Tag: XFC

Press Release – “Notorious” Nick Newell joined the XFC lightweight ranks in late 2011 and has since taken on challengers from each of the regions the promotion has visited along the way. Newell’s next MMA fight is set for August 3 at XFC 19: Charlotte Showdown, live on AXStv vs David Mays.

In December of 2011, Newell made his XFC debut vs. Miami Florida’s Dennis Hernandez. With 5 career first round victories already sealed on his record, Newell added yet another by submitting Hernandez by heel hook in less than 2 minutes. Months later, Newell returned to the XFC cage as the promotion journeyed to Jackson, Tennessee. This time, Chris Coggins, a Lightweight from Clarksville, Tennessee had been matched against ‘Notorious’. Coggins, widely reguarded as one of the top Lightweights in Tennessee, carried a 5-1 record going into the bout, including 3 straight submission victories. After three rounds of back and forth momentum, Newell was announced the winner by majority decision.

Now venturing to Charlotte, NC Newell has again been matched with one of the regions top up &coming Lightweights, David Mays. Mays, making his XFC debut at XFC 19, enters the cage with a 6-3 pro record that includes 5 first round submission victories. Much like Newell, Mays has proven he can finish fights quickly and surely making a point that he could very well be Newell’s most challenging opponent yet.

XFC President John Prisco spoke about the match up for Newell, “I’ve always said we don’t give anyone easy fights and Nick knows that as an XFC vet. He wanted to fight tougher opponents, which is why he came to our organization and we wanted to see his full potential. Each opponent we’ve given him has been tougher than the previous and David Mays is no exception. This is a tough fight for both guys and it has potential to be another 3 round war like the Coggins fight.”

Newell will be the first “amputee” to fight professionally in North Carolina. Currently, the state does not license amputee fighters, however an exception has been agreed on for Newell because he was born with only half of his left arm. Licensed to fight in 4 other states, Newell has proven that he deserves to be in the cage, just like any other fighter. Charlotte MMA fans will see some of XFCs biggest names, when the promotion visits in August. Along with Newell, Felice Herrig, and TUF veteran Corey Hill some of the States top fighters will also participate in the Charlotte Showdown.

For more information about the event and to purchase tickets, go to www.officialxfc.com. Follow the promotion daily on Facebook and Twitter ‘@OfficialXFC’. XFC 19: Charlotte Showdown is presented by ICRealtime Security Solutions, with the event being held in Charlotte’s Grady Cole Center, aired live on AXS TV starting at 9PM ET on August 3rd.

Press Release – Hometown MMA star Jason Wood takes on Ronnie Rogers at XFC 17 Former Xtreme Fighting Championships Featherweight #1 contender and Tennessee native Jason Wood (5-1) will return to the XFC cage on April 13th at the Oman Arena in Jackson, TN. Wood will take on heavy handed Ronnie Rogers (10-7) in a lightweight battle that will air live on HDNet.

Wood, who grew up in the area, will no doubt be the fan favorite when he steps into the cage that night. With millions of XFC fans watching on HDNet and friends & family in attendance, “The Ironman” insists he just wants to put on a show against Rogers. “I plan to go in, stand with him, and go toe to toe,” said Wood. “I want to give my fans a knockout. I can’t promise it won’t go to the ground, but I am looking for the knockout. Ronnie looks to be pretty strong and I think he likes to bang it out. He has some heavy hands, with several KOs on his record which I think makes for an exciting fight! From what I’ve seen, it’s a descent matchup for me on the ground too. But then again, I haven’t seen much of his ground game, so we will see what happens. I just want to knock him out and go out Rocky style in Jackson.”

Fighting Live on television on HDNet and in front of friends is special for any fighter, but Wood insists he realizes that the show means so much more to the West Tennessee fans and fighters. “XFC 17 is the biggest show that’s ever been to Jackson,” explained Wood. “If it goes over well, we want Jackson to be a staple for the XFC. I know Mr. Prisco has stated that he wants Tennessee to be the XFC’s second home and we have an opportunity to show him that we want to have them back and can deliver. It’s a great honor to be fighting for the XFC in my hometown and I want to put on a show for them and the fans, to help make the event really special.”

