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Dhiego Lima-Ricky Rainey Set for XFC 25 Co-Main Event


The table has been set and looks who's coming to dinner!

Fresh off his impressive win at Collision Course, XFC sensation Ricky "The Sniper" Rainey wasted no time sending out his invitation for XFC 25, to former MFC Welterweight Dhiego Lima, and Lima has gladly accepted. The man who has been the face of Maximum Fighting Championship's Welterweight Division since 2010, will cross promotional borders and face Rainey in the Co-Main Event, set to take place in Albuquerque, New Mexico on September 6, LIVE on AXS TV. The Rainey/Lima grudge match has been years in the making, and The Sniper looks to not only prove a point to Lima, but to show Mr. Pavelich that the XFC houses the superior talent.

Immediately following his TKO victory against Reggie Pena at XFC 24, Ricky "The Sniper" Rainey (8-1) sent word to XFC President John Prisco who he wanted next and the boss has happily granted Rainey his wish. The name at the top of The Sniper's list was none other than MFC mainstay Dhiego Lima. The bad blood and history between Rainey and Lima is well documented in the Southeast. With Rainey residing in Charlotte and Lima from Atlanta, these two men's paths have crossed on several occasions, but the tension reached its Boiling Point last March when Dhiego defeated Rainey's team mate Roger Carroll and, according to Rainey's camp, followed up his victory with some colorful comments about The Sniper and other fighters from North Carolina. Since that night, Rainey's coaches and manager have worked tirelessly to make this fight happen. Finally the stars have aligned and the time is here. Ricky Rainey will take his big right hand and four fight win streak into the Lima match up with hopes of, once and for all, removing this proverbial thorn in his side and securing his fifth straight victory and eventual title shot. Will Rainey's plan to knock off his rival and raise his stock pay off, or will The Sniper wish he had been more careful in what he asked for?

Dhiego Lima (8-1) has been entertaining AXS TV viewers for over two years. The American Top Team fighter and submission specialist has gone 5-1 inside Canada's Maximum Fighting Championship ring. At the young age of 24, Lima's high level Jiu-Jitsu, crisp striking, and enormous confidence make him one of the top free agents in mixed martial arts. While Dhiego is ecstatic about the opportunity to knock off Rainey on National television and continue his rise to the top, he has a slightly different view on the rivalry and bad blood between the two. Lima simply sees the situation as healthy competitive banter between two states. In fact, Lima states he has never spoken of, or to Ricky Rainey, and has never even bothered to follow his career. Regardless of who's story you believe, there is one thing you can take to the bank, these two men can't wait to get locked in a cage together. Not only do they both want to win, neither wants to lose to the other. Will The Sniper be able to do what no other has done before and finish Dhiego Lima, or will Lima once again shine on AXS TV and show Ricky Rainey that he wasn't quite ready for the spotlight?

When questioned about the Lima versus Rainey match up, XFC President John Prisco was very clear on why he made this fight happen: "With all do respect to Dhiego Lima, there aren't many opportunities in this business to prove what I've been saying for years is true, we have the most talented fighters on our roster. This is MFC versus XFC. It isn't like Lima walked away from the MFC on a losing streak or on the downside of his career; he's 24 years old, was 5-1 in the promotion, and the face of their Welterweight Division. He was one of Pavelich's trophies. Now I get the chance to prove to Mark that pound for pound my guys are better. The XFC, MFC, and several other promotions are all on AXS, so there is always going to be comparisons. I don't mind that, because in my eyes there is no comparison. And now on September 6th, everyone else will see that too. Dhiego Lima is a tremendous fighter and I'm not taking anything away from him, but if these two guys want to fight and I can prove my point to the MMA community...then let's do it."

Xtreme Fighting Championships heads to Albuquerque, New Mexico for XFC 25 on September 6, 2013. The event is presented by ICRealTime Security Solutions, Polanti Watches, and ThroatPunch Ind. Apparel. The event will be broadcast Live on AXS TV from the Albuquerque Convention Center, beginning at 9pm Eastern. For more information on the event, or, to purchase tickets, visit http://www.officialxfc.com. For daily updates and news, follow this event and the XFC on Facebook and Twitter @OfficialXFC.

Skinner versus Chavez Women's Bout Set for XFC 25 on Sept. 6


What's better than two highly skilled women climbing in a cage and throwing down for a national television audience? How about FOUR highly skilled women climbing in a cage and throwing down for a national television audience! Not only will the women be headlining the XFC's first trip west, the promotion is pleased to announce the addition of Stephanie Skinner and Angelica Chavez, in XFC 25's Feature Bout. The aptly named Boiling Point takes place LIVE on AXS TV, from the Albuquerque Convention Center, in Albuquerque, New Mexico on September 6th.

