MFC 21 fight card confirmed for May 15; Lashley, Prangley headline HDNet telecast

Maximum Fighting Championships (MFC) has finalized the fight card for its "Hard Knocks" event set to go down from the River Cree Resort and Casino on Friday, May 15.

The event will air LIVE at 10pm ET throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico on HDNet Fights.

Prior to his June 27 pay-per-view fight against Bob Sapp for Prize Fight Promotions, former WWE star Bobby "The Dominator" Lashley (2-0) will step into the ring against Frank Shamrock-trained Mike Cook (7-3).

In the main event, reigning light heavyweight champ Emanuel Newton (13-3) will defend his title for the first time against the well-accomplished Trevor Prangley (19-5).

"The Hardcore Kid" captured the 205-pound crown at MFC 19 with a convincing five-round decision over former champion Roger "The Hulk" Hollett. That victory stretched Newton’s undefeated streak to 11 straight fights and the Norwalk, California, native has not lost since 2004.

Meanwhile Prangley, who is originally from Cape Town, South Africa, has won eight of his last nine fights and holds career wins over such notables as Ultimate Fighter reality show winner Travis Lutter, Yuki Kondo, and Chael Sonnen.

In a superfight that is sure to create waves throughout the entire mixed martial arts world, two star welterweights will clash as Jake Ellenberger (19-4) takes on fan favorite John "The Natural" Alessio (24-13).

Ellenberger’s well-established career includes a victory over current MFC welterweight champion Pat Healy, while Alessio, who is trained by Hall of Famer Randy Couture, has excelled throughout his career and holds wins over such veterans as Pete Spratt and Gideon Ray.

Ellenberger is coming off back-to-back decisive wins in Asia. Meanwhile, Alessio is looking to rebound following the first knockout loss of his career against Paul Daley at MFC 19 in December.

Two light heavyweight bouts will be front and center at Hard Knocks. David Heath (11-4), who is coming off an electrifying victory over former MFC champion Roger Hollett at MFC 20, will match up against rugged Travis "The Gladiator" Galbraith (16-6).

Heath is looking to get back into the title picture and the opportunity for a rematch with reigning MFC light heavyweight champ Emanuel Newton, while Galbraith returns to the MFC mix with aspirations of championship gold as well. Galbraith’s previous three wins in the MFC have all come inside the first round - two by knockout.

The second light heavyweight encounter is sure to spark plenty of fireworks as the always-explosive Aron "The Poster Boy" Lofton (6-1) takes on heavy-handed Marvin "The Beastman" Eastman (15-9).

Lofton set the stage for this showdown with a devastating one-punch knockout of Dwayne Lewis at MFC 17 - a victory that earned him the MFC’s Knockout of the Year in 2008. The ever-dangerous Eastman has a solid pedigree that includes two fights against Quinton "Rampage" Jackson.

In a dynamic middleweight bout, fast-rising contenders will do battle as Bryan Baker (9-1) makes his second appearance inside the MFC ring to face the multi-talented and undefeated Brad Zazulak (6-0). Both fighters were impressive in their respective bouts at MFC 20.

Baker showed his submission defense before dealing out a TKO destruction of Rory Singer, while Zazulak extended his unbeaten run with the third first-round finish of his blossoming career.

Here is the complete lineup for MFC 21: "Hard Knocks:"

MFC World Light Heavyweight Championship:
205 lbs.: Trevor Prangley (19-5) vs. Emanuel Newton (18-3)

Main Card:
265 lbs.: Mike Cook (7-3) vs. Bobby Lashley (2-0)
205 lbs.: David Heath (11-4) vs. Travis Galbraith (16-6)
170 lbs.: Andrew Buckland (8-3) vs. John Alessio (24-12)
205 lbs.: Mychal Clark (8-5) vs. Ryan Jimmo (9-1)
205 lbs.: Marvin Eastman (15-9) vs. Aron Lofton (6-1)

Undercard:
265 lbs.: William Richey (3-0) vs. Ryan Fortin (4-0)
170 lbs.: Jeremy Combrink (5-1) vs. Jason Heit (2-0)
205 lbs.: Dwayne Lewis (6-5) vs. Jay Whitford (3-0)
170 lbs.: Nolan Clarke (3-3) vs. George Belanger (1-1)

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