LFS Fightsgiving 2026: Complete 10-Fight Preview, Fighter Breakdowns, Paths to Victory and Predictions

Three championship fights, two professional matchups, and a lineup of rising MMA prospects headline Legends Fight Series’ Thanksgiving weekend event in Northern Kentucky.

By The Grueling Truth | MMA Fight Preview | November 11, 2026

Thanksgiving weekend in Northern Kentucky is about to get a lot more exciting.

On Saturday, November 28, 2026, Legends Fight Series returns to MegaCorp Pavilion in Newport, Kentucky, for LFS6: Fightsgiving, featuring 10 announced mixed martial arts contests, including three championship fights.

The card includes established professionals, promising amateur competitors, undefeated prospects, and fighters looking to rebound from previous setbacks.

The main event features Travis “Smoke” Hudson against Ilyaz “The Turkish Machine” Mamadaliyev for the professional lightweight championship. The amateur flyweight and heavyweight championships are also scheduled to be decided.

But championship belts aren’t the only things at stake. Every fighter entering the cage has something to prove, and every matchup offers two different paths to victory.

Here’s The Grueling Truth’s breakdown of all 10 scheduled fights, including why each fighter could win, the keys to every matchup, and our predictions.

Event information

Event Legends Fight Series 6: Fightsgiving

Date Saturday, November 28, 2026

Venue MegaCorp Pavilion, Newport, KY

Doors 6:00 PM ET

First fight 7:00 PM ET

Broadcast Combat Sports Now

PPV price $39.99

Announced card 10 fights: 2 professional, 8 amateur

Championships Professional lightweight, amateur flyweight, amateur heavyweight

The 10 matchups and scheduled round lengths have been checked against Combat Sports Now’s published fight card. Fighter records are from LFS where available; some records differ across MMA databases. For fighters without a sufficiently documented competitive history, the paths to victory below are tactical scenarios rather than claims about their proven fighting styles.

1. Travis “Smoke” Hudson vs. Ilyaz “The Turkish Machine” Mamadaliyev

Main Event | Professional Lightweight Championship | 155 lbs | 5 five-minute rounds

Travis Hudson LFS-listed record: 4–4

Ilyaz Mamadaliyev LFS-listed record: 8–4

The Fightsgiving main event features two professional lightweights competing for one of the promotion’s most important championships.

Hudson, representing Triumph Combat, is listed at 5-foot-10 with a 74-inch reach. Mamadaliyev, representing Vision MMA, stands 5-foot-9 with a 73-inch reach. LFS lists Hudson at 4–4 and Mamadaliyev at 8–4.

With five scheduled rounds, this matchup could become a battle of conditioning, composure, and adjustments.

Why Travis Hudson can win

Hudson has three notable opportunities.

First, his slight physical advantage. Hudson’s listed one-inch advantages in height and reach could help him establish distance with his jab and straight punches, limiting Mamadaliyev’s ability to close the gap comfortably.

Second, Hudson has demonstrated submission capability. His reported submission victory over Musa Alsulaimani at a 247 Fighting Championships event provides a concrete example of his ability to finish a fight on the ground.

Third, Hudson could benefit from keeping the contest unpredictable. Alternating striking combinations with takedown attempts would force Mamadaliyev to defend multiple threats rather than settle into one rhythm.

If Hudson maintains distance, mixes his attacks, and avoids prolonged defensive stretches, he has a legitimate route to a championship victory.

Why Ilyaz Mamadaliyev can win

Mamadaliyev brings the stronger listed professional win total into the matchup.

His eight victories give him a measurable experience advantage, although the quality of opposition and individual performances matter more than the record alone.

Mamadaliyev also has a documented TKO victory over William Worley, demonstrating that he can win through strikes.

His best strategy may be pressuring Hudson without recklessly chasing a finish. By cutting off the cage, attacking the body, and forcing Hudson to work defensively, Mamadaliyev could gradually take control of the contest.

Five-round championship fights often reward athletes who manage their energy effectively and maintain consistent offensive output.

If Mamadaliyev can turn the matchup into a high-pressure contest, his experience could become decisive.

