With Nick Newell departed, Scott Holtzman meets John Mahlow for XFC lightweight title on June 14

With one-armed fighter Nick Newell no longer the Xtreme Fighting Championship (XFC) lightweight champion and out of the organization after a much-publicized departure, a new headliner was needed for XFC 24: "Collision Course."

On Thursday (May 16, 2013), the company found exactly that as officials announced mixed martial arts (MMA) journeyman John Mahlow will replace Newell against undefeated Scott Holtzman at the June 14, 2013 event.

The contest will serve as the main event from the USF Sun Dome in Tampa, Flo., and will be for the XFC's vacant 155-pound belt.

XFC President John Prisco stripped Newell of the title last week when he claimed the 27-year-old was unwilling to defend the belt and turned down a fight against Holtzman.

Newell quickly replied to Prisco's claims, stating he had no obligation to fight for the organization and was seeking a contract from the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

The situation got ugly quick and dissolved into a lot of finger pointing until both sides agreed to go their separate ways.

With Newell out of the picture, Mahlow (13-13) will attempt to capture XFC gold in what will be his sixth fight with the company against Holtzman (4-0).

Stay tuned to MMAmania.com for more XFC-related news and notes.