To help us give consistent and updated Muay Thai news to our readers, we decided to introduce “Muay Thai Tuesday”, a weekly column talking the “Art of the 8 Limbs”.

Wijmans vs. Kielholtz Courtesy Ben Pontier

Weekend Results

Enfusion 57 kg world champion Ilona Wijmans successfully defended her belt by getting the split decision over  Denise Kielholtz in Alkmaar, The Netherlands. Wijmans goes 6-1 on Muay Thai and hands Kielholtz  her first pro loss.

You can watch the match here.

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Fairtex vs. Lockwood courtesy Sam Pix

Tracy Lockwood fought her last Muay Thai bout on Saturday, losing by points to Nong Toom Fairtex at the Seven Day Muay Thai card in Thailand.

The 33 year old New Zealander has over 40 fights to her credit and had made Thailand her home of the past few years.

Word is Lockwood maybe moving to MMA, having gotten a first win at the Super Fight League in 2012 with a first round submission win.

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At Happy Heroic Battle in Herne, Germany, Lina Kotanidou defeated Melanie Brockmann by unanimous decision in a K-1 rules bout.

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News

Awakening Fighters did an interview with “Muay Thaoi Jounralist of the Year” and Muay Thai fighter Natasha Sky. You can read it here.

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Ground and Pound Germany have their “National Kickboxer of the Year” voting.

• Ania Fucz
• Christine Theiss
• Kocak Dilara
• Dilara Yildiz
• Meryem Uslu
• Julia Irmen

You can vote for your favorite fighter here.

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Upcoming Fights

Swedish champion Johanna Rydberg will take on Pållan Carlsson in the finals of the Swedish Muay Thai Championship Saturday. Rydberg defeated Therese Gunnarsson on a semi-final bout, while Carlsson beat Susan Kariuki.

The match will stream for free on STVPlay.se at 5 a.m. pst/8 a.m. est US time.

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“The Bridge” Muay Thai charity card will happen in Saarbrücken, Germany this weekend with six female bouts. (All fighters are under K-1 rules).

• Julia Symannek vs. Daniela Graf (AFSO World Series match; 63.5 kg)
• Mariela Kruse vs. Malanie Redmann (AFSO World Series match; 57 kg)
• Christine Labod vs. Sindi Benkert (WFMC – AFSO German 61kg title)
• Allisson Laglasse vs. Aylina Calibration-Fields (Saar Lor Lux 49 kg Youth title)
• Sarah Glandien vs. Laura Czekanovicz (Saar Lor Lux 63.5 kg title)
• Christin Weimer vs. Miriam Gonzales-Martinez (Saar Lor Lux 53.5 kg title)

We were all sadden to hear of Mauricio Zingano’s passing Tuesday.

His wife, UFC title contender Cat Zingano, is currently rehabbing from a knee injury and is now a single mom. The last thing she needs to think about is finances.

The MMA community has come together to both grieve and lend support to the Zingano family and here is how you can help out Cat and her son in their time of need.

A fund has been set-up to help them. You can donate what you can here.

Fightchix’s Cat Zingano signature shirt is for sale with 100% of the profits going to them. Both female and male versions of the shirts are available for purchase.

Cat has always been a respected fighter inside and outside the cage. We send our condolences to her and her son and know the WMMA community will band together in support of them.

Pro MMA

Alvarez

Lynn Alvarez snapped a two fight losing streak, getting a quick win over Amber Stautzenberger at DakotaFC Saturday.

Alvarez (6-3) caught Stautzenberger (4-2) with two rights, which rocked her. Stautzenberger went to the mat, where Alvarez took her back and sunk in the rear naked choke. Stautzenberger passed out and the match was stopped in only 45 seconds.

Alvarez snaps Stautzenberger’s three fight win streak.

You can watch the match here.

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Jozette Cotton was impressive in her 160 catchweight bout this weekend, defeating Jessica Halverson.

Cotton (4-0) was aggressive throughout the fight, keeping it standing and utillizing her jabs. Cotton would also use Aanderson Silva like taunts over Halverson in the later rounds; even sticking her tongue out at times. Cotton would take the unainous decsion 30-27 on all cards.

