Nov 24, 2009 - MMA SUPERSTAR JEFF CURRAN RETURNS TO THE XFO AS “WORLDS COLLIDE”

Chicago, IL (USA): The Xtreme Fighting Organization, one of the most respected MMA promotions in existence, is bringing one of the biggest fight cards in its history to the Chicago area, as “WORLDS COLLIDE” explodes at XFO 34, live on Saturday, December 5^th at the Lakemoor Banquet Facility in Lakemoor, IL. In the main event, UFC/WEC/PRIDE/StrikeForce veteran “The Big Frog” Jeff Curran (30-12-1) will battle longtime Japanese star Tomohiko Hori (10-7-5) in a culture clash to determine bantamweight supremacy in the XFO. In addition, over a dozen more MMA battles featuring the best up-and-comers in the Midwest circuit will commence, as young fighters from all over the United States will look to hone their skills in the XFO cage. Tickets for the event are on sale now for $100-VIP ringside, $75-ringside, $60-table seating, and $35-general admission, and are available at Curran Martial Arts, located at 221 Liberty Road, Crystal Lake, IL, 60014, or by calling (815) 356-0454. Doors open at 6:00 PM, and the fights will begin at 7:30 PM. Please visit http://www.xfomma.com/ for more information.

After a three year absence from the XFO, eleven year fight veteran Jeff Curran returns to his home cage to battle a very difficult foe in Tomohiko Hori, who is a training partner of one of Curran’s toughest opponents to date, WEC bantamweight title contender Takeya Mizugaki. Curran is one of the most respected cage tacticians in the sport, with a resume that rivals nearly anyone in the sport. He’s gone toe to toe with some of the best, including Mizugaki, Norifumi “Kid” Yamamoto, Matt “The Terror” Serra, Hatsu Hioki, former WEC Featherweight Champion Urijah Faber, Faber protégé Joseph Benavidez, and current WEC Featherweight Champion Mike Thomas Brown. He holds victories over notable fighters such as UFC fighter Jason Dent, PRIDE veteran Charles “Krazy Horse” Bennett, and current WEC stars Wagnney Fabiano and Raphael Assuncao. Curran recently signed a non-exclusive agreement with StrikeForce, and at the November 7^th “StrikeForce: Fedor vs. Rogers” event, “The Big Frog” got back to his winning ways, winning by submission due to a rib-cracking knee to Dustin Neace’s body. Being one of the smaller of the elite fighters in the sport, Curran has usually had to contend with larger foes, and Hori will be no different.

Tomohiko Hori is a tough fighter who won the prestigious DEEP 135 lbs. tournament earlier this year. The Japanese standout has faced some top-flight international competition in his seven year career, crossing paths with the likes of Yujiro Kushida, Shinji Eijiri, Toshiaki Kitada, Jong Man Kim, Wataru Miki, Seiji Akao, Sami Aziz, and Masakazu Imanari. All have found out just how tough Hori is. And as far as the Japanese import is concerned, Curran is next. But he has a lot of respect for his opponent: “My impression of Jeff Curran is, he is very strong on the ground. I have to be very carful of his submission, especially a triangle.” But he is excited to headline a show in the States. “I accepted this opportunity to fight Curran because he is one of the top fighters at this weight class, and also, I always wanted to fight in America. And I am happy and pumped up that this is the headliner of the show.” Hori trains with WEC star Mizugaki, and with Curran wanting to avenge his loss to Mizugaki, taking down one of those closest to him is a step in that direction. But Hori has very different plans for his opponent at “WORLDS COLLIDE. “I know striking is the strongest part of my game, so this is going to be a hard fight with me winning at the end with a knockout.”

“WORLDS COLLIDE” will also feature more than a dozen bouts showcasing some of the top MMA prospects in the Midwest. Additional fights are being added, and the full fight card will be released shortly. In addition, information on the pre-event press conference and weigh-ins will be made public soon, as well. “WORLDS COLLIDE” is sure to electrify local fight fans!

If you are interested in more information on the XFO, please contact:

Phil Lanides, Publicist
Fight of Your Life Communications
phil@fightofyourlife.com
(408) 439-3245
http://www.fightofyourlife.com/