Nick Newell-Scott Holtzman lightweight title fight targeted for June XFC event

His title shot already earned this past month, Scott “Hot Sauce” Holtzman now has the time table for his crack at the belt.

Holtzman (4-0) will meet unbeaten champion Nick Newell (9-0) for Newell’s lightweight title at a June 14 event expected to be XFC 24 in Tampa, Fla. Sources with knowledge of the fight booking on Wednesday confirmed the date and location to MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com).

Though a precise venue for the event is not yet set, XFC in the past has held events at Tampa Bay Times Forum, formerly St. Pete Times Forum. XFC 24 is expected to have a main card that airs live on AXS TV.

Holtzman in February took a unanimous decision from Jason Hicks (5-1) at XFC 22 in a lightweight title eliminator. It was the first time in his career he had gone the distance after starting his pro career with three straight stoppage wins, all under the XFC banner. The Tennesseean has been fighting professional for a little more than a year.

Newell continues to make headlines for more than just being a “one-armed fighter.” The congenital amputee is missing his left hand and most of his left forearm, yet he continues to notch impressive victories – with eight of his nine wins coming by first-round stoppage. In December at XFC 21, he finished Bellator vet Eric Reynolds in 82 seconds with a rear-naked choke. Acclaimed lightweights Eddie Alvarez and Jorge Masvidal needed to get to the third round before finishing Reynolds.

Six of Newell’s nine wins have come by submission, and he is 4-0 for XFC. But Holtzman will be his first time facing an unbeaten opponent – though Newell has more than twice as much in-cage experience.

For the latest on XFC 24, stay tuned to the MMA Rumors section of the site.

(Pictured: Nick Newell)