Paul Buentello vs. Isaac Villanueva booked for Legacy FC 27

Former UFC and Strikeforce heavyweight title challenger Paul Buentello (33-15) will look to go 2-0 at light heavyweight when he meets Isaac Villanueva (7-7) at Legacy FC 27.

Legacy promoter Mick Maynard confirmed the early-2014 booking with MMAjunkie.com.

Legacy FC 27 takes place July 31 at Houston’s Arena Theatre. The main card airs on AXS TV.

Buentello, a Texan who’s been competing professionally for nearly 17 years, recently dropped to 205 pounds and scored a TKO victory over James McSweeney. It marked the big-show vet’s fourth consecutive win, three of which have come via knockout. In 33 career victories, he owns 20 knockouts and nine submissions for an 85 percent finishing rate.

He now meets a fighter in desperate need of a win. Villanueva has suffered four consecutive losses, including a submission defeat to jiu-jitsu ace Robert Drysdale at Legacy FC 12 in mid-2012, which marks his most recent appearance. Like Buentello, Villanueva is a striker and has posted knockouts in six of his seven career victories.

Additional Legacy FC 27 bouts will be announced in the coming weeks.

For more on Legacy FC 27, stay tuned to the MMA Rumors section of the site.

(Pictured: Paul Buentello)