Even though Legacy Fighting put on a card outside the state of Texas, there was still plenty of controversy to be had at Legacy FC 29 in Tulsa, Oklahoma as Myron Dennis won a controversial split decision over Paul Buentello in the night’s main event to win the promotions’ light heavyweight championship.
Throughout the majority of a fight that played out on the feet, Buentello kept his hands busy and consistently found success with his boxing. There were points in the fight where Dennis had Buentello on wobbly legs, but he was unable to capitalize on those opportunities.
Dennis did have his moments, especially in the third round, but Buentello unquestionably won the majority of the periods in their five round fight.
With the victory, Myron Dennis (10-2) has now won five of his last, and with the loss, Paul Buentello (33-16) had his win streak of four snapped.
Brookins debuts with submission win
Ultimate Fighter season 12 winner Jonathan Brookins made his Bellator debut and returned to the cage after taking some time away from the sport. Brookins, who weighed in at 128 pounds for his fight with Cody Fuller, submitted Fuller in the second with a rear-naked choke.
In the first round, Brookins was tested on the ground as the period played out as back-and-forth grappling battle between the two combatants. But, in the second, Brookins became more comfortable in the cage and was able to secure the finish.
Brookins (14-6) earned his ninth submission win and was able to get his hand raised after losing his last two fights to Dustin Poirier and Charles Oliveira. Cody Fuller (10-8) has now last three straight.
Pecero outpoints Longacre
In a battle of lightweights from Texas and Oklahoma, Corpus Christi’s Chris Pecero gave Tulsa’s Thomas Longacre (6-1) the first loss in his professional MMA career, winning a unanimous decision.
The fight itself played out close in each round with both fighters having their highs and lows. Even though Longacre was able to do some serious damage with shots to the body, Pecero was the more consistent striker. Thomas Longacre was also able to score several takedowns in the fight, but he did nothing with them. In fact, the most effective grappling in the entire fight was performed by Pecero, who swept Longacre and worked from mount in the third frame.
Pecero (12-5) won a decision for the first time in seven fights, while Longacre (6-1) was unable to get a victory in his return to the cage. The last time that Thomas Longacre competed prior to his fight with Pecero was on Sept. 25, 2009.
The complete Legacy FC 29 main card results are below.
Myron Dennis def. Paul Buentello via split decision (49-46, 47-48, 49-46)
Jonathan Brookins def. Cody Fuller via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 3:02
Chris Pecero def. Thomas Longacre via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 29-28)
Andrew Todhunter def. Art Parker via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 4:05
Jerod Spoon def. Daniel Hauenstein via TKO (strikes) – Round 2, 1:04