LW title fight & Smith-South showdown set for MFC 39

(PRESS RELEASE) -- The Maximum Fighting Championship is thrilled to announce two fights including the first of two title matchups that will headline MFC 39: No Remorse taking place on Friday, January 17.

The MFC’s first event of 2014 will air live on AXS TV Fights emanating from the Northlands Expo Centre in Edmonton, Alberta, beginning at 10 p.m. ET/8 p.m. MT/7 p.m. PT (check cable provider listings for channel designation).

Riding a wave of momentum and five victories in his last six fights, Kurt Southern (13-4) will get his crack at the MFC world lightweight title when he squares off against Tom Gallicchio (17-8). Current MFC lightweight champ Graham Spencer is out with injury for several more months and upon returning to action will go down to his natural featherweight division.

The other freshly announced fight sees former MFC middleweight title hopeful Jason “The Mover” South (10-1) go down to the welterweight ranks to welcome newcomer and former reality show standout Gilbert Jamal Smith (7-2) to the Maximum Fighting Championship.

“Right out of the gate for 2014, we’re going to continue our trend of bringing exciting fights to the fans of the Maximum Fighting Championship and AXS TV Fights,” said MFC Owner/President Mark Pavelich.

“The MFC is on a tremendous roll right now as MFC 36, 37 and 38 were spectacular, and my whole organization is determined to keep it going. In fact, we’re determined to make it even better. I want fighters who are going impress and who aren’t afraid of big fights.

“I love the fact that Southern and Gallicchio will battle for the lightweight title, and I can’t wait to see Graham Spencer back in action and trying to become the first fighter in MFC history to win championships in two different weight classes. And I’m ecstatic to see the South-Smith showdown as we re-ignite the welterweight division.”

Southern has risen to stardom in the MFC with three impressive outings. Last time out at MFC 38, Southern erased the memory of his controversial submission loss to Jonatas Novaes when he blasted Novaes down and out for a first-round TKO in their hotly anticipated rematch. The Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, product also has a first-round submission under his belt in the MFC after he quickly dispatched Mukai Maromo at MFC 37.

Gallicchio, who is originally from Toms River, New Jersey, makes his MFC debut and a move to the lightweight division after a long stint at welterweight. Now fighting out of Murrieta, California, Gallicchio has won five of his last eight including a feature victory over Len Bentley.

South made a courageous attempt at claiming the MFC middleweight title at MFC 38, but suffered a stunning TKO loss to Sam Alvey, falling with just four seconds remaining in the fifth and final round. Before that setback, South, who hails from West Jordan, Utah, had gone undefeated and flexed his jiu-jitsu skills with nine submission victories.

Smith, a decorated former member of the United States Army, enters the MFC foray having won his last two fights. Fighting out of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Smith boasts five submission wins on his resume including two inside the first round.

Tickets for MFC 39 are on sale now at the MFC Ticket Hotline by calling (780) 504-2024 and will also be on sale via Ticketmaster shortly.

For more information and interview requests, please contact:

Scott Zerr, Director of Media & Fighter Relations

Maximum Fighting Championship

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