Beginning with his next fight with the organization, taking place June 22 in Nashville, TN, at XFC 18: Music City Mayhem, the XFC has announced the signing of top prospect Scott “Hot Sauce” Holtzman to a five fight deal. Holtzman (1-0 pro / 5-0 amateur) was impressive in his February pro debut victory over Brandon Demastes at XFC 16: High Stakes, in Knoxville, TN. During that fight we saw Holtzman dominate the fight in every aspect, and prove he is a well-rounded blue chip prospect.
Holtzman fights out of Shield Systems in Knoxville, TN and is coached by BJJ Black Belt Ben Harrison. The BJJ purple belt earned his entrance to the cage, to make his pro debut with the XFC, by steamrolling through the 1st annual 3FC Grand Prix tournament last year. The tournament, hosted by East Tennessee’s Gene Click and Tim Loy, included eight of the top lightweight amateurs in the entire southeast. Holtzman submitted all three of his opponents in convincing and brutal fashion, en route to picking up the XFC opportunity. “It has been a rewarding experience, watching Scott grow as a fighter,” explained 3FC promoter Gene Click. “We are happy to say that Scott fought all of his amateur bouts with the 3FC, and are thrilled he has signed with an elite promotion, in the XFC! Scott has gone undefeated thus far, and has captured our Grand Prix title, as well as the ISKA State Championship. The guy doesn’t know how to lose, so all the other guys in his division had better stay in the gym, or Scott will run them over!”
“Scott Holtzman is legit”, proclaimed XFC President John Prisco. “He is so very well rounded, displaying great striking, fantastic ground control, and then the submission victory at XFC 16. Scott was one of the most composed and well rounded fighters I’ve ever seen in a pro debut. He is the real deal. He’s earned the right to fight on the live side and definitely belongs on TV.”
Holtzman had this to say: “It’s a Huge honor to be offered a contract from the XFC. I knew I had a shot to prove myself, and to jump start my pro career, with a solid win in my debut. I feel like I took advantage of that opportunity. There were some other good fighters from this region on the card, so it feels great to come in and get noticed right away. You can’t ask for much more of a newly turned professional, than to have guaranteed fights, a spot on HDNet, and to have your fights called by Michael “The Voice” Schiavello and Pat Miletich. Again, a big honor. You can expect my next fight to be even more tough and exciting than the last. You can also expect more improvements on my part as I continue to evolve with each fight. I always train very hard and am constantly striving to improve in all areas. I am very excited to be making my live TV debut! Honestly, I don’t really feel any added pressure when the cameras are on. If anything, it makes me feel a bit more comfortable because I know I am where I belong.”
