Former World Combat League participant Suzie “La China” Montero will return to the cage on February 22 at XFC 22: Crossing the Line in Charlotte, North Carolina. Montero is (1-1) since turning pro, including a debut victory against XFC-vet Kim Couture. Montero is scheduled to fight recent XFC-signee Pearl Gonzalez in a Flyweight matchup, as part the AXStv broadcast from the Grady Cole Center.

Montero is labeled a kickboxing and kung-fu specialist and trains with ATT in Port Saint Lucie. Since joining the ATT team in South Florida, the former WCL fighter has been able to transform her overall game from being a one dimensional fighter, to one that is comfortable no matter where the action is taking place. Her improvements were immediately showcased against Couture as she controlled all three rounds of the bout, winning by unanimous decision. It was a huge upset for Montero with Couture being a strong favorite going into the fight.

In her second fight, Montero took one of WMMA’s top prospects Jessamyn Duke deep into the third round. Though she could not secure a submission, Montero looked comfortable working from her back when taken down. Steady hip movement and numerous submission attempts helped Montero to keep Duke at bay until late in the third round before Duke’s extreme length and athleticism stole the fight in the closing minutes.

Against Gonzalez, XFC fans will likely see the WMMA competitors stay standing, with both fighters having a long history in kickboxing style fights. Though both fighters have proven their ability to fight from the mat as well, Montero has openly stated that she prefers the stand-up aspect of MMA, and will look to keep the fight standing where she feels she has the advantage. XFC President John Prisco gave XFC media some insight on his thoughts for the bout.

“This is going to be a great fight. Both ladies come from a kickboxing background and prefer to keep their fights standing which everyone loves. I think that is what we’ll see in this fight, a lot of stand-up action,” said Prisco. “Montero is a tough fighter. She took some big shots against Duke and was able to keep the fight going. I don’t know if Pearl, or anyone else for that matter, can knock her out but I know she is going to try. Pearl told us she’s looking for the KO, I’m eager to see what happens.”

Montero and Gonzalez meet in the feature bout position at XFC 22: Crossing the Line. The event is presented by ICRealTime Security Solutions and ThroatPunch Ind. Apparel and will air live on AXStv from the Grady Cole Center in Charlotte, on February 22 at 9PM. For additional information or to purchase tickets to the event visit www.OfficialXFC.com. Follow the promotion daily on Facebook and Twitter ‘@OfficialXFC’ for up to the moment announcements.

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