Blackford, who has gone 3-0 as a professional fighter, steps into the XFC cage for the first time on June 22 for XFC 18 : Music City Mayhem. He brings to the cage an impressive streak of three straight wins, all by submission. Even more impressive, Blackford has never been taken past the second round. In both his first and his most recent fight, he was able to put his opponents away in the first round. Blackford however does not want to be labeled as a grappler. Training in martial arts since the age of 14, Blackford has dedicated his time to earning black belts in three martial arts disciplines; American Combat Ju Jitsu, Isshin-Ryu Karate, and Isshin Bushi Jitsu.

Facing off against Donny Wallace, who has finished all five of his pro fights from submissions, may lead fans to expect a grapplers match when the two fighters collide in June. But according to Blackford, that’s not the plan.  “I feel like I’m a true mixed martial artist and I would love to keep it standing. I think my striking is my biggest asset!”

Wisdom may be Blackford’s next best asset,  as he enters the fight as one of the oldest competitors in XFC history, at 38 years old. But the Tennessee fighter warns that his age is not going to be a factor against the 28 year old Wallace. “Only MMA pundits talk about age, I really haven’t given it any thought. As long as I have the desire to fight, that’s what I plan on continuing to do. Plus it’s hard to talk about age as long as you’re winning!”

Jason Blackford will look to continue his win streak, adding his second win of 2012 and marking his debut with the XFC in impressive fashion.  When fans come to XFC 18, Blackford plans on ‘putting his whole arsenal on display’ for the city in which he resides.

XFC 18 : Music City Mayhem, sponsored by ICRealtime Security Solutions, takes place June 22, 2012 from the Nashville Municipal Auditorium and will be televised  live on HDNet starting at 9pm. For more information on the card, or to purchase tickets, visit  www.OfficialXFC.com. You can also follow the promotion daily on Twitter & Facebook - @OfficialXFC.

Brook Alcock:  Sofia this is your first show with XFC. What are you looking forward to the most?
Sofia Bagherdai: This is my first fight with XFC and I’m excited to be on national TV but most of all I’m excited how much XFC focuses on their fighters!

 

On June 22nd Xtreme Fighting Championships returns to Tennessee for the third time in 2012, for XFC 18: Music City Mayhem. The fights will take place at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium and will air live on HDNet beginning at 9pm. Included in the live portion of the event will be the Co-main Event, a heavyweight fight between Gabriel “The Franchise” Salinas-Jones and Scott “The Bear” Barrett in what Salinas-Jones is claiming may be a one-sided beat down.

Salinas-Jones admitted months ago his momentary lack of concentration on MMA was partly to blame for his loss to Devin Cole after GSJ opened his  business “OA Athletics” in early 2011. But now that the business is established and doing well, GSJ has returned his full attention to MMA and has been training for months preparing for his fight with Barrett.

“My business is going great now and I can step away a bit and make the necessary time to kick Scott Barrett, and all other heavyweights asses!” Salinas told XFC media team members. Now that he has the time to train, it seems that Salinas-Jones may have more confidence in how prepared he will be for his upcoming fight. Barrett is known for his wrestling style; however, this won’t be something that Salinas-Jones will let control the fight. When asked about how he plans on dealing with Barrett’s wrestling skills, GSJ had a short and certain answer. “If I want Scott Barrett on his back, he will be on his back.”

Salinas-Jones is not just planning for one victory, he has his sights set on becoming “The Franchise” heavyweight fighter in the XFC. When asked about his nickname “The Franchise”, Salinas-Jones said it was given to him by a coach who ran the amateur promotion in which he came up through. At first, the name seemed a bit cocky for GSJ’s liking, but he has since learned to embrace it. “I want the XFC belt! When I first fought for XFC, that was my goal and it still is. I can’t wait to make a statement in front of the Nashville fans and all those around the world watching on HDNet. When I signed the deal, it was discussed that I was going to be really active throughout my contract. I seriously can tell you how excited I am to be fighting for XFC.”

When Salinas-Jones returns to the cage for his fight with Barrett, he wants the fans to be prepared for what he will be bringing to the cage. When asked what the fans can expect in Nashville, “The Franchise” gave this bold prediction – “A beer in my hand at a country dive bar, after a one sided beat down of Scott Barrett on National TV. I’m the fighter that everyone else is going to be gunning for and the 22nd is just the beginning.”

Join the XFC and Gabriel Salinas-Jones in Tennessee June 22 at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium live on HDNet for XFC 18: Music City Mayhem brought to you by ICRealtime Security Solutions. For more information visit www.officialxfc.com or follow the promotion on Facebook and Twitter (@Officialxfc).

Press Release: Heather Clark returns to XFC after Debut in Boxing

“Hurricane” Heather Jo Clark (4-2) returns to the XFC cage June 22, 2012 for XFC 18 : Music City Mayhem, fighting in a catch weight of 120lb versus Sophia Bagherdai (4-2). This will be Clark’s first MMA fight since her XFC debut in February, when she challenged XFC veteran Marianna “The Crushen Russian” Kheyfets.

