The LFA is back in action this Friday, August 4th, bringing a twelve-bout fight card to the Southwest University Park in El Paso, Texas.

In the main event, UFC veteran Sabina Mazo faces off with Sandra Lavado for the vacant Flyweight belt, while Jalin Fuller looks to rebound in the co-main opposite Daniel Frunza.

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Main Card

Sabina Mazo (9-4) vs. Sandra Lavado (12-4) (Vacant FLW Championship)

Sabina Mazo is returning for the first time in almost a year and a half since being released from the UFC. She has a high-level striking game populated by constant high-amplitude kicks, although her defensive grappling is consistently a letdown. Lavado lost on the Contender Series as well as PFL’s Challenger Series, not able to keep up. aconsistemt volume. She has serviceable striking but her defense is full of holes, while her solid BJJ has little wrestling to back it up. I expect Mazo to control this fight on the feet for a unanimous decision.

My Pick: Sabina Mazo via Decision

Jalin Fuller (7-3) vs. Daniel Frunza (6-2) (WW)

Jalin Fuller is looking to rebound from his title shot loss to Trey Waters, where he was actually controlling the majority of the bout before being knocked out. He has excellent striking and utilizes his long frame expertly, mixing in wrestling when necessary along with a variety of front chokes on the mat. Frunza is taking a major step up in competition here and primarily looks for a striking exchange. I see Fuller controlling the striking exchanges with his reach, then finishing the fight on the mat.

My Pick: Jalin Fuller via Submission

Glaucio Elizario (10-7) vs. Myktykbek Orolbai (9-1-1) (WW)

Glaucio Elizario is returning to competition more than eighteen months after an upset victory over William Starks, who’s been on a tear as of late. He is a powerful grappler with imposing top control and while his striking volume is not consistent, he brings in heavy KO power. Orolbai stepped up in the LFA against Jalin Fuller, taking home a decision win. He is extremely well-rounded and as devastating on the feet as he is on the mat, though he focuses on position over submission. I see Orolbai controlling where this fight takes place with his superior wrestling negating the BJJ of Elizario and picking up a statement finish.

My Pick: Myktykbek Orolbai via Knockout

Lerryan Douglas (8-4) vs. Isaac Thomson (4-1) (FTW)

I think Thomson could have a high ceiling and has shown his expert striking technique and fight IQ against admittedly lower-level competition. Douglas has a technical Muay Thai game but often leaves plenty of defensive holes, particularly on the ground. I see Thomson finding his chin in an entertaining firefight, though I think we may also see him utilize grappling to his advantage to take some of the wind out of Douglas’ sails.

My Pick: Isaac Thomson via Knockout

Jordan Burkholder (4-0) vs. Josiah Reyes (3-1) (FLW)

I really like Burkholder’s skillset, camp, and fight IQ, and think he has almost all the tools to secure another dominant victory. The issue for him here is the same one he will almost always face – a massive size disadvantage. While inactive for nearly a year, Reyes has put his brawling striking and quick grappling transitions on display and serves as a solid test for Burkholder. I think Burkholder has the technical tools to control this fight but lacks the physicality to force a finish in this one.

My Pick: Jordan Burkholder via Decision

James Pleasant (1-0) vs. Ilay Barzilay (2-0) (LW)

I can’t wait to see how this fight plays out. Barzilay has picked up two round 1 KOs to start his pro career, while Pleasent snagged a quick submission. I think this likely comes down to whether Barzilay can find the kill shot early, as Pleasant’s 6’3″ frame and range management will keep the pace controlled. I see Pleasent weathering the early storm and forcing a submission in the later rounds.

My Pick: James Pleasant via Submission

Prelims

Mihaela Keller (0-0) vs. Nejra Repp (1-0) (SW)

Nejra Repp really impressed me in her pro debut, knocking out Jayde Sheeley in the first round. While an accomplished striker, Keller is looking at massive technical disadvantages on the feet and the mat, with her power likely her lone path to victory. I expect Repp to ground this fight after landing some good shots and find the submission.

My Pick: Nejra Repp via Submission

Travis Arrellano (0-0) vs. Koery Windham (1-0) (WW)

Another fight where I’m looking to learn more about both fighters. Both have solid striking attacks, but Windham’s is much more technical, although Arrellano’s heavy hands will be a clear threat. I expect a wild fight that Windham wins on technique and cardio late.

My Pick: Koery Windham via Knockout

Ricardo Ramirez (1-2) vs. Livio Ribeiro (2-0) (FLW)

I expect Ribeiro to largely dominate this fight on the mat. While a gamer on the feet, Ramirez has shown a glaring weakness on the mat. Training out of a well-respected camp, Ribeiro is nasty on the ground with two quick submissions on his record and will end this one early as well.

My Pick: Livio Ribeiro via Submission

Jeremy Alba (0-0) vs. Ricky Windham (0-2) (FTW)

I don’t have much film to watch to get much of a read on either of these two, but Windham has more experience and a wider skillset displayed in his amateur career. However, I expect Alba’s ground game to take control quickly, though I’m not confident.

My Pick: Jeremy Alba via Submission

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