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Press Release

In a move that an overwhelming majority in the mixed martial arts world believed would never happen, Canadian welterweight sensation Ryan “The Real Deal” Ford has signed a new multi-fight contract with the Maximum Fighting Championship.

A former two-time challenger for the MFC’s 170-pound title, Ford and the MFC bitterly parted ways in early 2009 and the acrimonious split resulted in a rift that most insiders considered impossible to repair. But out of nowhere, there has been a mending of fences and Ford (12-2) is back in the MFC looking to rejuvenate a career that had dramatically stalled in his year-long absence from the organization.

“It’s unfortunate and a shame what happened the first time around, but I think everyone has grown since then,” offered MFC Owner/President Mark Pavelich. “This time around I hope that Ryan reaches the goals he set for himself — the goals he started with in the MFC right from the beginning.

“I hope that he lives up to his abilities that we all know he has. He’s going to be fighting top-notch talent so we will certainly see what he truly has.”

Now fighting out of the ZUMA training centre in Victoria, British Columbia, Ford is expected to make his return to the ring at MFC 26 on Friday, September 10. An official announcement on the host city and lineup for that card is forthcoming.

“I think this is very exciting for the fans,” said Adam Zugec, Ford’s trainer at ZUMA. “There’s been a lot of drama … just like a reality show, and I think the fans really love that.

“I’m expecting great things from Ryan. He’s made to be on TV, his persona is perfect for the MFC’s shows on HDNet, and Mark and the MFC is so good at marketing its fighters on television.

“I always knew that eventually both parties would be back working together. Both sides needed some time to clear their heads and start a new plan. As everyone started to mature they’ve become more willing to work with each other and that’s good for both sides.”

Ford made his MFC and professional mixed martial arts debut back in August 2007, instantly becoming a fan favorite as he rattled off six straight wins including three inside the opening round. His biggest victory in that initial phase of his career came via a second-round submission of veteran Pete Spratt — an outcome that while marred by strikes coming after the bell to end Round 1 also drew Ford favorable comparisons to Georges St. Pierre at the same time of their respective careers.

Following his sixth win, Ford earned a shot at the vacant MFC welterweight title, and although he dominated much of the fight with his takedowns, the Edmonton, Alberta, native was caught in an armbar and forced to tap out to veteran Pat Healy midway through the third round. Two victories followed for Ford which garnered him a rematch with Healy but the reigning champ held onto his belt with a tight five-round, split-decision outcome in his favor.

Unable to agree on the terms of a new contract, Ford and the MFC parted ways soon after the Healy rematch. But at long last, Ford has returned to where his blossoming career began.

“I think the best thing to happen to Ryan was to go to a smaller organization, get some experience and work on some things, and now return to the big show,” added Pavelich, who expects to quickly have a list of opponents lined up to face Ford.

“Ryan is eager to fight anybody,” noted Zugec. “Everybody knows that Ryan is a fighter at heart and he wants to test his talents against the best fighters at 170.”

Press Release

MFC snares top young prospect

Product of ZUMA camp considered first-class phenom

If there ever was a top-ranked, first-overall pick to be selected in a mixed martial arts amateur draft, the Maximum Fighting Championship feels it has made the right choice by snaring a can’t-miss prospect.

The MFC has signed Alexi Argyriou to a provisional contract, and the 16-year-old is expected to make his professional debut when he turns 18. A product of the renowned ZUMA stable in Victoria, B.C., Argyriou is considered a young phenom with an incredibly bright future in the sport.

The National Hockey League has its next budding stars in Tyler Seguin and Taylor Hall. The National Football League boasts future standouts in Sam Bradford and Gerald McCoy. In Argyriou, the Maximum Fighting Championship has mined out the next big thing, the five-diamond prospect poised to make an impact in mixed martial arts.

“He is the No. 1 draft pick,” stated MFC Owner/President Mark Pavelich. “We have the best young fighter anywhere now in our organization. I can’t be any more succinct – he is the future.

“And not only is he a superb athlete, he is confident, he has great charisma, and best of all he is someone who brings that intangible quality of being able to hype and sell a fight. That is such a huge commodity and it jumps right out of him.”

Because of his underage status, Argyriou has the opportunity to further grow under the tutelage of ZUMA’s top instructor, Adam Zugec, who firmly believes in his young protégé, calling him the most talented young fighter he has ever worked with.

