Denham Outlasts Howe in Heavyweight Thriller at XFA 01 in Crossville

Crossville, TN -- In a clash that delivered on every promise of intensity and heart, London Martial Arts’ Josh Denham (1-2) earned his first MMA victory in dramatic fashion over debuting heavyweight Jimmy Howe of Crossville MMA at XFA 01, held at the National Guard Armory in Crossville, Tennessee. With just two seconds remaining in the second round, Denham secured a hard-fought TKO win in what quickly became one of the most talked-about amateur bouts of the night.

The fight was part of Xtreme Fighting Alliance's continued push to grow MMA in the region, marking the third XFA-sanctioned MMA event in Crossville, following two successful shows in 2024. With a packed house and electric energy, the crowd was treated to a showcase of raw determination and local pride.

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Jimmy Howe, fighting out of the respected Crossville MMA gym, stepped into the cage for the very first time. Despite his inexperience, Howe showed composure and toughness beyond his years, engaging in a wild and bloody brawl that had the crowd on edge from the opening bell.

Josh Denham, who entered the bout at 0-2 in MMA competition, had previously fought under the XFA banner in a kickboxing bout at XFA LIVE in Cookeville last November, where he secured a decision win. Saturday night marked his XFA MMA debut, and he came into the bout determined to prove that he belonged.

What followed was a heavy-handed, back-and-forth battle. Both men landed brutal shots, with neither willing to give an inch. Blood was spilled on both ends, a testament to the tenacity and heart these two heavyweights brought to the cage. The action was relentless, and as the second round wore on, it became clear someone was going to fall.

With just two seconds left in Round 2, Denham capitalized on a brief opening and landed a decisive barrage that prompted the referee to step in, sealing a TKO victory and earning him his first win in MMA

With the continued rise of talent like Jimmy Howe and the perseverance of fighters like Denham, XFA’s presence in Crossville continues to grow stronger, showcasing the next generation of martial artists in Tennessee and beyond.

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