Press Release XFC 17: Apocalypse
Video Clips & Results:

Eric Reynolds and Luciano Dos Santos provided fireworks in their main event, lightweight showdown, at XFC 17: Apocalypse. But it was Nick Newell who stole the show against Chris Coggins, in one of the most exciting fights in XFC history last night in Jackson, TN live on HDNet.

In the first round, Newell appeared to be the more aggressive fighter, by taking Coggins down and locking in a heel hook. Coggins managed to escape but ‘Notorious’ finished the round on top and in control. In the second round it was a completely different story. Coggins was able to secure a takedown early on and spent the majority of the round on Newell’s back. On three occasions the Tennessee native appeared to have a rear naked choke that just about any MMA fighter in the world would have submitted to, but each time Newell somehow managed to escape and survive the round. The final round belonged to Newell. After a takedown early, Newell gained top position on Coggins and was able to rain down punches and elbows until being stood up with a minute to go. After the restart, Newell secured a single leg which likely secured him the fight as the judges scored it a majority decision for Newell. With the win, the Massachusetts native improves to 7-0, remaining undefeated under the XFC banner.

XFC President John Prisco was very impressed by Newell-Coggins fight and is already thinking ahead to future matchups. “Newell vs. Coggins was an XFC classic,” exclaimed Prisco. “If you don’t think Nick Newell is legit after tonight, you need to go watch pro wrestling. That kid is tough and proved it with his fight tonight against a very game opponent, Chris Coggins. I thought he was done in that second round, but Nick is a warrior. I have always been impressed with Nick, but after surviving that second round and pulling out the win I am speechless. You will be seeing Nick back very soon. He has a bright future ahead of him in the XFC.”

The knockout of the night belonged to Marlon Moraes who rocked Jarrod Card early in the co-main event with a big left that buckled the former XFC featherweight’s knees. As Card began to recover he ate a big left hook that dropped him to the mat in 48 seconds. Moraes picks up his second straight win the XFC and improves to 8-4.

In the main event of the evening, Eric Reynolds picked up a unanimous decision win over Luciano Dos Santos, in a back and forth slugfest that had the fans in the Oman Arena on the edge of their seats. Reynolds appeared to win the first round, outpointing Dos Santos on their feet. In the second, Dos Santos showcased his muay thai, as he earned the round heading into the third. In the final round, both men were content to keep it standing but it was Reynolds who seemed to pick up the pace and put together some nice combos as he controlled the action until the bell sounded. After the judge’s scorecards were read, it was Reynolds who had his hand raised in the center of the cage.

Felice Herrig looked impressive in her unanimous decision win over Patricia Vidonic. Using superior striking and grappling, ‘Lil Bulldog’ had her way with Vidonic seemingly taking her down at will and dominating the fight with ground and pound for three rounds. There was no trash talking that could save face for Vidonic this time, as Felice stole the thunder, showing why she is an XFC fan favorite.
After an action packed night in Jackson, the fans were treated to a memorable night of XFC action and with instant classics like Newell vs. Coggins and Reynolds vs. Dos Santos, XFC 17 will not soon be forgotten. “I’m very pleased with the Apocalypse,” said Prisco. “There were so many highlights, I don’t know where to begin. I was very impressed with Marlon’s big knockout. He rocked Card as soon as the bell rung and finished him in under a minute. That’s very impressive. Reynolds also showed me a lot in the main event. He’s won two straight for us and I’m already thinking about something special for him in a few months. Felice looked great against Patricia and she really showed how well rounded she is in the cage. The hometown hero, Jason Wood also looked sharp in his win tonight. I was very pleased with all the fighters on the card and I can’t wait to get to Nashville in June.”

MAIN CARD (HDNet)

• Eric Reynolds def. Luciano Dos Santos by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
• Marlon Moraes def. Jarrod Card by knockout (punch) Rd. 1 (0:48)
• Nick Newell def. Chris Coggins by majority decision (28-28, 29-28, 29-28)
• Felice Herrig def. Patricia Vidonic by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)
• Charles Blanchard def. Johnny Davis by unanimous decision 
• Jason Wood def. Ronnie Rogers by submission (guillotine) Rd. 2
• Joel Cooper def. Amaechi Oselukwue by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

PRELIMINARY CARD

• Teddy Holder def. Bobby Carter by submission (armbar) Rd. 1 (3:27)
• Bradley Stafford def. Tommy Roberts by majority decision (28-28, 30-26, 29-27)

XFC 17 FULL Recap & Play by Play (via ProMMAnow) 

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