(Tampa, FL) The XFC announced today that Carla Esparza will meet Felice Herrig in the co-main event at XFC ‘Tribute’. Both Esparza and Herrig are considered to be top prospects in Women’s MMA. The two women will square off on Dec. 2nd at the St Pete Times Forum in Tampa, Florida live on HDNet.

Esparza (5-2) has made a name for herself by fighting the best in the world. Last August she stepped in to face one of the top mixed marital artist in Women’s MMA, Megumi Fujii, on nine days notice in the Bellator 115obs women’s tournament. Esparza is coming off a razor-thin split decision loss to world renowned Jessica Aguilar at Bellator 46, after winning two straight. The Team Oyama product is a two-time All-American wrestler out of Menlo College in Atherton, California.

With two dominant wins under her belt in 2011, Herrig (5-3) was signed to a multi-fight deal with the XFC in September. ‘Lil Bulldog’ is one of the most decorated kickboxers in Women’s MMA having earned the IKF Woman’s Bantamweight North American Championship in 2005 and 2006. Now with Team Curran in Crystal Lake, IL, Herrig has quickly ascended the ranks since her pro debut in 2009. Having won 5 out of her last 6 fights, Herrig will look to keep her momentum going with a win over Esparza.

“I am really excited about the Esparza vs. Herrig being our co-main event,” exclaimed XFC President John Prisco. “The XFC is going to shine a spotlight on Women’s MMA and these two women are the cream of the crop. This fight will be a classic striker vs. grappler match-up. Felice is one of the top kickboxers in the world and Esparza is a two-time All-American wrestler. I’m really looking forward to seeing how Felice does on the ground. I know she has submission wins under her belt and the guys at Team Curran have made her very well rounded. But you can’t forget about Carla. She is a great wrestler and her striking has gotten much better. I think she will be able to stand with Felice if it doesn’t go to the ground. This truly is going to be a great fight.”

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.

The show will take place at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa, FL, Dec. 2nd and will air live on HDNet. Tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster. VIP tables are also available through XFC Corporate. Please call 813-625-1672 for more information.

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