Legacy FC 39 Date: February 27, 2015 Arena: Houston Arena Theater City: Houston, TX Featherweight bout: Alex Black (-120) vs Kevin Aguilar (-120) Fight Breakdown: The Legacy FC 38 main card will feature a featherweight contest between Alex “Bet On” Black and Kevin “The Angel of Death” Aguilar. The betting odds for this bout are currently at a coin-flip, with both fighters being -120 ($120 to win $100) at Several Bookmakerss. Alex “Bet On” Black (8-3 MMA, 4-2 Legacy) is riding a seven-fight winning streak and is ready to make it eight in a row against Aguilar, who is a step up in competition for him. He is a talented submission artist who owns half of his career wins by tapout. His Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is exceptional both offensively and defensively, he is a fighter who is not afraid to be on his back, and will often pull guard to get there, especially if he fails to find success with his takedowns. “Bet On” has been making serious improvements in his striking and is certainly capable of holding his own on the feet against most anyone. He has developed solid Muay Thai skills and does excellent clinch-work, preferring to employ his knees and elbows in the position. Black is effective when pressing forward or when counter-striking. He has a stiff jab and a variety of kicks in his arsenal, including solid leg-kicks, an axe kick, spinning back-kick, side-kick, front-kick and kicks to the head and body. He is fast and puts together effective combinations on the feet, including some nice 1-2’s. The 27-year old has a good chin, solid striking defense and his conditioning his above average. He will have enough in the tank for a 15-minute war, if necessary. Kevin “The Angel of Death” Aguilar (8-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC) last saw action at Legacy FC 26 over a year ago, where he was knocked out by UFC veteran Leonard Garcia in the very first round of action in what was a bid for the vacant Legacy FC featherweight title. Following the first loss of his professional mixed martial arts career, having his UFC dreams halted and an extended layoff, Aguilar is eager to get back in the Legacy FC cage and return to his winning ways. The 26-year old has been known as a finisher throughout his career, as he has finished seven of the eight opponents he has faced; two by tapout, and five by knockout. He is a tough kid with a good chin and a ton of heart. He moves well on the feet, has good footwork and is solid in the striking department. Aguilar possesses some decent kicks, but he usually just attempts textbook leg-kicks and high kicks. He has an average jab, but throws a beautiful straight-right and has an excellent counter-right, as well. The Texas native loves to hurt opponents with all limbs, especially his knees. He likes to move forward and do damage, and despite coming off the knockout loss, he generally has above average striking defense. Heading into this contest coming off his extended layoff, Aguilar’s cardio will be a question mark, though he should have enough in the tank for three rounds of action. Gabe’s Prediction: Simply put, I think Black is the superior mixed martial artist heading into this match-up and has a higher ceiling in the sport. I can see him winning this fight by T/KO, submission or decision, and think there is a lot of value in him at his current betting price of -120, as I think he should be a -200 favorite in this spot. Gabe’s Call: Black by Submission (triangle choke, 4:11 round 1) Gabe’s Recommended Play: Alex Black (-120) 3u to win 2.5u
