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XFC 20: High Octane Set for September 28 in Knoxville


Two of the Volunteer state's top lightweights are on a collision course for XFC 20. Chris Coggins will venture into enemy territory to face hometown favorite Scott Holtzman at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum on Sept. 28th live on AXS TV. Both fighters are coming off strong performances in the XFC cage earlier this year and are looking for a win to make their way into title contention for the XFC lightweight title.

After dropping a close majority decision to Undefeated XFC star Nick Newell in an instant classic at XFC 17, Chris Coggins bounced back with an impressive first round submission over Austin Lyons in June. It only took 83 seconds for the SSF standout to secure an armbar that forced the Ultimate Fighter alum to tap. Now, with a big win under his belt and some national exposure from his war with Newell, Coggins has parlayed the attention into a fight with the undefeated Scott Holtzman on AXS TV.

"Chris Coggins proved to me back in April that he is one of the best lightweights in not just Tennessee but the entire country, with his war with Newell," exclaimed XFC President John Prisco. "Newell won the first and third rounds, but in the second Coggins dominated him so badly that one of the judges scored it 10-8 for Chris. That fight could've easily been a draw. Newell has finished every opponent he has faced except Coggins in the first round. Chris is tough and very well rounded. We are going to test him again Holtzman in Knoxville."

With a record of 6-2 it's hard to consider Coggins an underdog, but that's the mentality he has as he prepares to enter the cage at XFC 20. "Scott is a big dude," said Coggins. "He will be bigger than me and that's fine. He is a big guy and looks the part on TV. But the guys he has smashed aren't really that good, in my opinion. I'm not impressed with his standup. He likes to overwhelm his opponents with his size but it's going to be hard to hold down a hellion like me for 15 minutes. He hasn't been pushed in a fight."

And don't think Coggins doesn't think about a potential rematch with Newell. "I understand Nick is fighting for the XFC lightweight title later this year so a win at XFC 20 might put me in position," said Coggins. "I really want a rematch with Nick. If I have to beat Holtzman first, so be it."

After an impressive run as an amateur, Scott Holtzman has turned heads with two straight XFC wins in his young professional career. At XFC 16 earlier this year, 'Hotsauce' earned praise from former UFC champion Pat Miletich for his performance after submitting Brandon Demastes. "This was one of the best pro debuts, I've ever seen..." said Miletich. And at XFC 18 Holtzman continued to impress with his dominant first round TKO win over Matt Metts. Now, Holtzman will take another step up in competition to take on the veteran Coggins.

"Coggins is a great opponent and a good test for me" said Holtzman. "He is a tough guy with some credible wins. I'm looking forward to getting in there with him. I think it's great he says he is the best lightweight, if you don't have confidence in yourself in this game then you won't last long. I'm not in this organization to fight bums and the XFC puts nothing less than the regions best in the cage. Chris has some credible wins, so he could easily be considered the best. This is a great opportunity to prove myself and I plan to do so. The fans will get a fight with a ton of excitement and action. There will be some heavy leather and some well rounded MMA. You will NOT want to miss this one! "

"This is a big fight for Scott," said Prisco. "He has looked very impressive in his fights for us earlier this year and now we are going to test him against Chris. Chris is very tough and has been in some wars and we are going to see what Scott is made of. If he gets through Coggins in Knoxville he immediately becomes a contender for the title at 155."

XFC 20: High Octane is presented by ICRealtime and will take place on Sept. 28th, 2012 at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum in Knoxville, TN. There are 13 fight scheduled for the night beginning at 6:30pm, with the promotion going live on AXStv/HDnet at 9pm. Tickets are on sale now at http://www.Beafantickets.com and all information pertaining to the event can be found at http://www.officialxfc.com. Be sure to follow the promotion daily on Facebook & Twitter '@officialxfc" and sign up for the XFCinsider newsletter today!

XFC 20: High Octane Fight Card Announced for September 28


Xtreme Fighting Championships has spent the 2012 calendar year touring the Southeast and will return to Knoxville for the 20th event of the promotion’s history. After making a debut in Charlotte, XFC returns to Tennessee showcasing some of the regions top talent, as well as a number of recently signed fighters. The co-main event for the evening will feature two of Tennessee’s most promising Lightweights when XFC breakout star Scott “Hot Sauce” Holtzman takes on Chris Coggins.

