XFConAir – Dave Courchaine

Live on BluegrassMMA Radio:

Nathan Maness won 3 fights, 2 titles and did it in 8 days. We hear from the baddest bantamweight in the State tonight.

Dustin Walden returns to action at 3FC 17. It has been a minute since we have talked to the 6-3 professional. He will meet Ken Thompson in the main event June 1st in Pigeon Forge.

We will recap Hardrock MMA 56 and HB Dick’s 8th Anniversary event.

(82:36 Mark) We will take some time to talk about what is going on at XFC 24. New opponent for Holtzman and Bobonis and we catch up with newly signed XFC Welterweight Dave Courchaine about his fight vs. Luis Santos in Tampa June 14th.

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Scott “Hot Sauce Holtzman fScott “Hot Sauce” Holtzman

XFConAIR: MMASubway hosts XFC LW Scott “Hot Sauce” Holtzman at the 30:56 mark

The last time Scott was on the show he was facing Nick Newell for his XFC LW belt. While things have changed… and I mean a lot…Hot Sauce doesn’t miss a beat and remains focused on his goal to be a World Champion of the XFC.

Tune in and hear about his new opponent for the vacated XFC LW title…

Also covering the hottest topics in MMA!!

XFC 24 Scott Holtzman vs John Mahlow Live on Axstv

Challenge made, challenge accepted. The stage has been set. The XFC’s past meets the present, to determine their future.  On June 14th, Live from the USF Sundome in Tampa Florida, Scott “Hotsauce” Holtzman will take on John “The Mulatto Mauler” Mahlow for XFC Lightweight gold.

Since hanging up his hockey skates in 2008, University of Tennessee and Knoxville Ice Bears Forward Scott Holtzman (4-0) has only had one thing on his mind, a mixed martial arts title.  After an undefeated amateur career, that never saw a 3rd round, and four impressive professional wins, Holtzman finds himself one step closer to reaching his goal, when he faces off against John Mahlow at XFC 24: Collision Course.  The often quiet Holtzman recently found himself at the center of media attention, after former XFC Lightweight Champion Nick Newell refused to defend his belt based on the merit that Scott was “an up and comer.”  Media headlines soared as Newell was abruptly stripped of his title, leaving “Hotsauce” without an opponent for his June 14th title fight.  While fielding hundreds of questions, the XFC’s #1 contender made one thing clear, his goal was never to beat Nick Newell, his goal was to become a champion, and Nick Newell just happen to be the man holding his belt. “The man across from me in the cage has changed, but the plan is still the same…get my belt.”  Will Scott Holtzman continue his unbeaten rise to the top or will John Mahlow close the curtain on the “Hotsauce” show?

When XFC President John Prisco announced that the Main Event at XFC 24 would still be for the promotion’s Lightweight Title, the first man to reach out to him and challenge Scott Holtzman was John Mahlow (13-13).  Mahlow was the company’s first ever Lightweight Champion and now wants his shot once again at the belt that Holtzman and Newell were fighting over.  “The Mulatto Mauler” has been fighting professionally for more than 10 years. He has stood in the cage with the likes of Antonio McKee, Mac Danzig, Mark Bocek, Jeff Curran, Luis Palomino, and Junior Assuncao.  His wins read like chapters in the BJJ handbook: Rear Naked Choke, Triangle Choke, Ankle Lock, Arm Bar, Guillotine.  On June 14th, Mahlow will look to add one more victim to his list and wants to show Scott Holtzman he is ready to be champion again.

When asked about the changes to the XFC 24 Main Event, John Prisco had this to say: “It just felt right. I went through all the emails and phone calls that were coming in asking for the shot at Holtzman and this title, and I kept going back to one guy, actually the first guy that reached out to me, John Mahlow.  It just seemed fitting. If Scott Holtzman wants to be the future of this division, then why not fight the man who first held the belt? This is a tough fight for Scott. Mahlow has 26 professional bouts to his name. He has fought some of the best in the business and been through wars. He’s back and better than ever from an injury that took him out of the game for a while, and he is ready to go. Scott is still young in this sport, but he’s hungry and talented, a dangerous combination.  I’ve never seen anyone as focused as Scott Holtzman is right now, the guy is on a mission. This is going to be an interesting fight. Scott’s rough, ground and pound style versus John’s slick submissions…I honestly don’t know how this one is going to turn out, but I am excited to get a Champion crowned and continue our promotions Lightweight chase.”

