Two Titles Fights at Xtreme Courage Fighting Championships: Warriors

The life of an amateur fighter is turbulent, to say the least.  For the aspiring mixed martial artist yet to make a pro debut, sometimes the questions can far outweigh the answers a fighter seeks.

Other than sound and productive training, one of the most invaluable assets a fighter can find is a banner under which to cut their teeth.  With most fighters looking to limit variables in their young careers, a good promoter to fight for can be a true blessing.

For the amateur, there are so many concerns that can distract or delay a fighter from becoming the athlete they are capable of being.  Be it something as simple as carrying a job and training simultaneously, or something out of their control, like nailing down an opponent.

Many times, the career of an amateur can be more difficult than that of a superstar at the top of the mountain.

Where a pro carries a fight contract and a manager, many amateurs struggle to find fights and, many times, represent themselves.  Where a pro gets paid for their blood sweat and tears, an amateur finds little more reward than the experience of the fight itself.

With that in mind, the amateur fighter becomes quite admirable for hanging in there and continuing to pursue their passion for mixed martial arts and the competition found within.

MMA is one of the single most demanding sports in the world.  It is physically and mentally taxing, extremely dangerous and at the amateur level, provides few rewards other than a foundation for the future.

So considering the many hurdles, distractions, and obstacles a young fighter may find, it is no surprise that when they find a promoter who can alleviate some of the concerns. Then they become loyal and willing to perform time and time again for the right brand.

Shane Dunagan’s Xtreme Courage Fighting Championships is that brand for many hungry fighters competing in the Southwest.  The XCFC is their home, until the time comes that they are prepared to make the next leap in their careers.

The reason being, and any fighter to ever compete for Shane will tell you, his organization is above reproach.  Shane makes every possible effort to provide a level playing field, an honest environment, and a safe environment for his competitors.

He refuses to cut the corners that some promoters wouldn't think twice about cutting when it comes to their fighters.  Truth be told, some promoters will lie through their teeth to get a fighter in their cage.

Shane on the other hand walks a higher path.

If a fighter doesn't make weight, he either insists that they do or they don't fight.  Misrepresentation of a fighter’s record is not uncommon which can obviously put a fighter with less experience at a disadvantage.  Shane works very hard to ensure the most accurate information for all his competitors.

The attention and concern his staff show for a downed fighter is impeccable.  No risks are taken, none what so ever.

There are no misrepresentations, there is no bending of the truth, there is only an absolute expectation of honesty, integrity, and commitment to excellence when it comes to fighters competing for the XCFC.

This is not unlike the traditional expectations of most traditional martial arts entities found across the globe.  This comes as no surprise considering Shane’s deep and highly decorated traditional martial arts background.

Shane doesn't bring the flashiest event, or an event that showcases the sexiest names as sideshows.  What he brings to the table for both the fighter and the fan is a quality, well planned, entertaining event.

His next event, Warriors, takes place this Saturday evening in the humble setting of Lordsburg, New Mexico.  He has a habit of taking this small dusty town and lighting up the sky with his consistently shocking events.

Warriors is a card that showcases 16 amateur match-ups, with fighters representing from Arizona all the way to Texas.

There are two title matches and a couple of other matches that really stand out, one of which is the return of amateur female competitor Courtney Casey of El Paso, Texas.

Courtney’s last appearance was a quick, concise, and powerful arm bar submission win over Maggie Maldonado.  In a very short period of time, she showcased exactly what she was capable of and it resonated with the crowd, as she electrified them with her win.

She will have her hands full with Tucson’s Branna Larkin, an Apex MMA prospect.  Anyone who knows Apex’s reputation for churning out quality fighters knows Larkin will be dangerous.

If she spends any time rolling with Nicole Forzano, she has to be pretty sharp.

These two 135 pound females will lock horns and represent their corners well, as they are both well trained and dangerous fighters.

Another fight that showcases an Apex-trained fighter includes the very promising up-and-comer Larry Esparza.  This humble, yet dangerous, young man is quickly proving time and time again that it is only a matter of time before he makes his mark on this sport.

Training under Rocco DePalo, a long time friend, and training partner of Don Frye, Esparza is getting a world class education.  It shows when he and Rocco go to work as corner and fighter.

They will need to be on top of their game for Esparza’s opponent, Frances Atala of Glendale, Arizona.  Atala has a former King of the Cage and Gladiator Challenge Champion in Del Hawkins cornering him.

Atala has impressive Muay Thai and a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu game to keep Esparza on his toes.  Esparza, on the other hand, is a bull, with strong wrestling and a trust in his coach, which allows him excel through guidance and skill.

These 145 pound warriors could potentially put on fight of the night if their reputations play true when the cage doors close.  Both their coaches are well versed in the game; it should be quite a chess match.

In the first title fight of the night, another Del Hawkins trained fighter, the undefeated Michael Moore, will square off with Beto Torres of Team Bonecrusher of Las Cruces New Mexico.  The 155 pound XCFC strap will be on the line.

Moore has made a real name for himself showing time and time again that he is a top shelf mixed martial artist.  His blazing speed and technical approach give him a natural advantage few fighters enjoy.

On the other hand, Torres is training out of a camp in Bonecrusher that has a stout reputation for producing gritty, scrappy fighters.  Torres will get his money’s worth with Moore in this title fight; it will be fun to see how it goes when these two touch gloves.

In the main event, Shane’s Xtreme Super Heavyweight Title is on the line.  Don't be fooled by their size, these big boys always put on a show.  Ricky Varela is quite agile for a 300 pound man, and the 285 pound Gabe Dominguez has heavy hands.  

Both men are aggressive, both men are very game, and at that size, every man is dangerous.  They have both showed tremendous heart in their previous fights and put on some great fights for XCFC fans in the past.

With the extra motivation of a title on the line, they look to up the ante this time out and take that belt back home to their gym.

All in all, this is just a few of an entire evening of fights.  If you find yourself in the area and want to take in a truly unique MMA experience, do yourself a favor,and get over to North Park in Lordsburg Saturday night.

Shane Dunagan, his family, his staff, and his aspiring athletes will be waiting to put on a great event for you.  They treat you like family and never ever disappoint.  There is nothing quite like it.

This article originally featured at Hurtsbad.com