With XKO 11 only days away, let’s take a look at closer at the main event matchup so fans know what to expect from the headlining title bout!
As the defending champion 4-1 Steven Peterson won the bantamweight belt in a five-round war with Douglas Frey at XKO 10 this past April. Heading into Friday night, the champion knows he’s in for a challenge in the form of an undefeated Alex Russ but it’s a challenge he’s looking to pass with flying colors.
“My coaches J.D. Shelley, Arjan Raymond Carlos Moreno, John Lawson, and Dave Masi have done a great job of getting me ready for this fight,” says the champion. “I’ve been training harder than ever and plan on dominating every aspect of this fight. I’ve worked hard to get to the top of my division and It feels great to finally be fighting on TV showing everyone what I’ve accomplished.”
Looking ahead to the fight, Peterson sees this bout between himself and Mr. Russ as a surefire crowd favorite that will be the highlight of the TXA-21 taped event.
“Alex Russ is a crowd favorite for a good reason. He comes out, dominates and puts on a good show. I enjoy watching him fight, and after watching his last fight i knew he’d likely be my next opponent. I think we match up well for a fast paced, exciting fight. He is very explosive, so am I. He likes to come out strong and brawl, So do I. This fight has all the makings for fight of the night and I’m sure we’ll put on a hell of a show.”
As for the challenger, Alex Russ feels equally ready and up for the challenge he earned after dispatching Frank Ortega via guillotine choke to XKO 10 to earn this shot at the bantamweight title.
“I’ve got to say everyone at the gym is rallying for this match up,” he told us. “ I’m getting help from everywhere. Of course I’m getting lots of training from my head trainer Brandon Crick, along with help from Casey Erwin, and Brian Beard. Douglas Frey, and my good friend and Bellator fighter Bryan Goldsby. I’m feeling great. I’m eager; I’m focused, and working as hard as ever. I’m fighting for a first round finish but preparing for a 5 round war.”
Xtreme Knockout (XKO) 11 – Full Fight Card (subject to change without notice)
- Bantamweight Title Fight – Steven Peterson (4-1) Vs. Alex Russ (3-0)
- Light Heavyweight – JJ Holmes (2-1) Vs. Jose Sanchez (1-0)
- Welterweight – Chris Pecero (3-2) Vs. Burt McDonald (1-0)
- Lightweight – Jimmy Taylor (0-0) Vs. James Vick (1-0)
- Featherweight – Nelson Salas (3-2) Vs. Eliasar Rodriguez (3-0)
- Middleweight – Hayward Charles (1-1) Vs. Josh Foster (3-2)
- Lightweight – Jose Diaz (3-3) Vs. Zach Haney (1-5)
- Middleweight – Steve Hess (1-2) Vs. Ciprian Hangan (1-0)
- Middleweight – Jason Fisher (3-6) Vs. Joshua Lee (5-11)
- Lightweight – Ali “Iraqi Samurai” Ileiwi (2-3) Vs. Dusty Mason (0-2)
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