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XFC returns to Knoxville, TN for XFC 16: High Stakes


The top MMA promotion in the Southeastern United States, Xtreme Fighting Championships (XFC) will return to Knoxville, TN on February 10th 2012 when they invade the Knoxville Civic Auditorium-Coliseum. The show will be broadcast live, nationally on HDNet. The XFC 16: High Stakes fight card is being finalized by President John Prisco, and will be announced over the next few weeks.

The XFC christened Tennessee with the states’ first ever pro mma sanctioned show, back in 2009 with “XFC 7: School of Hard Knox”; a few months after the state’s commission was put into place. The show featured Rafaello Oliveira and O’Vince St. Preux, who later went on to fight in Strikeforce and the UFC. This will be the promotion’s third venture into Knoxville, as they continue to feature the top prospects not only in the south, but from all over the world.

“We are thrilled to be headed back to Knoxville,” said XFC President John Prisco. “We have done shows there twice before and each time we did very well. We have a lot of momentum right now with our last two shows and I can’t wait for the world to see what we have in store for Knoxville with XFC 16: High Stakes. Not only are we going to use fighters from Tennessee, but I am bringing in some of the top prospects from around the country. It’s going to be a good show and we will be announcing the card very soon.”

XFC 16: High Stakes is sponsored by Sheets Energy Strips & Overthrow Gear and will take place at the the Knoxville Civic Auditorium-Coliseum in Tennessee on Feb. 10th 2012. The event will air nationwide live on HDNet, with tickets going on sale soon through http://www.officialxfc.com. VIP tables are available through XFC Corporate. Please call 813-625-1672 for more information. To learn more about the XFC, please visit http://www.officialxfc.com, like them on Facebook, see videos of them on YouTube, and follow the promotion on Twitter.

Former Ultimate Fighter star and UFC veteran Corey Hill will take on Nicolae Cury Feb. 10th live on HDNet, in a highly anticipated welterweight attraction at XFC 16: 'High Stakes' at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum. Both men are coming off impressive wins in the XFC cage and are looking to build more momentum heading into the new year.

Corey Hill is 1-0 since his move up to 170 at XFC 15 "Tribute". In his welterweight debut last month Hill ended Charlie Rader's 6 fight win streak in the first round when he forced his fellow Ultimate Fighter alum to submit to a darse choke hold. With a win over Cury, 'The Real Deal' will likely establish himself as the top welterweight in the promotion.

"This is one of the biggest welterweight fights in XFC history," explained XFC President John Prisco. "Corey destroyed Charlie Rader at our last show when a lot of people thought he was a huge underdog. Charlie was on a huge winning streak and Corey got him down and submitted him in the first round. Corey is so long and he uses those long limbs to his advantage. He's a tough matchup for anyone on the ground or standing."

Known primarily for his submission skills, Nicolae Cury has won two straight fights by armbar in the first round. Out of six professional wins, half of those have come by armbar in the first round. The American Top Team product successfully made his XFC debut at XFC 14 Resurrection, when he submitted Elijah Harshbarger in 87 seconds to improve his record to 6-2.

"Nicolae has some of the sickest armbars I have ever seen," confessed Prisco. "It didn't even take him 90 seconds to tap out Harshbarger in October. I was blown away by his performance that night and I know he wants to put on a show in Knoxville. Corey may be a bigger name but Nicolae wants to show everyone on HDNet that he is for real."

"This fight is so intriguing for a lot of reasons. Both men are so good on the ground and they both have very underrated stand up. Corey actually has a couple of KO wins on his record and he will definitely have the reach advantage. But Nicolae is no slouch. What he lacks in reach he makes up for it in explosiveness and power. I actually think this fight could stay standing due to both men being at such a high level on the ground. If Corey can keep him off with the jab he will control this fight, but if Nicolae gets inside he could get the knockout. This is going to be exciting either way. The fans in Knoxville and live on HDNet are in for a treat when these guys step into the cage." Prisco stated.

