predictions for the main card.
Santos Verdinez (6-1) vs. Ethyn Ewing (6-2) – Bantamweight Bout
This bantamweight clash pits Santos Verdinez, a well-rounded fighter riding a 4-0 streak in LFA, against Ethyn Ewing, who has turned his career around with a six-fight win streak after starting 0-2. Ewing’s power and ability to finish fights, evidenced by five KOs in his last six wins, make him a dangerous opponent. However, Verdinez has faced stiffer competition and showcased versatility in his skill set, including an impressive heel-hook submission at LFA 193.
While Ewing’s gym is known for strong wrestlers, I expect Verdinez to neutralize grappling exchanges and dictate the pace. His experience and ability to adapt give him the edge.
Prediction: Verdinez by Decision.
Alvin Hines (4-0) vs. Matt Adams (4-1) – Heavyweight Bout
This heavyweight matchup features two fighters on impressive runs. Matt Adams, a BKFC veteran, has shown dominance on the ground, as evidenced by his grinding win over Saulo Cavalari. On the other side, Alvin Hines is a late bloomer to pro MMA but has made up for lost time with finishes in three of his four victories.
Adams will likely attempt to control the fight with his grappling early, but Hines has displayed resilience and an ability to scramble out of bad positions. As Adams tires in the later rounds, Hines’ striking will come into play, leading to a second-round KO.
Prediction: Hines by KO, Round 2.
Devon Lozej (7-2) vs. Enrique Pacheco Parra (8-1) – Flyweight Bout
Devon Lozej enters this fight on a five-fight win streak, including a dominant performance over Nate Smith at LFA 193. Lozej’s striking and ability to control distance with his reach (69″) will be key in this bout. Enrique Pacheco Parra, a submission specialist with six wins via tap-out, poses a clear threat if the fight hits the mat.
While Parra’s grappling is dangerous, Lozej has never been finished in his career and has shown that he can maintain top control and has solid submission defense. Expect Lozej to keep this fight standing and edge out a close decision.
Prediction: Lozej by Decision.
Joey Hart (6-2) vs. Chris Mixan (5-1) – Welterweight Bout
Joey Hart, a Contender Series veteran, brings an aggressive style and knockout power, with all six of his wins coming by KO. Chris Mixan, though experienced across multiple promotions, struggled with footwork and cage control in his last fight against Treston Vines.
This matchup favors Hart’s high-pressure striking style. Mixan may try to use his movement to stay out of danger, but Hart’s reach and power will be too much to handle.
Prediction: Hart by KO, Round 2.
Vanilto Antunes vs. Shamidkhan Magomedov – WW Title Bout
Vanilto Antunes, the LFA champion, returns to the promotion after a disappointing first round KO loss on Dana White’s Contender Series. Shamidkhan Magomedov, meanwhile, comes off an impressive first-round KO over Alfonso Leyva. Despite Antunes’ so-so record, he has shown that he can finish fights. He has 14 pro KO wins to his name admittedly most of those finishes were of lesser opponents compared to Magomedov.
To be fair, Magomedov also has unanswered questions about his true abilities based on the quality of his prior opposition, however in 2024 he started to showcase himself earning wins over Bakromjon Mashrapov, Devin Smyth and Alfonso Leyva. Those are all good wins and that more than makes up him for getting submitted by Omran Chaaban on TUF 32.
I sense a mismatch here. Magomedov’s power and striking precision should overwhelm Antunes early in the fight and he should be able to get this done quickly.
Prediction: Magomedov by KO, Round 1.
Shannon Clark vs. Cheyanne Bowers – Women’s FlyW Title Bout
Shannon Clark’s physicality and clinch game make her a formidable opponent. However, her recent knockout loss on DWCS raises questions about her readiness for a quick turnaround. Cheyanne Bowers, the interim champion, is a submission specialist with the ability to capitalize on any grappling exchanges.
This fight will likely come down to Clark’s ability to keep the fight standing. Given the timing of her return, I see Bowers taking advantage in grappling exchanges and edging out a decision victory.
Prediction: Bowers by Decision.
Elijah Johns vs. Lerryan Douglas – FW Title Unification Bout
In the main event, Elijah Johns looks to unify the featherweight title against Lerryan Douglas. Johns, a long-time staple in LFA, has demonstrated a well-rounded skill set. Douglas, meanwhile, comes into the bout with a reputation for unrelenting pressure and KO finishes.
Douglas’ momentum and versatility make him a tough matchup. The key to this matchup for Johns will be dealing with Douglas forward pressure. He’ll need to employ low kicks and use well time level changes to stop Douglas’ forward pressure. For Douglas, he’ll need to be able to successfully defend the takedowns and cut off the cage and keep his opponent on the backfoot. If he can do that, he should be able to find another highlight reel finish.
Prediction: Douglas KO, Round 4
Tickets for LFA 200 are currently available for purchase here: https://mysticlake.com/shows-and-events/lfa-200. For those who are unable to attend the event in person, the fight will be streamed world-wide via UFC Fight Pass.
