Urijah Faber’s A1 Combat President steps down to launch striking-only MMA league, FXC Firepower

After an impressive run of more than 30 events that helped launch the careers of UFC prospects Payton Talbott and Ethyn Ewing, Tom Anderson is officially stepping down as President and matchmaker of Urijah Faber’s A1 Combat.

Anderson, who started A1 Combat with Urijah over five years ago in 2021, is leaving the promotion to launch his own mixed martial arts venture, FXC Firepower.

Anderson announced his departure and new endeavor in a recent Instagram video:

“Hey guys, thank you so much for the last five years of supporting me and my team. Today we say farewell and wish good luck to A1 Combat as we launch our new league, FXC Firepower.”

Anderson acted as A1 Combat’s full time acting president and matchmaker since 2021 when it first began as FirePower Promotions, being a pivotal push in getting the show on the UFC Fight Pass banner in 2022 and later pushing athletes to the UFC level.

During Anderson’s time at Urijah Faber’s A1 Combat, five athletes reached the UFC from A1 Combat’s banner: Flyweight Joseph Morales, Flyweight Terrance Saeteurn, Bantamweight Ethyn Ewing, Bantamweight Payton Talbott & Middleweight Ryan Loder.

FXC Firepower is scheduled to host its inaugural event on August 29th at Thunder Studios in Long Beach, California. While the events are technically sanctioned underneath CSAC as MMA bouts, it will utilize a heavily modified ruleset designed to keep the action on the feet. Under these rules, takedowns, submissions, and ground and pound are prohibited. Due to the bouts remaining sanctioned as MMA bouts, fighters will be allowed to wear traditional four-ounce gloves.

In a unique twist, competitors will also enter the promotion with a clean slate. All athletes, regardless of their prior professional experience, will start with a 0-0 record in the sport under the Athletic Commission.

Headlining the promotion’s debut card is a Southern California showdown between regional MMA veterans Kohl Laren and Jordan Bailey, a matchup heavily expected to deliver fireworks for the fans.

Tickets are available online at fxc.show.