AXS TV Fights: Legacy Fighting Alliance 74 Preview

Legacy Fighting Alliance title challenger Jared Vanderaa will return to the LFA Octagon to face hulking Brazilian heavyweight prospect Renan Ferreira in the main event of LFA 74 Friday night.

The main card airs live from the Riverside Municipal Auditorium in Riverside, California on AXS TV beginning at 10 p.m. ET.

Related: LFA’s Quick-Finisher Austin Lingo Ready For Whatever Is Next (Exclusive)

“I am excited to have LFA return to my native southern California at LFA 74,” said LFA’s Ed Soares. “Jared Vanderaa is a top American heavyweight prospect who has already challenged for our title. He returns after a dominant run competing in South Africa. He will face Renan Ferreira, who just competed in our four-man heavyweight tournament. Fight fans in the Inland Empire will get to see a showdown between two of the most exciting heavyweight prospects in the sport.”

Jared Vanderaa Anxious To Be Back With LFA

Vanderaa (9-3) makes his highly-anticipated return to the LFA Octagon in the main event of LFA 74. He returns while riding a fresh wave of momentum created during a dominant title reign in South Africa. Vanderaa first signed with LFA two summers ago as one of the best prospects in a division that is hungering for the next big thing. Vanderaa came up short in his first shot at LFA gold, but has regrouped and found his groove on the other side of the planet.

The 27-year-old has strung together three consecutive TKO wins in South Africa. This includes defeating UFC veteran Ruan Potts for the EFC heavyweight title, which many consider to be the most prestigious title on the African continent. After a successful title defense against Ricky Misholas in March, Vanderaa returns to LFA looking to handle some unfinished business. The man known as “The Mountain” will get that chance in his own backyard of southern California at LFA 74.

Renan Ferreira Brings “Problema” To Octagon

Ferreira (5-2) signed with LFA this past spring with a fearsome reputation in his native Brazil. Standing 6 feet, 10 inches tall with an athletic 250-pound physique, the man known as “Problema” has been a huge problem for the heavyweight division. The Brazilian behemoth possesses physical gifts that create problems for everyone he faces. Related: Legacy Fighting Alliance 71 Results

The 29-year-old, who boasts the frame of an NBA all-star, has also been busy learning the ways of combat under the watchful eye of UFC Hall of Fame member Antonio Rodrigo “Minotauro” Nogueira at Team Nogueira in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Ferreira made his debut for LFA at LFA 70 in June as a part of the four-man LFA heavyweight tournament. However, “Problema” ran into a problem of his own when he was disqualified due to illegal strikes he inadvertently landed on the back of Brett Martin’s head. Ferreira is now eager to right that wrong in his sophomore appearance for the promotion at LFA 74.

Legacy Fighting Alliance 74 Fight Card

Heavyweight: Jared Vanderaa (9-3) vs. Renan Ferreira (5-2)

Bantamweight: Ryan Lilley (10-4) vs. Kevin Wirth (7-1)

Middleweight: Moses Murrietta (8-2) vs. Lucas Rota (13-8)

Bantamweight: Vince Cachero (6-1) vs. Marvin Garcia (12-3)

Bantamweight: Anthony Jimenez (4-0-1) vs. Leandro Gomes (3-1)

Heavyweight: Irvins Ayala (2-0) vs. James Chapman (1-0)