![]() HARRIMAN, TN – Fight fans packed the Roane State gymnasium this past weekend as XFA Fight Night 4 delivered another thrilling night of amateur combat, with a preliminary card headlined by a hotly anticipated showdown for the Inaugural XFA Amateur Middleweight Kickboxing Championship. In a razor-close contest, Keenan Clark of Torch MMA & Fitness emerged victorious via decision over Brandon Burke of Phoenix MMA, capturing his second XFA title in as many sports. The bout was an instant classic—technical, hard-fought, and nearly too close to call. Burke (1-2), who had all three of his amateur kickboxing appearances under the XFA banner, entered the title bout riding high off a February win at XFA LIVE 02 over Dorian Holt. Known for his grit and forward pressure, Burke came into the contest well-prepared and hungry for gold. Across the cage stood Keenan Clark (5-0 in kickboxing), already an XFA standout and the reigning Middleweight Combat Jiu-Jitsu Champion, having claimed that title back in February at XFA Fight Night 3. Making his XFA kickboxing debut, Clark showcased why he’s considered one of the most dangerous and well-rounded amateurs in the region.
From the opening bell, the clash of styles was evident. Burke looked to push the pace and control the center, while Clark executed a strategic, leg kick-heavy approach that steadily chipped away at his opponent’s base. The cumulative effect of those brutal low kicks culminated in a knockdown midway through the bout—likely the most pivotal moment of the fight and one that may have ultimately swung the judges' scorecards in Clark’s favor. Despite the setback, Burke never stopped pressing forward, delivering clean boxing combinations and maintaining pressure through all rounds. His toughness and resolve made every exchange competitive, and many in attendance noted the decision could have gone either way. In the end, it was Clark’s tactical execution and knockdown that edged him ahead, earning him a unanimous decision victory and cementing his place in history as the first-ever XFA Amateur Middleweight Kickboxing Champion. With this win, Clark remains undefeated in amateur kickboxing (5-0) and now holds titles in both kickboxing and CJJ under the XFA banner—a rare feat. Burke, despite the loss, further solidified his reputation as a top-tier middleweight competitor in XFA’s ever-growing amateur ranks. Fans can expect both athletes to remain pivotal figures in the XFA spotlight moving forward, and talk of both fighter's future has been heavily talked about. 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.
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