In 2010, Stephanie "The Scrapper" Skinner (2-4) started her professional career with an unfortunate three consecutive losses. Never a quitter, "The Scrapper" took a step back from competition and spent the next two years training for a second run at mixed martial arts. Skinner's decision to concentrate on the gym, instead of the cage, paid off. In 2012, she re-entered the game and found herself winning two of her last three bouts; both vicious TKO victories. Skinner now looks to ride her momentum into Albuquerque, New Mexico when she meets hometown favorite Angelica Chavez, at XFC 25.

"South Valley's Own" Angelica Chavez (4-2) is not only one of Albuquerque's most beloved fighters, she is arguably one of New Mexico's most successful martial artists. In contrast to Skinner's journey through the sport, Chavez started her career enjoying four impressive and consecutive wins, but now finds herself on a two fight losing skid. A life long student, Angelica has spent the last year in the Chavez family Dojo, sharpening her skills and looking to start another long win streak. "South Valley's Own" couldn't think of a better place to start that streak, than on national television in front of her hometown crowd.

"This is a fight we have been trying to make happen for a while now", said XFC President John Prisco. "These girls were going to meet up at XFC 23 in Kentucky, but Angelica got injured during training. Now, when the opportunity for us to travel west presented itself, it lined up perfectly to treat the fans of New Mexico with this one. The Atomweight Division houses a fun, fast paced group of fighters, and we are excited about adding them to the promotion. Both these girls are exciting and dangerous, but their styles couldn't be more different. Stephanie is either going to have to come out guns blazing and look for the early knockout, or use a stick and move strategy and try and rack up points and take Chavez to a decision. Angelica is probably going to look to get this to the ground quick. Her submissions have got to have Stephanie worried about this fight hitting the canvas."

Ian Stephens Faces Ryan Thomas at XFC 25: Boiling Point


On September 6, 2013, two of Xtreme Fighting Championships' newest signees will face off LIVE on AXS TV, when undefeated Ian Stephens and MMA veteran Ryan "The Tank Engine" Thomas meet at XFC 25: Boiling Point. The Welterweight match up will take place at the Albuquerque Convention Center, in Albuquerque, New Mexico and it will serve as an elimination bout, as the company draws closer to crowning its first 170 pound Champion.

Ian Stephens (4-0, XFC 2-0) is back, and he's ready to show the MMA world, that even at 4-0, he hasn't started to tap into his potential. Stephens went 2-0 under the XFC umbrella back in 2010, while enrolled as a full time student. Now a college graduate, Ian Stephens has centered his attention solely on mixed martial arts and is looking to make an immediate impact in the XFC Welterweight division. Ian’s superb wrestling background has been well documented. The Georgia native was a 4x State Finalist and 1x State Champion at Lafayette High School. While attending Tennessee Temple University in Chattanooga Tennessee, he captured a 184lb National Championship. Ian finished out his college wrestling career at Lindsey Wilson, where he was a National Runner Up and 2x All American. It was with the tools he sharpened in college, that Stephens was able to grind out decision wins over Ryan Quinn and Joe Heink during his first XFC stint. Stephen's ever evolving jiu-jitsu then earned him submission victories over Jay Diamond and Ronnie Rogers outside of the promotion. Now, after a year away from the cage and more time to dedicate to his new career, all eyes will be on the new Ian Stephens on Sept 6th. Will Stephens' world class grappling be enough to derail "The Tank Engine", or will Ryan Thomas take him back to school?

Ryan "The Tank Engine" Thomas (16-7, XFC 2-0) is a veteran in every sense of the word. Thomas has been locked in a cage with some of the biggest names in the sport, on some of its biggest stages. With a pro career that spans more than six years, the 28 year old "Tank Engine" has tested his skills against the likes of Ben Saunders, Matt Brown, and on two occasions, Bellator Welterweight Champion Ben Askren. It was in his last meeting with Asken, that he pushed the champ to a judges decision. The American Top Team fighter was last seen by XFC fans at Night of Champions last December, when he submitted Corey Hill by arm bar at 2:34 of the first round. As decorated a wrestler as Ian Stephens is, he won't be the only college level grappler in the cage in Albuquerque. Thomas competed at Division 1 Eastern Illinois University, but, as fate would have it, the program at EIU was cut and Ryan switched gears and started training MMA. It was then, that Thomas added slick submissions to his already aggressive ground game. In total, 10 of his 16 wins have come by way of tap out. Like many before him, Ryan Thomas heads out west seeking gold. Will New Mexico be just a pit stop on his way to Night of Champions III, or will Ian Stephens make sure "The Tank Engine" never leaves the station?

