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Assuncao versus Swain Headlines XFC 27: Frozen Fury on Dec. 13


Fresh off the success of Night of Champions III in Nashville, Xtreme Fighting Championships has now set its sights on a new territory. December 13, 2013 will mark the traveling promotions first trip to the Northern U.S., when XFC 27: Frozen Fury invades Muskegon, Michigan. The weather outside will be frigid, but the action inside the LC Walker Arena will be red hot when XFC President John Prisco and crew treats the crowd to 12 action packed fights. Frozen Fury will not only see the return of a former champion, it will see the crowning of a new, as the company's Featherweight Tournament comes to a climactic end. The doors open at 6 pm Eastern, with the first bout starting promptly at 7pm. MMA legend Pat Miletich and the iconic Aussie Michael "The Voice" Schiavello take their seats cageside and go live on AXS TV at 9 pm.

Former XFC champion and UFC veteran Junior Assuncao has found his way back home and in the Main Event at XFC 27. It's been nearly four years since XFC fans last saw Assuncao on AXS TV. His last fight under the Xtreme banner ended with a first round submission victory over John Mahlow, to capture the XFC Lightweight Title. First in line to welcome Assuncao back to the XFC is promotional newcomer Daniel "Agent Orange" Swain. Swain is a 10-2 fighter out of Spokane, Washington. Although Swain brings a career filled with international experience into his Main Event match up with Assuncao, he will undoubtedly be facing his toughest opponent to date. Swain and Assuncao both should be watching the Featherweight Title fight closely, as the winner could be next in line for a shot at the belt.

The Muskegon crowd will also get to see the finals of the XFC Featherweight Title Tournament, when 145 pound veterans Frank Sharipov and Deivison Ribeiro battle in the Co-Main Event of the evening. Sharipov punched his ticket to the big dance by beating Stephen Bass at XFC 25 in September, while Ribeiro made quick work of Jason Hicks at Night of Champions III on October 18th. The XFC Featherweight Title hasn't been worn since late 2010 and both men are hoping to make the shiny gold belt a part of their daily wardrobe.

The televised portion of the card also features several fighters climbing their way up the XFC ranks, with some hoping to close in on title shots of their own. Lightweight Eric Reynolds will look to win his 3rd fight in a row, eager to align himself with 155 King Scott Holtzman, while females Angela Hill and Stephanie Skinner go to war for Atomweight bragging rights. A fight card just wouldn't be a fight card without sprinkling in a little bit of crazy, so the XFC has sent in "Insane" Dave Courchaine to shake things up. Courchaine faces Michigan's own wild card, Alex Trevino, in a Lightweight match guaranteed to please the fans. The televised card will start with bang when Welterweights Dom Steele and Ryan Thomas hit the cage. Steele is hoping to continue his current win streak and earn a multi-fight deal with the XFC, while Thomas could be positioning for an XFC mega fight with Luis Santos.

For the fans in attendance, the XFC 27 preliminary card will feature the best in area talent. Twelve fierce competitors will look to use the opportunity put in front of them to impress XFC President John Prisco and either earn another shot on a future card, or, be rewarded with that coveted multi-fight contract. The preliminary card is set as: Ray Lopez vs. Shamir Garcia, Marcus Reynolds vs. Dequan Townsend, Kenneth Green vs. Andy Carter, David Rohn vs. Drew Morais, Roy Saldana vs. Andres Torres, and Jacob Butler vs. Joel Vincent.

Trevino versus Courchaine Set for XFC 27 on Dec. 13


On December 13th, from the L.C. Walker Arena in Muskegon, Michigan, XFC fans will see the return of "Insane" Dave Courchaine, when he takes on 4x Strikeforce vet Alex "Spider" Trevino, LIVE on "your home for MMA", AXS TV. The Lightweight matchup is slated as the second televised fight of the evening, but it is quickly gaining momentum as a possible fight of the night candidate.

