After a long and storied career in both kickboxing and MMA James McSweeney has seemed to find his path in combat sports. From being a cast member on The Ultimate Fighter to fighting on regional circuits, the well respected coach and fighter is coming off a 38 second TKO victory in his last outing. On August 23, 2013 he will be making his promotional debut with the Texas based promotion Legacy FC as he takes on "The Headhunter" Paul Buentello.
"Legacy is a great promotion. I've been out there so many times with Robert Drysdale for his fights and I've seen the set up there and how well the production is put together" commented McSweeney. He wasn't offered the fight by his manager, the fight was made for him under the assumption he would take it and take it he has. "Fighting for Legacy is a great honor and I'm looking forward to coming to Texas and showing the guys how to fight."
"The Hammers" opponent Paul Buentello is also a former UFC talent and has been fairly inconsistent in recent years trading off wins and losses. However, Buentello is always considered to be very dangerous considering his one punch KO abilities. When asked about his opponent McSweeney answered, "We used to train together about four or five years ago back in Albuquerque when I was with Greg Jackson's. I know where he's at. He's still the same Paul Buentello from five years ago. I'm not the same James McSweeney he knew from five years ago."
When James McSweeney first arrived on the The Ultimate Fighter he had only been practicing MMA and jiu jitsu in the United States for six weeks. He has admitted to being a bit naive to all of the facets of mixed martial arts when he first got into the UFC. After going 1-2 he was released and decided to take time to refocus his place in mixed martial arts. Two years ago he teamed up with Abu Dhabi champion Robert Drysdale in Las Vegas, NV and found a new camp to call home. Since being at Drysdale's, McSweeney has seen success with his ground game having four of his last five victories coming by way of submission. "Now I'm so confident on the ground, it allows me to fight the way I know I can fight standing up" claims McSweeney.
With a new focus, camp and family, McSweeney seems to be ready to take on all comers as he continues his climb in the world light heavyweight rankings. His rise on a big stage begins at Legacy Fighting Championships 23 next Friday when he fights Paul Buentello.
On August 23, 2013 fans in Lubbock, Texas and viewers on AXs TV will be in store for an awesome display of striking between these two heavy hitters. The televised portion of the card will begin at 10 p.m. ET on AXs TV and if you are in the Lubbock area you can get tickets by visiting LegacyFights.net for more information.
Article by: Felipe Medina
Video by: Pono Kuni