An excited John Prisco had this to say about the Welterweight showdown: "This is a huge fight, not just for both these fighters, but for our promotion as well. It's no secret that our Welterweight Division is heating up, and both Stephens and Thomas were signed knowing that each would play an important role in building the division and clearing up the title picture. The winner of this bout unquestionably finds themselves right in the thick of title discussions, along side of Santos and the Rainey/Lima winner. Ryan Thomas is a crafty vet, he has been up against some of the top guys in our industry. His ground game is solid, and he has mixed his wrestling and Jiu Jitsu beautifully. Stephens may not have the experience Thomas does, but his aggressiveness and high level of wrestling makes up for a lot. He is truly a beast on the ground, and one of the strongest Welterweights I've ever seen. This fight could either be a classic chess match on the mat, or turn into a stand up battle because both men nullify the other's ground game. Either way, it's going to be exciting."

XFC Spotlight: Moell Has Unfinished Business with Sanchez


Eric Moell is seeking redemption, but he will have to travel across the country to find it. Moell will return to action at XFC 25 in Albuquerque, New Mexico on September 6th live on AXS TV, when he faces hometown star and winner of the 2012 XFC open fighter tryouts, Joby Sanchez.

After reeling off six consecutive wins including his first three professional bout, Moell was afforded the opportunity to show why he was one of the Ohio Valley region's toughest fighters. Originally, Moell was to meet Sanchez in Louisville at XFC 23, but after Sanchez's injury withdrawal, he met Team Curran fighter, Joey Diehl. Moell ended up suffering his first professional loss, and first loss since 2009, at the hands of Diehl.

Eric will get his chance to right the ship when he travels from Ohio to New Mexico to tangle with Sanchez as part of the main card of XFC 26: Boiling Point. Eric is known as a guy who can take you down and submit you fast, but so is Sanchez. He proved this in his fight with Moell's teammate Chris Dunn. Before the loss to Diehl, Moell had finished his last five fights within the first round, all by submission. Training at Alliance MMA with teammates such as XFC vet Chris Dunn and other top level regional fighters you can expect a more refined and definitely a hungrier man to step into the cage.

Moell had this to say about his experience with the XFC: "I am getting to travel the country to fight. do what I love to do, and pay my bills. I guess dreams do come true." Will the dream become a reality when he meets Sanchez? Eric said this about travelling to Joby's backyard. "On September 6th I fight in his home town and he gets to have his fans present. I carry my fans with me to every fight, I have the best fans, and we are coming to Albuquerque on a mission, to get the win in violent fashion."

Eric Moell and Xtreme Fighting Championships invade the Albuquerque Convention Center, in beautiful Albuquerque New Mexico, for XFC 25: Boiling Point on September 6, 2013.

XFC Spotflight: Joby Sanchez Looks to Keep Perfect Record


XFC 25: Boiling Point will see the long awaited return of Open Fighter Try Out winner Joby Sanchez. When Sanchez enters the cage on Sept 6th, it will have been nearly a year since we last saw him compete. The 22 year old made his promotional debut last September at XFC 20, where he submitted Chris Dunn at just 1:49 of the 1st round. After his impressive win over Dunn, Sanchez was slated to meet Eric Moell at XFC 23, in Louisville, Kentucky. Unfortunately, Sanchez was sidelined with an injury and had to remove himself from the match up between the two young undefeated fighters. Sanchez's replacement, Joey Diehl, defeated Moell and handed him his first loss as a pro. The stars have now aligned and wishes have been granted, the Moell versus Sanchez match will finally happen, when the two meet in Alburquerque, New Mexico LIVE on AXS TV. Will Moell prove to the MMA world that Sanchez dodged a bullet in Louisville, or, will Joby prove to Moell that the outcome in the Blue Grass State would have still been the same had he competed?

Joby Sanchez (4-0) has been a martial artist since the age of 7. The New Mexico fighter has studied several disciplines over the years, finding success with every one. One of Chavez Dojo's most decorated students, Sanchez's stand up and striking background is well documented. The 1st Degree Black Belt in Kajukembo Karate also holds a Silver Gloves Championship, with an impressive record of 32-3 as a boxer. Not wanting to leave any holes in his game, Sanchez competed in wrestling during his high school years. In 2009, Sanchez was the New Mexico State Runner-up in his weight class. Now, in his second year as a professional mixed martial artist, Joby Sanchez finds himself undefeated, carrying a perfect 4-0 record, and signed to one of the largest promotions in the country. Joby Sanchez is truly one of the sports rising stars and looks to soon add championship gold to his resume. At XFC 25, Sanchez wants to formally put every Flyweight coming into the XFC on notice; that any road to a future title will have to go through him.

Joby had this to say about the pending fight with Eric Moell: "This is a fight and anything can happen, but I just don't see my opponent beating me. I respect his skills as a fighter, but I really think I am a stronger in every aspect. I am just excited to be fighting for a company as big as the XFC, and getting to do it in front of my family, friends, and the whole Chavez Dojo. With all the love and support I am getting leading up to the fight from everyone, it's awesome that they will get to be there and share the moment with me."

Joby Sanchez and Xtreme Fighting Championships invade the Albuquerque Convention Center, in beautiful Albuquerque New Mexico, for XFC 25: Boiling Point on September 6, 2013.