The Brazilian Army sergeant, Lightweight Thiago “Minu” Meller (18-5),  has a date and opponent for the biggest international challenge of his career. Minu steps into the XFC cage on February 8 to measure forces against American  “Insane” Dave Courchaine (16-6). Unlike Minu, who’s coming off of 4 international triumphs, Courchaine who was riding an 8 fight win streak, was defeated by XFC Brazilian Welterweight Fighter Luis “Sapo” Santos last June. That didn’t stop Courchaine, who dropped to the XFC Lightweight division and rebounded in December with a dominant knockout of Alex Trevino in the 2nd round of XFC 27 in Michigan. He now sets to face his next test, in international territory.

Thiago Meller vs Dave Courchaine set for main event at first edition of the Latin America XFC series

“There will be no easy fights, when our organization is involved in the matchmaking. That is something I have told our fighters all along” said XFC President John Prisco. “Dave Courchaine is one of our most talented U.S. fighters and Thiago Meller is a highly skilled Brazilian fighter. The two will present some very dangerous oppositions for one another. What an exciting fight headlining our debut show in Latin America, on Rede TV!”

“Insane” Dave Courchaine will be the first XFC North America fighter to head south under the XFC banner, as the promotion expands their reach internationally showcasing their fights on the largest open broadcast television network in Brazil; Rede TV! Courchaine’s goal to show the XFC that he is worthy of a title shot with Fighter of the Year – XFC Lightweight Champion Scott “Hot Sauce” Holtzman, could be just a few rounds away. However, Meller will certainly not go away quietly.