XFC 24 Results: Scott Holtzman Makes a Statement, Captures XFC Lightweight Title

Scott Holtzman seized the night at XFC 24 on Friday night at the Sun Dome in Tampa, Fla., capturing the vacant XFC lightweight title.

Holtzman had initially planned on facing XFC champion Nick Newell for the belt on Friday night, but that was before Newell declined the fight, was stripped of his title, and eventually exited the promotion, signing with the World Series of Fighting.

With Newell out of the picture, the XFC matched Holtzman up with John Mahlow for the vacant title, and Holtzman took full advantage of the moment.

Mahlow scored an early takedown, but as the fight wore on, Holtzman ramped up his takedown defense and a blistering offensive attack. He cut Mahlow with a spinning elbow, then took him down and ground and pounded in the opening round.

Holtzman kept the attack going in round two, grounding Mahlow again. He attempted a submission, but eventually finished the fight by unloading with punches until the referee called a halt to the bout.

XFC 24 Results

Main Bouts:
-Scott Holtzman def. John Mahlow by TKO (Strikes) at 2:53, R2
-Ricky Rainey def. Reggie Pena by TKO (Strikes) at 4:33, R1
-Luis Santos def. Dave Courchaine by TKO (Punches) at 0:10, R1
-Eric Reynolds def. Kevin Forant by Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke) at 4:13, R1
-Cortney Casey def. Kelly Warren by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 3:33, R1
-Shah Bobonis def. Deivison Ribeiro by Unanimous Decision, R3

Preliminary Bouts:
-John Cofer def. Chad Livingston by Unanimous Decision, R3
-Nick Smith def. Ladarious Jackson by DQ (Illegal Knee) at 2:38, R2, 2:38
-Patrick Williams def. Gabe Maldonado by TKO (Punches) at 0:50, R1, 0:50
-Jason Ignacek def. Ken Crowder by Submission (Triangle Choke) at 1:03, R2, 1:03
-Gilbert Burgos def. Jason Gladey by Unanimous Decision