Keys to victory: Hudson needs distance management and well-timed grappling. Mamadaliyev needs controlled pressure, combinations, and sustained activity.

Prediction: Ilyaz Mamadaliyev by unanimous decision.

Mamadaliyev’s deeper listed professional record gives him a narrow advantage in a fight that could become increasingly tactical as the championship rounds approach.

2. Taylor “Monstrosity” Meister vs. Robert Burns

Professional Middleweight | 185 lbs | 3 five-minute rounds

Taylor Meister LFS-listed record: 1–1

Robert Burns LFS-listed record: 1–2

Professional middleweights Taylor Meister and Robert Burns meet in a contest with important implications for their developing careers.

Meister enters with a 1–1 professional record, while Burns is listed at 1–2. Both are trying to build momentum and establish themselves in the professional ranks.

Why Taylor Meister can win

Meister has an opportunity to dictate the tempo if he establishes his offense early.

His most effective path would be maintaining a disciplined striking approach, using combinations rather than relying exclusively on single power punches.

Middleweight fights frequently turn on defensive mistakes. If Meister maintains his guard after attacking and avoids unnecessary exchanges, he can give himself a better chance of controlling the action.

His relatively balanced professional record also provides a modest statistical starting point, though two professional fights are too small a sample to establish a major advantage.

If Meister can score early and maintain his composure, he could build a lead on the judges’ scorecards or capitalize on a mistake to secure a finish.

Why Robert Burns can win

Burns has an opportunity to turn the fight into a demanding physical contest.

Rather than allow Meister to operate comfortably at striking range, Burns could look to close the distance, work from the clinch, and threaten takedowns.

If successful, that approach would make the contest less about clean striking and more about positional control.

Burns also has a chance to show what he has learned from his previous professional appearances. A 1–2 record doesn’t necessarily reflect a fighter’s potential, especially early in a professional career.

If Burns controls the cage and consistently forces Meister to defend, he can win rounds and potentially create opportunities for a submission or ground-and-pound finish.

Keys to victory: Meister needs clean offense and disciplined defense. Burns needs close-range control and consistent pressure.

Prediction: Taylor Meister by unanimous decision.

Meister gets a slight edge based on the limited available record information. This remains one of the harder professional contests to predict.

3. Conner Poe vs. Soloman Topolski

Amateur Flyweight Championship | 125 lbs | 5 three-minute rounds

Flyweight action is often among the fastest and most technically demanding in MMA, and this championship contest should give both athletes an opportunity to showcase their abilities.

Conner Poe has a 5–5 record according to the LFS fighter directory. He enters with experience across 10 recorded amateur contests, which could prove valuable in a five-round matchup.

Topolski’s complete competitive record and preferred fighting style could not be confidently established from the reviewed sources.

Why Conner Poe can win

Poe’s biggest identifiable advantage is documented cage experience.

Ten recorded bouts provide opportunities to encounter different opponents, experience fight-night pressure, and learn how to adapt when an initial strategy isn’t working.

Poe’s best path would involve consistent scoring, intelligent defensive positioning, and disciplined energy management.

Rather than attempt to finish every exchange, he could concentrate on winning individual rounds with clean combinations and successful takedowns.

That approach is particularly useful in a five-round championship fight, where maintaining consistency is important.

If Poe remains composed and uses his experience to make effective adjustments, he has a credible route to the flyweight title.

Why Soloman Topolski can win

Topolski’s opportunity comes from disrupting Poe’s preferred pace before the more experienced fighter settles into the contest.

A successful strategy could involve aggressive entries, combinations followed by takedown attempts, and keeping Poe working defensively.

With only three minutes per round, a fighter who starts quickly can establish a meaningful advantage.

Topolski also has an opportunity to force exchanges in positions where Poe is less comfortable. Changing levels, mixing grappling with striking, and consistently attacking can prevent an opponent from settling into a predictable rhythm.

Without reliable footage or a complete record, it’s difficult to determine whether Topolski has a specific technical advantage, but his tactical path is clear.