Alex "Spider" Trevino (5-3) is no stranger to big show opportunities. After winning his pro debut in May of 2008, Trevino spent the next 15 months fighting for the San Jose based Strikeforce promotion, seen around the world on Showtime. Trevino went a respectable 3-1 with the now defunct company, but was never able to parlay those big show fights, into bigger opportunities. The "Spider" is now looking to make his mark on AXS TV, at the expense of 15-6 Dave Courchaine, when the two meet at XFC 27. The Michigan fighter will use his well-balanced fight style to try to improve on his already impressive finish rate of 80%, as Trevino has only listened to judges score cards once in his five wins. The combination of his immense popularity in The Great Lakes State, and a win over Courchaine, could be the spark Trevino needs to catapult his name into XFC title contention and on the front page of major media outlets.

"Insane" Dave Courchaine (15-6) wanted to make an immediate impact when he signed his long-term deal with the XFC earlier this year, so what did he do; he tried to knock off the promotion's top dog. In his XFC debut, Courchaine accepted the unimaginable task of stopping the red-hot Brazilian, Luis "Sapo" Santos. Unfortunately, Courchaine's journey to the top hit a speed bump at XFC 24, when he fell to Santos in just ten seconds of the first round. The shocking results of the Santos fight, however, did not slow Courchaine down. The Spokane, Washington fighter woke up the next morning and decided that maybe his road to an XFC title simply required going a different direction. With aspirations of a future meeting with Lightweight champ Scott Holtzman, Courchaine is making the drop back to 155 pounds, but realizes he will need to earn his shot by climbing the divisional ladder one rung at a time. The first step to the belt is to get past the hungry Alex Trevino, a man also looking to raise his Lightweight stock at Frozen Fury. The heavy hitting Courchaine has nine wins by knockout and will look to pressure Trevino early, but, with four submissions under his belt, Trevino will have to also be cautious about taking the fight to the ground.

An excited John Prisco went on record as saying: "I am really intrigued with this fight. Both these guys are exciting to watch and they fight to please the crowd. I signed Courchaine to compete as a Welterweight, but I am ecstatic about also having him as an option at 155. I thought his days of fighting at that weight were behind him, but after his fight with Sapo in Tampa, he told me he wanted to drop back down to Lightweight. As soon as he said that, my mind immediately raced with potential match ups at 155. If his cut to 55 is good, and he shows no side effects from it, Dave Courchaine will be a scary guy in that division. Alex Trevino, though, is a very well-rounded fighter and he will have some advantages in this fight. It's fair to say he is the more natural Lightweight of the two, and he will be more comfortable competing at 155. I see him trying to push the fight into the late rounds to see if Courchaine has any endurance and cardio left after the cut. If he doesn't, that's when you will see Trevino turn it up and go for the finish."

Hill vs. Skinner Atomweight Bout Set for XFC 27 on Dec. 13


At XFC 27: Frozen Fury, Angela "Overkill" Hill and Stephanie "The Scrapper" Skinner will face off in the coveted female spot the XFC holds on its main card, to showcase the talented women of mixed martial arts. As one of the pioneers and leaders in consistently promoting women's MMA, the XFC has established a talented and growing roster in their female divisions. In 2013, the promotion has crowned champions in both the Strawweight and Flyweight division, and now, Angela Hill and Stephanie Skinner will cut the ribbon on the Atomweight Division, LIVE on AXS TV, from the L.C. Walker Arena in Muskegon, Michigan on December 13th.

Angela "Overkill" Hill (Pro Debut) is no stranger to the bright lights and cameras of AXS TV. The Muay Thai standout wrapped up her successful Thai career on AXS, at Lion Fight Promotion's 11th event this past September. So, it only seems fitting that the undefeated Thai fighter makes her long awaited MMA debut on the same station that she made her professional Muay Thai debut. The devastating striker earned a multi-fight contact with the XFC after impressing company officials at their Open Fighter Tryouts, this past March. Angela Hill trains out of New York's Evolution Muay Thai; bringing a Brooklyn swagger and New York toughness to the XFC's already impressive female roster. As an amateur, Hill went 14-0 in Muay Thai. It's because of this well documented history in combat sports; Hill won't get the luxury of facing another debuting fighter in her first MMA bout. The skilled combatant will face six fight veteran Stephanie Skinner; a fighter also known for her striking and knockout power. The obvious question everyone is asking will be answered on December 13th; how will Angela Hill fare if the fight hits the ground? Hill is adamant that everyone watching will be surprised with her ground game, should the fight go there, and that Skinner would be foolish to assume that is where she will find a win.

