Louisville MMA Event to Feature Five Local Fighters

Kentucky’s largest-ever Mixed Martial Arts event will showcase a growing pipeline of hometown talent as LFA 180 takes over Broadbent Arena on March 29^th.

In addition to the headline bout between flyweights Igor Siqueria and Kevin Fernandez, the LFA 180 card will feature five fighters who live and train in Louisville, as well as several others from neighboring states, such as Tennessee native and female strawweight fighter Alandria Rosales.

Local standout Lance Lawrence will make his MMA debut on the event’s main card, along with local MMA fixtures Alex Collett, Emilio Vallecillo, Ben Fowler and Blake Alvey.

Alvey has drawn local media attention because, alongside his MMA journey, he’s also completed his training as a firefighter and recently joined the Zoneton Fire Department full-time. LFA 180 will be Alvey’s seventh MMA fight, but he’s also competed in boxing, wrestling, kickboxing and jiujitsu. He trains daily, while also working and completing additional certifications at the firehouse.

“A lot of concepts overlap between MMA and firefighting – like discipline, focus, and attention to detail,” said Alvey. “The guys at the firehouse have also been very supportive as I pursue both of these paths.”

Alvey’s MMA career is just one example of the growing number of Louisville athletes embracing the sport. Area 502 MMA and Derby City MMA are both dedicated training facilities, while many other gyms offer MMA as an option.

“Louisville has a deep history in fighting sports, producing Muhammad Ali and four other boxing champs,” said fight promoter and Louisville native Eddie Donaldson. “MMA is a natural fit for our city, and we’re excited to put fighters from this region into the spotlight.”

Since it was formed by a merger of two leagues in 2017, LFA has become the number one mixed martial arts developmental organization in the world. More than 260 LFA fighters have moved up to the UFC, the sport’s top level. The organization has also recently expanded to markets beyond the U.S.

“MMA is the world’s fastest-growing sport, and Louisville is clearly no exception,” said Legacy Fighting Alliance CEO Ed Soares. “Having a personal connection to a fighter offers a whole new level of excitement, and that will be a big part of LFA 180.”

Broadbent Arena’s doors will open at 5pm on March 29^th. Fans can buy tickets at https://www.ticketmaster.com/ and find more information about the fighters and the bouts at LFA.com.