LFA 68 Gets New Main Event, Co-Headliner for Friday’s Card in Minnesota

You've already seen them fight in 2019, now @nastynatemma and Rafael Barbosa headline #LFA68! LIVE Friday from Minnesota at 9/8c only on @AXSTV! @lfafighting @rkruck @patmiletich @microphonephoen pic.twitter.com/VDpBDg7mRE

— AXS TV Fights (@AXSTVFights) May 28, 2019

Injuries have resulted in a couple of changes to the top of Friday’s Legacy Fighting Alliance 68 card.

Gustavo Erak has withdrawn from the evening’s original headliner against Raufeon Stots, while Luis Saldana has pulled out of his co-main event matchup with Nate Jennerman. Both withdrawals were due to injury, according to a release.

As a result, Jennerman will lock horns with Rafael Barbosa in the new LFA featured bout at featherweight, while Stots will square off against Ralph Acosta in the co-headliner at bantamweight. LFA 68 takes place at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, Minn., and airs on AXS-TV beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

"I am excited to return to the Upper Midwest with another exciting show in Minnesota," LFA CEO Ed Soares said in a release. "Nate Jennerman and Rafael Barbosa are two of our top featherweights. They are also two of the most exciting prospects in one of the deepest divisions in the sport.”

Jennerman has won four of his last five LFA appearances, including a majority decision triumph over Ken Beverly in his most recent outing on Feb. 22. Barbosa has lost just once in 12 pro bouts and earned a unanimous verdict against Cameron Graves in his promotional debut at LFA 63.

After suffering the only loss of his professional tenure to Merab Dvalishvili at Ring of Combat 59, Stots has reeled off three straight victories, including two under the LFA banner. Acosta will make his LFA debut with a 17-13 record after having fought for organizations such as Combate Americas, King of the Cage and Gladiator Challenge.