Two amateur bouts also happened on the card, as Janie Konyek got the unanimous decision over Mercedes Timmerman by unanimous decision at 150 pounds, and Sydney Sallach making an impressive MMA debut over Casi Joe Lee, taking an unanimous decision at strawweight.

You can watch the complete card here. (Cotton vs. Halverson was the main event).

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Ammy MMA

Fusion Fight League in Billings, MT held a card featuring two up and coming local fighters.

Veronica Dmitriyeva submitted Mariah Lynn by armbar in round 2 in a flyweight battle.

You can watch the match here.

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In the other amateur bout this weekend, Wendy Julian improves to 5-0 as she defeated Danielle Taylor by TKO (retirement) round 4 to win the King of the Cage 115 title in Laughlin, NV.

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Boxing

Four boxing matches happened in Razgrad, Bulgaria:

• Galina Gumliiska def. Stefani Radeva by unanimous decision (135)
• Kremena Petkova def. Anna Savova by unanimous decision(135)
• Borislava Goranova def. Tzanka Karova by split decision (147)
• Svetla Taskova def. Aleksandra Petrova by unanimous decsion (108)

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On other boxing action:

• In Cordoba, Argentina, Romina Elizabeth Alcantra defeated Marta Soledad Juncos by unanimous decision (112)
• Aline de Cassia Scaranello TKOed Yanina Vanesa Vildoza by TKO in round 2 in Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Also in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Norma Elizabeth Diaz Caucota defeated Yessika Flavia Munoz by majority decision
• Sanae Jah defeated Sandy Coget by unanimous decision in Liege, Belgium
• In Mexico City, Mexico, Ana Victoria defeated Nayeli Verde by unanimous decision

Nicolini

Green

The 2013 ADCC World Grappling champion Michelle Nicolini will make her way back to the cage next month.

Nicolini will face English fighter Lanchana Green at Made4theCage event in Houghton, England February 22. Damadeferro.com reported the match Tuesday.

Nicolini (1-0 MMA) is a multiple time world BJJ champion, and is a black belt under Robert Drysdale. The Brazilian won back to back BJJ world titles before getting the ADCC crown this past October. Her MMA debut was in 2011, getting a first round armbar submission over Cristina Mejia.

Green (9-7 Muay Thai) is making her MMA debut. The British standout standout is the strength and conditioning coach at “The Lab Martial Arts” in Darlington, England.

The fight will take place at 115 pounds. No word on if the match will be streamed.

Starting he MMA career in 2006 and one of the cast of the reality show “Fight Girls”, Jennifer Tate went 6-1 in MMA until she decided to take some time off in 2010 to start a family. In 2012, she took a trip to Thailand to train Muay Thai and decided to take up some boxing matches in 2013. In 2014 she is looking to come back to MMA.

We talked to Tate about her return to the cage, her possible run for the Olympics, and how training in Thailand helped her postpartum depression.

Listen to the Podcast here

Miscellaneous News

In action from Thursday at Caged Hostility in Ft. Worth, TX, Halleigh Haak got the technical submission over Lynae Lovato at 0:49 of round 2. Haak hooked in a guillotine for the no -tap submission.

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Several search engines posted their “Most Searched” female athletes, and Ronda Rousey took #3 in both Goggle’s and Yahoo’s list.

Miesha Tate took #5 on the Google list, while Gina Carano took #6 on Yahoo’s.

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UFC 168′s pay-per-view number estimates are in, and early reports are saying it drew over 1 million viewers.

The PPV, which was co-main evented by UFC champion Ronda Rousey taking on Meisha Tate in a rematch and main evented by Chris Weidman defending his title against Anderson Silva had an estimated 1.1 million viewers, tied for the third on the best selling PPVs.

The live gate is the second biggest in UFC history at a little over $6.2 million. UFC 129 has the reord with $11 million.

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Middeleasy announced their “2013 Frate Train Awards”, which has one of the more creative takes on MMA achievements of the year.

