Israeli fighter Natan Levy will look to improve to 3-0 when he fights Henry Barahona (1-3) at LFA 58 on January 25.
Levy kicked off his professional career last year with two submission wins. He went 4-0 as an amateur with two more submissions and a T/KO. The Syndicate MMA product has LFA gold on his mind, and hopes it will become a reality by the end of 2019. He intends to fight three to four times this calendar year and feels he’ll be ready for a crack at the currently vacant featherweight title in his fifth or sixth fight. He feels that’s the proper time-frame, but pointed out he doesn’t want to rush it.
“I’ll be ready for it real soon but I’m in no hurry,” Levy told MMASucka. “I want to get the experience and I want to be ready. For me, an opportunity isn’t anything if you can’t capitalize on it. Trying to get the title shot as soon as possible isn’t the way I see it. I want to get the title shot and win.”
Levy and LFA
From there, Levy has dreams of competing in the UFC, pointing out that’s one of the reasons he signed with LFA.
“Today, a lot of today’s UFC stars got started in LFA,” he said. “A lot LFA champions sign with the UFC so there’s a very obvious connection. It’s a good place to grow in.”
The other reason he plans to keep fighting for LFA is how professional they are, Levy said.
“They treat the fighters well. I’ve had offers from promotions who wouldn’t pay for your airfare, hotel. [LFA] understands that there are expenses with it and they try to help you. Let alone them being televised and one of the top promotions there are today.”
Levy’s Style
Levy started his MMA journey with a background in karate, but feels he has since blossomed into a full mixed martial artist. The four submission wins on his record serve as proof.
“I’ve won fights via submission, out-wrestled guys, out-struck guys so I’m not really shy about fighting anywhere,” he said.
He predicts he’ll use his well-rounded game to finish his next opponent, Barahona, either on the feet or ground. Levy said his opponent is durable, but that won’t help Barahona emerge victorious.
“He can take it on the chin but if it stays on the feet, I think I’m way too fast for him,” Levy said. “He’s too sloppy. If it goes to the ground, it will be even easier. I do think he’s very tough, I will give him that. I will have to give it my everything to take him out, but I will do that.”
Levy’s evolution as a prospect will be something to keep an eye on in 2019, as well as his progress towards meeting his goal of becoming an LFA champion.
Such an impressive new talent! I think he’ll be fighting for a belt by the end of this year.