A snowy Columbus, Ohio was in for some intense MMA action as promoter Bo Kimly brought the Xtreme Fighting Challenge to town. Despite a lineup featuring 18 fights, few expected much as the card included mostly unknown amateurs. However, this allowed young fighters to showcase their talents in the steel Octagon, hoping to make a name for themselves. The snowy weather couldn’t deter loyal MMA fans, who packed the Promowest Pavilion to capacity. Here are the fight highlights and results:
- Josh Rhodes vs. Kevin Wagner: 18-year-old Josh Rhodes from New Jersey spoiled Kevin Wagner’s debut, knocking him out within the first minute.
- Scott Wolford vs. Waylda Inman: Newark’s Scott Wolford used his wrestling skills to take down fellow Newark fighter Waylda Inman, forcing a tap out from strikes midway through the first round.
- Chris Curtis vs. Phil Parker: Chris Curtis, also from Newark, knocked out Phil “Raging Redneck” Parker early in the first round.
- Derek Collins vs. Rob Blanton: Derek Collins won by disqualification as Rob Blanton was deemed unable to fight due to intoxication.
- Jesse Hughes vs. Corey Wellman: Jesse Hughes made a spectacular debut, knocking out Corey Wellman just 15 seconds into the fight.
- Cole Furbee vs. Phillip “Pitbull” Tomblin: Columbus’s Cole Furbee secured a guillotine choke on Phillip Tomblin in the second round for the win.
- Bill Davis vs. Rich Kast: Bill Davis caught Rich Kast in a guillotine choke late in the first round after a fierce exchange.
- Gary Pardon vs. Mike Williams: Canadian Gary Pardon forced Gracie Jiu-jitsu student Mike Williams to tap out to a heel hook early in the first round.
- Charles Lopresti vs. Mike Hudak: In a back-and-forth fight, Mike Hudak defeated Charles Lopresti by TKO midway through the first round.
- Joseph Whitt vs. Tommy Bolton: Joseph Whitt dominated Tommy Bolton, forcing a tap out in the second round after landing numerous strikes.
- Jimmy Rommel vs. Nanthan Burgoon: Jimmy Rommel knocked out Nanthan Burgoon with a huge knee strike, resulting in Burgoon being sent to the hospital.
- Joey Enright vs. Justin Reeves: Wrestler Joey Enright overwhelmed Justin Reeves with strikes, leading to a tap out early in the first round.
- Luis Rodriguez vs. Derek Collins: Luis Rodriguez knocked out Derek Collins with a perfectly timed upkick midway through the second round.
- Philip “Pitbull” Tomblin vs. Matt “Horndog” Horning: The fight was declared a no contest due to a significant cut on Horning’s brow.
- Jason Shute vs. Michael Janey: Jason Shute won after Michael Janey tapped out unexpectedly from what appeared to be a knee to the stomach.
- Primo Luciano vs. Luke “The Apostle” Spencer: Luke Spencer avoided takedowns and won a unanimous decision over Primo Luciano to claim the Lightweight Championship.
- Todd Seyler vs. Aaron Growel: Todd Seyler won by technical decision due to his numerous slams and takedowns.
- Kenneth Wardenbee vs. Kevin Hummel: In the final heavyweight bout, Kevin Hummel knocked down and finished Kenneth Wardenbee with strikes late in the first round.
Overall, the event was a thrilling showcase of emerging MMA talent, with many fighters making impressive debuts and demonstrating their potential in the sport.