XFC has been adding talent to each of its weight classes here in 2012 and four of the new additions, including Holtzman, are scheduled to appear on the Knoxville “High Octane” card live on AXStv. As it has become standard for XFC events, the card will feature some of the top local talent, a female bout, and an XFC Open Fighter Tryout winner debut as well.

XFC 20 will feature a Main Event between Eric Reynolds and a yet to be named opponent. Reynolds, who has agreed to fight Undefeated XFC star Nick Newell for the XFC Lightweight Title in December has decided to risk the opportunity and further show the XFC fans why he deserves to be a belt holder for the promotion. Reynolds, now 15-5, has recently beaten a World Class grappler in Jonatas Novaes and a World Class striker in Luciano Dos Santos. With a win at XFC 20 he will be (3-0) in the XFC and ready to step in to shutter the undefeated limelight that Newell is currently boasting.

In the Co-Main Event, two of Tennessee’s top fighters will face off to determine who the State’s number one Lightweight is. Chris Coggins is the only fighter to ever make it past the first round with “Notorious” Nick Newell and has beaten most of Tennessee’s top Lightweights. Coggins has since picked up a win over (9-1) Austin Lyons, and will be aiming for a (2-1) record within the XFC. Scott “Hot Sauce” Holtzman will make up the other half of the Co-Main Event. Holtzman has gone (2-0) as a pro, with both fights taking place in the XFC cage, and finishing them in devastating fashion. Coggins will have the experience advantage in this match-up, but according to Holtzman that will be his only advantage. Holtzman has proven he is a very well rounded fighter and now gets the most difficult challenge of his young career live on AXStv.

XFC has proven to be one of the leading organizations for WMMA and XFC 20 will feature another great match-up between 2012 signee Sophia Bagherdai and opponent Sarah Maloy. Both Maloy and Bagherdai are stepping up after an appearance with Invicta FC. Bagherdai will be looking to bounce back from a close decision loss at IFC1, while Maloy attempts to put together a win streak for the first time since 2010. Both ladies are strong stand up fighters which will make for an exciting fight for XFC fans. The twitter talk has already begun between these two and this fight is surely going to be entertaining for all those in attendance and tuned in!

Shah Bobonis will return the XFC for the first time since 2009. The outspoken Bantamweight recently signed a long term contract with the XFC and didn’t hesitate to begin the war of words questioning why his opponent, Cornelius Godfrey would risk his perfect pro record against a much more experienced fighter. Bobonis has more than double the amount of wins as Godfrey and plans to set the stage for a 2013 title run with a another win at XFC 20. Godfrey is considered one of the region’s top Bantamweights fighting out of West Virgina, and local MMA pundits have already labeled this match up as a possible Fight of the Night contender. The fireworks will fly when these two step into the cage live on AXStv and we’re sure you won’t be anything less than impressed with the growing XFC Bantamweight division.

The 2012 XFC Open Fighter Tryout winner Joby Sanchez now has an opponent for his first fight with the promotion. After winning the Spring OFT in Connecticut, the Bantamweight out of New Mexico will be looking to send a message to the rest of the 135lb division with a win in his first XFC fight. Standing in the way of a fourth straight win will be Team Oxendine fighter Josh Ward. Oxendine fighters have proven to be some of the best in the Tennessee area and Ward is sure to be a worthy test for Sanchez in his debut.

After a successful pro debut at XFC 18, Nate “The Train” Landwehr returns to the XFC cage to take on Adam Townsend in the opening bout of XFC 20. With both fighters carrying a 1-0 record and looking to remain unbeaten, this bout is the talk of the state; local fans labeling it “East vs West”. Landwehr showed enormous potential in his first XFC outing and another successful night could have “The Train” on track to an XFC contract. Townsend, who will be making his XFC debut, is on a 9-fight win streak dating back to January of 2011 making him an odds-maker’s favorite when the two Featherweights face off in September. Both fighters agree one thing is certain about this fight, it won’t make it to the judges.