XFC 16 : High Stakes is sponsored by Sheets Energy Strips & Overthrow Gear and will air live on HDnet from the Knoxville Civic Coliseum in Knoxville, TN on February 10th, 2012. Tickets are on sale now through KnoxvilleTickets.com. To learn more about the XFC, please visit www.officialxfc.com, “Like” them on Facebook, and “Follow” the promotion on Twitter (@officialxfc).

Expect Fireworks when Stoney Hale takes on Dustin West at XFC 16:’High Stakes’


Two of Tennessee’s most popular fighters will collide in the Knoxville Civic Coliseum at XFC 16: ‘High Stakes’ when Stoney Hale steps into the XFC cage to take on Dustin West on Feb. 10th. The two men have a devoted following in the Volunteer state and both are looking to take the next step in their career live on HDNet.

Known for his heavy hands and gutsy performances in the cage Stoney Hale (4-2) has created a following in East Tennessee. With wins in Bellator and Strikeforce ‘The Skuller’ is the one promoters call anytime a big show comes to town. In his last outing Hale defeated Gerric Hayes at a Strikeforce Challengers show in Nashville, TN.

A computer software consultant by day, Hale is one of the nicest, most unassuming fighters in MMA. But once the cage door closes the Team Oxendine product is all business. “This is a big fight for me,” said Hale. “I’m really looking forward to my fight with Dustin and I think it has the potential to be the fight of the night. I’ve seen Dustin fight and I know he likes to bang. I don’t mind standing and the fans are going to get their money’s worth. I think I matchup well with Dustin and I have one word to describe this fight: fireworks. We both are heavy handed and like to bang. If it stays standing I think I will do well but if it goes to the ground I know I will be fine there too.”

Standing in Hale’s way is Dustin West. Arguably the most popular fighter in Middle Tennessee West (5-4) will take his KO road show to Knoxville on Feb. 10th to set up a Middleweight Volunteer State showdown. Known primarily for his knockout power, ‘DWest’ has two 9 second knockouts on his record. The first came for Strikeforce last January and the second came against MMA legend Johnathan Ivey last November. In over 100 professional MMA fights against men like Ken Shamrock and Dan Severn Ivey had never been knocked. Nine short seconds in the cage with West was all it took for Ivey to find himself looking up at the lights while West’s hands were raised.

West is a former Marine who quickly rose through the amateur ranks in Middle Tennessee on his way to an impressive 10-0 record. In his pro debut West walked through Ultimate Fighter veteran Blake Bowman in under two minutes. With some bad luck and injuries behind him West appears to be 100% and ready for Hale at ‘High Stakes’.

“Stoney Hale vs Dustin West could steal the show in Knoxville,” says XFC President John Prisco. “Dustin is known for very quick knockouts but Stoney knocked a guy out in 11 seconds in 2010. My advice to those watching on HDNet, don’t blink. Both men have had wins on some big shows recently and I’m excited to have both of them competing for the XFC. Dustin just knocked out Johnathan Ivey and Ivey is a guy who fights anyone and everyone and no one has knocked him out. And Dustin didn’t just knocked him out. He knocked him out cold. I’m really looking forward to this fight and I will be very surprised if this one goes the distance.”

In addition to Hale vs. West XFC 16 : “High Stakes” will feature Drew Fickett vs Jamie Varner in the main event and Nicolae Cury vs Corey Hill in the co-main event. The Featured Bout of the Evening will pit 2 of the XFC’s Female Fighters both hot off their win streaks; Heather Clark vs Marianna Kheyfets. Rounding out the HDnet Live card will be: Len Cook vs Chris Wright. Josh Samman vs Mikey Gomez, and Chase Gormley vs Brandon Sayles.

XFC 16 : High Stakes is sponsored by Sheets Energy Strips & Overthrow Gear and will air live on HDnet from the Knoxville Civic Coliseum in Knoxville, TN on February 10th, 2012.

Jamie Varner plans to take Drew Fickett out at XFC 16: ‘High Stakes’


Riding high off of his 69 second beatdown of Nate Jolly at XFC 14, Jamie Varner is looking for his second straight win in the XFC cage when he takes on Drew Fickett at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum at XFC 16: ‘High Stakes’. The two legendary lightweights will clash live on HDnet on Feb. 10th.

