Legacy FC 23 Date: September 13, 2013 Arena: Cowboys Dance Hall City: San Antonio, TX Featherweight bout: Leonard Garcia (-170) vs Nick Gonzalez (+130) Fight Breakdown: The co-main event for Legacy FC 23 is a featherweight scrap between two native Texans, when Leonard “Bad Boy” Garcia takes on Nick “The Ghost” Gonzalez. Garcia is currently the favorite at -170 (bet $170 to win $100), while Gonzalez is the underdog at +130 (bet $100 to win $130) at Several Bookmakerss. LEONARD GARCIA (16-11-1 MMA, 1-0 Legacy FC) is coming off an impressive third round knockout over Rey Trujillo in his Legacy debut less than two months ago. Likely headed toward yet another losing decision, Garcia hurt Trujillo with a kick to the head and followed it up with devastating shots to the body that forced the referee to step in. Leonard Garcia has a great chin and serious power in his hands. He can fight technically, if he wants to, but often gets carried away and turns back to his brawling-style of fighting where he wings hard punches, looking for a home run. Garcia’s home is at Jackson-Winklejohn MMA in Albuequrque, NM., but lately he has been splitting time between Jackson’s and Team Alpha Male in Sacramento, CA. Garcia puts in a lot of time with head/striking coach Duane Ludwig and also the best wrestlers at the gym, as he looks to improve on his weakness, which is his wrestling. He has poor takedown defense and opponents have been able to take him down at will and outwrestle him en route to unanimous decision wins, as was the story in his fights with Matt Grice and Cody McKenzie. Garcia’s cardio is hit or miss, but even when he’s not in great shape, he gives it his all and looks for a finish until the final bell. He is definitely not the type of fighter to give up in a fight, even when major fatigue has clearly taken place. In positions a lot of fighters will wilt in, Garcia pushes through, that is is one of the reasons why he is such a fan favorite. NICK GONZALEZ (18-11 MMA, 1-1 Legacy) is a known featherweight in the Texas MMA circuit who is coming off two decision performances under the Legacy promotion. The first of which he won and the latter, he lost. That fight was seven months ago and now Gonzalez looks to rebound against a UFC veteran who is planning to beat him on his way back to the big show. Gonzalez has decent boxing and kickboxing skills, but his ground game isn’t so good. His takedown defense and cardio are both generally average but improving fight to fight, though takedowns won’t necessarily be a concern against Leonard Garcia. Nick Gonzalez has faced some good opposition in his career but has never been victorious over anyone noteworthy. His wins have come against regional cans and I believe Leonard Garcia would be the best win on his resume, should he be able to walk away with it. Fight Prediction: Simply put, this fight will play out on the feet and Garcia will get the better of Gonzalez. Gabe’s Pick: Leonard Garcia by Submission (rear naked choke, 2:13 round 3) Gabe’s Recommended Play: Leonard Garcia -170
