https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/lfa-235-brings-mma-action-090305122.html
LFA 235 brings MMA action back to Louisville with a full fight card
Stephanie Stremplewski, Louisville Courier Journal
Sat, June 20, 2026 at 2:03 AM MST·
1 min read
The high-level action of MMA returned Friday to Freedom Hall in Louisville.
The Legacy Fighting Alliance 235, presented by Monster Energy, featured a 15-fight card headlined by middleweight fighters Zayne Havener (5-2) and Andrew Stewart (6-1). The event marked the third time Louisville hosted an LFA event, with Freedom Hall previously hosting LFA 210 in June 2025.
Ed Soares, CEO of LFA, said he was excited to bring the event back to Freedom Hall as Louisville has become an important destination for combat sports.
“The fans here have embraced our events, and we’re proud to partner with organizations like Blueprint 502 and Vet Tix that are making a real impact in the community,” Soares said in a press release.
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LFA 235 brings exciting MMA action back to Louisville. See photos
Carson Rainwater gets punched by Eric Moore of Louisville in the amateur catchweight (165 pounds) of the preliminary bouts during the LFA 235 at Freedom Hall in Louisville, Kentucky. June 19, 2026
(Matt Stone/The Courier Journal)
LFA 235 partnered with Vet Tix to provide tickets to service members and veterans. Vet Tix honors the duty and sacrifice of military members by creating opportunities for families during and after their military careers.
Ilay Barzilay (7-1) and Landry Ward (10-3) were the original headliners for Friday’s card, but the lightweight showdown was canceled after Ward withdrew due to skin infections.
In the new main event, Havener defeated Stewart by a second-round submission at 1:39, earning his fourth consecutive victory in the promotion.
Louisville first hosted an LFA event at Broadbent Arena in March 2024 for LFA 180. LFA has launched the careers of over 300 athletes who have gone on to compete in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Louisville welcomes back MMA with LFA 235 event