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 has waited patiently to make her XFC debut, as unfortunate events have kept her from making her debut for the Tampa based promotion. On two separate occasions, Skinner was booked to face Albuquerque's Angelica Chavez; both times Chavez pulled leaving Skinner without an opponent, and the XFC without enough time to secure a replacement. Skinner now looks to put the Chavez situation behind her and move on with her career. Stephanie Skinner will ride the momentum she gained in 2012 into Muskegon, Michigan when she meets Brooklyn, New York's Angela Hill at Frozen Fury.

XFC correspondent Jennifer O had this to say about the Hill/Skinner matchup: "I'm so excited for this matchup! Here we have 2 fighters coming from totally different backgrounds . Stephanie Skinner is a seasoned product of a purely MMA based background, where Angela Hill's game was built inside the kickboxing/Muay Thai ring. Hill turned a lot of heads with her skill and athleticism at the XFC open fighter tryouts, so here we get to see that amazing knockout power accented in the smaller gloves.. but also her ground game and sprawling abilities will be put to the test for the first time."

Ribeiro, Sharipov Square Off for Gold at XFC 27: Frozen Fury


On December 13th, Xtreme Fighting Championships will crown its 4th title holder, when Frank Sharipov and Deivison Ribeiro battle for the company's 145 pound championship. After years of intense scouting and building a solid roster of fighters, the XFC started 2013 with the promise of establishing champions in several of its weight classes. Now that the men's Lightweight, women's Strawweight, and women's Flyweight title holders have been established, the Featherweights will have their moment; as Sharipov and Ribeiro square off for their chance to join the elite group of champions in the industry's fastest growing promotion.

Deivison "Dragon" Ribeiro's (24-9) 2013 will end a lot different than it began. In January of this year, the much sought after Brazilian made his U.S. debut, dropping his first two fights on American soil. Even after signing a long term deal with the XFC, it looked as if The Dragon had painted himself in a corner and was fighting to keep his job, when he faced Shah Bobonis at XFC 24. However, it was there in Tampa at XFC 24, that everything finally clicked and Ribeiro showed the American fans exactly why the XFC signed him to a multi-fight contract. The submission specialist defended Bobonis' American Wrestling style and showed off his under-rated stand-up game. It was not only his win, but his solid well rounded performance in Tampa that earned him a spot in the XFC Featherweight elimination tournament. Ribeiro, arguably, drew the toughest route to the championship fight, having to face Jason Hicks in the opening round at Night of Champions III, this past October. In what many thought would be a closely contested bout, The Dragon came out with an intensity we had not seen from him before. Ribeiro finished Hicks in just four minutes of the first round, punching his ticket to the December 13th championship finals, where he will now face Frank Sharipov.

Orlando, Florida's Farkhad "Frank" Sharipov (14-5) has quietly snuck into the biggest fight of his career. The soft spoken Sharipov's sixth fight under the XFC banner will, without a doubt, be his shining moment, in an already successful career. After dropping two straight in 2011, the Xtreme Fighting Championships veteran was awarded the opportunity to compete in the company's Featherweight elimination tournament. Seen by many as a tournament long shot, Sharipov put everyone on notice when he dismantled UFC vet Stephen Bass in his opening round bout. In an industry that always looks to be leaning towards "a young man's sport", the 29 year-old Sharipov is proving, like so many other fighters, that the salty vets are just now hitting their peak and are still a force in MMA. A product of Orlando's Jungle MMA isn't known as finisher, but is a fighter known for inflicting punishment for the full fifteen minutes of a fight. Ten of his fourteen wins have come by way of decision, with two KO's and two submissions. Sharipov's history of decisions may be his biggest tool in the championship bout. In a title fight that could go twenty-five minutes, Frank's conditioning and solid defense could be the keys to victory. In nineteen professional bouts, Frank Sharipov has never been knocked out or submitted; a detail Ribeiro can't ignore.