From 2007 to 2010 Varner ruled the WEC’s lightweight division with impressive wins over Rob McCullough, Marcus Hicks, and Donald Cerrone. Now just a few years later ‘C-4′ is determined to show MMA fans that he is still one of the best in the world at 155. But standing in Varner’s way is Drew Fickett. Like Varner, Fickett has been at the top and competed against some of the best lightweights in the world. With wins over Kenny Florian, Josh Koscheck, and Carlo Prater ‘The Master’ has built his reputation by beating the best. But according to Varner he won’t be added to that list next month in Knoxville.

“Drew is a tough and accomplished fighter,” explained Varner. “He has been around for awhile and is strong in all aspects of MMA. He has seen just about everything. This should be an exciting fight, but I am looking for another KO in the XFC cage! I have actually known him for awhile, since I was very young in the sport. We have both been around for awhile now, but I think my prime is still ahead of me. I plan to prove this by taking him out. ”

Recently Fickett posted a video blog of his training camp for the fight with Varner on Youtube. In the videos his camp consists of sleeping in and smoking cigarettes. Varner still hasn’t seen the videos but wasn’t impressed with Fickett’s attempt at humor. “I have heard about his video blogs but I really don’t care about them. He can do whatever he wants, all I can control is what I am doing. Everyday I look to grow as a person and fighter. Drew can smoke and sleep all day. “I’ll be ready when I get to Knoxville.

After a tough loss last year on short notice Varner considered retirement but after his win at XFC 14 he quickly changed his mind. “The XFC treated me great at my last fight,” said Varner. “I am excited to step back into their cage. Mark Cuban and HDNet are a great source for live MMA events, so it is nice to have my fight featured as a main event on their network. I plan to put on another exciting performance for the fans.”

XFC President John Prisco is thrilled to have Varner back and fighting Fickett in the main event at ‘High Stakes’. According to Prisco, “Jamie showed everyone in Orlando that he still has what it takes to be one of the best lightweights in the world. I’m excited to have him back and he’s going to get a step up in competition with Fickett. Drew has beaten some of the best fighters in the world and I think Jamie will be tested in this one. However it turns out I know it’s going to be an exciting fight and the fans in Knoxville and those watching on HDNet will enjoy the show”.

XFC 16 : High Stakes is sponsored by Sheets Energy Strips & Overthrow Gear and will air live on HDnet from the Knoxville Civic Coliseum in Knoxville, TN on February 10th, 2012. Tickets are on sale now through OfficialXFC.com. To learn more about the XFC, please visit www.officialxfc.com, “Like” them on Facebook, and “Follow” the promotion on Twitter (@officialxfc).

XFC veteran Julio Gallegos returns to the cage vs Oselukwue


XFC veteran Gerardo Julio Gallegos returns to the cage on Feb. 10th live on HDNet when he takes on Amaechi Oselukwue at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum at XFC 16: ‘High Stakes’. The heavy handed middleweight is a fan favorite not just for his fighting ability but his charity work as well.

Overcoming tragedy at an early age, that saw the loss of both of Gallegos’ parents, the Kentucky native has turned the negative into a positive by focusing his energy on helping sick children. Gallegos works tirelessly promoting cancer awareness and spends his time visiting sick children at St. Jude and Kosair Children’s Hospital in Kentucky. Last year Gallegos even started his own charity, the GJG Foundation, which benefits kids in Lexington, KY. Last year the fighter raised several thousand dollars that went into helping children in his hometown.

XFC President John Prisco isn’t just a man who promotes Gallegos’ fights. He’s also a fan of the man who gives back to his community. “It’s great to have Julio back in the XFC. We haven’t seen him since 2010 and I know he’s eager to get back in there and continue to fight and do his best to help sick children not only in Kentucky but all over the world. Julio had a tough childhood and could’ve easily fallen into the trap of joining a gang or drugs, but he didn’t. He chose to pay it forward and is give back to his community. If anyone deserves to have a chip on their shoulder it’s Julio, but he doesn’t. He has the biggest heart of anyone in the sport. I’m proud to promote him and win, lose, or draw Julio is a winner.”

