XFC

XFC Spotlight: Cortney Casey

On June 14th, amateur standout Cortney Casey will make her highly anticipated professional and promotional debut at XFC 24: Collision Course, LIVE on AXS TV, from the USF Sun Dome in Tampa, Florida. After signing a long term, multi-fight, deal with the XFC, Casey will test her skill against the more experienced and battle tested Kelly Warren.

Cortney “Cast Iron” Casey has been a high level athlete her entire life. Her first love and passion was for the soccer field. After a successful career at Division I UTEP, Casey took her talents to Seattle, Washington where she briefly played for the Seattle Sounders. It was while rehabbing a soccer injury, that Cortney first entered an MMA gym. She was hoping to use mixed martial arts training to stay in shape for an eventual return to soccer, but that return never happened. The woman now known as “Cast Iron” was bitten by the MMA bug and the adrenaline rush of hand to hand combat was too strong for Casey to ignore.

Casey experienced an amateur MMA career that would make most jealous. She compiled a 6-2 record, which included a title for Coalition of Combat, and a title win and defense of the famed Vegas promotion Tuff-N-Uff’s Flyweight Championship. Cortney also managed to become an MMA internet sensation when video of her flying armbar against Rachael Cummins hit the web.

Some have questioned Casey’s decision to accept a debut bout against such a seasoned warrior as Kelly Warren, but Casey had this to say about her contract with the XFC and her bout with veteran Kelly Warren: “There’s no better way to get your feet wet, then to jump right in the deep end.” It’s exactly this attitude that drove XFC President John Prisco to sign Casey to a long term deal.

Cortney Casey and Xtreme Fighting Championships make their way to Tampa, Florida for XFC 24: Collision Course on June 14, 2013. The event is presented by ICRealTime Security Solutions and ThroatPunch Ind. Apparel and will be broadcast Live on AXS TV from the beautiful USF Sun Dome, beginning at 9pm. Follow Cortney Casey on Facebook and Twitter @CastIron_Casey, for up to the minute information leading up to her XFC debut.

Article by J. Hobbs

Since hanging up his hockey skates in 2008, University of Tennessee and Knoxville Ice Bears Forward Scott Holtzman (4-0) has only had one thing on his mind, a mixed martial arts title. After an undefeated amateur career, that never saw a 3rd round, and four impressive professional wins, Holtzman finds himself one step closer to reaching his goal, when he faces off against John Mahlow at XFC 24: Collision Course. The often quiet Holtzman recently found himself at the center of media attention, after former XFC Lightweight Champion Nick Newell refused to defend his belt based on the merit that Scott was “an up and comer.” Media headlines soared as Newell was abruptly stripped of his title, leaving “Hotsauce” without an opponent for his June 14th title fight. While fielding hundreds of questions, the XFC’s #1 contender made one thing clear, his goal was never to beat Nick Newell, his goal was to become a champion, and Nick Newell just happen to be the man holding his belt. “The man across from me in the cage has changed, but the plan is still the same…get my belt.” Will Scott Holtzman continue his unbeaten rise to the top or will John Mahlow close the curtain on the “Hotsauce” show?

When XFC President John Prisco announced that the Main Event at XFC 24 would still be for the promotion’s Lightweight Title, the first man to reach out to him and challenge Scott Holtzman was John Mahlow (13-13). Mahlow was the company’s first ever Lightweight Champion and now wants his shot once again at the belt that Holtzman and Newell were fighting over. “The Mulatto Mauler” has been fighting professionally for more than 10 years. He has stood in the cage with the likes of Antonio McKee, Mac Danzig, Mark Bocek, Jeff Curran, Luis Palomino, and Junior Assuncao. His wins read like chapters in the BJJ handbook: Rear Naked Choke, Triangle Choke, Ankle Lock, Arm Bar, Guillotine. On June 14th, Mahlow will look to add one more victim to his list and wants to show Scott Holtzman he is ready to be champion again.

