"I wasn't really comfortable enough with my performance - I'm really critical of myself and when I'm out there fighting as I never think I'm doing as well as I maybe truly am - so I thought I needed a big finish," explained Prangley. "I went in for the shot, but [Emanuel Newton] caught me and pushed me off. It looked like he was just content to circle away and end the fight that way, so I just came forward and threw the kick."

It was a head kick that sent both men crashing violently to the ground at the end of the fifth and final round of their title fight at MFC 21. And, for a brief moment, the outcome of the fight was in question: had Prangley scored a KO victory or were we headed to the scorecards?

Newton, however, inexplicably rose to his feet - as did a visibly injured
Prangley, hopping on one leg - and both men slowly gathered in the center of
the ring to hear the judge's decision.

Not surprisingly, Prangley's use of pinpoint striking and timely power shots
(including his buzzer beating chin tap) was enough to crown him the new MFC
Light Heavyweight Champion via unanimous decision victory (48-46, 49-46,
49-46).

 "I think a lot of people may have thought I was done after the first two
rounds," said Prangley. "I just had the chance to watch the fight a few days
ago and I must admit that I looked pretty pitiful the first few rounds. I think the judges saw that and it hurt me; but, I was able to come out for the third and keep moving forward, do some good damage, and score some points - the leg kicks and then the head kick at the end helped a lot."

In addition to some initial problems in the opening rounds, it appeared as though Prangley might have rolled his ankle midway through the bout. Newton failed to capitalize though, looking stunned and hesitant at the sight of his opponent stumbling into the ropes.

"It was a little odd, but I appreciated it! I'm not going to hold it against him, "Prangley laughed, thankful that Newton chose to pause instead of pounce during Prangley's most vulnerable moment of the fight.

Two weeks later, Prangley has now had time to both heal his ankle and reflect on his latest test.

"I think I have to adjust my warm-up a bit," Prangley admitted. "I warmed up like I usually do, but it didn't work for this fight. I think maybe I warmed up too early; I was sitting around in the back there for too long and maybe I should have continued my warm-up for a while longer. Still, I wouldn't have thought I'd have felt that bad in the first few rounds just because of the warm-up."

And, now, Prangley (20-5) will begin talks with the MFC in regards to his next title defence - tentatively schedule for sometime later this year.

"I want to fight anyone who is tough!" said Prangley. "I've got a short time left in my career - a lot of people think that I might be done or be in the twilight of my career. So, I've got a maximum of three or four years left, probably, and I want to get to the top. The only way to get to the top is by facing the best guys and beating them."

Tickets are now available for the Maximum Fighting Championship's next event, MFC 22: Payoff, at www.ticketmaster.ca or by calling 1-780-451-8000.

The event will once again be held from the River Cree Resort and Casino in
Edmonton/Enoch, Alberta on Friday, September 25th.