A new main event is set as Legacy Fighting Alliance prepares to return to Oklahoma with a stacked night of mixed martial arts action.
LFA CEO Ed Soares announced that rising heavyweight prospects Nyle Bartling and Charlie Cleveland will now headline the promotion’s upcoming event at Grand Casino Hotel & Resort on Friday, April 3, 2026.
The event marks LFA’s first trip to Oklahoma in three years, bringing another high-level fight card to the Sooner State.
Heavyweight Prospects Collide in New Main Event
The original headliner featuring Micaias Ureña and Xavier Franklin has been scratched, clearing the way for a heavyweight showdown between two surging prospects.
Bartling (9-2), a Nebraska standout, meets Cleveland (5-1) of Indiana in a matchup between fighters riding three-fight winning streaks.
“This is a great heavyweight matchup for our return to Oklahoma,” Soares said. “Nyle is a former standout collegiate wrestler, who is durable and athletic. Cleveland is an aggressive fighter with very heavy hands. Both are coming off a 3 fight win streak that neither one wants to see end. The fans can expect an action packed main event from two very powerful determined fighters.”
Bartling Ready for LFA Debut
Bartling brings a strong wrestling pedigree to the cage. The heavyweight competed collegiately at both Ohio State Buckeyes and Nebraska Cornhuskers before transitioning to MMA.
His rapid rise on the regional scene earned him a spot on The Ultimate Fighter Season 30.
Now holding a professional record of 9 wins and 2 losses, Bartling will make his LFA debut looking to prove he belongs among the promotion’s top heavyweight contenders.
Cleveland Looking for Another Quick Finish
Standing across the cage will be Cleveland, an explosive striker fighting out of East Chicago, Indiana.
Before transitioning to MMA, Cleveland was a collegiate football player who lined up as a defensive end. Since entering the sport, he has quickly gained attention for his knockout power.
“The Reaper” made his promotional debut at LFA 226 in Clarksville, Tennessee, where he scored a devastating TKO victory in just over one minute.
He now hopes to ride that momentum into another statement performance in the heavyweight division.
Broadcast Details
The event will air live in the United States on VICE TV at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT. Fans can also watch through the LFA Fight Network internationally.
Tickets for the event are available through the Grand Casino box office.
Main Card
(Live on VICE TV at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT)
Heavyweight (265 lb)
- Nyle Bartling (9-2) vs. Charlie Cleveland (5-1)
Middleweight (185 lb)
- David Wright (5-2) vs. John Moore (6-1)
Middleweight (185 lb)
- Jake Woodley (6-1) vs. Shane Sobnosky Jr (8-6)
Featherweight (145 lb)
- Nick Fields (5-3) vs. Elias Rodriguez (3-0)
Light Heavyweight (205 lb)
- Finn Martin (1-0) vs. Chris Conners (1-0)
Preliminary Card
(Featured prelims live on Spectation Sports at 5:30 p.m. ET / 2:30 p.m. PT)
Welterweight (170 lb)
- Ethan Moore (2-0) vs. Austin Miller (2-0)
Bantamweight (135 lb)
- Nick O’Brien (5-3) vs. Jose Intriago (2-2)
Featherweight (145 lb)
- Malik Thompson (0-0) vs. Alpha Yero (0-0)
Bantamweight (135 lb)
- Gage Nolan (6-1) vs. Jason Eubanks (3-0)
Lightweight (155 lb)
- Carson Robnett (2-1) vs. Garrett Gean (2-0)
Flyweight (125 lb)
- Joseph Hobbs (2-0) vs. Kanean Catron (2-1)
Roberto Villa is the CEO, Founder, Executive Writer, and Senior Editor of FightBook MMA. Has a passion for Combat Sports and is also a podcast host for Sitting Ringside. He’s also a former MMA fighter and Kickboxer. He’s also the main photographer for the 4CornersMafia Car Club.
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