XFC President John Prisco had this to say about the Featherweight Title fight: "These are two very seasoned veterans, who don't make a lot of mistakes in the cage. I want to say that it will be a very methodical, cerebral, chess match, but after seeing the way both these guys performed in their elimination bouts, I won't be surprised at all if we see a spectacular finish. Frank looks like he is hitting his peak and fighting his best fights right now, and Dragon has finally gotten comfortable in the U.S. and this weight class and is showing everyone why we signed him; this is going to be an exciting fight. This is a win/win for us. The 145 pound title is guaranteed to go to a solid, well rounded, fighter that has the potential to hold the belt for a long time and provide us with many exciting match ups to come."

Dom Steele vs. Ryan Thomas Kick Off XFC 27 Main Card


The XFC will crank the heat up in the L.C. Walker Arena, when they kick off Frozen Fury with a Welterweight showdown between Dominique Steele and Ryan Thomas. The Steele/Thomas match-up kicks off the televised portion of XFC 27: Frozen Fury, LIVE on AXS TV from Muskegon, Michigan. "The Tank Engine" Thomas looks to add to his current five fight win streak, while his opponent, Dom Steele, looks to raise his MMA stock with a win over the talented and dangerous XFC standout.

Arguably Ohio's most charismatic and entertaining fighter, Dom "Nonstop Action Packed" Steele (9-4) prepares for his XFC and AXS TV debut, when he faces the seasoned Ryan Thomas on December 13th. Although Thomas is the fighter coming in with the higher profile resume, Steele is no stranger to bright lights and big fights. The man who refers to himself as "Nonstop Action Packed", has earned opportunities in both Strikeforce and Bellator, with his most notable fight to date being a decision loss to Brian Rogers at Bellator 78. Ready to take that next step in his career, Steele will have a national television audience watching as he attempts to checkmate one of the best chess players in the sport. With four of his nine wins coming by way of knockout, Steele will need to use his reach and power to send an early message to Thomas. Known around the Ohio region as a fighter with unmeasurable heart, Dom Steele has all the tools needed to shock the world with a win in Muskegon. If the former heavyweight approaches this fight with the same determination and drive he lives his life with, we could see a superstar emerge in Michigan.

Ryan "The Tank Engine" Thomas (17-7) has quietly become one of the hottest Welterweights in mixed martial arts. The 29 year-old Illinois native is currently riding a five fight win streak that dates back to December of 2011. The last time we saw Thomas was in Albuquerque, New Mexico at XFC 25, when he defeated Rocky France by Triangle Choke. In his professional career, the submission machine has tapped an impressive 65% (11) of his opponents, while mixing in six knockouts. The American Top Team fighter's "kill or be killed" attitude is apparent, as only 2 of his 24 professional fights have gone to the judge's score cards. Thomas will bring a wealth of experience into his bout with Dom Steele. With XFC, Bellator and UFC bouts under his belt, Thomas has been inside the cage with some of the sport's top fighters. The Tank Engine's most notable opponents include: Corey Hill, Matt Brown, Ben Saunders and former Bellator Welterweight Champion Ben Askren.

Gary Thomas, of Bluegrass MMA, has been covering the XFC for over two years and has also followed Dom Steele since his pro debut. Thomas weighed in on the upcoming fight and had this to say: "This is a tough fight for me to call. I have been covering Dom Steele since he turned pro as a vicious heavyweight, to the well-rounded Welterweight he is now. The guy has the biggest heart I've ever seen in a fighter. The problem with that is, against Ryan Thomas, heart isn't going to get it done. Steele is going to have to be smart and use his head more than his heart. Ryan Thomas is surgical with his skills. Heart could get you hurt in a fight with Thomas, you have to fight smart. That being said, Ryan can't sleep on Steele. If he takes Steele lightly, it's going to cost him."

Myron Molotky, President of XFC International, had this to say about the upcoming event taking place in his home state. "I'm very pleased to have the XFC heading to Muskegon, Michigan! We are one of the largest nationally televised MMA promotions on the planet, putting on some of the best male and female fights in the industry. On December 13th, at the LC Walker Arena, the XFC is bringing one of the biggest televised events the Lake Shore area has ever seen and this bout between Dom and Ryan is just one of many on the stacked card. Living here in West Michigan for over 30 years, growing up in the hockey scene, I know the sports fans from around this area are going to enjoy what the XFC brings to Muskegon in December."

