Baton Rouge, Louisiana – January 13, 2017 – World Fighting Championship returns to the Belle of Baton Rouge Saturday, January 21st with WFC 63, the first of 22 events already on the books for the United States’ premier cross-over promotion. The main and co-main events both feature tough, local matchups between some of Louisiana’s highest level MMA talent. In the main event, Thomas Webb (11-3) takes on Robert Dunn (8-4), and in the co-main event, Joshua Davila (6-5) faces JD Domengeaux (9-3).
“This fight was going to happen eventually,” said Webb of the matchup with Dunn. “It was a matter of when, and I’m ready. He’s coming into the cage with an ‘always coming forward, never retreat’ attitude. I know it’s going to be a good fight.” Webb knows a little something about not retreating, thanks to his thirteen years of service in the Army National Guard. The 33 year old, who is now the head coach at UFC Gym in Baton Rouge, served the city of New Orleans post-Katrina, and in Haiti after the devastating earthquake there in 2010. “We did search and rescue, clearing of debris, and police patrol,” the fighter said of his year stay in New Orleans.
Another year was spent in Afghanistan, building a base for incoming troops. Webb came away from the National Guard and the adversity he faced during his service with a perspective that influences his training and fighting. “I don’t take anything for granted. I value my time here on Earth, and the time of my sparring partners and coaches. I make every moment count. In Haiti you’d walk out and see thousands of tents, as far as you could see. There were six or seven people in each tent, and they’d come out every morning, walk a mile to get water, and do it with a smile on their faces.”
His opponent, Robert “Get It” Dunn was a late replacement, and WFC Founder and Promoter Matt McGovern. “We have two of the top 155 pound in the South from two of the biggest gyms in the area. This is a great fight for the area.” Dunn trains at Gracie United Baton Rouge.
Also on the card, in the co-main event, Joshua Davilla, the owner of Gracie United, faces JD Domengeaux in a battle at welterweight. It is the first fight in his home state of Louisiana for Domengeaux since 2013. “I want to leave a legacy,” said Domengeaux. “There’s no guarantee in this sport. It’s the toughest sport on the planet.”
Rounding out the professional portion of the card, Roman Pizzolato (8-8) faces Texas’ Daniel Miller (4-4). In amateur action, Baton Rouge favorite Shanelle Bouxdreaux (0-1) faces Arizona’s Shyanne Mitchell (0-1). Local female MMA fighter Tori King (0-1) steps up against Texas’ Takera McGilbra (1-0). 29-year old King splits her time between fighting, working as a professional welder, and attending school. “I think people don’t take it seriously,” said King of women in MMA. “Ronda Rousey paved the way for women. It’s finally getting recognition.”
The amateur portion of the card also includes Carlton Lofton (8-8) vs. Nicko Commissiong (4-0), George Frange (3-0) vs. Maxx Smith (6-0), Blayze Olano (1-1) vs. Clint Bozeman (Debut), Jimmy Young (1-1) vs. David Jackson (6-0), Tim Bruce (0-1) vs. Kenry Mire (Debut), Brandon Laughlin (1-0) vs. Mark Harrison (0-1), Romalice Thomason (1-1) vs. Ronnie Turpin (Debut), and Chase McNeal (3-1) vs. William Leeds (3-4).
“2017 will be a year of aggressive growth for WFC,” said Promoter Matt McGovern. “Our next two events are in Nevada, and we have events on the books in Washington, Pennsylvania and here in Baton Rouge.”
Tickets for WFC 63 begin at $27.50 and are available at www.wfcfights.com. Doors open at 6:00, and first bell is at 7:00 p.m.