Xtreme Fighting Championships makes its way back to Tampa, Florida for XFC 24: Collision Course on June 14, 2013. The event is presented by ICRealTime Security Solutions and ThroatPunch Ind. Apparel. The event will be broadcast Live on AXS TV from the beautiful USF Sun Dome, beginning at 9pm. For more information on the event, or to purchase tickets, visit www.officialxfc.com. For daily updates and news, follow this event and the XFC on Facebook and Twitter @OfficialXFC.

Article by J. Hobbs

View the Full XFC 24 Fight Card

XFC 24 Ricky Rainey vs Reggie Pena Live on Axstv

Independence Day might be celebrated in July, but the XFC will be setting off fireworks June 14th, when Welterweight sensation Ricky Rainey answers the call to take on Middleweight iron man, Reggie Pena.  Xtreme Fighting Championships guarantees all out warfare when the “Sniper” and the “Regulator” shoot it out in the center of the cage. Who will be left standing when the dust settles?

North Carolina’s Ricky Rainey (7-1) is a man possessed.  Currently riding a 3 fight win streak, Rainey’s passion to compete and stay active has lead the 170lb standout to Tampa Florida, where he will be making a Middleweight appearance, to test his skills against Reggie Pena, at XFC 24.  The “Sniper’s” last two bouts have ended in judges decisions, but with Pena’s willingness to stand and trade punches, Rainey will surely be looking to land his big right hand and finish this fight in highlight reel fashion.  Will Ricky Rainey’s long reach and crisp punches give the pugilist Pena fits, or will Rainey’s aggressive style simply fall right into Pena’s game plan?

The last time we saw Reggie Pena (10-5), he silenced a rowdy Nashville crowd at XFC 18: Music City Mayhem, when he pulled off an impressive 2nd round guillotine submission on UFC veteran John Salter. The “Regulator” won over the Music City fans battling through several near finishes by Salter in the opening round. Pena has won 8 of his last 10 bouts, and looks to jump right into the XFC Middleweight Title picture with a win over the dangerous Ricky Rainey.  Pena had this to say about his opponent: “Ricky Rainey is a tough guy. I respect what he’s done in the sport so far, but I’m just gonna say it, he hasn’t fought anyone on my level.  I’m gonna be in his face for 15 straight minutes.”

“This bout has fight of the night written all over it”, said XFC President John Prisco.  “We all know Reggie’s boxing background and relentless style, and we’ve seen Rainey’s willingness to stand, with his long reach and crisp punches, so this fight could very well stay standing the whole way and turn into classic boxing match. The fans in Tampa are going to get their monies worth with this one bout.  Pena is never out of a fight, you damn near have to kill him to beat him. When the odds are stacked against Reggie Pena, that’s when the kid shines and pulls out huge wins, just look at what he did in Nashville last year. And Ricky Rainey has been on a tear. This guy is a true fighter; he can’t stand breaks in between fights. When I made the call and asked Ricky if he was interested in stepping up to Middleweight for this fight, he didn’t hesitate.  Ricky realizes that a win over Reggie Pena is a huge notch on his belt. In eight fights, he has only shown us only about 3 seconds worth of weakness, but Rainey is going to have to respect Pena every second of every round.  If he lets down his guard or gives Reggie an inch, this fight could be over.”

Xtreme Fighting Championships makes its way back to Tampa, Florida for XFC 24: Collision Course on June 14, 2013. The event is presented by ICRealTime Security Solutions and ThroatPunch Ind. Apparel. The event will be broadcast Live on AXS TV from the beautiful USF Sun Dome, beginning at 9pm. For more information on the event, or, to purchase tickets, visit www.officialxfc.com. For daily updates and news, follow this event and the XFC on Facebook and Twitter @OfficialXFC.

