Nick Newell

By Michael Hatamoto

The XFC MMA promotion has stripped Nick Newell of his lightweight title as the fighter reportedly wasn’t interested in defending his title at XFC 24 against Scott Holtzman.

It’s not official, but the American Top Team-trained fighter is likely done in the XFC and will need to find a new MMA promotion to call home.

Here is a statement released by XFC President John Prisco:

“I think Nick knows what I believe. He was going to lose. Nick knows he can’t defend himself when someone like Scott puts him on his back. I believe Scott is one of the most talented 155ers on the planet. He’s training on the west coast right now with Benson Henderson for that very reason. In my eyes, I saw the fight going 1^st round stoppage – Holtzman by ground and pound.”

The full release is available on the XFC website.

Things clearly went south between Newell and the XFC if the Prisco is publicly releasing statements slamming the one-armed fighter.

I doubt this is what the XFC wanted to do, as Newell served as the biggest star of the upstart MMA promotion that doesn’t host a roster full of well-known MMA names. Newell is an amputee missing most of his left forearm and his entire left hand, but has found natural skill and hard work have given him a great opportunity in the cage.

Even though UFC President Dana White said Newell probably would never be allowed to compete in the UFC – and other major MMA promotions probably share the same viewpoint – it’s amazing that Newell has racked up a 9-0 pro fight record. However, his most recent victory, a rear-naked choke submission against Eric Reynolds, is the most notable opponent he has beaten, though was another first-round finish.