Swain vs. Assuncao Headlines XFC 27 on Dec. 13 in Michigan


On December 13th, at the L.C. Walker Arena, the XFC will once again show off its commitment to bringing high level MMA and superior matchmaking to its legion of fans. The traveling promotion will close out Frozen Fury, and their year, with a Main Event only fitting for their highly successful 2013. LIVE on AXS TV from Muskegon, Michigan, it will be young lion versus old, when Daniel Swain takes on Junior Assuncao.

Daniel "Agent Orange" Swain (10-2) knows that the shortest distance between two points is a straight line, and that's exactly why the former college wrestler didn't hesitate when the opportunity to face MMA veteran Junior Assuncao was presented to him. Swain's thought process was simple, spend the next year grinding away with fighters ranked near him, or go straight for the big dog and put himself immediately in title talks. With a 70% finish rate, Swain prides himself on breaking the stereotype on wrestlers. "I don't ever want to be associated with a boring fight. Watch my fights, I don't think you can find one and honestly say it was boring, or I wasn't trying to finish it", said Swain. A winner of four straight, "Agent Orange" spent most of 2013 competing in Japan's Pancrase promotion. The former King of the Cage and MFC vet went 2-0 in The Land of the Rising Sun, gaining valuable experience that he will no doubt call on when facing Assuncao. The line between cocky and confident is thin, but 22 year-old Daniel Swain makes it clear which side he stands on. He has put in the work and followed a career path that has him certain he is ready for this challenge. Swain's most notable win to date came in 2011 when he submitted current UFC standout Sam Sicilia, but on December 13th, he hopes that distinction goes to Junior 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 that to not only his fans, but more importantly, his peers. On December 13th Assuncao looks to put all Featherweights on notice. The message he wants to send; that he will be the measuring stick for 145ers in the XFC. Junior has won an impressive eight of his last nine bouts, which includes a XFC Lightweight title win over John Mahlow in 2010, and then a return to the UFC where he went 1-1 before being released again. 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. If there is one thing the addition of Junior Assuncao guarantees, it's that things are about to get real interesting in the XFC.

XFC Matchmaker John Prisco had this to say, when asked about his XFC 27 Main Event: "Of course we are excited to have Junior back in the XFC. Even though his time with us before was relatively short, he made an impression on everyone here. He was a pleasure to work with and a true professional, so there was no hesitation about bringing him back for a second run. To top it off, the guy is a beast; a world-class fighter, so bringing Junior back made an immediate impact on our Featherweight Division. There is no denying that the winner of the Dragon/Sharipov title fight on December 13th, should get to a monitor quickly and watch this Main Event, because more than likely, who ever is holding that belt at the end of the night, will meet one of these guys in the near future. Don't think for a minute though that Assuncao has this thing locked up. We did him no favors by matching him up with Daniel Swain for his first fight back. Swain is a top-tier fighter. He is a well-rounded, seasoned veteran at just 22 years old. That's makes him a dangerous, man. The kid is 22 years old, holds a 10-2 record, has traveled the globe gaining experience and confidence...everyone better take this guy serious; especially Junior."

Michigan native Myron Molotky, President of XFC International, had this to say about the main event: "After 11 other main event caliber fights, Brazil's Junior Assuncao will make his long awaited return to the XFC, headlining XFC 27. I'm very pleased to announce my involvement with the XFC. It's a very exciting time, as we showcase more and more International fighters inside our promotion. Junior will be facing one of his toughest opponents yet and the fans at the L.C. Walker Arena are in for a treat when they get to witness this bout live in their home town. The XFC is bringing one of the biggest televised events the Lake Shore area has ever seen. Living here in West Michigan for over 30 years, I know the sports fans from around this area are going to enjoy what the XFC brings to Muskegon in December."