Article by J. Hobbs

View the Full XFC 24 Fight Card

XFC 24: Collision Course – June 14th Tampa, FL | Live on AXS TV

The XFC – Xtreme Fighting Championships have set their sights on June 14th, 2013 for another action packed televised professional MMA Event, XFC 24! Join us as several of the top local and national superstars show the fans and the XFC all they’ve got in undercard battles you won’t want to miss. Then, be a part of the crowd, live on AXStv at 9pm, as the XFC broadcasts nationally to 40 million homes. Doors open at 6:30pm, Fights start at 7:00pm. We go LIVE on AXS tv at 9pm

Tickets on sale now (Click Here)

Fight Poster: (Click Here)

Event Link on Facebook: (Click here to RSVP and see which of your friends are going!)

Co-Main Event – Middleweight Division:
Ricky Rainey (7-1) vs Reggie Pena (10-5) @ Middleweight 185 lbs. (Press Release)

Feature Bout – Welterweight Division:
Dave Courchaine (15-5) vs Luis Santos (56-8-1) @ Welterweight 170 lbs.
Kevin Forant (5-0) vs Eric Reynolds (16-6)@ Lightweight 155 lbs. (Press Release)
Kelly Warren (3-4) vs Cortney Casey (Pro Debut) @ *Women’s Flyweight 125 lbs. (Press Release)
Opening Bout:  Shah Bobonis (15-7)vs Deivison Ribeiro (23-9) @ Featherweight 145 lbs.

Undercard

Chad Livingston vs John Cofer @ Featherweight (TV Swingbout)

Nick Smith vs Ladarious Jackson @ Welterweight 170 lbs.

Matthew Ferraiolo vs Gabe Maldonado @ Featherweight 145

Ken Crowder vs Jason Ignacek @ Bantamweight 135 lbs.

Jason Gladey vs Gilbert Burgos @ Bantamweight 135 lbs.

Billy Quarantillo vs Theo Idleburg @ Lightweight 155 lbs.

 XFC 24 – TALE OF THE TAPE

MAIN EVENT – LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP: 

XFC 24 Scott Holtzman vs John Mahlow Live on Axstv

Co-Main Event – Middleweight Division:

XFC 24 Ricky Rainey vs Reggie Pena Live on Axstv

Feature Bout – Welterweight Division:

XFC 24 Dave Courchaine vs Luis Santos Live on Axstv

XFC 24 Kevin Forant vs Eric Reynolds Live on Axstv

XFC 24 Kelly Warren vs Cortney Casey Live on Axstv

Opening Bout – Featherweight Division:

XFC 24 Shah Bobonis vs Deivison Ribeiro Live on Axstv

TV Swingbout – Featherweight Division:

XFC 24 Chad Livingston vs John Cofer TV Swingbout

XFC 24 Nick Smith vs Ladarious Jackson Undercard

XFC 24 Matt Ferraiolo vs Gabe Maldonado Undercard

XFC 24 Ken Crowder vs Jason Ignacek Undercard

XFC 24 Jason Gladey vs Gilbert Burgos Undercard

XFC 24 Billy Quarantillo vs Theo Idleburg Undercard

XFC 24: Collision Course – June 14th, 2013 | USF Sun Dome Tampa, FL

Good things come to those who wait!  For over a week, XFC Lightweight contender Scott Holtzman has waited patiently to find out what his future holds, after former champion Nick Newell refused to defend his title at XFC 24, on June 14th.  The wait is finally over. In an ironic twist, Scott Holtzman’s future will come face to face with the XFC’s past. Xtreme Fighting Championships is excited, and proud, to announce that a new Collision Course has been set.