Females cover most of the nominated categories this year:

• MMA Beef: Ronda Rousey vs. Miesha Tate
• MMA Poster: UFC 168 Rousey vs. tate
• No Tap Submission: Alexis Davis rear naked choke over Shayna Baszler.
• Walk off KO:  Vanessa Guimarães KO over Bruna Paiffer
• Scrappiest Fight: Michelle Waterson vs. Jessica Penne
• Fight Card: InvictaFC 5 & UFC 168
• Frate Train: Ronda Rousey

You can vote for the awards here.

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Absolute Action MMA announced they have created an all-female MMA fight series called “ViragoFC”, which will launch March 8th in Williamstown, KY.

AAMMA has produced stars such as the UFC’s Jessamyn Duke and InvictaFC’s Norma Center. The promotion has help two all female cards in the past. With the new “ViragoFC” brand, they are hoping to spotlight amateur talent.

The promotion will be releasing a card in the coming weeks.

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Princesses of Pain will be returning with a MMA card May 3rd.

The New Zealand based all-female promotion will be hosting two 55kg four-woman tournaments; novice and advanced. They are also looking at a 60kg advanced tournament and some individual matches.

More details in the months to come.

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Lim and Osman

Sherilyn Lim and Ann Osman will face off in a rematch of their “Fight of Night” performance at OneFC in  Kuala Lumpur, Malyasia March 14. Both made their MMA debuts in the match in October, with Lim taking an unanimous decision.

The fight will stream on OneFC.com for $10.

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Undefeated Brazilian flyweight Claudia Rey will drop to 115 for her next fight.

Rey (2-0) will take on MMA debuter Kessyne Mara at Nitrix Champion Fight 19 in Camboriú, Brazil Feb. 9. Rey is coming off back to back TKO wins.

The match will stream for free on Sportv.globo.com.

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Melo

XFC has announced their first female fighter signing in their new international expansion.

According to an article on DamadeFerro.com, Brazilian Vanessa Melo has signed to the promotion this past week.

Melo (2-2) evened her record this past November with a first round rear naked choke submission over Suelen Pereira.

No word on when she will debut with XFC. Word is XFC will be streaming their cards on Rede TV’s website.

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Mei Yamaguchi will make her atomweight debut against at yet-to-be-named opponent at PXC in the Philippines March 16. The former Valkerie MMA champion Yamaguchi (11-6-1) is coming off a split decision loss to Patricia Vidonic at PXC back in October.

Yamaguchi stated she will be facing a “local opponent”, which we are speculating is either Jujeath Nagaowa or Gina Iniong.  We will have more on this next week.

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Ground and Pound Germany  has four female fighter awards voting going on.

International Fighter of the Year (vote here)

• Alexis Davis
• Holly Holm
• Jessica Eye
• Joanne Calderwood
• Ronda Rousey
• Tecias Torres

Local MMA Fighter of the Year (Vote here)

• Alexandra Buch
• Ania Fucz
• Anne Merkt
• Kristin Handel
• Steff Schmidt
• Tanja Hoffmann

Local Boxer of the Year (vote here)

• Christina Hammer
• Ina Menzer
• Susi Kentikian
• Raja Amasheh
• Ramona Kühne
• Rola El-Halabi

Local Kickboxer if the Year (vote here)

• Ania Fucz
• Christine Theiss
• Kocak Dilara
• Dilara Yildiz
• Meryem Uslu
• Julia Irmen

You can also vote for InvictaFC for “Promotion of the Year” here.

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If you didn’t catch our article this week, please help out Cat Zingano and her son after the tragic passing of Cat’s husband Mauricio. You can find out how here.

The goal is to raise $10,000 and every dollar counts.

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Young

We lost a true pioneer in wrestling as WWE Hall of Famer Mae Young past away this week at age 90. Even though she was a professional wrestling, she came from the school where you really had to know how to shoot wrestle before even stepping into the ring.

Young was a high school wrestler before turning pro. The story goes Young took on  Gladys Gillem in a legitimate shoot fight, beating her in seconds. Besides training both female and male grapplers to make it in pro wrestling, she was still active in the pro wrestling scene until her death this past week.

She will be missed.

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InvictaFC atomweight Jessica Penne has confirmed she will be trying out for TUF 20. Still awaiting a date on when the tryouts are in Vegas.

