(Tampa, FL) After rolling through numerous opponents in Kentucky and Indiana, Jeremy Pender will test himself against one of Florida’s best, when he faces Shah Bobonis at XFC ‘Tribute’. The two bantamweights will collide on Dec. 2nd at the St Pete Times Forum in Tampa, Florida, live on HDNet.

Known as a submission specialist, Jeremy Pender (7-2) is considered to be one of the top bantamweight prospects in the Southeast. Always going for the finish, Pender has gained a reputation for exciting fights. In 27 combined amateur and professional fights, ‘Ponyboy’ has never been to a decision. As a pro, he’s never even been past the second round. Having won 4 straight via submission, the Vision MMA product will look to make it 5 in a row with a win over Bobonis.

Pender isn’t the only one on a win streak heading into XFC ‘Tribute’. Shah Bobonis (12-6) has finished his last four opponents as well. In September Bobonis picked up the biggest win of his career when he knocked out the highly touted Marcos da Matta at Bellator 50. ‘The Showstopper’ has been competing professionally since 2007 and has fought in Mexico, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, South Africa and the United States. Bobonis may be known for his fighting skills in the cage but he also had success on the baseball diamond, as he was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in 1997.

“I think Pender vs. Bobonis has the potential to steal the show at XFC ‘Tribute’,” exclaimed XFC President John Prisco. “Jeremy has incredible submissions and is known as a guy who finishes fights, but people haven’t really seen him use his hands. He’s very well rounded and I believe he can do well even if the fight doesn’t go to the ground. Bobonis is also a very well rounded fighter and he’s probably going to be the biggest test in Jeremy’s career. Jeremy has done very well up north but in Florida everyone knows who Shah Bobonis is, and believe me, brother, he’s the measuring stick down here. This fight won’t go to the judges and it could be the fight of the night.”

XFC 15 ‘Tribute’ will be headlined by Eric Reynolds vs. Jonatas Novaes and will feature Nick Newell fighting on behalf of his late friend Abi Mestre against Denis Hernandez. Former Ultimate Fighter stars Charlie Rader and Corey Hill will also square off on the card.

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