Two new fights set for MFC 39

(PRESS RELEASE) -- The Maximum Fighting Championship is announcing two lineup changes for the main card of MFC 39: No Remorse coming up on Friday, January 17 live on AXS TV Fights.

With an injury sustained in training, Chase Degenhardt has been scratched from the card for his matchup against Ryan Chiappe. Instead, Chiappe (10-8) will now face French fighter Mehdi Baghdad (9-3) in a welterweight matchup.

As well, the previously scheduled fight between Derek Boyle and Aaron Gallant has been scratched due to an injury suffered by Gallant. That fight has been replaced by a lightweight tilt pitting MFC newcomer Andrew McInnes (3-1) against Dan Ring (5-2-1).

"The injuries are unfortunate, but I'm very happy with the new fights that we've arranged. I think they are very exciting and will complement a very good lineup headlined by the two title fights," said MFC Owner/President Mark Pavelich.

MFC 39 will be held at the Northlands Expo Centre in Edmonton, Alberta, and feature the first defense of Anthony Hamilton's heavyweight title as he takes on Darrill Schoonover, plus a lightweight title matchup that sees Kurt Southern battle Tom Gallicchio.

Baghdad is originally from Six-Fours-Les-Plages, France, and now trains in Temecula, California, alongside current MFC middleweight champ Sam Alvey. Baghdad boasts six knockouts and three submission victories and enters the MFC riding a five-fight winning streak.

Chiappe, who fights out of Vancouver, B.C., has won two of his last three outings, and is in search of his first win under the MFC banner after falling in the first round at MFC 31.

McInnes will be fighting in front of hometown fans in Edmonton, and he comes to the MFC on the heels of three straight wins - all three wins via submission, all three in the first round, and two of those victories coming in less than 30 seconds.

Meanwhile, Ring, who fights out of Vancouver, B.C., has two wins via decision in three efforts under the MFC banner.

MFC 39: No Remorse - Main Card

Anthony Hamilton (c) vs. Darrill Schoonover - MFC heavyweight title

Kurt Southern vs. Tom Gallicchio - MFC lightweight title

Victor Valimaki vs. Sean O'Connell - light-heavyweight

Jason South vs. Gilbert Jamal Smith - welterweight

Ryan Chiappe vs. Mehdi Baghdad - welterweight

Andrew McInnes vs. Dan Ring - lightweight

A roster of preliminary fights that will air live on the MFC Facebook page will be announced shortly.

Tickets for MFC 39 are on sale now via www.ticketmaster.ca and also through the MFC Ticket Hotline at (780) 504-2024.