XFC 20: High Octane takes place from the Knoxville Civic Auditorium on September 28. Local MMA fans will also see a Welterweight matchup between two of the area’s top 170lb fighters as Anthony Lemon and Drew Kennedy face off on the AXStv televised portion of the event, along with several undercard bouts featuring the regions best. XFC 20 is presented by ICRealTime Security Solutions and will be televised live starting at 9PM. For more information go to www.OfficialXFC.com and follow the promotion daily on Facebook and Twitter ‘@OfficialXFC’.

The XFC 20 fight card is now completed with Wednesday’s announcement that XFC Lightweight favorite Eric Reynolds (15-5) (2-0 XFC) will meet Danny Salinas (11-4) in the Main Event of the evening live on AXStv. Reynolds is riding a two fight win streak after defeating grappling ace Jonatas Novaes, and American Top Team Muay Thai specialist Luciano Dos Santos. Salinas enters his XFC debut with a (3-1) record through his last four and will look to put Reynolds’ championship run on hold.

Reynolds sent out a challenge to fellow XFC Lightweight Nick “Notorious” Newell after Newell earned his third straight victory at XFC 19. It was later announced live on AXStv by XFC President that the two would compete for the XFC Lightweight Title in the year ending December event. Reynolds however, opted not to wait for the Title fight and to participate in a bout at XFC 20, as was originally planned earlier in the year.

After seeing top level strikers and grapplers, Reynolds will now face off with heavy hitting wrestler Salinas, who has competed as high as the Light Heavyweight division. Salinas will challenge Reynolds with his size and power, but will likely keep the fight standing where both fighters are most comfortable. Salinas has forced a referee stoppage on four occasions, but has also been KO’d on two occasions. Reynolds on the other hand has knocked out 7 opponents, and submitted another 6, only being finished by an opponent on 3 occasions throughout his entire career.

XFC President John Prisco confirmed the bout to media this morning, noting that Reynolds was excited to be able to get in one more fight before his possible Championship showdown with Newell. “Reynolds sounds excited, he thinks it’s a good match up, he sees some holes in Salinas’ game that he thinks he can expose,” said Prisco. “Personally I think this is going to be a very exciting fight. Both of these guys like to stand and keep to the striking, and a lot of times that makes for the most exciting fights. They both have knock-out power and Eric has a lot riding on this fight, so I know he’s going to bring his A-game for this one.”

Salinas will be the newcomer to the XFC, but a win over the organizations top ranked Lightweight could give him a great amount of exposure and boost his career tremendously. Salinas has normally competed in Texas promotions and will make his first appearance on a nationally televised event as AXStv will air XFC 20 live from Knoxville, Tennessee on Sept. 28th.

Both fighters have promised fans to put on a show when they collide at XFC 20: High Octane. Reynolds will need to be at his best in order to preserve his title fight opportunity at XFC 21, but looking past Salinas would be a mistake that could cost him the chance.

Bagherdai Sets Sights on XFC Debut vs. Maloy at XFC 20


As the XFC returns to Knoxville for the promotions fifth show of 2012, XFC 20: High Octane, the AXStv portion of the event will feature yet another Women’s MMA event when Sofia Bagherdai takes on Sarah Maloy in a Women’s Flyweight contest. Bagherdai will be making her first appearance with XFC since signing a multi-fight deal earlier this summer.

Bagherdai axed plans for a move down to the Strawweight division and decided to stay a Flyweight. A choice that played out well for the young fighter from California. As she starts her training camp, not having to worry about the extra weight cut, Bagherdai has the opportunity to concentrate more on perfecting her skills. She’s also recuperating from the knee injury she suffered earlier in 2012, but has assured fans and followers she is already back to 100%.

“I've decided to move back to my original weight class... I honestly feel like I improve every day. I feel like after every fight I learn something new. My take down defense has gotten sick, so I’m ready for anything. The recovery has been long but is going well! My knee feels great and all together I'm ready to go in there and be myself,” Bagherdai told the XFC media team. Bagherdai may be ready for whatever Maloy brings on September 28, but her strength is still in her striking. “My strength is always my stand up. I like to stand and put on a great show! My stand up is on a different level these days... I train with some of the best fighters in the world and I'm very lucky to be able to do so.”

