EDMONTON -- Subbing for an injured Ben Henderson on less than four-week's notice, fast-rising  lightweight Donald Sanchez has agreed to face dangerous undefeated lightweight Joe Heiland (4-0) at MFC 18: Famous on Friday, September 26.

2-1 in three MFC bouts, Sanchez (13-7) who made his promotional and 155-pound debut against Ryan "The Kid" McGillvray at MFC 13: Lucky in August 2007, has continually improved since, developing into a worthy contender for the yet-to-be contested MFC lightweight strap. Now he'll get his chance to earn his title shot with a win over Heiland.

MFC president and owner Mark Pavelich confirmed today that the bout will determine which of the two fighters will contend for the inaugural lightweight title later this year. Pavelich says Sanchez, who trains alongside WEC welterweight champion Carlos Condit at Tom Vaughn's    F.I.T NHB gym in Albuquerque, NM has earned his shot at the number one contender match-up with Heiland.

"Sanchez really impressed me in his last fight at MFC 17. He absolutely destroyed Jason Maxwell who is no joke himself. The guy has a win over Jens Pulver and Sanchez ran through him, Pavelich explains. "He matches up really well against Joe Heiland. Either guy can take this fight which makes the bout that much more exciting."

Also at the event, which will mark the twentieth held by the MFC, UFC veteran David Heath (9-3-0) will square off against Emanuel Newton. The bout will determine which of the two will face current MFC light heavyweight kingpin Roger Hollett at MFC 19: Long Time Coming November 28.

Elsewhere on the card,  MFC fan favourite Ryan "The Real Deal" Ford  (6-1) hopes to rekindle the wildfire that saw him blaze through six apt opponents in as many outings  when he locks horns with experienced journeyman  LaVerne Clark (25-16-1). Ford, who seemed unstoppable before he faltered against new 170-pound champ Pat Healey in the inaugural MFC welterweight championship bout at MFC 17 in August, needs the win to get back into title contention. Unfortunately for Ford, Clark, a product of Miletich Fighting Systems' Bettendorf, Iowa training centre recently stated in an interview with the MFC that he is not ready to pass the torch to his younger Canadian opponent any time soon.

MFC 18: Famous is set to go off at the River Cree Resort and Casino in Enoch, Alberta on Friday, September 26. If you already have a ticket to the show, count yourself lucky as the event sold out soon after tickets went on sale.

* Watch for an announcement in the coming weeks regarding another MFC precedent-setting marketing innovation.

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MFC 18: Famous
River Cree Resort and Casino
Enoch, Alberta

David Heath vs. Emanuel Newton
Ryan Ford vs. LaVerne Clark
Joe Heiland vs. Donald Sanchez
Gavin Neil vs. Ryan Machan
Simon Marini vs. Colby Snyder
Aron Lofton vs. Jay Whitford
Elliot Duff vs. Chris Camozzi
Mike Gates vs. Josh Russell
Troy Sorenson vs. Evan Sanguin
Jason Biggeman vs. Sheldon Westcott
Jason Zorthian vs. Jesse Clark