Training out of Jackson-Winklejohns, with some of the best MMA instructors in the world, Clark has taken the last couple months since her loss to Kheyfets to improve her skill level in mixed martial arts. While training for her return at XFC 18, Clark has been concentrating on her striking and even made a successful boxing debut against opponent Chavira Jack in late April.  “I am so blessed with an amazing women’s team (at Jackson’s). I have learned so much from being beat up by the best. We have women that are skilled in so many aspects that come thru the gym and that are there on a normal basis,” Clark told Brook Alcock of the XFC media team. “Boxing helped me see more openings in my opponents stand up…It didn’t just help me to punch better and/or move better, it helped my wrestling as well. It gave me confidence to punch, move, and then react to set up the take down.”

Clark has some unfinished business in the XFC women’s division. After controlling most of the first round against Kheyfets at XFC 16, the fight was stopped because of a quickly bruising swell just below her eye. With rumors that Clark may have been ahead on the score cards, she made a strong petition for an immediate rematch with the ‘Crushen Russian’. Scheduling differences between the two XFC fighters kept that from happening, but Clark will get a chance to redeem herself when she faces off with Bagherdai on June 22 in Nashville, live on HDNet.

“I enjoyed boxing a lot, but I love all the other challenges MMA brings. I am honored to be fighting for the XFC. It means a lot to me that there is always a women’s fight on all the cards. Women are finally getting a chance to showcase their skills on a high level stage. ” said Clark, who was on a 4 fight win streak prior to her XFC 16 bout. She will look to begin a new win streak starting on June 22, as she pushes to get herself to the top of the XFC women’s ranks. “I look forward to putting on great fights, so my fans will want to see more of me.”

Heather Jo Clark takes on Sofia Bagherdai, with both fighters holding a (4-2) professional record and looking to bounce back after very tough losses.  A win in this fight, for Clark, could also lead to the fight she and many of the XFC fans had been looking for, a rematch with XFC vet Marianna Keyfhets.

XFC 18: Music City Mayhem is sponsored by ICRealtime and will air live on HDNet from the Nashville Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, TN on June 22, 2012. Tickets and additional information are available at www.OfficialXFC.com. You can also follow the promotion daily on Facebook and Twitter (@OfficialXFC).  

ICRealtime is a global leader in the design and manufacture of quality advanced visual surveillance solutions.

IC Realtime - official camera and security solutions company of XFC

ICRealtime security solutions sponsor of XFCIC Realtime - official camera and security solutions company of XFC

XFCinsider: Joe Ray Ready to Excite XFC Fans Once Again

XFC veteran Joe Ray is set to take on Dustin West, when the promotion holds its next event XFC 18 : Music City Mayhem in Nashville on June 22, 2012. Joe Ray, who is (1-1) with the promotion, is also responsible for one of the best fights in XFC history, back at XFC 13. Ray is now scheduled to return to the XFC cage for the first time since that night, for what promises to be another ‘Fight of the Night’ performance.

Ray was ranked #10 in the 2011 World Welterweight Scouting Report by BloodyElbow.com for good reason. In his two year career, with 11 fights as a pro, Ray has made a name for himself by knocking out opponents and finishing fights in devastating fashion. In 8 career wins, Ray has knocked out six opponents and submitted the other two.  Five of his KO’s took place in the first round.

Muay Thai is the Miami fighter’s specialty, as well as where he shows the most confidence in the cage. After training in Thailand for roughly a year, Joe Ray’s striking ability has proven his most useful skill in the cage. In his first XFC bout, Ray earned a stoppage against XFC veteran Julio Gallegos after cutting his opponents face with a brutal elbow that led to a doctor’s stoppage.  It is no coincidence that in Ray’s second appearance with XFC, he was one half of the duo responsible for what some believe was the best fight in the promotions history. At XFC 13, Ray took on fellow Muay Thai fighter Jeremy Smith. The two exchanged a barrage of heavy hands, elbows, and kicks through three rounds of XFC action. At the end, it appeared that Ray had done significantly more damage. As it turned out, he had broken one of Smith’s orbital bones and all but closed both of the South African’s eyes from swelling. Unfortunately for Ray, two of the judges that evening scored the bout in favor of Smith and Ray took his first career loss via split decision.

Now on a two fight win streak, with two first round stoppages, Joe Ray is ready to return the big stage at XFC 18 where he will meet Dustin West in an XFC middleweight bout. West is another devastating striker, with 5 of 6 victories by way of first round KO or TKO. The Tennessee middleweight was also credited by XFC President John Prisco as having the most impressive pro debut he’d ever seen. “I think Ray vs. Smith was one of the best fights XFC has ever had. But this next fight with Ray and West has the potential to be fight of the night and even better than the war Ray showcased back at XFC 13.” said Prisco. “Both fighters have the ability to knock each other out, but neither of them has ever been knocked out. The fans in Nashville better not blink!”

Ray will attempt to add another KO victory to his record, while trying to avoid letting the bout go the distance. The Miramar ATT product will surely give the Nashville fans another unforgettable performance to kick off the evening’s MMA action.

