XFA Fight Night 4: Michael 'Swampthing' Earls Outlasts Brandon Metcalfe in Gritty Dirty Boxing Showdown

HARRIMAN, TN —  Roane State Community College played host to a war of wills this past Saturday at XFA Fight Night 4, as Michael 'Swampthing' Earls and Brandon Metcalfe collided in a three-round slugfest in an amateur dirty boxing 190lbs catch weight bout — the Xtreme Fighting Alliance’s version of bareknuckle boxing for amateurs, featuring MMA gloves instead of hand wraps or tape.

Both fighters made their XFA debut, and for Brandon Metcalfe, it was also his first ever appearance in a sanctioned combat sports event. The debutant, representing Killa Kickboxing, stepped into the cage with courage and composure, facing off against the more experienced Michael Earls, who trains out of Crossville MMA and Campbell County Boxing who brought a background in both MMA and traditional boxing.

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From the opening bell, fans knew they were in for something special. The dirty boxing format delivered exactly what it promised — relentless clinch work, grinding exchanges, and heavy hands flying from tight quarters. Both men pushed a grueling pace in a contest marked by gritty determination and heart.

Earls, true to his nickname Swampthing, trudged forward with calculated pressure, using his experience to control the tempo and navigate the trenches. Metcalfe, to his credit, showed tremendous resolve and flashes of crisp striking, especially for a first-timer. He stood toe-to-toe with Earls throughout the bout, never backing down from the clinch wars and heavy exchanges that defined the match.

After three tough rounds, it was Michael Earls who walked away with the unanimous decision victory, earning his first win under the XFA banner. The fight served as a breakout performance for both men — Earls for showcasing his veteran grit, and Metcalfe for proving he belongs in the cage with the best of XFA’s new generation.

XFA leadership praised both fighters for their toughness and determination. Michael showed his experience and Brandon proved he’s got a bright future in combat sports.

With this performance, Earls moves one step closer to title contention in the growing dirty boxing division, while Metcalfe has already earned the respect of the XFA community with a gutsy debut.


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.