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Gina Carano will be guest starring in “Almost Human” as a killer robot on the futuristic series. The episode will air on Fox Feb. 3.

You can watch a preview here.

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Ais “The Bash” Daly is coming off a huge win this past New Years Eve, and is studying for another career in the cage.

Daly, along with three other Irish female fighters, are training to be cutwoman.

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Thomas

On the podcast Sunday, we will talk to the undefeated Randa Markos-Thomas, who is looking for her biggest win to date against Justine Kish at RFA in Los Angeles January 24.

You can listen here at 1 p.m. pst/4 p.m. est here Sunday.

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Rumors

The World Series of Fighting announce an event March 29, which is targeted for Las Vegas. Emi Fujino is expected to make her U.S. debut on the card.

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Kansas based TitanFC announced it has inked an 8 card deal with CBS Sports Net. Even though the promotion hasn’t held any female bouts, it has changed their management last year. The new owners are Alchemist Management, who happens to manage UFC fighters Liz Carmouche and Bec Hyatt.

We won’t be surprised if the promotion announces a WMMA division or two in the coming months.

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Shafir Courtesy Ray Kasprowicz – Ultra Vista

Marina Shafir confirmed she will be fighting at U of MMA in Hollywood, CA Feb. 9. No word on an opponent.

After the match, she will be turning pro according to several sources. InvictaFC and World Series of Fight will most likely vie for the featherweight prospect.

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Scheduled Fights

Pro MMA

Gray & Aguilar Courtesy WSOF/Ryan Loco

The first ever World Series of Fighting Strawweight champion will be crowned Saturday on NBC Sports Net as #1 Unified ranked Jessica Aguilar will takes on the undefeated Alida Gray on Hollywood, FL.

Aguilar (16-4) has been on a seven fight win streak with her last fight being a majority technical decision win in Megumi Fujii’s retirement match. This will be Aguilar’s first world title with a win.

Gray  (4-0) has finished all her opponents, including an award winning KO over Soannia Tiem.

The weigh-ins will stream on WSOF.com at 2 p.m. pst/5 p.m. est.

The match will air on NBC Sports Net Saturday.

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Atomweight prospect Amanda Lovato will make her pro debut against Jessica Armstrong Kennett at Rocktagon MMA in El Paso, TX.

Lovato (3-1 ammy) started her MMA career in April of last year, getting 2 first round TKO wins. Kennett is winless in her pro career, and will be dropping to 105 for the first time for the fight.

The match will stream live and free Friday on  Rocktagonworldwide.com.

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Pink Fights returns to Brazil with five female bouts:

• Aline Sério (6-4) vs. Elaine Caverna (7-2)
• Edilaine Oliveira (0-1) vs. Rayane Abreu (0-1)
• Amanda Torres (1-1) vs. Carla Ellen (debut)
• Dayana Silva (4-2) vs. Evelin Gomes (debut)
• Helen Bastos (1-1) vs. Priscila de Souza (2-0)

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In other pro action:

• In a pair of bouts at Gladiator Challenge in El Cajon, CA, Tyra Parker takes on Kristi Lopez, and Alexis Dufresne faces Catalina Maldanado.
• Patricia Vidonic battles Brianna Van Buren at RWCF in Redding, CA

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Ammy MMA

In amateur MMA action this weekend:

• At BlackoutFC in Carthage, Missouri, which will stream on GFL.tv for $12,  Blair Patton takes on Tabby Patterson, while Tambree Wilson faces Nora Hamilton.
• Nikki Smith battles Sharita Fane  at Shamrock MMA in St. Louis, MO
• In Mahnomen, MN at Full Nelson Promotions , South African Santa-Marie Venter makes her U.S. debut against Maddy Simmons.
• At Gladius Fights 9 in Syracuse, New York, Cassandra Durant takes on Janice Meyer
• At Capital City Cage Fighting Championship, Cora Thomason faces Calie Cutler for the 135lb title, while Melisa Holmes Berean defends her middleweight belt against Britt Lipka.

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Boxing

Four fights are set for Queens, New York Saturday.

