Co-Main Event: Welterweights Ricky Rainey & Joseph Corneroli ready to strike at XFC 22 on AXStvfights

XFC 22 Corneroli vs Rainey Co-Main Event Live on AXStv | officialxfc.com/xfc22

XFC Welterweight Ricky Rainey will be back in front of his hometown crowd for XFC 22: Crossing the Line on February 22nd, 2013. Rainey, who signed a multi-fight contract with the XFC in mid-2012, will make his third appearance with the promotion where he holds a 1-1 record. Rainey will take on another talented striker in Joseph Corneroli, a South Carolina native who carries and unblemished professional record.

Rickey Rainey is riding high off a recent first round TKO of BJJ and Judo brown belt Donny Wallace at XFC 21 and now holds an impressive 5-1 pro record with 80% finishing rate. Those that have seen Rainey fight will point out that he is one of the most impressive strikers in the XFC Welterweight division. Rainey utilizes his height and reaches to work from the outside, picking opponents apart and looking for the finishing blow, earning his nickname as “The Sniper”.

Corneroli comes highly touted from local MMA pundits for his striking background and the kickboxing training he receives through his sparring partner, UFC fighter Stephen Thompson. He holds a perfect 3-0 record as he enters his XFC debut. Fittingly, Cornerolli will be ‘Crossing the Line’ as he travels up to North Carolina and looks to upset local fan favorite Rainey in front of his hometown crowd.

XFC President and matchmaker John Prisco weighed in on the bout, just after its announcement. “This is an interesting match-up because both of these guys are very talented strikers. Rainey is going to have the reach advantage in the stand up, but I wouldn’t put it past Corneroli to take to the ground and look for a sub against Rainey’s long limbs. He’s proven he can execute with his jiu-jitsu, just look through his amateur record. Standing up I don’t know what happens, but I don’t like many guys’ odds against Rainey punch for punch. I’m expecting another really entertaining fight.”

XFC returns to Charlotte for XFC 22: Crossing the Line, where Lightweights Jason Hicks and Scott Holtzman will headline the event to determine the first opponent in a Nick Newell title defense. XFC 22 is presented by ICRealTime Security Solutions and ThroatPunch Ind. Apparel and will air live on AXStv on Feb. 22nd, 2013. For more information on the event or to purchase tickets, go to www.OfficialXFC.com, also follow the promotion on Facebook and Twitter ‘@OfficialXFC’.

Article by N. Ganster

Article by N. Ganster
Edited & Published by T. Alcock