“He is just that good,” said Zugec. “I pick and choose who I work with closely. It’s about what I see within an individual. With Alexi, it goes beyond how well he punches. There’s just that desire and that hard work ethic. There are those special qualities that make him different.

“He’s grown up in the MMA scene and he just gets it. He understands the whole role like having the entertainment value but also being able to back it up. He’s a sweet, good-looking kid that you wouldn’’t think can do some of that showboating type of stuff but he does. But he’s so tough. He trains and spars every day with some real bad-ass guys and he has absolutely no fear.”

Argyriou has already proven to have quite a burning desire to thrive under extraordinary circumstances. Shortly after first starting out at the ZUMA gym as a 12-year-old, Argyriou was on a run in a wooded area when a stick pierced his neck.

“He almost died,” recalled Zugec. “He had to stop for a while but he came back at 14 and he’s where he’s at now at 16. He is a fighter.”

Zugec will keep Argyriou under wraps a while longer, agreeing with the analogy that it would be similar to a top prospect in hockey or baseball being sent to the minors for some grooming before their ultimate debut.

Argyriou is also likely due for another growth spurt, though he already stands six-foot and has a brother who is six-foot-six. Zugec figured his Argyriou should wind up around six-foot-two and fight professionally as a rangy yet powerful lightweight.

Once Argyriou does burst onto the big stage, Zugec is of the opinion that the youngster is going to thrive under the spotlight.

“No question about it – this is not a kid who’s going to get in there and get nervous. I absolutely see big things for him,” said Zugec. “I see him already with some similarities to (Jose) Aldo. His ground game is good, he’s a strong wrestler, he’s got good hips and he’s hard to take down. No one really knows how good is ground game is yet because no one can get him down. And he can punch and kick so well.”

Press Release

For the second time in a week, the Maximum Fighting Championship has added a first-class talent from Brazil to its growing stable of impressive fighters.

Light heavyweight Glover Teixeira (9-2) has joined the MFC talent pool and is expected to make his organizational debut at the soon-to-be-announced MFC 26 event. The native of Sobralia, Brazil, has scored seven of his nine victories by way of KO/TKO and came highly recommended by several sources, not the least of which was his friend, MFC middleweight title contender Thales Leites.

“When you hear things like ‘He can beat anyone in the division’ and those kinds of statements are coming from well-respected people, you have to take notice,” said MFC Owner/President Mark Pavelich. “I believe that Glover can make an immediate and serious impact in the grand scheme of our light heavyweight picture.

“The MFC is becoming more of a global product and international fighters are stepping up to become part of the action. It is an important aspect of our growth to be adding fighters like Glover Teixeira, Thales Leites, Tom Watson, and Luciano Azevedo.”

The Teixeira signing comes on the heels of the MFC adding Azevedo (16-8) to its contingent of lightweights. The Rio de Janeiro product is the lone fighter to hold a victory over world-ranked standout Jose Aldo, earning a submission victory in 2005. Azevedo, whose career victory list is also highlighted by a decision win over veteran Din Thomas, is also expected to make his organizational and North American debut at the forthcoming MFC 26.

Teixeira has fought somewhat sparingly throughout his career, no more than twice a year since turning pro, but he is expected to become significantly busier under the MFC banner. The 30-year-old has fought twice already in 2010 in his native Brazil, coming away with a pair of convincing victories. Notable wins have come at various points for Teixeira beginning with the lone decision outcome of his career, taking the judges’ verdict over veteran Matt Horwich. Teixeira scored a stunning five-second knockout win over Jorge Oliveira and earned the biggest win to date in his career by handing “The African Assassin” Sokoudjou the first loss of his career with a stellar first-round knockout only 1:41 into their 2006 encounter.

While clearly well-versed in the stand-up game, Teixeira has showcased a multitude of skills on the ground as well. He captured the 2009 title in the under-99 kg class at the Brazilian ADCC championship which qualified him for the world competition alongside such well-known names as Dean Lister, Vinny Magalhaes, and Ricco Rodriguez. Teixeira had previously competed against Jeff Monson and Brandon Vera in grappling events, and he was featured in Season 2 of the “TapouT” reality TV series.

Press Release

Brazilian lightweight only man to beat World Champion Jose Aldo

The Maximum Fighting Championship has added a fighter with impressive credentials to its talent roster in the lightweight ranks.

Brazilian star Luciano Azevedo (16-8) boasts a strong resume and the native of Rio de Janeiro is expected to make his organization – and North American – debut at MFC 26. Details on the show and its lineup will be announced shortly. Azevedo has signed an exclusive four fight deal with The Maximum
Fighting Championship.