The main event will feature Keisher McLeod Wells and Monica Flores battling for vacant WIBA flyweight title. Wells (6-2) is coming off back to back wins, while Flores (3-1) is coming off her first loss against Noemi Bosques.

InvictaFC MMA vet Jodie Esquibel returns to the boxing ring after a two year absence to take on Eileen Olszewski .

The two other bouts on the card are Jennifer Santiago facing Peggy Maerz and Bertha Aracil dukes it out Jennifer Woodward.

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In Buenos Aires, Argentina, Monica Silvina Acosta will defend her WBA light welterweight title against Ana Laura Esteche. Acosta (19-0-2) is coming off three straight stoppages. Esteche (9-3-1) has gone 3-1 in her last four bouts.

 Adela Celeste del Carmen Peralta will take on Maria Angelica Ruiz and Yohana Gimenez faces Tamara Marianella Nunez in two more bouts on the card.

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WIBA bantamweight champion Carolina Rodriguez looks to defend her title for the first time against Simone Da Silva Duarte in Constitucion, Chile.

Rodriguez (10-0) got a TKO win in her last fight over Natalia Vanesa Lopez. Duarte (14-4) has won three straight and is looking for her first world title.

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Three bouts are set in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.

• Yazmin Rivas battles Calixta Silgado for the vacant WBC Silver super bantamweight title
• Susana Vazquez faces Guadalupe Rodriguez
• Livier de la Cruz Munoz takes on Soledad Vargas

XFC’s South American expansion starts February 8th in Sao Paulo, Brazil with the opening round of their women’s flyweight tournament.

Two undefeated fighters will battle in the first match of the tournament, as Salvana Gomez Juarez takes on Bianca Daimoni.

Argentina’s Juarez (2-0) has finished both of her pro opponents in the first round. Daimoni (3-0) has won all her fights with KOs.

Update:

A second match has been announced as undefeated Maryerlin Rivas takes on Daiana Torquato. Rivas (4-0)  is a boxing standout with an 8-3-1 record. Torquato (1-1) went 2-0 as an amateur and has a submission win in her pro debut.

The news comes after Vanessa Melo announced her signing to the XFC. No word on who her opponent will be in the tournament.

The Juarez versus Daimoni match will stream for free on XFCMMA.com or REDE TV Website internationally, and on Rede TV in Brazil at 6:30 p.m. pst/9:30 est February 8.

Courtesy WSOF/Lucas Noonan

Pro MMA

#1 Unified ranked strawweight Jessica Aguilar has won her first major title.

Aguilar gained the first ever World Series of Fight strawweight title with a submission win over Alida Gray in Hollywood, FL Friday.

Aguilar (17-4) was able to get the takedown early via a suplex, but Gray got back up to her feet. Aguilar got Gray down again, took half guard, and set up the head and arm triangle choke. Taking side control, Aguilar finished the choke and got the tap at 2:45 of round 1.

This was her first submission win in the past two years, and she snaps Gray’s four fight winning streak.

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Torres Courtesy Pink Fights

Five fights were on deck at an action packed Pink Fights in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

In the main event, flyweight standout Aline Sério (7-4) took a unanimous decision over Elaine Albuquerque Caverna.

In an early “Fight of the Year” contender, Amanda Torres (2-1) came back to get the armbar submission over Paula Baack in round 3.

The two strawweights were slugging it out tooth and nail early on in the first round, slowing the pace a bit in round 2. Baack started to open up with knees and head kicks in round 3, getting the knockdown on Torres. Torres tried for a leg lock, and was able to take guard. As Baack tried for ground and pound, Torres grabbed an arm and was able to get the belly down armbar for the tap at 4:32 of round 3.

In other action from the card:

• Edlaine França Godoy defeated Raiane Abreu by submission (rear naked choke) round 3
• Dayana Silva defeated Mayara Aguiar by TKO round 1
• Hellen Bastos defeated Priscila de Souza by submission (armbar) round 1

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In other pro MMA fights this weekend:

• In a pair of bouts at Gladiator Challenge in El Cajon, CA, Kristi Lopez takes the split decision over Tyra Parker and Alexis Dufresne gets the TKO over Catalina Medril in round 1.
• Brianna VanBuren earned her biggest win to date, getting the unanimous decision over Patricia Vidonic at RWCF in Redding, CA.
• At Caged Hostility in Ft. Worth, TX, Halleigh Haak won her pro debut, getting the technical submission over Lynae Lovato at 0:40 round 2. Haak choked out Lovato with a guillotine.

