Perhaps it’s a sign of the times, with the UFC seemingly employing a revolving door of a roster thanks to a constant stream of recruits from Dana White’s Contender Series. But where many regional cards look to boost their profile off the name of a former UFC fighter or two, XMMA 4: Black Magic in New Orleans on Saturday had over 10 fighters in action who had previously competed on the biggest stage in MMA.
That made for some interesting match-ups, and the possibility of a number of redemption stories.
Topping the event was two-time UFC flyweight title challenger John Dodson, looking to snap a two-fight skid against fellow UFC alum Francisco Rivera in a bantamweight match-up. Rivera, who had last competed in the octagon in 2016, had returned to action last year, going 2-1 in 2021.
The co-feature saw Bellator, UFC, and PFL vet Curtis Millender in action against Jared “Nite Train” Gooden, fresh off a win at iKon FC 1 over Aaron Highbaugh.
Zak Ottow, meanwhile, was looking for his fourth straight win since parting ways with the Ultimate Fighting Championship, against Kyle Stewart — with the explicit goal of returning to the big show with a big finish.
Be sure to check out our exclusive interview with Zak Ottow ahead of this one.
XMMA 4: Black Magic goes down Saturday, April 2, 2022 at The Fillmore in New Orleans, Louisiana. The card airs live exclusively on Fight Network, with the broadcast getting underway at 7PM ET. Full results from the event can be found below.
XMMA 4: Black Magic Results
Main Card
John Dodson def. Francisco Rivera Jr. by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Jared Gooden def. Curtis Millender by TKO, Round 2, 0:16
Kyle Bochniak def. Carlton Minus by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Ange Loosa def. John Howard by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Kyle Stewart def. Zak Ottow by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Preliminary Card
John Sweeney def. Cole Smith by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27)
Sasha Palatnikov def. Kyron Bowen by TKO (ground n’ pound), Round 1, 4:03
Westin Wilson def. Tyrek Malveaux by submission (side choke), Round 1, 1:59
Louie Sanoudakis def. Tateki Matsuda by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Adli Edwards def. Josh Harvey by submission (arm-triangle choke), Round 1, 4:45
Andrew Garrette def. Justin Mead by TKO, Round 1, 1:36
