The Wait is Over: LFA 224 Brings the Heat to Kick Off the New Year
The mixed martial arts world has been waiting with bated breath for the first major event of the year, and LFA 224 is here to deliver. Taking place on Friday, January 16, 2026, at the Mystic Lake Showroom in Prior Lake, Minnesota, this highly anticipated event marks LFA’s first outing of the year and its first since parting ways with UFC Fight Pass. With a 40-day drought since the last UFC event, fans are itching for some high-octane MMA action, and LFA 224 is poised to satiate that desire.
A Proving Ground for Future Stars
LFA has long been a launching pad for fighters looking to make a name for themselves in the world of MMA. Many of its alumni have gone on to achieve great success in the UFC, and this event is no exception. The main event features a battle for the vacant LFA Heavyweight title, a belt previously held by the likes of Waldo Cortes-Acosta and Denzel Freeman, both of whom are set to compete at UFC 324 next week. Freeman’s decision to vacate the title after being signed to the UFC last year has paved the way for two exciting new contenders to emerge.
Main Event: Adams vs. Bilalov
The main event sees Matt Adams (5-1) from Ohio take on Arslan Bilalov (5-0) from Russia in a clash of titans. Bilalov, fresh from a submission win in November that earned him the Alaska Fighting Championship Heavyweight belt, will look to continue his unbeaten streak against the formidable Adams. This bout promises to be an explosive encounter, with both fighters hungry to claim the vacant title and potentially punch their ticket to the UFC.
Co-Main Event: Harrell vs. Dosmatov
The co-main event features a thrilling Welterweight matchup between Josiah Harrell (10-0) and Bekmyrza Dosmatov (13-2). Harrell, a 27-year-old fighting out of Ohio, has been making waves in the MMA world with his impressive record, which includes wins in LFA and the Ohio Combat League. His near-debut in the UFC in 2023 was unfortunately derailed due to a rare brain disease, but after successful surgery, he returned to the octagon with a vengeance, scoring a first-round submission over Melvin Guillard last year. Dosmatov, hailing from Osh, Kyrgyzstan, boasts an impressive record of his own, with 13 wins and only two losses.
Other Notable Fights
The card also features a Lightweight bout between Brazilian veteran Ednilson Santos and former Combate Global fighter Jose Ferreira, as well as a host of other exciting matchups. With a mix of seasoned veterans and up-and-coming talent, LFA 224 promises to deliver a night of non-stop action and drama.
LFA 224 Start Date and Time
LFA 224 will air on Vice TV for the first time in the organization’s history, with the main card scheduled to start at 9 p.m. ET. The free preliminary card will be available on LFA’s YouTube channel, beginning at 7 p.m. ET. Fans can expect a thrilling night of MMA action, with play-by-play updates and analysis available throughout the event.
LFA 224 Fight Card
The main card features the following bouts:
- 265 lbs.: Matt Adams vs. Arslan Bilalov
- 170 lbs.: Josiah Harrell vs. Bekmyrza Dosmatov
- 155 lbs.: Ednilson Santos vs. Jose Ferreira
- 145 lbs.: Shaheen Santana vs. Taner Trembley
- 115 lbs.: GiGi Canuto vs. Janaina Silva
- 155 lbs.: Canon Swanson vs. Jimmy Washington
The preliminary card includes:
- 145 lbs.: Abbas Abasov vs. Andy Waters
- 185 lbs.: Tyree Overton vs. Pedro Trujillo
- 150 lbs.: Noah Gasho vs. David McKinney
- 265 lbs.: Ezayeh Gomez vs. Braden Peterson
- 155 lbs.: Mitchell Wilson vs. Sedric Richard
- 155 lbs.: Hykeem Green vs. McCoy Tekautz
- 155 lbs.: Xavier Judge vs. Alex Martin
- 185 lbs.: Cadin Vowels vs. Armani Webster
- 145 lbs.: Jessie Hays vs. Daysi Perez
Get Ready for a Night to Remember
With its stacked card, LFA 224 is shaping up to be an unforgettable event that will keep fans on the edge of their seats. Whether you’re a die-hard MMA enthusiast or just looking for some high-energy entertainment, this event has something for everyone. So mark your calendars, gather your friends, and get ready to experience the thrill of LFA 224!
