An explosive striker is being likened to UFC star Sean O`Malley following yet another dominant knockout victory in his unblemished professional record.
On May 9th, before the excitement of UFC 315 in Montreal, LFA 208 showcased some notable performances in Santa Cruz, California. Among them was a stunning 12-second front-kick knockout by Aline David, drawing comparisons to the legendary Anderson Silva. Heavyweight hopeful Josh Hokit, set for Dana White`s Contender Series, also drew attention with a post-fight interview that divided opinions.
However, one of the night`s most talked-about performances came from an exceptionally tall welterweight whose path to LFA involved sparring sessions with one of the UFC`s top heavyweights.
Fans Amazed by Towering Welterweight Luis Francischinelli`s Dominance at LFA 208
Standing at an imposing 6 feet 6 inches in the welterweight division (170 lbs) naturally puts Brazil`s Luis Francischinelli on any major promotion`s radar, but his in-cage performances prove he`s more than just size. Since joining LFA in June 2023, he has secured five consecutive first-round finishes, making him a must-watch fighter.
At LFA 208, Francischinelli efficiently dispatched Angelo Rivera Jr. within two minutes, effectively using his significant reach advantage to control the distance and land fight-ending strikes.
In a conversation with MMA Fighting before his recent bout, Francischinelli shared how his unusual size led to sparring multiple rounds with UFC heavyweight contender Alexander Volkov. Impressing the right people during these sessions introduced the former kickboxer to Ed Soares, the head of LFA.
Following his latest highlight-reel finish, fans on social media made it clear they`ve seen enough and are eager for Francischinelli to compete in the UFC.
“Dude is a beast. Hope we see him in the UFC asap”
“That dude is a straight savage. He 100% needs to be on the Contender Series. DW [Dana White] will love his style”
“This guy may be a PROBLEM. 6’6 welterweight is insane lol”
Other reactions focused on the sheer surprise of his height relative to the welterweight limit. For context, Francischinelli`s 6`6″ frame towers over the current UFC welterweight champion, Belal Muhammad, who is 5`11″.
“How does a guy who is 6’6 make 170? That’s wild.”
“I’m sorry HOW TALL?!”
One fan even compared the rising prospect to the former UFC bantamweight champion, calling him “Brazilian Sean O’Malley”. `Suga` O`Malley is also known for effectively utilizing his height and reach to strike from range while avoiding opponents` attacks.
Evaluating Luis Francischinelli`s Readiness for the Octagon
Luis Francischinelli certainly possesses attributes that align with the type of fighters the UFC seeks. His remarkable stature alone makes him a unique addition to any roster, and his proven ability to finish opponents stylishly is a significant advantage.
However, given that all his professional fights have concluded in the first round, it could be beneficial for his development to gain more cage time and experience facing tougher, more resilient opponents before potentially earning a spot on Dana White`s Contender Series.
While he is likely already on the UFC`s radar, confronting more challenging situations in the meantime would undoubtedly strengthen his skills and readiness for the highest level of competition.