The 26-year-old, who has won six of his last eight encounters, holds the distinction of being the only fighter to best world-renown featherweight Jose Aldo, capturing a submission victory via rear-naked choke when the two met in 2005 in Brazil. One of Azevedo’s other career highlights is a decision win over veteran Din Thomas – a verdict that came just four months after his victory over Aldo.

“I’m very excited to have Luciano in our organization and I’m expecting big things from him. I believe he can deliver in a big way,” said MFC Owner/President Mark Pavelich. “Obviously he has a great resume particularly with his win over Aldo – the only man in the world that has that distinction. Luciano has all the tools to be a champion so I’m hopeful he will live up to the expectations.”

Azevedo has yet to fight in North America, predominantly fighting in his native Brazil but also making five trips to England, two to Japan, and a single matchup in France. The five-foot-eight jiu-jitsu practitioner and wrestler has won 12 of his fights by submission – five each by triangle choke and armbar along with two via rear-naked choke.

Press Release

Fresh off signing a two-fight deal with the Maximum Fighting Championship, Jesse “JT Money” Taylor has garnered a spot in the main event for MFC 25: Vindication.

Taylor (14-5) will meet Thales Leites (16-3) in the headliner bout of the MFC’s upcoming show on Friday, May 7 at the Northlands Expo Centre in Edmonton, Alberta, and seen live throughout North America on HDNet Fights.

“This is a main-event matchup that could easily become a Fight of the Year candidate,” said MFC Owner/President Mark Pavelich. “I love Jesse Taylor’s aggressive nature and he is coming here with bad intentions on his mind. And Thales Leites has a new-found desire to showcase his raw power and talent.

“Neither one of these guys is going to sit back and let the fight come to him – they are going to step up and bring it. There is a title shot at stake here and both of these guys are coveting the MFC championship belt.”

Leites used solid takedown defense and took advantage of what opportunities were in front of him on his way to a unanimous decision victory over Dean Lister at MFC 23 back in December. That win ended a two-fight losing skid for the Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, native who holds career victories over such notables as Nate Marquardt, Drew McFedries, Pete Sell, and Jose Landis-Jons.

Taylor, who fights out of Murietta, California, has an impressive list of wins to his credit as well holding verdicts over Jason Day, Chris Camozzi, and Jesse Forbes. “JT Money” is a former reality show cast member and holds a decorated career in amateur wrestling including a Division I NCAA tournament appearance and honored twice as a junior college All-American.

The Leites-Taylor encounter tops a star-studded lineup for MFC 25: Vindication which includes:

Ryan Jimmo vs. Wilson Gouveia, light heavyweight

Dwayne Lewis vs. Emanuel Newton, light heavyweight

David Heath vs. Solomon Hutcherson, middleweight

Luigi Fioravanti vs. Pete Spratt, welterweight

Tickets for MFC 25: Vindication are on sale now via the MFC Ticket Hotline at (780) 504-2024 or through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.ca and charge-by-phone (780) 451-8000.

The Maximum Fighting Championship welcomes all media, fans, and sponsors to a revealing and action-packed Open Training Session on Thursday, February 18.

This special event featuring some of the MFC’s biggest names will be held from 2-3:30 p.m. at the Hayabusa Training Centre located at 125 Carleton Drive in St. Albert, Alberta. This will be a great opportunity for everyone to get an up-close look at the final preparation of fighters who will be under the spotlight at MFC 24: Heat XC on Friday, February 26 at the River Cree Resort and Casino, as well as those getting ready for MFC 25: Vindication schedule live Friday May 7.2010 @ Edmonton Expo/Northlands, also live on HDNET TV.

“Few people really realize what it takes to be an elite mixed martial arts fighter,” said MFC Owner/President Mark Pavelich. “The physical demands of this sport are so intense that it takes an opportunity like this Open Training Session to really appreciate what is expected of these athletes.

“Once the media, fans, and sponsors get the chance to see these athletes train, I guarantee they will have a whole new level of appreciation for them.”

