WALKER: Local Scene Preview - XFO's "Outdoor War 8" Hits Illinois on August 18

By: Brad Walker, MMATorch Columnist

Before I get into the breakdown of the fantastic card that XFO has put together for their annual Outdoor War card – let me introduce some of you to the organization that thrives right here in my home state of Illinois. XFO has seen numerous top tier fighters inside of their cage, including Chael Sonnen, Matt Hammil, Clay Guida, Roger Huerta, Rory Markham, Shonie Carter, Chase Beebe, Jeff Curran, Jamie Varner, Jens Pulver, Pat Curran, Bart Palaszewski, and countless more. Over 80 past XFO fighters have made their way to the UFC, and countless others to the WEC and other large promotions. This card was originally scheduled to feature the debut of Jeff "Big Frog" Curran at flyweight but a hand injury sustained in training has pushed that back; but there are still a number of fantastic bouts waiting to take place. Here's a look at some of them:

Guillermo Serment vs Mackens Semerzier (Featherweight)

This is a classic bout of a rebounding UFC vet (Semerzier) against an up and coming fighter on a hot streak (Serment). Guillermo has won his last three fights, and possesses a fantastic submission game, which has of late proven to be Mackens' Achilles heel. This bout should be a classic war of wills and submission defense.

Mike Pitz Vs Louis Taylor (Middleweight)

Pitz is a perfect 8-0 in his career and Taylor sports a similarly impressive 7-3. Both of these men will be looking to stand and bang in the bout as they both have very impressive knockout power. It is at the top of the card as it deserves to be, as these two men will be looking for a one punch knockout and there will probably be some bloodshed in the process.

Joey Diehl vs Shawn West (Flyweight)

Joey Diehl is one of the most natural wrestlers I have ever seen work inside of a cage, but he is coming off of a loss into this bout against West. Both men will be looking to have top control throughout the bout, but with Diehl's ability and power I expect to see him bring home a submission or decision win. It will be a grappling war from bell to bell, and I can't wait to see it unfold.

These are just the three top fights I elected to highlight off of this card, one which features a total of 30 scheduled bouts, both professional and amateur. Promoter Dan Lardy goes above and beyond for his fans to make sure the show will be intense and action packed. It will be held at Sideouts in Island Lake Saturday August 18 starting at 12 noon and running until the end of the night (and the fights). The best ways to find tickets are through the XFO website – XFOMMA.com and localmmatickets.com – and this is a local show you do NOT want to miss if you are from the Midwest. It is stacked with talented fighters and razor-thin odds, and it looks like an instant classic on paper. And of course if you are so inclined you can find me and my partner in reporting/brother in law Manny on press row bringing you all the action to MMATorch and Twitter as it unfolds! Be sure to get ahold of your tickets now!



Follow me on twitter - @BradMMATorch | XFO can also be found on twitter - @XFOMMA

Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/Staff_Editorials_19/article_14115.shtml

Jonathan Goulet Wilson Gouveia Jason Grace Crosley Gracie Gregor Gracie