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Ammy MMA

In amateur MMA action this weekend:

• In a pair of bouts at BlackoutFC in Carthage, MO, Blair Patton submitted Tabby Patterson with a triangle choke round 1, and Nora Hamilton got the unanimous decision over Tambree Wilson.
• At Capital City Cage Fighting Championship in Lansing, MI, Pam Sorenson defeated Cora Thomason by unanimous decision to win the 135 title, while Melisa Holmes Berean defeated Britt Lipka by TKO round 2 to retain her 185 title
• Nikki Smith defeated last minute oopponent Porsche Trust by rear naked choke round 1 at Shamrock MMA in St. Louis, MO
• At Full Nelson Promotions in Mahnomen, MN, Maddy Simmons defeated South African Santa-Marie Venter by split decision
• Janice Meyer defeated Cassandra Durant by unanimous decision at Gladius Fights 9 in Syracuse, NY.

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Esteche Courtesy NotiFights.com

Boxing

Ana Laura Esteche won her first world title, gaining the WBA light welterweight title with a unanimous decision over champion Monica Silvina Acosta in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Esteche handed Asocta her first loss and improves to 10-3-1.

In other matches on the card, Adela Celeste del Carmen Peralta got the unanimous decision over Maria Angelica Ruiz and Yohana Gimenez and Tamara Marianella Nunez fought to a majority draw.

——

On other boxing action:

• Carolina Rodriguez successfully defended her WIBA bantamweight title getting the unanimous decision over Simone Da Silva Duarte in Constitucion, Chile
• In Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, Yazmin Rivas gained the vacant WBC Silver super bantamweight title by defeating Calixta Silgado by unanimous decision. Also on the card, Susana Vazquez def. Guadalupe Rodriguez by unanimous decision.
• Queens, New York saw three fights. Keisher McLeod Wells defeated Monica Flores by unanimous decision to win the vacant WIBA flyweight title. Eileen Olszewski got the unanimous decision over Jodie Esquibel and Jennifer Santiago defeated Peggy Maerz by unanimous decision.
• Yohana Belen Alfonzo defeated Natalia Vanesa Lopez by unanimous decision in San Luis, Argentina

Betrian and Han

Latest Results

This past Friday, Jemyma Betrian traveled to China to take on Wang Ke Han in a WuLingFen rules match (similar to K1). After a back and forth match after 3 rounds, the judges called for an extnetion round (the cards had it a draw) and Betrian won on points.

You can watch the fight here (45:00 in).

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The U.S. saw several kickboxing battles this past weekend.

At Jackahmmer Promotions in Deer Park, New York, 13 year old Justina Abruscato go the TKO over 27 year old Emma Smith in the first round. Also on the card, Meredith defeated Aly Franco by decision.

At WFC in Las Vegas, Jilliane McCuan defeated Chloe Grace Pomeroy by split decision in a 110 pound Muay Thai bout.

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Match announcements

Lelo Page was announced as replacement for Claire Haigh, who was going to fight Russian Irina Mazepa in France February 8. Haigh and Page were unable to come to an agreement on what rules they would have used in the fight.

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Australian champion Abby Nelson will share the stage with her son Damon as both will be fighting on the Ignition Muaythai event February 9th on Perth, Australia. Damon will open the card against Callum Stephans, while mother Abby will face Brodee Albonetti in the main card in a 55 kg Muay Thai bout.

Also on the card, Jenna Harvey faces Tyneil McMahon at 60 kg.

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Upcoming Matches

At Enfusion Live in Eindhoven, The Netherlands, Iman Barlow will take on Adi Rotem. 

England’s Barlow has only lost once in her past 18 fights. The Israeli Rotem is the former W.F.C.A. Thai-boxing World Champion.