Live on AXS TV, from the USF Sun Dome in Tampa, Florida, Scott “Hotsauce” Holtzman will square off against former, and 1st ever, XFC Lightweight Champion John “The Mulatto Mauler” Mahlow (13-13). View the Full Fight Card (Click Here)

Tale of the Tape: Holtzman vs Mahlow

XFC 24 Scott Holtzman vs John Mahlow Live on Axstv

Scott Holtzman XFC Fighter Bio (Click Here)
John Mahlow XFC Fighter Bio (Click Here)

XFC 24 Kelly Warren vs Cortney Casey Live on Axstv`

They say, “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned”.  But in the world of mixed martial arts, hell hath no fury like a woman fighting on national television!  On June 14, 2013, Live from the USF Sun Dome in beautiful Tampa, Florida, Xtreme Fighting Championships keeps its promise and tradition of showcasing Women’s MMA, by adding a Flyweight showdown between Cortney Casey and Kelly Warren.

Cortney “Cast Iron” Casey (0-0) is wasting no time making a name for herself as a professional fighter. The former professional soccer player’s decision to jump right into the fire and face WMMA veteran Kelly Warren has almost everyone scratching their heads. However, if you ask anyone that knows Casey, this is just typical Cortney. Kerry Hartney, matchmaker for the Las Vegas amateur super show, Tuff Nuff, had this to say about the debuting Casey: “Cortney Casey doesn’t want easy fights. She doesn’t get motivated unless there is a tough challenge in front of her. The girl never backs down from a challenge, so it doesn’t surprise me one bit that she is fighting Kelly Warren in her debut. Mark my words, soon everyone will know Cortney Casey’s name.”  Casey closed out her amateur career with three dynamic performances for the famed Vegas promotion, which included a title win and defense of their Flyweight Championship. Her most spectacular win as an amateur came in her last bout, when she submitted Rachael Cummings with a highlight reel flying armbar in November of 2012. On June 14th, the question will be answered, will “Cast Iron” Casey turn up the heat on Kelly Warren and start her journey to XFC gold with a huge win, or will Warren leave her second guessing her opponent choice?

We’ve all heard the saying “sometimes a fighter’s record doesn’t tell the whole story”.  In the case of Kelly Warren (3-4), this cliché couldn’t be truer.  After starting her career with a three fight win streak, Kelly Warren has faced a who’s who of women’s mixed martial arts. Her current four fight skid has come against opponents carrying a combined record of 44-9.   In a seven month time span, Warren took Aisling Daly, Tara Larosa, and Reyna Cordoba into deep rounds. In that same stretch, she saw her fight against Bellator superstar Jessica Eye go to a judge’s decision.  Casey will not be the only one looking to add another submission win to her resume.  The veteran Warren has a knack for placing a well-timed triangle around her opponent’s neck. Two of Kelly Warren’s three wins have come from Triangle and Arm Triangle Chokes.  Without a doubt, Warren will be the challenge Casey desires, and in Tampa, Florida we’ll find out which fighter has bitten off more than they can chew.

President John Prisco had this to say about XFC 24’s female bout: “I think this is a great match up.  When we scouted Cortney Casey, it was immediately obvious that she’s an amazing athlete.  She fights with a poise and confidence well beyond her number of fights.  Casey’s submissions are some of the sickest I’ve seen at any level of mixed martial arts. And please, don’t let Kelly Warren’s record fool you. This girl has run the gauntlet against the best in the business, and pushed them into the late rounds. She showed me more in her losses than most do in their wins.  You can’t put a price tag on that type of experience.  The girl is a warrior.  Cortney is going to have her hands full with Kelly, and Kelly needs to right her ship and get back to winning. The only question is, will June 14th be the night it happens, or will Casey push it to a later date?”

Xtreme Fighting Championships makes its way back to Tampa, Florida for XFC 24: Collision Course on June 14, 2013. The event is presented by ICRealTime Security Solutions and ThroatPunch Ind. Apparel. The event will be broadcast Live on AXS TV from the beautiful USF Sun Dome, beginning at 9pm. For more information on the event, or to purchase tickets, visit www.officialxfc.com. For daily updates and news, follow this event and the XFC on Facebook and Twitter.

