XFC 19 Charlotte Showdown Recap

Updated: August 7, 2012

August 3rd, Charlotte, NC at the Grady Cole Center.

XFC 19, Charlotte Showdown was a big success in my estimation, exciting fights top to bottom, a loud audience that filled the arena and an organization hosting the event with high aspirations.

The fight results:

Carlos Vivas def Brian Karmolinski by TKO in round 1. A very competitive opening bout, each man striking skills on display (including a devastating inside leg kick from Vivas, that made a huge red welt) until late in the first after a Vivas head kick knocks down Karmolinski and Vivas followed with more strikes for the win.

Zach Klouse def Tony Scarlett by TKO in round 1. These Heavyweights exchanged early and Klouse reversed a take down and rained down strikes on Scarlett until the referee stepped in.

Joseph Carroll def Jeff Tharington by TKO in round 1. Carroll and Tharington fast and sped up as the round progressed, another stand up war. Both men kicked it into “All guns blazing” late in the round and Carroll’s longer reach and accuracy landed him a punch that put Tharington down. Carroll pounced on the 8-Points Gym trained fighter until the referee stopped the contest.

Johnny Buck def Ricky Rainey by KO in round 2. Ricky was a big fan favorite in the Grady Cole Center, and he acted the part of a superstar. When the opening bell rang, he was calm and composed. He stood flat footed and pawed at Buck’s lead hand and hit him with several power punches, seemingly at will. One of these punches busted Buck’s nose, and blood poured out like water from a faucet. Buck’s take down attempts were blocked and countered with punches and elbows, Rainey ends the round easily scored 10-8.

Round 2, more Rainey, punches and kicks opening up the blood from Buck’s nose once more. Ricky became over confident, however as Buck landed a wild punch. Rainey dropped his hands and begged Buck to hit him again. Buck obliged and knocked Rainey into a re-run of Evans vs Machida, lights out, with Buck landing a few extra hits from the full mount before the ref could end it.

Jason Hicks def Shane Crenshaw by Submission in round 2. Hicks is a fighter that has made his way into the XFC through their open try-outs, and he faced a good wrestler in Crenshaw. Hicks was able to get back up from Crenshaw’s takedowns and eventually began to stuff them and fend them off with strikes. A close 1st round.

Round 2, Crenshaw presses Hicks to the cage to try and secure control and a take down. After finally getting the action to the mat, Hicks was able to secure a quick arm bar for the sumission win.

Keith Richardson def Lawson McClure by Submission in Round 1. Great Boxing from Richardson from the outset, opens up with kicks and then a text book takedown, where he took McClure’s back and locked in a body triangle. It was only a matter of time before Richardson was able to secure the rear naked choke for the win. (McClure was cornered by TUF 3 Alum, Rory Singer)

Kevin Forant def Joe Elmore by Unanimous Decision. Joe Elmore is a submission wiz, and has several notable wins, but had to face the pressure and the pace of Kevin Forant this night. Round one was Elmore’s best chance of catching Forant in one of the many submission attempts he threw up expertly from his back, but it was not to be. Each round Forant was able to push the pace, never relenting, always trying for a better position or striking at Elmore. The best way to describe Forant’s game plan was “Relentless”, and to his credit, Elmore did a great job of trying to keep up and never quit, never gave up a fight-ending position. All three judges gave Forant the 30-27 score for a well-deserved win.

Nick Newell def David Mays by KO in Round 1. Nick Newell entered the XFC cage in Charlotte as the first MMA fighter to be licensed in North Carolina as an Amputee. Well, he certainly doesn’t fit any preconceived notion about a fighter with one hand, and his strength in his left arm was not lacking at all. After stuffing a take down, Newell connected with his right hand and then a big knee for the Knock Out win!

Felice Herrig def Simona Soukupova by Unanimous Decision. The co-main event featured these two women, Herrig a former reality star and Muay Thai kick boxer versus the newcomer Soukupova. Herrig forced the action to the fence after scoring with strikes and the round ended with the two swinging at each other. The second round Herrig was hunted by Simona, but was scoring more strikes and more effectively. One or more of Herrig’s strikes on Simona’s forehead brought up a hematoma on the left side. More counter strikes from Felice as the shorter Soukupova tried to close the distance. The third round was very close as Simona would not give up, even in the face of defeat she tried her heart out to get to Herrig. But the Little Bulldog was on point tonight, her accuracy and fighting spirit could not be denied. (Felice’s ring attire was inspired by Chun-Li, from the Street Fighter II video game series as was her entrance music.)

Nicoale Cury def Roger Carroll by Unanimous Decision. The Main Event of the evening did not disappoint fans in Charlotte tonight. Roger is the brother of Jeff Carroll who had won earlier in the card. Cury is a member of the Blackzillians and came with a Judo background. Round one and they went at it, Cury landing big leg kicks and a Judo throw takedown. Cury working ground and pound on Carroll, who ends up with a foot lock attempt and even ended the round trying to secure an inverted arm bar.

Round 2, Cury lands punches hard but can’t put Carroll down. Carroll ends up with Cury against the fence and goes from a single leg to a full slam. Carroll spends time actively trying to pass Cury’s guard but is unable to get far. Cury reverses things with a leg lock attempt but Carroll is able to end up in Cury’s full guard again, on top and in control. Roger manages to take Cury’s back and ends the round trying to cinch in a rear naked choke.

Round 3, what seemed to be a one round each for both fighters, they let it all hang out. Punches from Cury hit Roger hard, but he responds with a take down attempt. Cury uses his Judo again to hip toss Carroll hard to the mat. Cury worked for a triangle and eventually Roger worked his way out. A late slam and ending in Cury’s half guard was not quite enough to get him the win. It was a very close fight, and Roger was the fresher of the two at the end. All three judges scored the fight 29-28 for Nicolae Cury.

Notes: The Main Event was scheduled to be TUF 5 Alum Corey Hill vs Mike Bronzoulis, but for unknown reasons, Bronzoulis didn’t show up. Corey came to the event and interacted with fans and media alike and was a very positive and nice guy. He will be back again for XFC, he promises.

John Prisco is a great host and was very friendly as well. He was impressed with the loud and appreciative crowd in Charlotte, and told us that XFC would be coming back more often.

AXStv did a great job of covering the action and staying out of the way so well, that you hardly knew they were there.

I spoke to several fighters afterwards, they were all open to speak about their fights and didn’t mind their pictures being taken. A great night from an up and coming promotion.

Nicolae Cury said “I was more tired than he (Carroll) was.” I also asked him his weight after the cut and he said about 197 lbs, which is heavy for a Welterweight.

Special thanks to TJ Alcock from XFC for the press releases and media credentials. Stay with MMA Opinion as we continue coverage of XFC as they move forward to XFC 20, September 28th in Knoxville, TN!

“Notorious” Nick Newell’s KO Highlight: from AXStv