By Mike Calimbas

Another Houston fighter is set to face his biggest challenge ever on HDNet’s Legacy Fighting Championship 9 as the promotion has reached an agreement in principle to bring in noted English mixed martial artist Paul Kelly to take on Houston Police Officer and Legacy FC veteran Jeff Rexroad.

Paul Kelly | photo: personal archives

A veteran of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Paul Kelly trains at Team Kaobon in Liverpool England alongside UFC fighters Terry Etim and Paul Taylor. Making his UFC debut in January of 2008 against that same Paul Taylor, the twenty-seven year old fighter showcased his good form and willingness to meet in the center of the cage and fight – winning ‘Fight of the Night’ honors in a bout that would on to be ranked as one of the UFC’s Ultimate 100 Greatest Fights. He would go to post a 5-4 record in the promotion with notable wins over TUF veterans Roli Delgado and Troy Mandaloniz along with Matt Veach. Paul would end his most recent stint with the promotion with another ‘Fight of the Night’ performance this past February against Donald Cerrone.

Jeff Rexroad | photo: Mike Calimbas

As for the Englishman’s December opponent, Jeff Rexroad has experienced recent successes locally on the road to what should be a very exciting test of his skills as he looks to make the leap on the national (international) level.

Training side-by-side longtime teammates and recent Strikeforce winners Mike “The Greek” Bronzoulis and Brian Melancon, Jeff Rexroad has been mentioned by many as another Paradigm fighter that is primed and ready for his own shot in the big leagues. He’ll get that opportunity in December against his opponent from across the pond. Heading into this bout, Jeff has posted a promising 4-1 professional record while wining his last three fights in a row – most notably against fellow Houstonian John Malbrough on HDNet’s Legacy FC 8 and his own ‘Fight of the Night’ performance this past January against Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania’s Ricardo Talavera.

Judging by Rexroad’s performances at Legacy and Kelly’s own past performances in the UFC and elsewhere, this one certainly has all the making for a made-for-TV slugfest. Tune in to Legacy FC 9 on HDNet this December to see how it unfolds.

About Legacy Fighting Championship 9

HDNet’s Legacy Fighting Championship 9 is scheduled to air LIVE on Your home for MMA,” HDNet’s Friday Night Fights at 9PM on December 16, 2011. Stay tuned to www.legacyfights.tv for ticket information on this Houston Arena Theater event coming soon.