Andrew “Stewie” Stewart is on the brink of one of the most significant moments of his professional MMA career—a debut with the Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA) at LFA 219 on October 10th. Facing Johnathan Waid in an electrifying welterweight bout, Stewart isn’t just stepping into the cage; he’s stepping onto a platform that could catapult him to UFC recognition. In this candid interview, Andrew shares his fight preparations, his thoughts on his opponent, and his unwavering determination to make a lasting impression. Let’s dive into his journey leading up to this much-anticipated matchup!
The Fight Camp: Preparing for War
As Andrew gears up for his LFA debut, he reveals that his fight camp has been intense, but he’s focused and ready. “Camp’s going good. I’ve got great training partners, and we’re just working hard, getting into the best shape possible,” he shared. The energy in the gym is palpable, especially with several teammates fighting on the same card, which adds an extra layer of motivation. “When there are multiple people fighting, the whole training room intensity rises. It’s nice to go through it all together,” Andrew said.
With a solid support system and high-level coaching, Andrew is leaving no stone unturned. His preparation isn’t just about physical readiness—it’s about sharpening his mental game and strategy as well.
Johnathan Waid: Breaking Down the Opponent
Johnathan Waid brings a heavy jiu-jitsu game to the cage, something Andrew has analyzed closely. “He’s very submission-heavy and even pulls guard in MMA, which I wouldn’t recommend,” Andrew noted. However, he feels confident in his own well-rounded skill set. “To succeed in MMA today, you have to be good at everything. I believe my jiu-jitsu is just as good or better, and the rest of my game is significantly stronger.”
Though Andrew admits Waid’s grappling prowess, he emphasized his versatility. “I may get labeled as a striker because of my one-punch knockouts, but I’m just as capable on the ground. I haven’t had to show off my submissions yet, but they’re in my arsenal.”
Walking the Path to the UFC
Andrew understands the significance of fighting under the LFA banner, often regarded as a stepping stone to the UFC. “LFA is the perfect place to get eyeballs on me. There are UFC scouts watching, and I just need to put together a few good wins to get the right attention,” he explained.
He’s not in the fight game for a hobby; his goal is clear: UFC glory. “There’s no point in doing this if the UFC isn’t your goal. LFA is a launching pad, and I’m ready to put on a show and start those conversations about moving to the next level.”
The Team Behind the Fighter
One of Andrew’s biggest assets is his team at Nashville MMA, where he trains with elite coaches and fighters. Dustin Ortiz, a former UFC flyweight, once ranked No. 6 in the world, leads the charge as head coach. “Dustin beat Pantoja, the current flyweight champion, in wrestling. We have some of the highest-level coaching in the world,” Andrew said proudly.
In addition to Dustin, Andrew benefits from training with former UFC standout Ronnie Lawrence and a steady influx of top-tier talent who visit the gym, including Sean Strickland, Johnny Walker, and Chris Curtis. “I’ve had some great sparring rounds with these guys. Nashville MMA does an amazing job of attracting high-level fighters, so I don’t need to go anywhere else for top-notch training.”
The Road Ahead
For fans unfamiliar with Andrew’s fighting style, he promises an exciting performance. “I’m extremely well-rounded, and I like to bring the fight. Whether it stays standing or goes to the ground, I’m ready to dominate.” He sees this fight with Jonathan Wade as a pivotal moment in his career, a chance to demonstrate his skills on a larger stage and take one step closer to his ultimate goal.
Shoutouts and Gratitude
Andrew took a moment to express gratitude for the support system that keeps him going. “I want to thank my sponsors, Compass Human Performance, Ridge Chiropractic, and Proactive Spine Care, as well as my management team at Ruby. A big shoutout to my teammates, especially Dan, who’s also fighting on this card, and to my coaches for preparing me. Lastly, I couldn’t do this without the support of my wife and kids, who sacrifice so much to let me chase this dream.”
Don’t Miss the Action!
Andrew Stewart’s LFA debut is set to be a thrilling showcase of his talent, determination, and readiness to climb the ranks of MMA. Tune in to LFA 219 on October 10, streaming live on UFC Fight Pass, to watch Andrew take on Johnathan Waid in what promises to be a high-energy welterweight matchup.
Are you ready to see Andrew Stewart make his mark? Mark your calendars for October 10! Let’s cheer him on as he takes another step closer to his UFC dream. What are your thoughts on Andrew’s journey so far? Share your predictions and comments below! 🥊
