Nick Newell set for return at LFA 35, Sabina Mazo fights Silvana Juarez for flyweight title

Nick Newell is officially back.

The one-time World Series of Fighting lightweight title contender will compete for the first time since retiring in October 2015 when he fights Sonny Luque (8-6) in the co-main event of Legacy Fighting Alliance 35 at the Arena Theatre in Houston on March 9, officials announced Tuesday.

In the main event, head-kick specialist Sabina Mazo (4-0) and Argentina’s Silvana Juarez (6-1) will battle for a vacant women’s flyweight championship.

Newell (13-1) made headlines during his first MMA run due to his status as a congenital amputee (his left arm ends just below his elbow) and a dominant 11-0 run to his pro career that included 10 first-round finishes. His lone loss would come at the hands of WSOF champion Justin Gaethje in July 2014, but he would bounce back with two straight unanimous decision wins before taking a break from the sport to deal with nagging injuries and get married.

Last September, the 31-year-old Newell confirmed his comeback plans by signing with the LFA.

Headliner Mazo broke out in 2017 in a big way with a pair of first-round head kick knockouts that went viral; one over Jamie Thorton at LFA 9, the other against Linsey Williams at LFA 23. The 20-year-old seeks her first MMA title when she takes on Juarez.

Here is the main card for LFA 35:

Sabina Mazo vs. Silvana Juarez

Nick Newell vs. Sonny Luque

Jason Langellier vs. Thomas Webb

Charles Cheeks vs. Rivaldo Junior

Jeremy Hardy vs. Vernon Lewis

Adrian Yanez vs. Miles John

Casey Jones vs. Leomana Martinez