Keys to victory: Poe needs composure and round-by-round consistency. Topolski needs pace, initiative, and disruptive offense.

Prediction: Conner Poe by unanimous decision.

Poe’s documented experience provides the more defensible selection, although the uncertainty surrounding Topolski makes this a low-confidence pick.

4. Jabori Murphy vs. Israel Tshiunza

Amateur Heavyweight Championship | Up to 265 lbs | 5 three-minute rounds

The amateur heavyweight championship could deliver some of Fightsgiving’s most dramatic moments.

Jabori Murphy enters with a 2–1 amateur record according to LFS. Israel Tshiunza’s complete competitive history has not been reliably established in the available sources.

Unlike the lighter divisions, heavyweight fights can change instantly with one cleanly landed punch.

Why Jabori Murphy can win

Murphy’s strongest documented asset is his existing winning record.

At 2–1, he has already experienced both victory and defeat in competition, which can provide useful lessons in preparation and adaptation.

His route to victory involves controlled aggression.

Heavyweight competitors sometimes expend too much energy pursuing a quick finish. Murphy would benefit from setting up power strikes with his jab, limiting unnecessary exchanges, and choosing his moments carefully.

If he can keep Tshiunza moving backward and establish control of the center of the cage, Murphy could dictate when and where the exchanges take place.

A disciplined approach would also serve him well should the fight extend beyond the early rounds.

Why Israel Tshiunza can win

Tshiunza’s most compelling opportunity is to neutralize Murphy’s offensive rhythm.

Rather than engaging in repeated open exchanges, he could concentrate on clinch positioning, defensive movement, and forcing Murphy to work for every attack.

If Tshiunza can establish a strong grappling position, he may be able to control portions of the fight and reduce the number of dangerous heavyweight striking exchanges.

Another potential path is to capitalize on Murphy overcommitting to a power shot.

Well-timed counters or takedown attempts against an aggressive opponent can dramatically change a fight.

Keys to victory: Murphy needs disciplined pressure and power-shot selection. Tshiunza needs positional control, defensive awareness, and counterattacking opportunities.

Prediction: Jabori Murphy by second-round TKO.

Murphy’s documented winning experience provides the basis for the pick, but predicting a stoppage is speculative without more complete technical footage of both competitors.

5. Travis Riley vs. Ryland Kimble

Amateur Lightweight | 155 lbs | 3 three-minute rounds

This amateur lightweight matchup features a promising undefeated competitor looking to continue his winning streak.

Travis Riley enters with a 3–0 record according to the LFS website. He represents Drive MMA and is listed at 5-foot-11.

Ryland Kimble’s complete record could not be independently confirmed, but he has an opportunity to make a major statement by defeating an undefeated opponent.

Why Travis Riley can win

Riley’s undefeated record is the strongest identifiable advantage entering this matchup.

Three victories suggest he has found ways to succeed in his previous competitive appearances. However, without verified fight-by-fight footage, it would be premature to attribute those victories to a particular fighting discipline.

His best route is to dictate the contest rather than chase a spectacular finish.

Using his listed height to manage distance, controlling the center of the cage, and avoiding unnecessary exchanges could help Riley establish an early advantage.

If he can combine clean striking with timely takedowns, he could make Kimble defend multiple forms of attack throughout the three rounds.

Why Ryland Kimble can win

Kimble’s most important objective should be preventing Riley from controlling the tempo.

An opponent carrying an undefeated record can sometimes be most vulnerable when forced to operate outside his preferred strategy.

Kimble could look to apply pressure, attack the body, and challenge Riley in clinch exchanges.

If he can force Riley to fight while moving backward, he could reduce Riley’s ability to establish a consistent offensive rhythm.

Kimble may also benefit from making this a physically demanding contest. Three-minute rounds reward fighters who maintain a high work rate.

Keys to victory: Riley needs distance control and tactical discipline. Kimble needs pressure, initiative, and effective close-range exchanges.

Prediction: Travis Riley by unanimous decision.

Riley’s 3–0 record gives him the stronger documented résumé entering this contest.

