AFC2 Homecoming Thrills Fans

AFC2 Homecoming Thrills Fans

By Marla Jones, Managing Editor (Photos by Isabella Kean)

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — Sam McAlpin dreamed of a sell-out crowd for his AFC Homecoming 2, mixed martial arts fights. On Saturday, at the DeKalb County Schools Coliseum, that dream became a reality. McAlpin, a local talent, who has fought since the age of sixteen brought fans a  mixture of the best local fighters as well as high level martial artists from across the country.

Fans were lined around the coliseum as early as 4 p.m. to get their seat for the show.  The event sold 1,396 tickets.  This number did not include promotional tickets and free admittance for ages five and younger.  At the Rainsville City Council Meeting, held on Monday, Councilman Brandon Freeman reported that the over 2,000 spectators that were attendance, brought large revenue to the City of Rainsville. 

The card boasted 14 fights.

  • Fight 1: Corey Perego defeated Budd Cook with a TKO
  • Fight 2: Matt Picus defeated Tristan Kelley -by decision
  • Fight 3: Blake Poore defeated Jesse Cloud with a KO
  • Fight 4: Clay Malone defeated Jacob Harrell -by decision
  • Fight 5: No contest Willie Evans vs. Austin Mallett
  • Fight 6: Jose Evans defeated Austin Higdon -by submission
  • Fight 7: Tyler Langford defeated Mark Young -by submission
  • Fight 8: Micah Downs defeated Aaron Todd -by decision
  • Fight 9: Charles Philpot defeated Chad Finnerty -by submission 
  • Fight 10: Corey Stewart defeated Cody Phillips with a KO
  • Fight 11: Christian Echols defeated Derek James -by submission
  • Fight 12: Dillon Haggard defeated Cody Shelton with a TKO
  • Fight 13: Logan Neal defeated Neal Powell -by submission
  • Main Event: Devin Davis defeated Trent Nott with a KO

After Fight 8, Chad Finnerty, the oldest fighter at the age of 39, announced before a sold-out crowd that he would be retiring after this match from the AFC. Finnerty’s career spans several years as he wrestled in high school and at Purdue University. His many accolades include member of the Indiana Freestyle National Team for three years; Indiana Greco-Roman National Team; 3rd Place at the U.S. World Team Trials. He has a career record of 192-8. Finnerty plans to use his knowledge and experience to train upcoming AFC fighters.

In the main event, Devin Davis was named the new AFC Champion. Davis trains at the Black Lion Studio under the guidance of Jeff Powell. 

“If you are looking to get into this sort of thing, learn how to defend yourself or just use this as a tool to get in shape while learning a skill set, I highly recommend training as an MMA Fighter with Jeff Powell” said Davis. “I would like to give a big thank you to everyone who has supported me. It has been a truly amazing experience.”

"There isn't any other sport like this on the planet. It brings people from all walks of life together. I'm blessed to play a small part in it!" said Sam McAlpin, AFC Promoter. "We will be in Huntsville on September 7 and will be returning to Rainsville in mid-2020. I hope to see you all again!"