BELTON, Texas — In a highly anticipated showdown for the vacant LFA featherweight title, Javier “El Mariachi” Garcia defeated Elijah “Baby” Johns via Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke) with 21-seconds remaining in the second round. The stoppage came with controversy as replays showed that Johns never tapped when the referee decided to stop the fight. Garcia became the promotion’s seventh 145-pound champion. In the co-main event, Will “I Am” Starks earned his fifth win for the LFA with a Unanimous Decision win against Johnny “Showstopper” Hopper. The other fight results can be found below:
LFA 163 RESULTS:
Main Card (Worldwide on UFC Fight Pass at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT):
Main Event | Featherweight Title Bout (145 lb)
Javier Garcia def. Elijah Johns via Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke) at 4:39 of Round 2.
Co-Main Event | Lightweight Bout (155 lb)
Will Starks def. Johnny Hopper via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28).
Featherweight Bout (145 lb)
Landry Ward def. Matheus Pereira via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28).
Lightweight Bout (155 lb)
Angel Alvarez def. Milko Tucto via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).
Flyweight Bout (125 lb)
Kevin Fernandez def. Javier Cepeda via Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke) at 4:22 of Round 1.
Light-Heavyweight Bout (205 lb)
Alik Lorenz def. Kyler Fairchild via TKO (Punches) at 4:26 of Round 1.
Preliminary Card:
Featherweight Bout (145 lb)
Erique Owens def. Jota Ninomiya via TKO (Ground n’ Pound) at 3:06 of Round 2.
Middleweight Bout (185 lb)
Oseyiomon Oiyemhonlan def. Zumarr Archer via KO (Head Kick) at 1:39 of Round 3.
Bantamweight Bout (135 lb)
John Beckett def. Ian Engbrock via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).
In 2017, RFA and Legacy FC merged to form LFA, the premier developmental organization in Mixed Martial Arts. The combined forces of LFA launched the careers of over 280 athletes that have reached the pinnacle of MMA by competing in the UFC. In 2018, the promotion joined the Imperial Family Companies group (formerly London Trust Media). In 2019, the promotion announced a broadcast partnership with UFC FIGHT PASS®. In 2021, the LFA expanded internationally by hosting multiple events in Brazil.
Please visit LFA.com for bout updates and information. Visit the official LFA Youtube page at @LFA_Fighting. LFA is on Facebook at Facebook.com/LFAfighting. LFA is also on Instagram at @LFAfighting and Twitter at @LFAfighting.
About LFA:
LFA is a professional Mixed Martial Arts promotion that gives rising stars and top contenders the opportunity to prove their talent to fans and leaders in the industry. LFA was formed by the powerhouse merger between RFA and Legacy FC. LFA presents live Mixed Martial Arts events on a monthly basis around the United States including Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Denver, Dallas, and Houston. Based in Las Vegas, NV, LFA is one of the most active and respected MMA organizations in the fastest growing sport in the world. (The Octagon, Ultimate Fighting Championship®, UFC®, and the eight-sided competition mat and cage design are registered trademarks owned exclusively by Zuffa, LLC. All rights reserved).
About UFC FIGHT PASS®:
UFC FIGHT PASS® is the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports. Since launching in 2013, UFC FIGHT PASS is now available in more than 200 countries and territories. FIGHT PASS provides its members with unlimited access to live UFC FIGHT PASS Prelims; live mixed martial arts and combat sports from around the world; original series and historical programming; special features; behind-the-scenes content; in-depth interviews; and up-to-the minute reports on the world of combat sports. UFC FIGHT PASS subscribers also have 24/7 access to the world’s largest fight library, featuring more than 20,000 bouts from dozens of combats sports organizations, as well as every fight in UFC history. Fight fans can access UFC FIGHT PASS on personal computers, iOS and Android mobile devices, Apple TV, Xbox One, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, and Sony TVs with Android TV. For more information, please visit UFCFightPass.com.
About IMPERIAL FAMILY COMPANIES:
The Imperial Family Companies maintains a diversified portfolio with one common theme: bringing power to the people. The IFC is proud to partner with the LFA management team to showcase the greatest talents of tomorrow. Learn more about the IFC at ImperialFamily.com.
About BELL COUNTY EXPO:
Whether you’re in search of great music, championship rodeos, or exciting motocross action, the Bell County Expo Center, home of the Central Texas State Fair, is truly the center of it all. Just a short trip down I-35 from virtually anywhere in Texas will take you to Central Texas’ best entertainment arena. Please visit their website at BellCountyExpo.com for more information.