Article by J. Hobbs

41:20 mark

MMAmayhem Radio | XFConAir Interviews

MMAmadhouse.com – MMAnews & Radio

The MMAMadhouse gang welcomes the President & Matchmaker of the XFC, John Prisco (@OfficialXFC),  as well as XFC Featherweight fighter Shah Bobonis (@ShahBobonis)

Make sure you can watch XFC 24: Collision Course LIVE on AXS TV Fights June 14th from the USF Sun Dome Arena

SUPPORT LOCAL MMA

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

Tonight @ 7pm PST/10pm EST on MMA Subway-ATTU Network   my guest will be XFC’s WW Dave Courchaine.

Dave is 15-5 coming into his fight on June 14th, riding a 8 fight win streak. He is looks to make a new home in the XFC!!

Click here to Listen!

Ladarious Jackson Live on BluegrassMMA

We broke the news today about our pal Jessamyn Duke getting what was deserved as the Missouri Office of Athletics overturned her Invicta FC 5 loss to a “No Contest”. The Gun returns tonight to talk about it.

Art of War gets back to action May 25th! The matchmaker himself Michael Lawson will join us to preview the event.

Nathan Pierce found victory in Panama and will return to the cage Saturday night in a welterweight title fight at Hardrock MMA in Somerset.

From XFC 24 we will usher in Ladarious Jackson. We will talk to the welterweight prospect about his bout in Tampa at XFC 24 on June 14th. (94:10 mark)

To close out we have UVC winner Matt Anderson joining us to talk about his win and what’s next.

Check out the fight card of XFC 24 featuring Ladarious Jackson

Check out Ladarious XFC Fighter Bio

XFC 24 Kevin Forant vs Eric Reynolds Live on Axstv

XFC 24 to showcase Lightweights Kevin Forant and Eric Reynolds

In 2001, Florida became home to professional sports greatest nickname, when Lakeland’s own Rod “He Hate Me” Smart captivated football audiences in the XFL. On June 14th, Smart will have to concede that title, when Xtreme Fighting Championships presents a showdown between two of the sports best lightweights, Kevin “The Master of Cool” Forant and Eric “It’s a Wrap” Reynolds, Live on AXS TV, from the USF Sun Dome in Tampa, Florida.

At 31 years old, North Carolina’s Kevin Forant (5-0) has started his 6th, and arguably most important, professional training camp. The man that will be waiting for him, and looking to blemish his perfect record at XFC 24, is the younger yet more experienced Eric Reynolds.  Forant, a Team Hayastan-IMB product, last entered the XFC cage at XFC 19: Charlotte Showdown. It was there, that he ground out a unanimous decision over Joe Elmore in front of his hometown crowd.  XFC 24 will mark the first time “The Master of Cool” has left the comforts of the Carolinas, as he plays the role of visiting team, in Reynolds home state of Florida.  Forant has displayed a well-rounded set of skills in route to an undefeated record, but Eric Reynolds is unquestionably Kevin Forant’s most challenging opponent to date.  Will Forant stay “Cool” and walk away with his 6th professional victory, or will June 14th be a “Wrap” on his perfect record?

Eric Reynolds (16-6) is no stranger to big lights and television cameras. After starting his pro career in 2007, with an impressive 9-0 record, Reynolds has been at home in the spotlight.  After brilliant performances in 2012 against Luciano Dos Santos and Lorenzo Borgomeo, Reynolds earned a shot at XFC gold at the promotions end of year extravaganza, Night of Champions II.  It was there he suffered a shocking loss to Nick Newell and now finds himself searching for redemption.  The climb back to the top of the XFC Lightweight Division won’t be an easy one. Standing immediately in the way of another title shot is the gritty, blue collared, North Carolina stand out Kevin Forant.  The battle-tested Reynolds looks to show the world that his best fights are still ahead of him, and that he isn’t quite ready to pass the torch to Forant. The question is, will Forant wait for it to be passed or will he take it from Reynolds in his own back yard?