In March 2010 Jason Wood fought Jarrod Card for the XFC featherweight title. After a back and forth first round, Wood got caught in a rear naked choke and was forced to submit. Now, fighting at 155, Wood says he is much more comfortable at lightweight and won’t fight at 145 again. “When I fought Card I cut from 180 to 143.” said Wood. “I felt like it killed me having to cut almost 40 pounds. I need to be at lightweight. The fight with Rogers will be at 155 and it’s a better cut. I can cut 25 pounds and still fight to my potential. 145 was just a tough cut and I’m so much better at 155. Now that I don’t have to worry about all the weight, I’m concentrating on training. I’ve been doing two-a-days and hitting Jackson Gladiator’s Fitness with Greg Slach in the morning and in the evening I’m over at Jackson BJJ with Ashley Wheat. But the one guy who deserves all the credit is Anthony Maness. He’s one of my mentors and someone I look up to. He’s the man and the one who got me started.”

XFC President John Prisco is thrilled to have Wood back in the XFC cage and expects a barn-burner when Wood and Rogers step into the cage. “I’m really excited to see Jason back in the XFC,” said Prisco. “Two years ago he fought for our flyweight title and I really believe that he has the skillset to be a champion. Jason is very well rounded and can win a fight standing or on the ground. However, Ronnie Rogers is one of those guys that you can’t overlook. He was on a four fight win streak last year. He’s fought all over the Southeast, against some of the best in the world like: Rich Clementi and Deividas Taurosevicus. If this stays standing, I think we are going to see a classic XFC scrap. But, if it goes to the ground, it could be lots of fun too with both men being so skilled. Either way, it’s going to be an exciting night and I know the hometown fans will be rockin’ when Jason steps in the cage.”

XFC 17: Apocalypse will take place at the Oman Arena in Jackson, TN on Fri. April 13th and will air live on HDNet. Tickets are on sale now through the OfficialXFC website & Ticketmaster. To learn more about the XFC, please visit www.officialxfc.com, “Like” them on Facebook (/officialxfc) and “Follow” the promotion on Twitter (@officialxfc).

Press Release – The XFC officially announced that top lightweights, Luciano Dos Santos and Eric Reynolds will headline XFC 17: Apocalypse live on HDNet. The show will feature not only the best fighters in the Southeastern United States but some of the top MMA prospects in the world as well. This highly anticipated event will take place on Friday, April 13th at the Oman Arena in Jackson, Tennessee.

Luciano Dos Santos will be looking for his fourth straight victory at XFC 17: ‘Apocalypse’. “Macarrao” made a name for himself in 2007 and 2008, when he submitted four straight opponents while fighting in Brazil. The American Top Team product has quickly evolved his game knocking out 2 of his last 3 opponents in the first round. With only two decisions in nine career victories Dos Santos has proven himself as a man who finishes fights and puts on one exciting show after another.

Standing in Dos Santos way in Jackson, TN, is heavy handed knock out artist Eric “It’s a Wrap” Reynolds. Reynolds snapped Jonatas Novaes four fight win streak in the main event of XFC 15 ‘Tribute’ back in December and will be looking to end Dos Santos’ as well. Reynolds has developed a reputation as one of the most exciting lightweights in the country and at ‘Apocalypse’ he is looking to put another big show on HDNet.

“I’m really excited about fighting at XFC 17,” said Reynolds. “I know that Luciano is a game opponent, but when they close that cage door only one of us is leaving with the win. Luciano has heavy hands and likes to bang and so do I. I think it makes for an exciting fight and I’m thankful that Mr. Prisco put us in the main event because it’s going to be good TV.”

XFC President John Prisco agrees with Reynolds assessment of the main event at XFC 17 ‘Apocalypse’. “Dos Santos and Reynolds are two of the top 155ers in the country,” said Prisco. “These two guys will stand and trade and that always makes for an exciting fight. Both men are very good on the ground too. Reynolds looked very impressive in his win in his XFC debut over Jonatas Novaes in December and I know he’s been itching to get back in the cage. I can’t wait to see what Eric and Luciano do in Jackson. It’s going to be a phenomenal main event.”

XFC 17: Apocalypse takes place at the Oman Arena in Jackson, TN on April 13th and will air live on HDNet. Tickets are on sale now through Official XFC & Ticketmaster. To learn more about the XFC please visit www.officialxfc.com, “Like” them on Facebook, www.facebook.com/officialxfcand “Follow” the promotion on Twitter, www.twitter.com/officialxfc .