Conversation with Promoter Thomas Bussey Prior to Next Event; XKO 10 Set for April 9th in Arlington!

March 15, 2011 – Fans in the DFW-area can expect more MMA excitement in a few short weeks as the Arlington-based Xtreme Knockout (XKO) promotion returns for their tenth event – featuring two title fights: with lightweight champion Chris Jones (5-1) defending against Chris Pecero (3-1) and Douglas Frey (9-4) taking on Steven Peterson (3-1) for the vacant XKO bantamweight title.

As if this weren’t enough, XKO 10 will also feature the XKO-debut of UFC-veteran and decorated wrestler Jake Rosholt, who takes on 60+ fight veteran Brandon McDowell, along with the XKO return of recent ADCC Trials Winner JJ Holmes, who returns to Arlington after making his professional MMA debut at XKO 9.

We’ll be talking to some of these fighters and others on the card here on TXMMA.com in the weeks leading up to the event. In fact, we’ve already had one interview with Roy Spoon already posted but rest assured more are coming as we look to bring you a more in-depth look at this event’s fighters.

I recently caught up with XKO promoter Thomas Bussey to talk a little bit about his promotion prior to their XKO 10 show on April 9th.

Thomas, I’m fairly new to the DFW scene. Could you start by telling me (and our readers around the state) a little more about your organization – How long have you been around? What’s your goal in bringing MMA to the masses? And what’s your mission in terms of how you want fans to perceive your product?

We started “The Gym” in 1989 here in Arlington. The Gym offered a full weight training facility, boxing, Martial Arts and wrestling. Martial Arts and combative sports have always been a part of our lives so we have always had a strong interest in combative sports. We were involved in the early days of the UFC and in 1997 were sanctioned by The Ultimate Fighting Alliance which allowed us to be an official training facility to teach the skills used in the UFC. With Mixed martial arts being the fastest growing sport and our passion for the sport we feel we can produce a great product for the fans and the fighters. We want to help push the sport and fighters in the DFW area and all around Texas. We love the sport and put everything we have into XKO! The fans see that in our product and I believe this is why we have built a strong fan base.

Why did you decide to start promoting in MMA initially?

We have always wanted to promote mixed martial arts and combative sports. In 2001 we started promoting professional wrestling events and were televised on UPN channel 21, MTV, and later filmed a reality show with the Discovery channel. We felt we had a strong background in promoting events and then began our focus to promote professional MMA events.

We have alit of great memories with XKO. My favorite would be seeing the crowd at our first event at standing room only and seeing the excitement with the fighters knowing we will have a great future in the sport.

What about difficult times? Any tough moments you guys got past?

Yeah – XKO 1-9. <laughing>

XKO 10 is coming up soon on April 9th. Tell us a little bit about the card you guys have put together.

Every event we feel is going to top the last. We are learning about the fighters, their fighting styles which make for better matchmaking and better fights. We have many returning fighters and most of them have fought in XKO multiple times. We feel with 2 title fights and UFC standout Jake Rosholt versus MMA veteran Brandon McDowell on the card this will be our biggest event. It is a very exciting line-up from top to bottom.

As a fan, do you have any fights in particular you are looking forward to seeing at the April 9^th event?

We are excited about each fight on XKO 10. We book the fights both as a fan and as a promotion. So each fight we are excited to see and are proud of each and every fighter. We are also very excited about the title fights. Each fighter has a great fan base here at XKO and deserves the title opportunity.

What kind of impression do you hope fans leave Arlington with when it’s all said and done on fight night?

We want each fan leaving anxious for XKO 11. Looking forward a party-type atmosphere and a great night of fights!

What’s next for XKO after this?

XKO 11!

Any last words?

Thank you to TXMMA.com and all that you have done to contribute to the growth of the Sport and Local Fighters!

Full Card for Xtreme Knockouts XKO 10

• 155lb Title Bout – Chris Jones (Champion, 5-1) vs Chris Pecero (3-1)
• 135lb Title Bout – Douglas Frey (9-4, undefeated in XKO) vs Steven Peterson (3-1)
• 185lb – Jake Rosholt (8-3, UFC Veteran) vs Brandon Mcdowell (32-29)
• 130lb – Frank Ortega (4-4) vs Alex Russ (2-0)
• 135lb – Randy Villarreal (4-3) vs Mike Sierra (3-3)
• 170lb – Roy Spoon (5-3) vs Brandon Smith (4-0)
• 155lb – Faez Miuraki (0-0) vs Elijah Fleites (0-0)
• 155lb – Gabe Guerrero (1-3) vs Burt McDonald (1-0)
• 185lb – JJ Holmes (1-0) vs Hayward Charles (0-0)
• 153lb – Moises Diaz (1-3) vs Chris Sellers (0-1)

For tickets  and more information,  visit www.XTREMEKNOCKOUT.com.