Two titles on the line at MFC 39

(PRESS RELEASE) -- The Maximum Fighting Championship's MFC 39: No Remorse will go full-steam ahead with two title fights on Friday night live on AXS TV Fights emanating from the Northlands Expo Centre in Edmonton, Alberta.

Reigning MFC heavyweight champion Anthony Hamilton (11-2) puts his title on the line for the first time as he faces Darrill Schoonover (13-5). Hamilton, who fights out of Albuquerque, New Mexico, stepped off the scale at 261.6 pounds, while Schoonover, fighting out of El Paso, Texas, tipped the scales at 257.0.

The MFC lightweight title fight produced some drama on the scales. Kurt Southern (13-4) of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, cleared the limit with ease as he weighed in at 154.8 pounds. However, Tom Gallicchio, who trains in Temecula, California, missed the mark at 155.2. The Edmonton Combative Sports Commission allows for just one short on the scale.

But with organizational rules put in place in 2012, the lightweight title remains in play. In accordance with the policies of the Maximum Fighting Championship, with a vacant title, if one fighter does not make weight, the fighter who does make weight is still eligible to claim the title. Therefore, if Southern is victorious, he gets the win and the championship belt. If Gallicchio wins the fight, the title remains vacant and a rematch between the two is set. The fight will still be contested over five rounds.

"We came up with this rule and I think it's one of the best rules in all of mixed martial arts," said MFC Owner/President Mark Pavelich.

"Kurt Southern shouldn't be denied a shot at the belt just because his opponent doesn't make weight. The rule is in place. All the fighters know it, and it still means our fans get two title fights tomorrow night."

MFC 39: No Remorse Weigh-In Results

MFC Heavyweight Title

Darrill Schoonover (challenger) - 257.0

Anthony Hamilton (champion) - 261. 6

MFC Lightweight Title

Tom Gallicchio - 155.2*

Kurt Southern - 154.8

Welterweight

Gilbert Smith - 170.6

Jason South - 170.6

Catchweight (164 lbs.)

Marcus Edwards - 163.8

Sean Powers - 163.2

Light-Heavyweight

Markhaile Wedderburn - 203.0

Sean O'Connell - 205.4

Lightweight

Dan Ring - 155.0

Andrew McInnes - 157.4*

Catchweight (200 lbs.)

Paul Grebinski - 200.2

Jared McComb - 199.6

Middleweight

Clay Davidson - 184.8

Cody Krahn - 186.4*

*Gallicchio, McInnes and Krahn all forfeit 20% of purse to their opponent