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: 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!)

Scott Holtzman (4-0) vs John Mahlow (13-13) @ Lightweight 155 lbs.
Co-Main Event – Middleweight Divison:
Ricky Rainey (7-1) vs Reggie Pena(10-5) @ Middleweight 185 lbs.
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.
Kelly Warren (3-4) vs Cortney Casey (Pro Debut) @ *Women’s Flyweight 125 lbs.
Opening Bout:  Jason Hicks (5-1) vs Shah Bobonis (15-8) @ 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

XFC 24 Scott Holtzman vs John Mahlow Live on Axstv

XFC 24 Ricky Rainey vs Reggie Pena Live on Axstv

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

XFC 24 Jason Hicks vs Shah Bobonis Live on Axstv

XFC 24 Chad Livingston vs John Cofer TV Swingbout

XFC 24 Matt Ferraiolo vs Gabe Maldonado Undercard

XFC 24 Nick Smith vs Ladarious Jackson Undercard

XFC 24 Jason Gladey vs Gilbert Burgos Undercard

XFC 24 Billy Quarantillo vs Theo Idleburg Undercard

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

XFC 24 Jason Hicks vs Shah Bobonis Live on Axstv

(Tampa, FL) – Xtreme Fighting Championships announces two more fighters headed for a June 14th Collision Course.  Recent Lightweight Title contender Jason “The Ronin” Hicks is set to collide with, the always dangerous, Shah Bobonis, at the promotions much talked about homecoming show.  The XFC’s 24th event takes place at the USF Sun Dome in Tampa, Florida and can be seen Live on “Your Home for MMA”, AXS TV.

Jason Hicks (5-1), fresh off his #1 contender bout in the XFC’s Lightweight Division, jumps right into the lion’s den at 145lbs, when he faces off with Shah Bobonis. Hicks rapidly climbed the lightweight ladder after signing with the XFC, but fell one fight short of a match up with champion Nick Newell. “The Ronin” has now set his sights on the division he feels is his true home, and is focused on one thing only, featherweight gold. The man standing in the way is seasoned veteran and Georgia native, Shah Bobonis.  With Hicks well rounded arsenal, Bobonis will have to stay sharp and ready for the match up to go anywhere.

With 22 professional fights under his belt, Shah Bobonis (15-7) now makes his move from Bantamweight to Featherweight and welcomes Jason Hicks with open arms and closed fists, as they set their sites on the already stacked division. Bobonis has gone an impressive 7-1 in his last 8 fights and looks forward to the opportunity to derail any hopes Hicks may have of seeing a title fight in this weight class.  The never shy and always outspoken Shah wants to make one thing clear, “It’s not Shah Bobonis versus Jason Hicks, its Jason Hicks versus Shah Bobonis.  If he thinks he is going to drop to 145 and run through the division to a title shot, he picked the wrong guy to agree to fight in his first fight.”

XFC President and matchmaker John Prisco had this to say about the Hicks versus Bobonis matchup: “This is going to be an interesting fight, one I’m very intrigued with. Our plans were always to have Jason Hicks competing as a 145er in the XFC, but he saw the opportunities that were here in our 155lb division and wanted to be a part of it. Jason was literally one fight away from a title shot. Now, with him dropping down to 145, we’re all anxious to see what he can do there. The problem that’s staring him right in the face, though, is that our Featherweight division is just as tough and stacked as the one he just left and he isn’t getting any favors having to fight Shah in his first XFC 145lb fight. Shah has been in this game for a long time, and he’s still competing at the World’s highest level here at the XFC. Even when Bobonis is having an “off” night, he still finds a way to win the fight. Furthermore, Shah Bobonis doesn’t just sell a fight for the media, he backs it up in the cage. It’s going to be interesting to see what he has up his sleeve for Hicks.”

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 and 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

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:

XFC President discusses Newell refusal to defend title

XFC Media Release - May 10th, 2013 – 9:00 am via John Prisco

XFC 24 Dave Courchaine vs Luis Santos Live on Axstv

Dave Courchaine signs long term deal with XFC; Faces Luis Santos at XFC 24

Xtreme Fighting Championships is excited to announce the signing of rising star “Insane” Dave Courchaine (15-5), to its already stacked Welterweight Division.  Courchaine hails from Cheney, Washington and trains out of Spokane’s School of Boxing and MMA.  The “Insane” one is currently riding an 8 fight win streak, with only 3 of those bouts making it out of the 1st round.  Courchaine was a decorated high school wrestler, earning Washington’s High School Wrestler of the Decade Award. He also owns a perfect 10-0 boxing record.

When asked about his long term, multi-fight contract with the XFC, Dave Courchaine had this to say: “This is a great opportunity. It feels so good to have a home now, and great to know that I have a job for the next couple years. I want to show the world exactly who I am, and now I can do that.  I also want to take this moment to thank a few people, if it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t be here talking about this huge opportunity that sits in front of me. First and foremost, I want to thank my fiancé Kharis. She continues to stand behind me and support me every day. I also want to thank all my training partners and sponsors. You are all an important part of my success.”

XFC President John Prisco had this to add, in regards to his recent acquisition: “I’m really excited about this signing. Dave is one of the top free agents out there. When you look at our Welterweight Division, it’s hard to think that adding one guy could make it that much better, but that’s what signing Courchaine just did.”

Wasting no time, the XFC quickly booked Courchaine for its June 14th homecoming show, XFC 24: Collision Course. In the Feature Fight of the Night, the Tampa crowd will be treated to a match up that has immediate title implications, when “Insane” Dave Courchaine takes on Luis “Sapo” Santos. Santos was last seen, briefly, at XFC 23, where he dismantled Shamar Bailey in just 62 seconds of the 1st round. “A fight is a fight man. I really didn’t care who they were asking me to step in with”, said Courchaine. “It’s the XFC…It didn’t matter who it was, it wasn’t gonna be easy, so it really didn’t matter. Everybody in the division is tough.”  When questioned about the reason behind the Couchaine/Santos match up, Prisco was assertive with his answer: “You don’t have a Dave Courchaine and Sapo Santos on your roster and let this match up sit on the shelf for a later date. The Tampa card was already stacked from top to bottom and we just made it better!”

XFC 24: Collision Course will be broadcast to over 40 million homes live on AXS TV from the USF Sun Dome in Tampa, Florida. For tickets and fight card information, visit www.OfficialXFC.com/XFC24

 Article by J. Hobbs

XFC on AIR w/ The next generation of MMA Superstars – XFC Fighter Eric Reynolds

Check out the highlights from MMA Mayhem Radio Episode #65:

- Anderson Silva Misses Media Conference
- Chael Sonnen Wants Fight With Wanderlei Silva
- Interview With XFC Fighter Eric “It’s A Wrap” Reynolds
- Interview With Bellator MMA “Fight Master” Contestant Eric Bradley
- Interview With FHM Model Alicia Lei
- MFC 37 Preview

You can catch a new edition of MMA Mayhem Radio every Wednesday at 9PM EST.