“This is a huge fight for Eric Reynolds” said XFC President John Prisco. “How he responds coming off the title fight loss could set the tone for the rest of his career. Will he always be the contender who fell one fight short of the belt, or, will he climb his way back to the top and show everyone he is the champion we all know he can be? Eric is one of the most talented guys on our roster. He has all the tools to be a champion, but he is in a position now where he is gonna have to fight off all these young lions trying to take his spot near the top.” When asked about Kevin Forant, the XFC boss had this to say: “You better not sleep on Kevin Forant. Don’t let this guy’s age and experience fool you. He is in phenomenal shape and a hell of an athlete. He may be in his 30’s, but his body hasn’t taken the years of beating that most fighters his age have. He’s fresh, healthy and hungry. That’s a dangerous combination when you add that to the skill level he possesses. This fight could have very easily been the Main or Co-Main on any other card. The Tampa crowd is in for a treat with this one, I feel it.”

Xtreme Fighting Championships makes its way back to Tampa, Florida for XFC 24: Collision Course on June 14, 2013. The event is presented by ICRealTime Security Solutions and ThroatPunch Ind. Apparel. The event will be broadcast Live on AXS TV from the beautiful USF SunDome, beginning at 9pm. For more information on the event, or, to purchase tickets, visit www.officialxfc.com. For daily updates and news, follow this event and the XFC on Facebook and Twitter @OfficialXFC.

Article by J. Hobbs – XFC

Topics: Newell, Holtzman, New Signings, XFC Tryouts, Feeder to UFC, Title Talk, Increase Show Schedule (Big announcement coming soon), XFC Women’s Division, welcoming Invicta to the sport, XFC Media Team Coverage, XFC 24 on June 14th

Interview runs 2:30 – 35:00 mark | MMAmadhouse.com – The Rogue Show

Read the Press Release John was speaking about in the interview (Go Here…..)

MMAmadhouse MMA News & Mixed Martial Arts Radio Shows | MMAmadhouse.com

XFC 24 Holtzman to Newell dont be scared

Early yesterday, XFC media officials released a statement from Promoter & President John Prisco announcing that current Lightweight Champion Nick Newell has refused to defend his title against fellow undefeated XFC Lightweight Scott “Hot Sauce” Holtzman because “he’s not an ex-UFC fighter.”

We caught up Scott Holtzman today and here’s what he had to say:

“Its disappointing to hear that Nick Newell doesn’t feel I’m worthy enough to step into the cage with him. This is what happens when a fighter is surrounded by a bunch of “yes” men. He starts to believe his own hype. Don’t get this story twisted, Nick Newell isn’t concerned about the “name” he’s wanting to beat, he’s concerned about the name that was about to beat him. He’s gonna tell you all that this was about him wanting to beat a “UFC vet”, but its not. He knew a loss was coming and he’s playing damage control. He’s making sure he covers his ass. He’s making sure he can say, “yea I lost, but it was to a UFC vet”, instead of having to say he lost to Scott Holtzman.”

He also tweeted to Nick:

@notoriousnewell don’t be scared homey

— Scott Holtzman (@HotSauceHoltzy) May 9, 2013

Newell released a statement to Bloody Elbow yesterday saying:

“…To say that I’m scared of someone is kind of ridiculous. It’s just a way for them to bully me into re-signing with them, but what’s after Scott Holtzman? A guy with four or five fights? Another fight with Eric Reynolds? I don’t want to sound like I’ve gone Hollywood, but I’m ready for a bigger name and a bigger challenge. I think Eric Reynolds was a much tougher challenge than Scott Holtzman. I’m not scared of him. The headlines are misleading.”

As many XFC fans know, Scott “Hot Sauce” Holtzman was nominated as one of Inside MMA’s Rising Stars of the Year just last year and now carries a perfect 4-0 record, with all fights coming from inside the XFC cage.  Newell holds an unblemished (9-0) record as well, and is similarly 4-0 inside the XFC Cage.

If to be the best, you have to fight the best, why does Nick Newell believe Scott Holtzman is not deserving of his chance, when everyone else believes he is.

As fans of MMA, everyone is entitled to their opinion.  In the XFC promoters eyes, a true Champion defends their title or they relinquish it.  For that reason, Prisco has stripped Newell of the title and Scott Holtzman will now fight June 14th for the vacated title.

To read the morning press statement from XFC President John Prisco, (Click  here)

Check out the videos of both fighters below: