(Tampa, FL) The largest MMA promotion in the Southeast United States, Xtreme Fighting Championships (XFC), unveiled the fight card for the XFC 15 ‘Tribute’ earlier today. The show will be held  on Friday, Dec. 2 at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa, FL. ‘Tribute’ will be broadcast live on HDNet and will feature some of the top prospects in MMA. The event is being held in honor of former XFC fighter, Abi Mestre.

According to XFC President John Prisco, “Tribute will be one of the best cards we have ever done. Top to bottom this card is stacked. We have some seriously talented fighters on this show. Our main event features Jonatas Novaes and Eric Reynolds—I picked this fight as the main event for a reason. Noveas submitted the last four guys he fought in the first round. Then you have Eric Reynolds who has finished all 13 of his wins by TKO or submission. Someone is going to tap out or get knocked out and that’s what everyone wants to see. ”

The co-main event will feature a showdown between two of the most exciting female mixed martial artists. Decorated kickboxer, Felice Herrig, will face-off against two-time All-American wrestler Carla Esparza.

“What other MMA promotion puts women in the co-main event,” asked Prisco. “We are going to shine a light on Women’s MMA and feature the best fighters. Felice and Carla are two of the toughest out there. If you are a fan of Women’s MMA, you don’t want to miss this one.”

*Denis Hernandez (3-3) vs. Nick Newell (4-0), Corey Hill (4-4) vs. Charlie Rader (15-4), John Kolosci (15-8) vs. Ryan Thomas (14-7), Shah Bobonis (12-6) vs. Jeremy Pender (7-2), and Imani Lee (2-2) vs. Brandon Sayles (2-0) round out the main card.

“There are a lot of blue chippers as well as a lot of familar faces on this card,” exclaimed Prisco. “Corey Hill has fought in the UFC and was on The Ultimate Fighter. He’s going to be facing Charlie Rader who was also featured on the show. Charlie didn’t get to show what he could do when he was in the house but he’s built a reputation for knocking guys out all over the southeast.”

“John Kolosci vs. Ryan Thomas follows the same formula. Koloski was also featured on The Ultimate Fighter. Thomas, as most know also competed in the UFC. Last year he took Ben Askren to a decision in Bellator. Thomas is legit brother. I think this one could be a barn burner.”

The feature bout of the evening epitomizes everything XFC ‘Tribute’ is about. Seeking his fifth straight victory, Nick Newell will face Denis Hernandez. Newell will fight in place of his close friend and teammate Abi Mestre, who passed away earlier this year in a tragic motorcycle accident. Mestre was the winner of an XFC contract at the promotion’s open tryouts in Danbury, CT last January. In honor of Mestre, Prisco decided to award the contract to Newell.

“XFC ‘Tribute’ is really for Abi. We had such high hopes for that young man but we’re handing the ball to Nick. I know he will take this opportunity and run with it. Nick has overcome so much in life already, from his physical handicap to the loss of his best friend. December 2nd is going to be a big night for him. There’s also going to be a lot of pressure, he’s expected to go out and win one for his friend. But let me tell you something, Denis Hernandez has some sick submission skills. If Nick gets caught up in all the hype of the event and doesn’t take Denis seriously, ‘Tribute’ could get very interesting.

The MC and Announcer for XFC ‘Tribute’ will be none other than the voice of the promotion, Christopher James. The always charismatic announcer will have no trouble keeping the fans in Tampa involved in the action throughout the night.

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