XMMA is back for the first time in 2022 as it hosts XMMA 4 at The Fillmore in New Orleans, Louisiana. MMA Sucka brings live coverage of this event, which is also being called “Black Magic”, and many more.
In the main event, two-time UFC flyweight title challenger John Dodson (21-13) takes on fellow UFC veteran Francisco Rivera Jr. (14-8, 1 No-Contest). Dodson makes his second walk to the XMMA cage after dropping a decision to Cody Gibson at XMMA 3 in his first fight outside of the UFC since 2011. Dodson is a tenured veteran of the sport and has shared the cage with some of the best flyweights and bantamweights to ever do it. He has scored wins over TJ Dillashaw, Jussier Formiga, John Moraga, and Pedro Munhoz. Despite falling short in his last two bouts, the 37-year-old is always dangerous on the feet and can never be ruled out of a fight.
Rivera steps in the XMMA cage for the second time seeking to remain unbeaten in the promotion. Following his departure from the UFC, the 40-year-old has scored wins in three of his four bouts including a first-round knockout at XMMA 1 over Ryan Lilley. Rivera has shared the cage with the likes of Urijah Faber, Takeya Mizugaki, and John Lineker. The knockout artist has scored 10 of his 14 wins in that fashion and has been to just seven decisions in his career. Rivera looks to be the first opponent to ever finish Dodson.
The card’s co-headliner at a catchweight of 180 pounds includes Jared Gooden (19-7) and Curtis Millender (18-8). UFC veteran Gooden looks to make it back-to-back wins since his departure from the organization, as the Georgia native is coming off a decision victory over the always durable Aaron Highbaugh at IKON FC 1. The 28-year-old is an electric talent who is known for his finishing ability. Gooden has scored finishes in 15 of his 19 victories, including six finishes in his last seven wins. When “Nitetrain” steps in the cage, don’t blink because it could end at any time.
Within the last three years, Curtis Millender has fought for the UFC, Bellator, and PFL. In that span, he has competed against Magomed Magomedkerimov, Rory MacDonald, and Belal Muhammad. Millender is coming off a second-round knockout in his pro boxing debut back in February. The 34-year-old is a gritty veteran who has quality experience at the highest level of MMA. In his career, he has scored wins over Kevin Holland, Thiago Alves, and Max Griffin. The California resident looks to make a statement with a victory over a quality talent in Jared Gooden.
The card features 14 former UFC fighters including John Howard (29-18-1), Tateki Matsuda (15-10) Kyle Bochniak (10-5), Zak Ottow (20-7), Cole Smith (7-2), and Sasha Palatnikov (6-4). Prospects also abound on the card, including John Sweeney (9-4), Dana White’s Contender Series alum Ange Loosa (7-2), Tyrek Malveaux (6-3), and a matchup between Adli Edwards (8-1) and Josh Harvey (8-1-1).
XMMA 4 Results
Full Card (XMMA.com, 6:30pm ET/3:30pm PT)
John Dodson (22-13) def. Francisco Rivera (14-10 1NC) via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).
Jared Gooden (20-7) def. Curtis Millender (18-9) via TKO at :16 of Round 2.
Kyle Bochniak (11-5) def. Carlton Minus (11-4) via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28).
Ange Loosa (8-2) def. John Howard (29-19-1) via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).
Kyle Stewart (15-5) def. Zak Ottow (20-8) via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27).
John Sweeney (10-3) def. Cole Smith (7-3) via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27).
Sasha Palatnikov (7-4) def. Kyron Bowen (9-8) via TKO at 4:03 of Round 1.
Westin Wilson (13-6) def. Tyrek Malveaux (6-4) via Submission (Side Choke) at 1:59 of Round 1.
Louis Sanoudakis (9-3) def. Tateki Matsuda (15-11) via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27).
Adli Edwards (9-1) def. Josh Harvey (8-2-1) via Submission (Arm-triangle Choke) at 4:45 of Round 1.
Andrew Garrette (2-0) def. Justin Mead (3-2) via TKO at 1:36 of Round 1.
