XFC 28 - Fight Card Updates

[keithlewis]

Gerhart vs. Assuncao to Headline XFC 28 this Fall


After nearly six months of Latin America expansion and behind the scenes production advances, Xtreme Fighting Championships North American division has finally spoken; LOUDLY. The Tampa, Florida based promotion announced today, not only its long-awaited return to domestic promoting, but also its Main Event for the soon to be announced XFC 28 card, to be held at the USF Sundome early this fall. Headlining the company's return show will be recently signed Bellator vet Troy Gerhart and XFC/UFC veteran Junior Assuncao. The two 145 pound contenders will battle to see who's next in line for a shot at XFC Featherweight Kingpin, Deivison Ribeiro.

Troy Gerhart (6-2) has been fighting professionally since 2007. The former high school and college wrestler started his career with an impressive 5-0 record; four of which ended by way of knockout. Although his base is grappling, Gerhart grew up a fan of the sweet science and has never backed down from mixing it up in the center of the cage. His fan friendly style of combat has made him one of the most exciting fighters in the State of Florida over the last six years. After back to back losses in 2009 and 2010, Gerhart took a three-year hiatus from mixed martial arts. During his time off, Gerhart focused on training and organizing his personal life, in order to make the commitment needed for another run in the sport. Troy returned to action in November of this 2013, looking like a focused man on a mission. He stopped Chris Thorne by knockout in just 2:45 of round number one, and immediately re-caught the attention of XFC President John Prisco. With a new lease on his professional life, Gerhart looks to make an immediate impact on the company's 145 pound division, and what bigger way to make some noise than to knock off the heavily favored Assuncao.

At 32 years old and nearly ten years as a professional, Junior Assuncao (15-5) is far from done in the sport of mixed martial arts. The Brazilian looks to use his second run with the XFC to prove just that, to not only his fans, but more importantly his peers. At XFC 28, Assuncao looks to put all Featherweights on notice, in particular his fellow countryman and title holder, "Dragon" Ribeiro. The message he wants to send, at the expense of Gerhart, is that he will be the measuring stick for all 145ers in the XFC. Junior has won an impressive nine of his last ten bouts, which includes a XFC Lightweight title win over John Mahlow in 2010 and a return to the UFC, where he went 1-1 before being released by the UFC. The company cited an over-crowded roster and division as the reason for Assuncao's departure. After his second stint in the UFC, Assuncao stepped away from the sport to relax and spend time with his family, but now rested and recharged, Junior will bring his dangerous blend of high-level jiu jitsu and solid striking to an already stacked XFC Featherweight division. On June 7th, Assuncao took a unanimous decision victory over Alejandro Rodriguez at XFC International 5 in Sao Paulo and he will look to ride that momentum into his upcoming bout with Gerhart.

XFC President and Matchmaker John Prisco had this to say about his company's return to U.S. action and its Main Event: "Needless to say, we are all very excited to get back to putting on exciting and highly competitive fights for our North American fans and fighters. After XFC 27, we took some time to focus on and develop our international brand. XFC International put on five very successful shows in Sao Paulo this year and with the Season One tournaments wrapping up this month; it was time to get back to work stateside. We are coming out strong with XFC 28. The card is almost complete and it is shaping up to be one of our best, from top to bottom. The fans in the arena and the fans at home are going to come away from this card as the real winners. In the coming weeks, we will be announcing and detailing new, exclusive, state of the art technology that will bring our viewing audience at home closer to XFC action than they have ever been before. We've done some major technological advances to our production side and will also offer Worldwide streaming of our entire fight card. As far as the Main Event; Gerhart/Assuncao is going to deliver; it's going to be a hell of a fight. Both these guys are hungry and want a shot at our Featherweight title. After talking to them, I promise you, they are both willing to put it all on the line to secure that shot at Ribeiro. I truly can't wait to see this one."

[keithlewis]

O'Grady vs. Courchaine Set for XFC 28 in Florida


Just 48 hours after announcing the company's return to American soil and the Main Event of their upcoming show, the XFC has released the second confirmed bout for XFC 28. In what many will view as a headlining caliber bout, surging Lightweight "Insane" Dave Courchaine will square off against Dom "I Hate You So Much" O'Grady. Both Courchaine and O'Grady positioned themselves into title discussions after big wins at XFC 27, this past December in Michigan. While both are deserving of a #1 contender ranking, there can be only one. This fall, a new challenger for the 155 pound title will emerge when the two veterans go toe to toe inside the Sun Dome in sunny Tampa, Florida.

"Insane" Dave Courchaine (18-6) is a man on fire; literally an unstoppable force. Currently on a three fight win streak, the "Insane" one has won 11 of his last 12 bouts. His only hiccup along the way was a 1st round knockout loss to Luis "Sapo" Santos; a fight Courchaine still to this day views as an early stoppage. Sporting an 89% finish rate, the very effective and efficient Lightweight has made his plans clear to XFC brass; he wants to win a title. His determination has paid off, as he is now one fight away from earning that opportunity. In the months since XFC 27, Courchaine has stayed sharp taking two MMA fights and one professional boxing match outside of the promotion; something he felt was necessary to stay focused and ready while waiting for his number to be called. Jason Ellis, Courchaine's manager from MMA United Sports Entertainment Group, had this to say about his client's upcoming fight: "We are very excited about this matchup. When Dave signed with the XFC, the goal has simply been to fight whoever they put in front of us and eventually become a champion. The opportunity to fight O'Grady gets us a step closer to achieving his goal of becoming the new Lightweight champ. To be worthy of carrying the title "champion" you have to beat the best, and there is no doubt Dom O'Grady is in that category. We want to personally thank John Prisco and the staff at XFC for giving Dave this opportunity and giving him the stage to prove he belongs at this level."

