Last night, the legendary Route 66 Hotel and Casino in Albuquerque, New Mexico accommodated the next installment of the Legacy Fighting Championship promotional series. The event was headlined by legendary New Mexico female boxer Holly Holm (7-0 MMA). The former world boxing champion, and one of the most successful female fighters in history, was looking to pick up her first MMA title as she faced Juliana Werner (7-3) for the Legacy Bantamweight strap. The spectacle also featured several undercard bouts and the show was televised on the AXS Television network.
The main event drew the lively crowd to their feet as hometown girl Holly Holm competed for her first MMA belt taking on Brazilian Juliana Werner. Werner is an experienced and highly accomplished former multiple Muay Thai and kickboxing champion. Holm, a former 3 weight division boxing champion, is considered the best female striker in the MMA game. The title tilt was scheduled for five rounds. Holm opened with a lot of momentum as she jumped in and out of range, primarily striking with kicks. Werner seemed uncomfortable as she could not find range. Holm's boxing experience showed in the second part of the opening stanza as she landed combinations while keeping the Brazilian off balance with lateral movement. Holm continued to confuse Werner with a mixed attack of leg strikes and punches to the face in the second. Holm honed in on Werner's body as she blasted the ribs, stomach and liver of the Brazilian. Werner was tough-as-nails and began to up her aggression. Holm detonated a left-hand that shattered Werner’s nose, causing a serious nosebleed. This did not matter as the bruised Brazilian kept advancing, looking to land her leg strikes. The tone of the fight remained consistent: Holm’s footwork, lateral movement and frenetic striking activity overwhelmed Werner but the former Muay Thai and kickboxing champion was not deterred as she stalked the American, looking to land something big. After a sustained beating, Holm was finally able to stop Werner via technical knockout in the final round. With the win, Holm became the first female Legacy Fight Championship bantamweight titlist. As for Werner, the Brazilian showed her grit as she battled till the bitter end.
UNDERCARD RESULTS:
The co-main event of the night was an interesting matchup as veteran featherweights Flavio Alvaro (45-10) and Donald Sanchez (29-13) engaged in a three round bout. Coming into the bout, Sanchez had a 4 fight win streak going and Alvaro had won 15 of his last 16 bouts. Alvaro asserted himself early but Sanchez, a New Mexico native, was tough and battled as hard as he could. The contest had plenty of excitement as both Alvaro and Sanchez fought hard. In the end, Alvaro took a well-deserved unanimous decision by scores of 29-28.
The opening televised bout featured a catch weight fight (180 pounds) as Kamaru Usman (3-1) took on hometown boy Lenny Lovato (8-2) in a three round contest. Lovato was clearly not in pristine condition as he came in 10 pounds over the contracted weight. By fight time, Lovato had plenty of excess blubber around his ample midsection. Usman went to work fast as he pushed into the fence. Lovato may have been out of shape but he was game and had his moments in the match. Still, Usman was able to mount the New Mexico native early in the third round and ended it via ground and pound which forced a referee stoppage. Usman improved to 4-1 with all wins via knockout.
Clint Roberts (4-2) and Martin Sano (3-0) continued the action in a three round welterweight fight. Both combatants came out with a ton of nervous energy and wasted no time in making contact. Both brawlers exchanged momentum throughout the contest. In the second, Sano kept immense pressure on Roberts and was able to end it by rear naked choke, conserving his undefeated record.
The promotion continued as bantamweights Henry Briones (13-4) and Adrien Cruz (5-1) met in the Legacy cage. This was for New Mexico bragging rights as both Briones and Cruz hail from the hosting state. Both fighters laid it on the line and let their hands and legs go. Cruz appeared to have the early advantage but Briones came on in the final round. The score cards tallied a draw as the three scores were as follows: 28-27 (Briones), 29-27 (Cruz) and 28-28. Convicted Artist.com had it as a draw, as well. It was a good, entertaining match between the two well matched contestants.
Flyweights Ray Borg (5-0) and Nick Urso (7-0) kept things going in a three round battle. This was an all Albuquerque, New Mexico scrap. Borg was dominant from the opening bell as he bullied Urso throughout the fight. Urso was trying but simply overpowered by Borg. Ray ended in the second round with a rear naked choke. Borg looks to be an exciting prospect.
Sergio L. Martinez
www.convictedartist.com
