A modern main event begins as Legacy Fighting Alliance prepares to return to Oklahoma for a night full 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 to be held at the Grand Casino Hotel & Resort Friday, April 3, 2026.

This event is commemorated by LFA first trip to Oklahoma in three yearsbringing another high-level combat card to the Sooner State.

Heavyweight prospects collide in a modern main event

The original headliner with Micaias Ureña and Xavier Franklin has been scratched, clearing the way for a heavyweight showdown between two rising fighters.

Nebraska standout Bartling (9-2) meets Indiana’s Cleveland (5-1) in a head-to-head matchup a three-game winning streak.

“It’s a great heavyweight matchup for our return to Oklahoma,” Soares said. “Nyle is a former standout collegiate wrestler who is hard-wearing and athletic. Cleveland is an aggressive fighter with very massive hands. Both are on a 3-fight win streak that neither wants to see end. Fans can expect an action-packed main event from two very powerful, determined fighters.”

Bartling ready for his debut in LFA

Bartling brings a robust wrestling pedigree to the cage. The heavyweight competed together for the Ohio State Buckeyes and Nebraska Cornhuskers before moving on to MMA.

His rapid rise in the regional scene earned him a spot on Season 30 of The Ultimate Fighter.

He currently holds the professional record 9 wins and 2 lossesBartling will do his thing Debut in LFA wants to prove that he belongs to the top organizations in the heavyweight division.

Cleveland looking for another quick finish

On the other side of the cage will be Cleveland, an explosive forward fighting from East Chicago, Indiana.

Before moving on to MMA, Cleveland was a collegiate football player who competed as a fighter defensive end. Since taking up 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 won a devastating TKO victory in just over a minute.

He now hopes to build on that momentum for another great performance in the heavyweight division.

Broadcast details

The event will be broadcast live in the United States on VICE TV at 21:00 ET / 18:00 PT. Fans can also watch via LFA Battle Network internationally.

Tickets for the event can be purchased at the Grand Casino box office.

Main Card

(Live on VICE TV at 9:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM PT)

Heavyweight (265 lbs)

• Nyle Bartling (9-2) vs. Charlie Cleveland (5-1)

Middleweight (185 lbs)

• David Wright (5-2) vs. John Moore (6-1)

Middleweight (185 lbs)

• Jake Woodley (6-1) vs. Shane Sobnosky Jr (8-6)

Featherweight (145 lbs)

• Nick Fields (5-3) vs. Elias Rodriguez (3-0)

Airy Heavyweight (205 lbs)

• Finn Martin (1-0) vs. Chris Conners (1-0)

Introductory card

(Featured qualifiers are still available Spectator sports at 17:30 ET / 14:30 PT)

Welterweight (170 lbs)

• Ethan Moore (2-0) vs. Austin Miller (2-0)

Bantamweight (135 lbs)

• Nick O’Brien (5-3) vs. Jose Intriago (2-2)

Featherweight (145 lbs)

• Malik Thompson (0-0) vs. Alpha Yero (0-0)

Bantamweight (135 lbs)

• Gage Nolan (6-1) vs. Jason Eubanks (3-0)

Lightweight (155 lbs)

• Carson Robnett (2-1) vs. Garrett Gean (2-0)

Flyweight (125 lbs)

• Joseph Hobbs (2-0) vs. Kanean Catron (2-1)