While Dom O'Grady's (16-6) approach to the time off following XFC 27 was a little bit different from Dave Courchaine's, in his mind it was just as effective. While his opponent stayed busy inside the cage, Dom O'Grady has used his down time to heal his body and enjoy life and a new daughter. "At this point in my career, time off to recharge my batteries and enjoy my family is just as beneficial to me as staying active has been to Dave", said O'Grady. "I know what I'm doing at this point. I know what needs to be done and when it's going to be time to go to work. Allowing myself time to let nagging injuries heal up and enjoy being a new dad has been wonderful for me." A winner of 6 of his last 8, the Michigan native now looks to possibly add another belt to his trophy case, but the former King of the Cage champ knows the road to the XFC belt won't be an easy one. "Dave Courchaine is a tough dude; he is definitely the type of opponent you can't afford to overlook." Boasting a 57% finish rate of his own, O'Grady's tends to wear down his opponents; either setting them up for submissions or claiming victory on the judge's scorecards; another contrast to Courchaine's heavy handed numbers.

XFC President John Prisco's thoughts on the Courchaine versus O'Grady matchup: "This fight is Main Event material; that's how epic I feel this matchup will be. Both these guys are red-hot right now, coming off great wins at XFC 27. Courchaine has been on a complete tear for over two years now and Dom is a savvy vet who stepped right into the XFC and cemented his place in the organization, with an impressive finish of Eric Reynolds. Their styles are very different, but both are equally dangerous. Dave is intense and in your face, while O'Grady is laid back and methodical with his approach. Both these fighters have obvious strengths, but their strengths could also cost them the fight in this one. Will Dom be too laid back and get overwhelmed, or will Dave be too aggressive and get himself in a bad spot like Reynolds did? I don't know, but I can't wait to see how this one plays out. The winner of this fight will definitely deserve a shot at the title."

[keithlewis]

Highly Touted Amateur Andrea Lee Set for XFC Debut


You can't talk XFC, without talking women's mixed martial arts. Since 2008, John Prisco and company have been on the forefront of women's MMA, so it should come with no surprise that the 3rd announcement regarding XFC 28 involves the ladies. One of the South's most popular amateurs, Andrea "KGB" Lee, finally makes her long-awaited debut against Florida's Suzie Montero.

Louisiana's resident badass, Andrea "KGB" Lee (Debut), has decided it's about time to trade in the 7 ounce gloves for a pair of 4's. The scrappy country girl from Bossier City's attitude of welcoming stiff competition and fighting all comers as an amateur, will serve her well heading into her pro debut this Fall; especially facing a cagey veteran the likes of Montero. Although Lee's base discipline is Muay Thai, 3 of her 7 wins have come from an underrated ground game. When opponents have slept on her grappling, they have found themselves tapping to picture perfect armbars. Only time will tell if the investment in KGB will pay off, but with a win over Suzie Montero, her stock will certainly rise and please everyone that's gotten in early on one of WMMA's hottest commodities.

32 year-old Suzie "La China" Montero (2-2) has been competing professionally since 2011. Fighting an average of once a year, this Florida gym rat spends most of her time honing her craft on the mats; only taking fights when she feels the need to scratch her competitive itch. Montero has already stood across the cage opposite of some of the top names in the business. Her two losses come by the hands of UFC standout Jessamyn Duke and current XFC Champion Pearl Gonzalez. With big show opportunities under her belt, Montero will bring a certain level of confidence into her bout with Lee that only comes with experience. With her two wins coming by decision, La China's game plan could be to take the newbie into the late rounds and see how she responds to a timely amount inside the XFC HeXagon.

John Prisco, President and Matchmaker for the XFC, had this to say in regards to Andrea Lee versus Suzie Montero: "I'm really excited about this one! Andrea will be coming into her pro debut with a lot of eyes on her. It's her attitude and work ethic that has really impressed me. When I signed her, she could have just sat on her current amateur record and coasted into her pro debut; without chancing the momentum and hype she had built up for herself. But instead, she booked as many fights as she could fit in, to better master her skills before we scheduled her pro debut. She really isn't afraid of anything. But here's the deal...debut or not, she isn't getting any favors from us. She is getting tested right from the jump; the same way Cortney Casey did. When you come in with this much hype, you gotta be able to back it up. Suzie Montero is a solid vet with four pro fights under her belt. She is by no means a gatekeeper or stepping stone. Montero is as tough as they come and has been in the cage with some of the best in the sport. She has all the tools to stop the Andrea Lee, we will see how it plays out inside the hexagon at XFC 28."