XFC 18: Music City Mayhem will begin with this exciting middleweight match-up, when the promotion goes live on HDNet from Nashville on June 22nd. For more information on these fighters and the rest of the card, visit www.OfficialXFC.com. Follow the promotion daily on Facebook & Twitter (@OfficialXFC).

XFC President John Prisco says, “ “I love to make interesting match ups like this. It makes for great fights. I don’t know who has the advantage, or if either of them have one, but they both finish fights and that’s what fans like to see.”

Read the full press release here

XFC 18 Jason Blackford vs Donny Wallace Live on HDNet | officialxfc.com

Read her full interview here

The tryout will consist of the following:
- Scramble Drills
- Grappling
- Wrestling
- Pad & Mitt Training

After the above talent drills, several fighters will be brought to the semi-finals where they will spar.

Attendees are encouraged to bring the following:
- Headgear
- Mouthpiece
- Cup
- Shin Guards
- Boxing Gloves

The XFC Open Fighter Tryouts are set for:

June 9th 2012 at Fighting Arts Academy

Sign up now:

http://xfctryout.eventbrite.com/

Read More about the Tryouts:

http://www.officialxfc.com/open-fighter-tryouts/

Injuring himself this week during his grueling training camp for the main event fight with John Salter, XFC middleweight standout Josh Samman almost tossed a monkey wrench into the main event of XFC 18: Music City Mayhem. XFC Media Relations rep, TJ Alcock, confirmed the injury late last night. “A very disappointed Josh Samman has no choice. After consulting with a doctor, he will not be able to fight at XFC 18 because of a severe ankle injury.” This morning, XFC President John Prisco announced that XFC veteran and fan favorite Reggie Pena will take his place against Salter in Nashville live on HDNet.

“Josh suffered an ankle injury earlier this week and he thought he could push through it and fight Salter next month,” explained Prisco. “But ultimately the doctor told him it wasn’t going to happen and he wouldn’t be cleared to compete. It’s disappointing for Josh, but he’s a warrior and will be back in a few months once he gets healed up. After I talked to Josh, I had one fighter on my mind who I believed could replace Josh in the main event, Reggie Pena!”

Known for his reputation as a finisher, only two of Reggie Pena’s 9 wins as a pro have come via decision. With heavy hands and slick submissions, this Florida native has built his name as one of the most dynamic middleweights in the southeast. “Reggie is as tough as they come, exclaimed Prisco. “He’s 3-0 with the XFC. He defeated Josh Clark at XFC 14 in October and I thought back then that he was definitely ready for a main event spot. Samman vs. Salter was going to be a war. But Pena vs. Salter is going to be explosive. Salter may have the edge on experience and his wrestling is top notch, but Reggie is going to push the pace and if this fight stays standing I have to think he is the favorite.”

Making up the other half of the main event is UFC veteran and 2007 NAIA National Wrestling Champion John Salter. Riding high on a 3 fight win streak that includes a knockout of Ultimate Fighter star Kalib Starnes, the Nashville MMA standout is looking for win number four at Pena’s expense.

“John Salter could very well be the best wrestler on the card at XFC 18,” said Prisco. “His accolades from his days as an amateur wrestler are so impressive and you can’t overlook how quickly he has evolved as a complete fighter. John isn’t a boring wrestler. He’s been knocking guys out his last few fights. I’m really excited to see how this plays out on June 22nd. The fans in Nashville are going to get their money’s worth and those watching on HDNet are in for a treat.”

XFC 18: Music City Mayhem is sponsored by ICRealtime and will air live on HDnet from the Nashville Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, TN June 22nd, 2012. Tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster. To learn more about the XFC, please visit www.officialxfc.com.  You can also follow the promotion daily on Facebook and Twitter (@officialxfc).

Nick Diaz is at it again.

When he didn’t show up for Press Conferences in the past, Diaz got punished and even cost him a title shot against Georges St. Pierre. He says he just didn’t enjoy attending “beauty pageants”, but he would never ditch a fight anyway.

That’s exactly what he did tonight though. Diaz had a grappling super-fight against Braulio Estima set, with his entire purse was supposed to be donated to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. It was supposed to be an excellent way to keep him active during his time off from licensing issues due to his Marijuana positive test. It was supposed to be a good way to keep his name in the press, and to help a good cause at the same time.

During the main event of the World Jiujitsu Expo, Braulio Estima was left alone on the mat, sitting on his knees, with Diaz no where to be found. Robert Drysdale offered to step in to face him, but Estima declined, saying “I came to fight Nick Diaz”.

Not only did Diaz ditch a high-profile BJJ match, he ditched a charity he promised to support.

When Cesar Gracie was asked, he said he had no idea where his star pupil was or why he decided to no-show:

“I don’t know,” Cesar Gracie told MMAFighting.com. “I know he was mad when he was told Braulio would not make weight last night,” Gracie said. “No one has seen him today. Braulio ended up making weight this morning.”

Estima wasn’t happy about the outcome. After he was left on the mat without an opponent, the BJJ legend addressed the crowd and even challenged Diaz in an MMA bout.