6. Nathan Johnson vs. Cameron Lehman

Amateur Featherweight on Combat Sports Now / Bantamweight on LFS | 3 three-minute rounds

This is one of the most interesting matchups on the Fightsgiving card because both fighters have previous Legends Fight Series connections.

Nathan Johnson is listed at 2–0, while Cameron Lehman carries a 1–1 amateur record in the LFS fighter directory.

Johnson also competed at Buckeye Fight Night in Columbus on October 24, where he defeated Jonathan Piatt. Lehman previously faced Sean Whaler on that event’s advertised card.

One detail needs clarification before fight week: LFS identifies the matchup as bantamweight, while Combat Sports Now lists it at featherweight.

Why Nathan Johnson can win

Johnson enters with momentum and an undefeated amateur record.

The most significant advantage is his recent success in LFS competition. His previous victory provides a foundation for confidence as he prepares for another appearance.

Johnson’s best strategy could be applying consistent forward pressure while avoiding unnecessary risks.

If he can control the center of the cage, establish effective combinations, and score takedowns at important moments, he could put Lehman in a difficult position.

Johnson must also be prepared for adjustments. Against an opponent who knows he is undefeated, maintaining composure becomes especially important.

Rather than focusing on protecting his record, Johnson should concentrate on winning each exchange.

Why Cameron Lehman can win

Lehman has an opportunity to hand Johnson his first amateur defeat.

His 1–1 record means he has already experienced both sides of competitive MMA, potentially providing lessons about adversity and the importance of adjustments.

Lehman’s most effective approach may be to keep Johnson from establishing his offensive rhythm.

Counterstriking, effective movement, and disciplined takedown defense could force Johnson into a more cautious contest.

If Lehman can make Johnson miss and respond with clean combinations, he could begin accumulating scoring advantages.

Another path would be using Johnson’s pressure against him by timing takedowns or creating grappling transitions when Johnson advances.

Keys to victory: Johnson needs consistent offensive pressure and positional control. Lehman needs sharp counters, disciplined defense, and timely adjustments.

Prediction: Nathan Johnson by unanimous decision.

Johnson’s undefeated record and recent LFS success make him a slight favorite in this preview. Lehman, however, has a realistic opportunity to produce the upset.

7. Max “MAD” Davis vs. Brian Kern

Amateur Lightweight | 155 lbs | 3 three-minute rounds

This could be one of the most competitive non-championship contests on the card.

Max Davis is listed at 4–2 by Legends Fight Series, while Brian Kern enters at 3–2.

Kern has also been part of the promotion’s amateur lightweight championship picture, including a previously promoted matchup with Joel “All Day” Aldridge.

Both fighters have meaningful competitive experience, making this an intriguing matchup.

Why Max Davis can win

Davis enters with a slight advantage in total wins and overall recorded success.

His 4–2 record suggests he has been able to find winning solutions against multiple opponents.

With three scheduled rounds, Davis should focus on establishing a fast but controlled pace.

If he can land effective combinations, maintain good positioning, and avoid prolonged periods underneath Kern, he can build a strong scoring case.

Davis could also benefit from making Kern work continuously. By forcing exchanges at different distances, he may be able to prevent Kern from settling into his preferred offensive approach.

The key is maintaining technical discipline rather than turning every exchange into a wild confrontation.

Why Brian Kern can win

Kern’s previous involvement in the LFS championship picture makes him an interesting competitor to watch.

He has experience preparing for significant matchups within the promotion, and another victory would help strengthen his standing in the lightweight division.

Kern’s clearest tactical route would be controlling where the fight takes place.

If he can establish takedowns, secure favorable positions, and maintain effective top control, he could limit Davis’ opportunities to score from striking range.

Kern also needs to avoid falling behind early. Against an opponent with a 4–2 record, every round matters.

Keys to victory: Davis needs offensive consistency and movement. Kern needs positional control and the ability to disrupt Davis’ rhythm.

Prediction: Max Davis by split decision.

The two fighters have comparable levels of recorded experience. Davis receives a narrow edge based on his 4–2 record, but this is a contest that could go either way.