When asked about the changes to the XFC 24 Main Event, John Prisco had this to say: “It just felt right. I went through all the emails and phone calls that were coming in asking for the shot at Holtzman and this title, and I kept going back to one guy, actually the first guy that reached out to me, John Mahlow. It just seemed fitting. If Scott Holtzman wants to be the future of this division, then why not fight the man who first held the belt? This is a tough fight for Scott. Mahlow has 26 professional bouts to his name. He has fought some of the best in the business and been through wars. He’s back and better than ever from an injury that took him out of the game for a while, and he is ready to go. Scott is still young in this sport, but he’s hungry and talented, a dangerous combination. I’ve never seen anyone as focused as Scott Holtzman is right now, the guy is on a mission. This is going to be an interesting fight. Scott’s rough, ground and pound style versus John’s slick submissions…I honestly don’t know how this one is going to turn out, but I am excited to get a Champion crowned and continue our promotions Lightweight chase.”

Xtreme Fighting Championships makes its way back to Tampa, Florida for XFC 24: Collision Course on June 14, 2013. The event is presented by ICRealTime Security Solutions and ThroatPunch Ind. Apparel. The event will be broadcast Live on AXS TV from the beautiful USF Sun Dome, beginning at 9pm. For more information on the event, or to purchase tickets, visit www.officialxfc.com. For daily updates and news, follow this event and the XFC on Facebook and Twitter @OfficialXFC.

Ricky “The Sniper” Rainey & Reggie “The Regulator” Pena shoot it out in XFC 24 Co-Main Event

Independence Day might be celebrated in July, but the XFC will be setting off fireworks June 14th, when Welterweight sensation Ricky Rainey answers the call to take on Middleweight iron man, Reggie Pena. Xtreme Fighting Championships guarantees all out warfare when the “Sniper” and the “Regulator” shoot it out in the center of the cage. Who will be left standing when the dust settles?

North Carolina’s Ricky Rainey (7-1) is a man possessed. Currently riding a 3 fight win streak, Rainey’s passion to compete and stay active has lead the 170lb standout to Tampa Florida, where he will be making a Middleweight appearance, to test his skills against Reggie Pena, at XFC 24. The “Sniper’s” last two bouts have ended in judges decisions, but with Pena’s willingness to stand and trade punches, Rainey will surely be looking to land his big right hand and finish this fight in highlight reel fashion. Will Ricky Rainey’s long reach and crisp punches give the pugilist Pena fits, or will Rainey’s aggressive style simply fall right into Pena’s game plan?

The last time we saw Reggie Pena (10-5), he silenced a rowdy Nashville crowd at XFC 18: Music City Mayhem, when he pulled off an impressive 2nd round guillotine submission on UFC veteran John Salter. The “Regulator” won over the Music City fans battling through several near finishes by Salter in the opening round. Pena has won 8 of his last 10 bouts, and looks to jump right into the XFC Middleweight Title picture with a win over the dangerous Ricky Rainey. Pena had this to say about his opponent: “Ricky Rainey is a tough guy. I respect what he’s done in the sport so far, but I’m just gonna say it, he hasn’t fought anyone on my level. I’m gonna be in his face for 15 straight minutes.”

“This bout has fight of the night written all over it”, said XFC President John Prisco. “We all know Reggie’s boxing background and relentless style, and we’ve seen Rainey’s willingness to stand, with his long reach and crisp punches, so this fight could very well stay standing the whole way and turn into classic boxing match. The fans in Tampa are going to get their monies worth with this one bout. Pena is never out of a fight, you damn near have to kill him to beat him. When the odds are stacked against Reggie Pena, that’s when the kid shines and pulls out huge wins, just look at what he did in Nashville last year. And Ricky Rainey has been on a tear. This guy is a true fighter; he can’t stand breaks in between fights. When I made the call and asked Ricky if he was interested in stepping up to Middleweight for this fight, he didn’t hesitate. Ricky realizes that a win over Reggie Pena is a huge notch on his belt. In eight fights, he has only shown us only about 3 seconds worth of weakness, but Rainey is going to have to respect Pena every second of every round. If he lets down his guard or gives Reggie an inch, this fight could be over.”

