Despite Opponent Change, Eric Reynolds Ready To Go at XFC 27

This time last year, XFC lightweight Eric “It’s a Wrap” Reynolds was coming off a loss to Nick Newell, which eliminated him from title contention within the promotion.

Rather than get down over it, Reynolds responded with two of his strongest performances to date.

“I came off that loss (to Newell) a year ago and I got right back on it and got my confidence back,” said Reynolds. “I stepped in there and took an undefeated guy (in Kevin Forant) out in a pretty quick and fashionable manner (with a first-round submission).

“My other fight was my third time fighting out of the country (in Finland against Anton Kuivanen for the Cage championship) and it was a long journey getting there. We were there for a week and the fight lasted 30 seconds. I just executed my game plan 100-percent that night (and got the knockout victory).”

Reynolds (18-6) will be looking to get back into the XFC lightweight title picture this Friday when he takes on late replacement in former King of the Cage champion Dom O’Grady (15-6) in Muskegon, Mich.

According to Reynolds, the change in opponent from Joe Elmore to O’Grady shouldn’t be an issue.

“I already had this fight in the making before my last fight,” said Reynolds. “I had an opponent change, but it didn’t matter. I knew I had to fight this date and I wanted to fight this date, so I’m in shape and I’m ready to go.”

When it comes to facing O’Grady, Reynolds told MMAWeekly.com that he expects nothing short of fireworks Friday night.

“He’s got some experience under his belt in a couple different weight classes and should be an interesting opponent,” said Reynolds of O’Grady. “He likes to box and so do I, so I think it’s going to be a stand-up war until somebody gets clipped and starts looking for the ground, which will hopefully be Dom.”

Reynolds feels that his willingness to fight anyone anywhere will play a big part in getting to where he wants to be in the coming year.

“I’ve been that guy where I’ve fought anybody and everybody,” he said. “I’ve never turned down a fight. I’ve travelled to Peru (in 2009) and fought their champion, I travelled to Finland and fought their champion, and I want to keep doing that. I want to fight the best in the sport; that’s what I want to do.

“I already have my next fight lined up (to defend the Cage title on Feb. 15). I’m going to stay pretty busy and active. I think that’s going to be my key to success is staying busy and staying in the winning column.”

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