LFA returned to action on Friday in Sioux Falls, S.D., to crown a new lightweight champion.
The main event between Aaron McKenzie and Lucas Clay capped off an exciting main card of fights at LFA 128 that produced five finishes before it. The event took place at Sanford Pentagon.
McKenzie (11-2-1) and Clay (8-2) had a lot on the line as the vacant lightweight title hung in the balance. Both entered the bout with strong win streaks and hoped to add another win while claiming LFA gold.
The fight was back and forth over the first few rounds.
In the first, McKenzie implemented his strong grappling game, neutralizing Clay’s offense. However, in the second, Clay was able to stop some takedowns and land damaging strikes.
SLAM! DUH DUH-DUH!!!!#LFA128 pic.twitter.com/JTAjhAWcym
— UFC FIGHT PASS (@UFCFightPass) April 9, 2022
The third round caught McKenzie a little by surprise, as Clay went to the grappling game and nearly pulled off a solid rear-naked choke submission attempt. The finish would not come and the fight continued on to the championship rounds.
In the fourth, McKenzie was able to get back to his world and keep the fight on the ground for the majority of the frame. Clay nearly reversed positions to change the course, but the story of the round was McKenzie’s grappling.
The fifth and final round felt like the fight was on the line, with each fighter having an edge in two rounds each. McKenzie fought off an early submission scare and leaned heavily on his wrestling throughout the round. Clay was able to break free and fire off some heavy offense in the final moments, but the fight concluded, leaving questions about how the judges would render their decision.
The judges were split, as two saw the fight in favor of McKenzie with scores of 48-47, and one judge had the same score in Clay’s direction.
No promo, no tough talk, all honesty from the champ.
Good night from #LFA128!! pic.twitter.com/qEC3D1ttaT
— UFC FIGHT PASS (@UFCFightPass) April 9, 2022
“I want to be in the UFC,” McKenzie said during his post fight interview with UFC welterweight Michael Chiesa. “I want to be in the UFC with all of my heart. I want to prove I belong.”
Full results of LFA 128 include:
- Aaron McKenzie def. Lucas Clay via split decision (48-47, 47-48, 48-47)
- Jimmy Lawson def. Marino Eatman via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 0:34
- Richie Miranda def. Devon Dixon via submission (guillotine choke) – Round 3, 2:07
- Bryce Meredith def. Jay Viola via TKO (punches) – Round 3, 1:04
- Mitch McKee def. Jalen Jackson via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 2:02
- Thad Jean def. Sarek Shields via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 3:40