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Muay Thai fighter Lena Ovchynikova is staying busy as she will take on Jingnan Xiong of China in Bangkok, Thailand.

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In Bratislava, Solvakia, hometown girl Lucia Krajcovic faces France’s Lelo Page at 56kg in Muay Thai.

Courtesy Throwback League

There is a tight knot group of Hawaiian female fighters and each are wanting to make their mark on the international scene.

One fighter that has started to make that leap is Rachael Ostovich, who has fought in the mainland U.S. a time or two. Undefeated as an amateur, she recently dropped from bantamweight to flyweight and is looking to impress some major MMA promotions this weekend in her pro debut against Jennifer Liou at Destiny MMA in Hawaii.

We talked to Ostovich about turning pro and her goals in 2014.

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Wombat Sports: Why the decision to go pro?

Rachael Ostovich: The decision to go Pro was mainly the call of my dad and coach, “Bob-O” Ostovich. He wanted to make sure I was ready first. But as the competition began to slim, I was almost forced to go pro especially after these last two title fights. I’ve also been competing against mainland talent as an amateur so the transition seemed natural.

Wombat: You are heading into this fight as a flyweight. Can you tell us your thoughts of the division and why the decision to drop?

Ostovich: My thoughts on this division is that there is a lot of up and coming talent that will be transitioning to the pro ranks soon so the division will be a very deep and exciting one. I feel that I could do quite well as a flyweight. I’ve recently made the transition down from 135 and feel strong at the flyweight division.

W.S.: There seems to be a huge support system of female fighters in Hawaii. How has it been to see the fighters on the island start to make an impact on the MMA scene?

R.O.: Hawaii has got to be one of the most supportive mma communities in the world. It’s really more like one big ohana (family) as we’ve recently experienced in this last week’s events where our gym caught fire and rendered it unusable. Even or opponents’ coaches were extending a helping hand and offering their facilities to us to train for this upcoming bout- against them! Its humbling and an honor to be a part of this little mma hotbed in Hawaii. It was also extremely exciting to see our Hawaii boys do so well in their recent UFC wins.

W.S.: Can you tell us about your opponent? What are you expecting in this fight?

R.O.: I know my opponent is a tough Jiu Jitsu fighter who will be looking for the submission. Im really excited to fight her and have been training and preparing for her in particular. I am expecting an awesome pro debut for the both of us. I know she is ready to bring it… I sure am!

W.S.: What are your goals in 2014?

R.O.: My goals in 2014 is to break out in the WMMA scene and possibly compete for a title shot as a pro. I know I have a lot to learn and I am eager to put in the hard work and discipline it takes to get to that level. My best is yet to come in Christ Jesus!

W.S.: Anything you’d like to add/thank?

R.O.: I’d like to thank my Lord and savior Jesus Christ. Without him I would definitely not be here today. I’d also like to Thank my parents and family for always being so supportive with my daughter while I train. Also props to my wonderful team mates who sharpen me everyday. Big Mahalo to all my supporters/sponsors- Maili Sunset Bar & Grill, Ho’aloha Construction, Island Athletics, MMA COMIX, Castagnetti Corp., Powerhouse/808Top Team and SUBMISSION Fitness. Thank you, also to Jay Bolos and family for always putting on the best MMA shows in Hawaii and making my career possible.

Miscellaneous News

Weekend Results

Justine Kish improved to 4-0 with her win over Randa Markos-Thomas this past Friday at RFA in Los Angeles. Kish’s Muay Thai and ability to stuff takedowns made the huge difference in the unanimous decision win. Markos had a late rally in the third round, almost getting the armbar submission but Kish escaped and an out the clock.

Markos gets her first loss as a pro.

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Bennett Courtesy Bob Norbutt

Deanna Bennett remains undefeated as a pro as she got the first round rear naked choke over Sharon Jacobson at Showdown MMA in Utah. Bennett improves to 3-0 as a bantamweight.

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Delaney Owens made a successful pro debut as she defeated experienced pro Sarah Alpar (now 4-3) at Sugar Creek Showdown in Hinton, OK. Alpar was dominant in the fight, but Owens rallied to get a rear naked choke in the third round.