Reynolds, Townsend Added to XFC 27: Frozen Fury on Dec. 13


They say, good things come to those who wait, and for Michigan natives Marcus Reynolds and Dequan Townsend, this couldn’t be more true. As the two fighters counted the days until their show down on December 13th, an unfortunate training injury put the Angela Hill versus Stephanie Skinner match on hold, and opened up a main card spot at Frozen Fury. As if auditioning for one of the biggest promotions in the industry wasn’t enough, now these two warriors can add the pressure of performing for a Worldwide audience at home. LIVE, from the L.C. Walker Arena in Muskegon, Michigan, Marcus Reynolds versus Dequan Townsend will take place on the televised portion of XFC 27 on AXS TV and judging from their past fight stats, it looks like someone is gonna get knocked out!

Iron Fist Clan’s, Michigan native, Marcus “The Iron Dragon” Reynolds (9-7) will bring his unorthodox striking and entertaining style of MMA to the masses on December 13th. The life-long student of Kung Fu first entered the professional ranks back in 2006. Even though his career has been very hot and cold at times, one thing Michigan fans have always been able to count on is Reynold’s fan friendly game plan and freakish power. With an impressive 89% finish rate, eight of The Iron Dragon’s nine wins have come by way of knockout. The King of the Cage and Shine Fights veteran will look to add to his current three fight win streak and make his mark on the sport with a high-light reel finish of Dequan Townsend. When asked what the audience at home can look forward to when Marcus Reynolds takes the cage at Frozen Fury, Team Iron Fist Clan’s Destin Allen said, “The people outside of Michigan, who have never seen Marcus are going to see a real, living, breathing, Saturday morning Kung Fu Theater action star.”

Dequan ”The Tarantula” Townsend (5-2) is a fan’s fighter! The Murcielago MMA standout approaches his fight career from both a competition and entertainment angle. Michigan fans know, a Dequan Townsend fight isn’t just a fight, it’s a show! Known for his epic ring entrances and uncanny knockout power, Townsend comes from the newest generation of fighters that didn’t grow up with a base discipline, but got into mixed martial arts fresh of the street, learning all aspects of the sport equally. The freestyle fighter from Lansing currently holds the Total Warrior Combat Welterweight title, but is looking to add a marquee win to his resume. Townsend prides himself as not only a showman, but a legit threat to everyone in his weight class. The Tarantula admits his fight with Reynolds has thepotential to earn Fight of the Night honors, but feels the smart bet; Knockout of the Night.

XFC Founder & Matchmaker John Prisco weighed in on the main card moves: “I’ve said it time and time again; the XFC is about opportunity. Work hard, stay ready, and you never know what might happen. This sport is tough on the body. Most high level fighters will tell you, getting through a training camp and making it to the fight healthy, is the hard part of the process. Injuries are always going to happen and when they do, we’re sometimes forced to change the line up around. One minute you’re preparing for a prelim fight; the next you could be asked to step up and show the World what you’re made of on live TV. Reynolds versus Townsend was a regional fight that we were all excited about when we put this card together, but there just wasn’t room on the main card to showcase it. When the Skinner/Hill fight had to be pulled, there was no hesitation on which fight should bump up and take the open spot. Both these guys have paid their dues, trained hard, promoted the card wonderfully, and have earned the opportunity they are about to receive. I assure you, they will take full advantage of this and put on a show for everyone. Both these fighters and their camps are guaranteeing fireworks.”

XFC International President Myron Molotky, who resides in Michigan, was excited to see two Michigan natives receive the call that they would be fighting live on national television with the XFC. “It’s with great anticipation that I get to watch two guys I’ve seen grow up in the Michigan MMA scene be recognized for their skills and accomplishments as we welcome them to the XFC. John Prisco’s matchmaking prowess has again put together regional dream match-ups, such as this fight between Reynolds & Townsend…only John and the XFC are able to make these matchups happen.”

Molotky continued “Showcasing the top fighters worldwide in our cage, for all the area fans to see live, is what we are all about. I anticipate that the fighters and their teams are going to make the most of it, especially since the opportunity presents itself to be showcased on television. The L.C. Walker arena and our fans watching worldwide will be on the edge of their seats when these two knockout artists go to work on Friday Dec. 13th.”