Following a short-lived retirement, Steve Kennedy will make his return to MMA competition on the upcoming Legend MMA 1 card on the Gold Coast. Kennedy (23-8-0) will face Brazilian Jose Gomes (38-13-1) in the main event of the show, which takes place January 28 at Jupiter’s Hotel & Casino.
After a 0-2 run in the UFC, where he fell short against Peter Sobotta and Richard Walsh, Kennedy, 33, returned to the local circuit to outpoint his former coach Brian Ebersole at Hex Fight Series 6.
Jose Gomes brings an extensive record to Australia after making his pro debut way back in 2004. The Brazilian has fought predominantly on the Brazilian regional circuit in that time, however he also boasts a lone Bellator appearance in the US where he was stopped by Raul Amaya. The 34 year-old will be eager to turn things around against the Aussie after back-to-back losses in Russia’s ECB promotion. The fight will be contested at welterweight.
In the co-main event, Bellator veteran Arlene Blencowe (7-6) makes her first MMA appearance in Australia since Storm Damage 5 back in 2014 when she takes on undefeated Brazilian Amanda Lemos (6-0). The 33 year-old Aussie went 2-2 in Bellator, most recently losing a majority decision to Julia Budd in October. Blencowe’s victories in the promotion came against Adrienna Jenkins and Gabrielle Holloway. Lemos is the Jungle Fight bantamweight champion and will be making her international debut on the night.
Also announced for the card, long-time local standout Corey Nelson (19-6-1) will square off with EFC welterweight champion Dricus Du Plessis (9-1) from South Africa. Meanwhile, former UFC fighter Vik Grujic (7-5) makes his return to competition against streaking Kiwi Luke Jumeau (10-3).
Legend MMA is owned and run by recently retired English fight veteran James McSweeney. According to the promotion, the event will be televised on Fox Sports.
Fight Card (Announced):
- Steve Kennedy vs Jose Gomes
- Arlene Blencowe vs Amanda Lemos
- Corey Nelson vs Dricus Du Plessis
- Vik Grujic vs Luke Jumeau
- Jack Johns vs Julius Poananga
Hex Fight Series 6 Recap: Steve Kennedy defeats Brian Ebersole in the main event