MFC/Heat XC fighters who will be taking part in the Open Training Session will include:

* Travis “The Gladiator” Galbraith, middleweight – facing the toughest test of his career as he goes up against feared English striker Tom “Kong” Watson, a training partner of Georges St. Pierre.
* Ryan “The Big Deal” Jimmo, light heavyweight – winner of 11 straight fights, preparing to square-off against the very formidable Wilson Gouveia in May
* Nick “The Quiet Assassin” Penner, light heavyweight – first time at new weight class, winner of nine straight fights readying for showdown with Chris Price.
* Nick Hrynchyshyn, welterweight – fast-rising star and one of the most-popular young fighters in the organization
* Jason Gorny and Garrett Nybakken – both up-and-coming fan favourites

Just a few tickets remain for MFC 24: Heat XC. Remaining tickets can be purchased by calling the MFC Ticket Hotline at (780) 504-2024 or through Ticketmaster at (780) 451-8000, www.ticketmaster.ca, and Ticketmaster outlets.

An expected intense showdown between two veteran lightweights will headline the card set for MFC 24: Heat XC on Friday, February 26.

Onetime MFC lightweight title challenger Derrick “The Eraser” Noble (25-12-1) will look to get back into 155-pound championship picture when he takes on “The Texas Gunslinger” Yves Edwards (36-15-1) in a clash that will top the lineup of fights at the River Cree Resort and Casino just outside Edmonton, Alberta.

Both fighters are known for putting a exclamation point on the fights. In his 25 victories, Nobles has 19 stoppages – nine by knockout and another 10 by submission including his somewhat surprising second-round guillotine choke win over jiu-jitsu practitioner Ariel Sexton at MFC 19. Edwards, meanwhile, has ended 29 of his 36 wins inside the distance – 14 by knockout and 15 by submission with his most-recent verdict being a first-round TKO of Kyle Jensen.

“This year, I’ve made it clear to the fighters in our organization that I want them to be exciting, get the crowd out their seats, and end fights in style,” noted MFC Owner/President Mark Pavelich. “Derrick and Yves are the kind of fighters that won’t sit back, they won’t lay around, and they won’t be looking to drag things out.

“Both of them know how important this fight is to their respective careers and they are both well aware what lies ahead for them with an impressive win. They won’t be hoping to win by lame decision. They both want a big, convincing victory.”

Noble is eager to put his last MFC outing behind him. The Cuba, Illinois, native couldn’t pull the trigger enough times in his encounter with Antonio McKee, resulting in McKee being awarded a five-round decision and the MFC lightweight belt.

“I expect this fight with Yves to be full of fireworks and to be completely different from my last MFC fight,” said Noble. “Putting Yves and myself in the ring together is a fight the fans are going to enjoy.

“I’m really excited about this fight. Fighting guys like Yves is what my entire career has been about. I always fight tough guys and have never turned down a fight, so as soon as I was offered the fight it took me all of 10 second to say yes. I’m looking to get back to the top and Yves is a good way to make that happen.

“It’s a dangerous fight for both of us. I’ve fought good strikers so I know how to deal with that. I respect Yves and what he has accomplished but come February 26th I’ll be looking to take him out just like anybody else.”

Noble has won two straight since falling to McKee and holds career victories over such notables as MFC welterweight champ Pat Healy, Thiago Alves, and Jake Ellenberger.

Edwards, too, is no stranger to big-name fights as his career resume reads like a who’s who of opponents. A winner of five of his last seven fights, the Woodlands, Texas, product has beaten the likes of Hermes Franca, Rich Clementi, Pete Spratt, Thomas Denny, and Dokonjonosuke Mishima during his
career. The 33-year-old has also been in against a long list of notables such as Joe Stevenson, Matt Serra, and Nate Marquardt.

The Noble-Edwards encounter highlights the MFC 24 card which includes two light heavyweight clashes pitting Dwayne Lewis against David Heath, and Nick Penner against Chris Price, along with a middleweight tussle between Tom Watson and Travis Galbraith.

Tickets for MFC 24: Heat XC are going fast and are available through the MFC Ticket Hotline at (780) 504-2024 as well via Ticketmaster at (780) 451-8000, www.ticketmaster.ca, and Ticketmaster outlets. MFC 24: Heat XC will air live via streaming webcast – check out www.maximumfighting.com for all the details.

Tickets are also on sale now for MFC 25: Vindication slated for Friday, April 9, at the Winspear Centre in Edmonton, Alberta. Vindication will air live throughout North America on HDNet Fights. Among the fights scheduled for Vindication is light heavyweight showdown between Ryan “The Big Deal” Jimmo and MFC newcomer Wilson Gouveia. Tickets for that show are available through the MFC Ticket Hotline and via www.winspearcentre.com.