8. John Gray vs. Trey Clark

Amateur Lightweight | 155 lbs | 3 three-minute rounds

The Fightsgiving lightweight division features another matchup between competitors looking to establish themselves.

John Gray is listed at 0–1, while Trey Clark has a 0–0 record in the LFS fighter directory.

That makes this contest particularly significant for both competitors.

Gray has an opportunity to secure his first recorded victory, while Clark is seeking to begin his amateur career successfully.

Why John Gray can win

Gray has at least one documented amateur appearance, giving him a modest advantage in actual cage experience.

Even a loss can provide useful information about preparation, nerves, conditioning, and the demands of competition.

Gray may be better prepared for the atmosphere surrounding his next fight because he has already experienced it.

His best approach would be to remain composed, establish a manageable pace, and avoid forcing unnecessary exchanges.

Against an opponent listed without previous bouts, using experience to control the opening minutes could be important.

If Gray can secure an early takedown or establish clean striking combinations, he could make Clark work from behind.

Why Trey Clark can win

Clark enters with the opportunity to make an immediate impression.

Although LFS currently lists him at 0–0, that does not mean he lacks martial arts experience outside of sanctioned amateur MMA.

He may have advantages in wrestling, striking, or submission grappling that are not reflected in his record.

Clark’s best route would be starting confidently and establishing his preferred fighting distance.

If he can land early, defend takedowns, and force Gray into defensive exchanges, he may be able to control the contest.

Another possible advantage is the absence of much publicly available competitive information, which can make game planning difficult for an opponent.

Keys to victory: Gray needs to use his cage experience and maintain composure. Clark needs an assertive start and disciplined execution.

Prediction: John Gray by unanimous decision.

Gray receives a very slight advantage because of his documented competitive appearance. With so little available information, this is among the least certain predictions on the card.

9. Ty Van Vo vs. Sam Woodson

Amateur Bantamweight | 135 lbs | 3 three-minute rounds

Fightsgiving‘s bantamweight division features an intriguing contest between Ty Van Vo and Sam Woodson.

Both athletes currently appear with 0–0 records in the Legends Fight Series fighter directory.

Whether those records represent their professional-level competitive debut in amateur MMA or incomplete database information requires confirmation.

Regardless, both fighters have the opportunity to establish themselves in the promotion.

Why Ty Van Vo can win

Van Vo’s most effective approach would be to establish a clear offensive rhythm early in the fight.

In three-minute amateur rounds, allowing an opponent to dictate the action can quickly create a scoring disadvantage.

Van Vo could benefit from combining straight punches with timely kicks and using movement to create favorable angles.

If he is able to establish striking distance and defend takedowns, he could force Woodson to compete in a stand-up battle.

Maintaining a high work rate without overextending would give Van Vo an opportunity to win through consistent scoring.

Why Sam Woodson can win

Woodson has an opportunity to prevent Van Vo from establishing that rhythm.

A strong clinch-and-grappling approach could be effective if he can close the distance safely and secure favorable positions.

Takedowns and positional control can have significant scoring importance in amateur MMA when accompanied by meaningful offense.

Woodson could also benefit from making the fight physically demanding, particularly if he can force Van Vo to defend repeated takedown attempts.

However, an aggressive grappling strategy needs to be balanced with good conditioning. Expending too much energy in the first round can create problems later.

Keys to victory: Van Vo needs effective distance management and consistent scoring. Woodson needs to disrupt the striking rhythm and control positions.

Prediction: Ty Van Vo by unanimous decision.

This is a tentative tactical selection rather than a record-based forecast. Neither fighter has enough verified competitive data to establish a meaningful statistical favorite.

10. Azam Kholbayev vs. Bryan Orellana

Amateur Bantamweight | 135 lbs | 3 three-minute rounds

The opening bout listed on Combat Sports Now’s Fightsgiving fight card features Azam Kholbayev taking on Bryan Orellana.

Both fighters are currently listed at 0–0 by LFS.

That creates an opportunity for two developing athletes to begin building their MMA résumés in front of a live audience.

While their complete technical backgrounds are not publicly established, both have realistic paths to victory.