Gallegos made his debut at XFC 7 and finished his first four opponents in just under a combined 16 minutes. At XFC 10 it took Gallegos only 34 seconds to knock out UFC veteran Shane Primm. At ‘High Stakes’ the Reaction MMA product will be looking for another spectacular knockout.

“Julio has hands of stone,” said Prisco. “If Julio hits you with a clean shot you are going down. He is so strong and hits like a Mack Truck. He also has a very underrated ground game too. Wherever the fight goes, Julio is game.”

But standing in Gallego’s way of a successful return is Amaechi Oselukwue. ‘The Infamous A.O.” is one of the most decorated fighters in Tennessee Amateur Mixed Martial Arts history. Before turning pro, “A.O.” built his reputation as one of the most fearless fighters in the state’s history taking on all comers at light heavyweight and middleweight.

“I’m really intrigued by A.O.,” confessed Prisco. “A.O. is one of those guys who is so athletic. I’ve seen him do things in the cage and think, ‘This kid has the potential to be another Anderson Silva’. He’s so raw and has won a lot of fights just on athletic ability. I think his fight with Julio is going to be a war and I don’t see it going the distance. One of these guys will likely get knocked out.”

MMA Fighter & Marine Dustin West works with Wounded Warrior Project


Dustin West has quietly built a reputation as a knockout artist and a fan favorite in the Southeast. Having ended numerous fights in under a minute, the heavy handed Tennessee native will take his KO road show to Knoxville, TN this Friday night to face Stoney Hale live on HDNet at XFC 16 ‘High Stakes’.

Before pursuing MMA, West served his country as a Marine. Now that he has had some success in the sport, ‘DWest’ is hoping he can shine a light on a cause near and dear to his heart; The Wounded Warrior Project.

The WWP is an organization that assists injured servicemen when they come home from war and helps them transition back to life as a civilian. Anyone who served in the military who has incurred injuries or illness due to their service on or after September 11, 2001 is eligible to enter the program. Whether it’s helping soldiers find jobs or simply helping with paperwork for benefits / grants, the WWP has helped thousands of soldiers since its institution in 2002.

“The XFC has given me a wonderful opportunity to compete on HDNet at ‘High Stakes’,” said West. “I really think it’s important to use this opportunity to give to others and bring awareness to The Wounded Warrior Project. I served in the Marine Corp and was fortunate to come back home with my health. There are a lot of others who aren’t as lucky as me. And I think it’s important to give back and honor those heroes. I encourage everyone who reads this to go to www.woundedwarriorproject.org and do what you can to support these brave men and women.”

Not only did West get permission to represent the Wounded Warrior Project at XFC 16, he will also have local Knoxville soldiers that were wounded in battle as his guests at the event.

XFC President John Prisco is thrilled to have Dustin West fighting on the card. “Dustin is an example of what honor and integrity is all about,” said Prisco. “I have watched Dustin progress in his career over the years and he is a very talented fighter. He’s been knocking out guys left and right. After his big knockout over Johnathan Ivey, I had to put him on the card at ‘High Stakes’. Once I put him on the card, I had some talks with him and his manager and realized just how important The Wounded Warrior Project was to him. It’s really good to see a young man like that who wants to give back to wounded men and women who come home from war. A lot of guys go after sponsors to make a quick buck but here’s a former Marine who is more concerned with helping his fellow soldiers. It’s really touching and I’m proud to have Dustin competing for the XFC.”

XFC 16 : High Stakes will feature Jamie Varner vs. Drew Fickett in the main event and is sponsored by Sheets Energy Strips & Overthrow Gear and will air live on HDnet from the Knoxville Civic Coliseum in Knoxville, TN on February 10th, 2012. Tickets are on sale now through OfficialXFC.com. To learn more about the XFC, please visit www.officialxfc.com, “Like” them on Facebook, and “Follow” the promotion on Twitter (@officialxfc).