Xtreme Fighting Championships makes its way back to Tampa, Florida for XFC 24: Collision Course on June 14, 2013. The event is presented by ICRealTime Security Solutions and ThroatPunch Ind. Apparel. The event will be broadcast Live on AXS TV from the beautiful USF Sun Dome, beginning at 9pm. For more information on the event, or, to purchase tickets, visit www.officialxfc.com. For daily updates and news, follow this event and the XFC on Facebook and Twitter @OfficialXFC.

Kelly Warren vs Cortney Casey – Women’s Flyweight Division – XFC24 on AXS TV | Press Release

They say, “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned”. But in the world of mixed martial arts, hell hath no fury like a woman fighting on national television! On June 14, 2013, Live from the USF Sun Dome in beautiful Tampa, Florida, Xtreme Fighting Championships keeps its promise and tradition of showcasing Women’s MMA, by adding a Flyweight showdown between Cortney Casey and Kelly Warren.

Cortney “Cast Iron” Casey (0-0) is wasting no time making a name for herself as a professional fighter. The former professional soccer player’s decision to jump right into the fire and face WMMA veteran Kelly Warren has almost everyone scratching their heads. However, if you ask anyone that knows Casey, this is just typical Cortney. Kerry Hartney, matchmaker for the Las Vegas amateur super show, Tuff Nuff, had this to say about the debuting Casey: “Cortney Casey doesn’t want easy fights. She doesn’t get motivated unless there is a tough challenge in front of her. The girl never backs down from a challenge, so it doesn’t surprise me one bit that she is fighting Kelly Warren in her debut. Mark my words, soon everyone will know Cortney Casey’s name.” Casey closed out her amateur career with three dynamic performances for the famed Vegas promotion, which included a title win and defense of their Flyweight Championship. Her most spectacular win as an amateur came in her last bout, when she submitted Rachael Cummings with a highlight reel flying armbar in November of 2012. On June 14th, the question will be answered, will “Cast Iron” Casey turn up the heat on Kelly Warren and start her journey to XFC gold with a huge win, or will Warren leave her second guessing her opponent choice?

We’ve all heard the saying “sometimes a fighter’s record doesn’t tell the whole story”. In the case of Kelly Warren (3-4), this cliché couldn’t be truer. After starting her career with a three fight win streak, Kelly Warren has faced a who’s who of women’s mixed martial arts. Her current four fight skid has come against opponents carrying a combined record of 44-9. In a seven month time span, Warren took Aisling Daly, Tara Larosa, and Reyna Cordoba into deep rounds. In that same stretch, she saw her fight against Bellator superstar Jessica Eye go to a judge’s decision. Casey will not be the only one looking to add another submission win to her resume. The veteran Warren has a knack for placing a well-timed triangle around her opponent’s neck. Two of Kelly Warren’s three wins have come from Triangle and Arm Triangle Chokes. Without a doubt, Warren will be the challenge Casey desires, and in Tampa, Florida we’ll find out which fighter has bitten off more than they can chew.

President John Prisco had this to say about XFC 24’s female bout: “I think this is a great match up. When we scouted Cortney Casey, it was immediately obvious that she’s an amazing athlete. She fights with a poise and confidence well beyond her number of fights. Casey’s submissions are some of the sickest I’ve seen at any level of mixed martial arts. And please, don’t let Kelly Warren’s record fool you. This girl has run the gauntlet against the best in the business, and pushed them into the late rounds. She showed me more in her losses than most do in their wins. You can’t put a price tag on that type of experience. The girl is a warrior. Cortney is going to have her hands full with Kelly, and Kelly needs to right her ship and get back to winning. The only question is, will June 14th be the night it happens, or will Casey push it to a later date?”

Xtreme Fighting Championships makes its way back to Tampa, Florida for XFC 24: Collision Course on June 14, 2013. The event is presented by ICRealTime Security Solutions and ThroatPunch Ind. Apparel. The event will be broadcast Live on AXS TV from the beautiful USF Sun Dome, beginning at 9pm. For more information on the event, or to purchase tickets, visit www.officialxfc.com. For daily updates and news, follow this event and the XFC on Facebook and Twitter.

XFC President strips Lightweight Champion Nick Newell’s Title for “unwillingness to defend.”XFC Media Release -

How disappointed are you that the Lightweight Championship fight between Nick Newell and Scott Holtzman is not going to happen?