LFA 193 Predictions: Bowers vs. Borisova - Fight Preview: Steven Asplund vs. Denzel Freeman

The heavyweight clash between Steven "Concrete" Asplund and Denzel "Luke Fox" Freeman at LFA 193 is set to be a barnburner, featuring two fighters with knockout power and strong finishing instincts. Asplund comes in with an undefeated 3-0 professional record, while Freeman, with a record of 4-1, brings a wealth of experience across various organizations. This heavyweight showdown promises explosive action, with both fighters aiming to leave a lasting impression in the LFA heavyweight division.

 

Betting Odds

Fighter	Moneyline
Steven Asplund	+130
Denzel Freeman	-161

Total Rounds	Odds
Over 1.5	-149
Under 1.5	+120

 

Fighter Backgrounds

Steven Asplund

Steven "Concrete" Asplund has made a splash in the heavyweight division with an undefeated 3-0 professional record. Standing 6’5" and weighing in at 255 lbs, Asplund brings a physical presence that matches his nickname, "Concrete." He is a powerful striker who has earned victories via knockout and decision, showcasing versatility in his game. Training out of McCune's Martial Arts in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Asplund has quickly risen through the regional ranks to become a notable heavyweight prospect.

At just 26 years old, Asplund is still early in his career but has shown maturity in his approach to fights. His combination of striking power and fight IQ has allowed him to maintain control in his bouts, dictating the pace and managing the distance effectively. Asplund's most recent fight was in April 2024 at LFA 181, where he secured a unanimous decision victory over Larry Gonzales, showcasing his ability to go the distance when necessary.

Denzel Freeman

Denzel "Luke Fox" Freeman comes into this bout with a 4-1 professional record. At 6'2" and 261 lbs, Freeman brings a combination of striking power and athleticism to the cage. Freeman's MMA journey has taken him through several organizations, including the Professional Fighters League (PFL), where he earned impressive knockout wins. His ability to finish fights early makes him a dangerous opponent in the heavyweight division.

Freeman’s last win came in March 2023, where he secured a first-round knockout in under a minute, demonstrating his ability to close the show quickly. However, his recent loss via decision at ADXC in January 2024 has exposed some vulnerabilities, particularly in longer bouts where his cardio and defensive capabilities can be tested. This fight against Asplund is crucial for Freeman as he looks to bounce back and reassert himself as a top contender in the LFA heavyweight division.

Fighting Styles and Strengths

Steven Asplund

Asplund’s style revolves around his striking power and ability to keep opponents at bay with his reach and footwork. Standing at 6'5", Asplund often enjoys a height and reach advantage over his opponents, which he uses to maintain distance and land heavy shots. His nickname, "Concrete," is a testament to his durability and toughness in the cage.

While primarily a striker, Asplund has shown an ability to mix in grappling when needed, making him a well-rounded threat in the heavyweight division. His ground-and-pound is another tool in his arsenal, which he can unleash once the fight goes to the mat. Overall, Asplund’s ability to dictate the pace of the fight and capitalize on his physical advantages makes him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the division.

Denzel Freeman

Freeman is known for his knockout power and his aggressive style. He likes to move forward and pressure his opponents, looking to land heavy shots early in the fight. His athleticism is a key asset, allowing him to close the distance quickly and catch opponents off guard with explosive strikes.

However, Freeman's cardio has been questioned in the past, especially in bouts that extend beyond the first round. While his early finishes demonstrate his knockout ability, Freeman has struggled when fights go the distance, as seen in his recent loss by decision. His key to victory in this bout will be to start fast and put Asplund on the back foot early.

Recent Performances and Matchup Analysis

Steven Asplund

Asplund’s recent performances have shown a level of composure that is impressive for a fighter with only three professional bouts. His ability to manage fights and avoid unnecessary risks has allowed him to remain undefeated. In his last fight, Asplund showcased his cardio and fight IQ by earning a unanimous decision victory, proving that he can go the distance if needed.

Against Freeman, Asplund’s game plan will likely revolve around controlling the distance and avoiding the early power shots from his opponent. If he can weather the initial storm, Asplund’s durability and conditioning give him a significant edge as the fight progresses.

Denzel Freeman

Freeman’s recent performances have been a mix of explosive finishes and defensive lapses. His knockout victories in the PFL demonstrated his power, but his losses, particularly the decision loss in January 2024, have exposed areas of his game that need improvement, particularly his endurance and ability to deal with prolonged exchanges.

In this matchup, Freeman will need to land early and often to put Asplund on the defensive. However, if the fight extends beyond the first round, Freeman’s cardio and defensive shortcomings could be exploited by Asplund, who has shown an ability to maintain his composure and perform well in longer fights.

 

Prediction