Why Azam Kholbayev can win

Kholbayev could give himself the strongest opportunity by establishing control of the fight’s opening exchanges.

The objective should be to make Orellana react to his offense rather than the other way around.

An approach built around straight punches, disciplined footwork, and level changes could create openings both standing and on the ground.

If Kholbayev can secure takedowns and maintain advantageous positions, he may be able to control important portions of the contest.

The biggest challenge will be balancing aggression with patience, particularly in a potentially unfamiliar fight-night environment.

Why Bryan Orellana can win

Orellana’s opportunity lies in disrupting Kholbayev’s strategy and creating his own openings.

He could use lateral movement, counterstriking, and effective takedown defense to keep the contest in favorable positions.

If Kholbayev commits heavily to offensive attacks, Orellana may be able to capitalize with counters or transitions.

Orellana could also benefit from maintaining a steady pace throughout the three rounds.

In evenly matched amateur contests, activity, defensive discipline, and effective offense frequently determine the winner.

Keys to victory: Kholbayev needs positional control and measured aggression. Orellana needs strong defense, counterattacking, and sustained activity.

Prediction: Bryan Orellana by split decision.

This is a low-confidence pick with no verified record-based advantage for either athlete. The contest may ultimately depend on which fighter is better prepared to manage fight-night pressure.

The Grueling Truth’s Fightsgiving predictions

All selections are editorial predictions, not betting recommendations. Confidence reflects the available evidence, not implied winning probabilities.

Fight Predicted winner Method Confidence

Hudson vs. Mamadaliyev    Mamadaliyev    Decision    Medium

Meister vs. Burns    Meister    Decision    Low

Poe vs. Topolski    Poe    Decision    Low

Murphy vs. Tshiunza    Murphy    TKO, R2    Low

Riley vs. Kimble    Riley    Decision    Medium

Johnson vs. Lehman    Johnson    Decision    Medium

Davis vs. Kern    Davis    Decision    Low

Gray vs. Clark    Gray    Decision    Low

Van Vo vs. Woodson    Van Vo    Decision    Very low

Kholbayev vs. Orellana    Orellana    Decision    Very low

Five storylines that could define Fightsgiving

The crowning of a professional lightweight champion: Travis Hudson and Ilyaz Mamadaliyev have a chance to headline the evening with a performance that establishes their place in the Legends Fight Series championship picture.

Three title fights on one card: With championships at lightweight, flyweight, and heavyweight, Fightsgiving could deliver several of the most memorable moments of the promotion’s year.

Can Nathan Johnson remain undefeated? Johnson’s 2–0 record and previous LFS success make his matchup against Cameron Lehman one to follow closely.

Will Travis Riley continue his winning streak? Riley enters with a 3–0 record, and another victory would strengthen his standing among the promotion’s amateur lightweights.

Which emerging fighters will break through? Several contestants have limited documented MMA experience, presenting opportunities for new names to make an immediate impression.

Final verdict: Fightsgiving has the ingredients for an unforgettable night

Fightsgiving represents much of what makes regional mixed martial arts compelling.

There are championships to be won, undefeated records to protect, professional careers to develop, and newcomers looking to make their first major impression.

The professional lightweight main event between Travis Hudson and Ilyaz Mamadaliyev provides the marquee attraction, but the depth of the amateur card could produce equally memorable performances.

With 10 matchups currently scheduled, fans will have opportunities to watch fighters at different stages of their careers compete for recognition and the chance to move forward in the sport.

For athletes, Fightsgiving is an opportunity to take another step toward their dreams.

For fans, it’s a chance to witness those dreams being pursued in real time.

And for Legends Fight Series, it’s another opportunity to establish Thanksgiving weekend as a permanent home for mixed martial arts in Northern Kentucky.

This November 28, the turkey can wait. It’s time for Fightsgiving.

Watch LFS Fightsgiving

Saturday, November 28, 2026 • 7:00 PM ET

MegaCorp Pavilion, Newport, Kentucky

Event tickets $39.99 live PPV

Editorial note: Fight card, bout order, weight classes, and fighter participation remain subject to change.