XMMA jumped onto the combat sports scene earlier this year hosting their first event in West Palm Beach, Florida. The night featured many recognizable names including Ryan Lilley, Tyler Ray, and ex-UFC lightweight James Vick. On July 30, XMMA will host its second event, XMMA 2 in Greenville, South Carolina.
XMMA Announces Summer Blockbuster
On May 25th, XMMA announced via Instagram their return to operations, making note that LIVE fans will be in attendance for XMMA 2.
Big Fight Announcement
On June 7, XMMA made their first fight announcement for XMMA 2, a bantamweight matchup between ex-UFC vets John Dodson and Cody Gibson. Dodson last competed in the UFC cage on August 15, 2020, where he dropped a unanimous decision to Merab Dvalishvili. The “Magician” won the TUF 14 Bantamweight Tournament and then proceeded to fight the likes of Demetrious Johnson, John Lineker, Pedro Munhoz, and Petr Yan.
Cody Gibson had a short stint in the UFC, making an unsuccessful debut against current UFC Bantamweight Champion Aljamain Sterling at UFC 140. He bounced back at UFC Fight Night 44 with a win over BKFC star Johnny Bedford but was cut by the UFC after dropping two fights in a row. Since 2016, “The Renegade” has put together an impressive 4-1 run.
Justin Scoggins vs. Keith Richardson
On June 8, XMMA announced South Carolina’s own Justin Scoggins will take on Keith Richardson. Scoggins, a vet of the UFC, has faced off with the likes of John Moraga, Ray Borg, and Pedro Munhoz. Scoggins last competed in August 2019 under the Rizin promotion, knocking off Kazuma Sone by unanimous decision.
Keith Richardson will look to play underdog in this bantamweight matchup. “The Rockstar” has competed in King of the Cage, LFA, and Bellator, and earned a submission victory in his last outing.
Will Brooks Returns to Action
After a two-year layoff, XMMA announced that “Ill” Will Brooks will return to MMA competition in a lightweight contest against Steven Siler. Siler, a vet of over 50 pro fights, has competed in the UFC, Titan FC, World Series of Fighting, and PFL.
Brooks, most famous for his reign as Bellator Lightweight Champion, has competed in PFL and Battlefield FC since his departure from the UFC. Brooks will look to pick up his first win since August 2018.
More Familiar Names
XMMA announced on Thursday that Bellator and UFC vet Ben Saunders will step into the cage to face Ramsey Nijem, also a UFC vet, in XMMA 2’s welterweight main event. Other notable names announced on the card include Kyle Bochniak (UFC), and Derek Campos (Bellator, KOTC).
Inevitable Growth
Right now, XMMA has a small following. However, the “Future of Fighting” will certainly grow into a premier MMA promotion with star-filled events like XMMA 2.
XMMA 2 Fight Card Announced, as of 6/19/21
Ben Saunders vs. Ramsey Nijem (Confirmed Welterweight Main Event)
John Dodson vs. Cody Gibson (Bantamweight)
Justin Scoggins vs. Keith Richardson (Bantamweight)
Jeremiah Scott vs. Nathan Arriaga (Lightweight)
Matt Coakley vs. Joel Madak (Bantamweight)
Kyle Bochniak vs. Derek Campos (Featherweight)
Will Brooks vs Steven Siler (Lightweight)
Charleston Pou vs Kenny Porter (Featherweight)
John Sweeney vs. Dre Miley (Bantamweight)