Maloy carries the name “KO Kid” however has yet to knock out any of her opponents as a pro. Bagherdai meanwhile has proven she has the skill set to force the referee stoppage. She has earned TKO victories on 2 occasions, including a win over Michelle Ould in 2007. Bagherdai won’t be hunting for a KO, but she’ll be ready if the opportunity arises. “My left hook is pretty nasty right now! But I never fetch for a knock out, if it comes it comes.”

Sofia Bagherdai makes her highly anticipated XFC debut on September 28 when she faces off with the talented Sarah Maloy at XFC 20: High Octane. The ladies will be the Featured bout of the evening and as always will present an Xtremely exciting fight. “I’m so excited to finally showcase my talent for the whole world to see! Just make sure to tune in to AXStv on September 28th, I promise I won't disappoint! It's going to be a great brawl,” exclaimed Bagherdai.

XFC 20: High Octane is presented by ICRealTime Security Solutions and will air live on AXStv starting at 9PM ET. For more information on the event, or to purchase tickets for the event, visit www.OfficialXFC.com. Follow XFC daily on Facebook and Twitter ‘@OfficialXFC’. Also, keep up with Sofia Bagherdai as she prepares for her XFC 20 fight by following her on Twitter ‘@Sofinator08’

Borgomeo Replaces Salinas in XFC 20 Main Event


XFC 20: High Octane is scheduled for September 28th at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum as the XFC puts on its fifth show of the year and its fourth in the state of Tennessee. Lightweight favorite Eric Reynolds has already agreed to put his December title fight at risk by taking a fight on the September card, and will now deal with a late opponent swap. After sustaining an injury to his bicep, Danny Salinas has been forced out of the main event fight, and in his place will be the Italian Blackzillian Lorenzo Borgomeo.

Borgomeo has competed in the XFC once before, with success over Clifton Weston. Now, nearly four years after his last appearance with the promotion, Borgomeo is back to challenge the XFC #1 Lightweight contender Eric Reynolds. With his black belt level of skill in both Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai, Borgomeo is going to be a difficult match up for Reynolds and will challenge him in all aspects.

Reynolds has certainly earned his December title fight after defeating American Top Team Muay Thai coach Luciano Dos Santos, and BJJ champion and black belt Jonatas Novaes in his last two outings. Now, Reynolds will need to combine the skills shown in the two victories to defeat Borgomeo. Reynolds adds kickboxing and traditional boxing into his striking game, and in combination with his long limbs, he will hold the reach advantage and should be able to establish his striking early on. Against Dos Santos, Reynolds was successful with his take-down attempts, but there was very little risk from Dos Santos working from his back. That will not be the case when fighting Borgomeo. Should Reynolds secure a take-down, he could be putting himself in more danger than he would by staying on his feet.

Borgomeo will have his hands full as well. He hasn’t earned a submission win in over 3 years, and lacks the wrestling skills needed to get Reynolds to the mat, where he could potentially work his jiu-jitsu. Because of this, Borgomeo may be forced to focus on his Muay Thai and trade strikes with the long armed Reynods. Borgomeo says he has been training hard to fill the holes in his game and believes he has spotted a couple of Reynolds weaknesses that he could use to his advantage. He will need to bring his best for three rounds with little chance he’ll be able to KO Reynolds who has only been knocked out once in his career, back in 2008.

Reynolds cannot overlook Borgomeo, but will undoubtedly be thinking about his possible Lightweight Title fight in December should he come out victorious. Borgomeo needs this win badly as well. After dropping his last fight in a decision, the Italian needs to get back in the win column and begin another streak.

XFC 20: High Octane is presented by ICRealTime Security Solutions and airs live on AXStv September 28 from the Knoxville Civic Coliseum. For more information on the event visit www.officialxfc.com. Follow the promotion daily on Facebook and Twitter ‘@OfficialXFC’.