Jones and Kendrick Thrill Crowd in Debut Bout at XFA 02

Knoxville, TN –  The first-ever Pro/Am XFA event at the historic Knoxville World’s Fair site delivered on its promise of action, and one of the evening’s most exciting matchups came early in the night when two teenagers made their competitive debuts in an amateur kickboxing bout at 155 pounds.

Victory Martial Arts’ Jaxon Jones squared off against Maverick Training Center’s Kale Kendrick, and from the opening bell the two young fighters put on a show for the Knoxville crowd. The pace was high from start to finish, with both athletes throwing a barrage of wild kicks and aggressive combinations that kept the fans on their feet.

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 Despite their lack of prior experience, both Jones and Kendrick displayed composure and heart well beyond their years. Kendrick pressed forward with relentless pressure, while Jones countered with sharp strikes and unorthodox kicks that landed cleanly. Round after round, the exchanges remained fast, technical, and unpredictable—cementing the bout as one of the night’s fan favorites.

After three rounds of furious action, the judges were called to decide a winner. In a razor-close decision, Jones edged out Kendrick, earning his first career victory in his competitive debut.

While Jones’ hand was raised, both fighters walked away with newfound respect from the fans and their peers. For the Knoxville faithful, it was a glimpse at the next generation of martial artists—fighters who are just getting started, but already proving they belong under the bright lights.


About Xtreme Fighting Alliance (XFA):
Founded in 2024, XFA is a Tennessee-based mixed martial arts promotion dedicated to elevating the sport through dynamic, high-quality events that combine professional and amateur MMA action. Sanctioned by GAMMA, XFA continues to provide a platform for fighters to showcase their skills in front of passionate combat sports fans across the Southeast.