On another crowded MMA weekend, AXS TV helps keep some of regional organizations in the spotlight as always. Tonight it’s Legacy Fighting Championship in the spotlight, the Texas-based organization which is stepping over to Oklahoma for this card. Legacy has sent many fighters to the UFC over the past few years, and you can bet that matchmakers for the larger organizations will have their eyes on this card. One fighter who will be looking to make a return trip to the Octagon is Leonard Garcia (18-11-1) who has picked up three impressive stoppage victories in a row since being cut from the world’s largest promotion. Garcia has also captured the Legacy FC featherweight title in the process, which he defends here against Shane Howell (13-7). Howell will be the hometown fighter here, and he also rides a wave of momentum coming into this fight as he has been victorious in six consecutive fights, and nine of his last ten. Leonard Garcia is built for sloppy, exciting fights and Howell should oblige as he’s gotten into some fire fights in the past. Garcia holds the significant experience edge, has faced better competition, and has actually looked improved in his time back on the regional circuit. Although Howell has engaged in some brawls, he has found most of his success on the mat, but has also been tapped by superior grapplers in the past. Don’t be surprised if Garcia picks up another win and receives a phone call from a certain Mr. Shelby shortly after this fight. A second title is on the line on this card as well. Former UFC heavyweight title challenger Paul Buentello (33-15) — yes, that actually happened — has experienced a bit of a resurgence since dropping to 205lbs. He is on a four-fight win streak, and Legacy has rewarded him with a shot at the vacant light heavyweight title. Standing in his way will be Myron Dennis (9-2), who has spent some time training with the same boxing trainer as Johny Hendricks (Stephen Wright). We know what Buentello brings to the table, as he has always liked to throw his hands, exemplified by his 20 career KOs. Dennis is a bit more of a well-rounded fighter, as he has shown some power and some decent grappling as well in his limited exposure thus far. Dennis is also the better athlete, but Buentello is the more durable fighter making this an interesting contrast. A third intriguing bout on this card features former TUF champion Jonathan Brookins (13-6) making his flyweight (yes, you read that correctly) debut. He takes on Cody Fuller (10-7) who was last seen by Legacy fans getting a beatdown from Ryan Benoit last October. If Brookins can transition comfortably to 125lbs, he will be enormous for the weight class and his length will give everyone problems. Remember, this is the same fighter who outwrestled Michael Johnson at 155lbs to win his season of TUF. Between his size, wrestling and submission ability, Brookins should have a successful debut at flyweight and quickly move on to bigger things. The physical and mental aspects are a bit concerning until we see Brookins back in action, but I’m willing to give him the benefit of the doubt, especially in this spot. MMA oddsmaker Nick Kalikas opened the betting lines for Legacy FC 29 today at Several Bookmakers. Take a look: ——————– MAIN CARD (AXS TV, 10pm ET) Legacy Featherweight Title Leonard Garcia -585 Shane Howell +385 Legacy Light Heavyweight Title Paul Buentello -210 Myron Dennis +160 Jonathan Brookins -780 Cody Fuller +460 ——————– Brad’s Analysis: Not too much to speak to on these lines, honestly. Garcia might get taken down once or twice by Howell, but his pressure will eventually wear the challenger down and I see him earning either a TKO or taking Howell’s back and sinking in a rear-naked choke to finish this fight off. He really does seem rejuvenated now that he’s not taking on top quality opposition every time out (except that Cody McKenzie debacle). Brookins will roll as well, as long as he’s physically suited to 125. I see him using his length to work striking early, and if he senses any trouble he can take Fuller down at any point to dominate on the ground. Fuller opened a +435 underdog against Benoit, and honestly he would probably be higher here if it wasn’t for Brookins’ massive transition. The one line that’s somewhat intriguing is Dennis as a dog against Buentello. I’m not even sure that Buentello is the better fighter at this point in his career, and couple that with the fact that he’s 40 years-old and you have to wonder when he’s going to reach the end of his rope. Dennis has been stopped by punches before, so that’s a definite possibility again here, but as a decent dog he’s worth a shot.
