LFA 233: Piersma vs. Bianchini Brings Title Fights to Salamanca

LFA 233 takes place on Friday, 22 May 2026, at the Seneca Allegany Event Center in Salamanca, New York, with a welterweight title fight now headlining the card. Reigning champion Jonathan Piersma will defend his belt against Brazilian standout Diego Bianchini, while the co-main event features another title bout at lightweight.

Main Event

Jonathan Piersma enters as the defending LFA Welterweight Champion with an 11-3 record. He was originally scheduled to face Martin Camilo, but after Camilo’s withdrawal due to injury, Diego Bianchini stepped in for the title shot.

Bianchini arrives with a 10-2 record and a chance to make the most of a short-notice opportunity. Replacement title fights can change the mood of a card quickly, but they also create the kind of high-pressure moments that make LFA events compelling.

Co-Main Event

The co-main event remains a strong one, with LFA Lightweight Champion Richie Miranda defending his title against Robert Varricchio. Miranda comes in at 12-1, while East Coast contender Varricchio holds an 8-1 record.

That fight gives the card a second championship layer and helps balance the welterweight headliner. Between the two title bouts, LFA 233 has enough quality at the top to carry real significance.

Why It Matters

LFA has built a reputation as one of the strongest proving grounds in MMA, and title fights like this are a big part of that identity. Piersma vs. Bianchini is especially interesting because the late change adds an extra layer of uncertainty to a championship fight.

Miranda vs. Varricchio gives the card another strong matchup with title stakes, which makes LFA 233 feel like more than just a replacement-driven event. It is still a meaningful night for the promotion and one that could shape multiple divisional pictures.

What To Watch

The welterweight title fight is the main storyline, but the real question is whether Bianchini can adapt quickly enough to make the upset happen. Piersma has the advantage of being the established champion, while Bianchini has the momentum of a sudden title opportunity.

At lightweight, Miranda and Varricchio bring the kind of fight that can steal attention if it catches fire. With two belts on the line and broad broadcast coverage, LFA 233 has the feel of a strong regional showcase with championship consequences.