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Elkins Courtesy Hoodlum Photography

At Destiny MMA in Honolulu, Hawaii, Jenny Liou made a successful debut over fellow debuter Rachael Ostovich by TKO in round 2.

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Featherweight prospect Brittney Elkin took an unanimous decision over  Summer Bradshaw on Elkin’s pro debut at SCL MMA on Denver, CO. In an amateur flyweight title match on the card, champion Shannon Culpepper defeated Heather Sachleben by split decision.

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Moyle vs. Alba Courtesy Ray Kasprowicz

In amateur action this past weekend:

• At Tuff-n-uff in Las Vegas, NV, Jamie Moyle defeated Stephanie Alba by unanimous decision in a 110 pound catchweight bout. Moyle came in 4 pound over weight. Also on the card, Cheyanne Vlismas submitted Sheena Brandenburg by armbar round 2.
• Katlyn Chookagian picks up her 6th win as she submitted Andrea Lee armbar in round 3 at Ascend Combat in Shreveport, LA. You can watch the video here.
• In a pair of bouts at Wild Bill’s Fight Night in Duluth, Georgia Maddie Wilbanks took only 25 seconds to TKO Erin Bell, and Sarah Hedges took the unanimous decision over Stephanie Tinsley.
• Jade Chun defeated Stephanie Meganck by unanimous decision and Hannah Zeciri submitted Holly Torrez by armbar at 1:52 of round 1 at KC MMA in Kansas City, MO.
• In Houghton Lake, Michigan at SCFL, Angela Jennings defeated Courtney Losievsky by TKO 0:47 of round 1 and Tabatha Shanks submitted Chauntel Wallace by neck crank round 2.
• At ABMMA in Biloxi, MS, Miki Rogers got the armbar submission over Anna Smith in round 2 and Monica Hueron defeated Lisa Anastario by TKO round 1.
• Devaney Clayton defeated Brianna Smith by TKO (retirement) round 2  at WFC – Baton Rouge, LA
• At Rumble at the Roseland in Portland, Oregon Jennifer Gaspard submitted Joy Edwards by triangle choke in 48 seconds.
• Molly Wren-Holmes defeated Alyson Carvalho by unanimous decision at Art of MMA in Thousand Oaks, California

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In boxing this weekend:

• In Santa Fe, NM, Monica Lovato defeated DJ Morrision by TKO round 4
• Arely Mucino defeated Tenkai Tsunami by split decision in Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico
• In Santa Fe, Argentina, Cristina Beatriz Cuevas defeated Soledad Segui by unanimous decision 

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The XFC tryouts were this past weekend with around a dozen female fighters in attendance along side the males. Even though none of the women got the big five fight deal, word is several did get an offer to fight for the XFC. No word on who those were.

Among those trying out were Olympic wrestler from El Salvador Ingrid Medrano (she didn’t make it past the sparring session) but still one to look out for.

Roma Pawelek made an impression as she made it pretty far in the tryout. XFC President John Prisco did praise her for making it as far as she did and may still fight for the promotion in the future.

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Handel

The German combat sports site Ground and Pound has announced the winners of their 2013 awards.

MMA Female Fighter of the year went to Kristin Handel. The German featherweight made her pro debut this past year, with a decision win over Katharina Albinus.

Female Kickboxer of the Year went to Dr. Christine Theiss. Theiss went 2-1 in 2013, splitting a pair of bouts with Russia’s Olga Stavrova.

Female boxer of the year went to undefeated WBO/WBF middleweight champion Christine Hammer. She defended her title three times in 2013, with one TKO.

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No surprise, but Ronda Rousey and Miehsa Tate took home the Middleasy 2013 Award for MMA Beef of the Year.The feud took 38.46% of the vote.

——

ViragoFC has announced its first 2 match for its debut card.

Sarah Cook (4-7) will face Anna Abrams (2-0) March 9 in Williamsburg, KY. Also announced, Maddy Simmons will face Brianna Lynch

More matches are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

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Jessica Aguilar took home $30,000 for her title win over Alida Gray a few weeks ago at World Series of fighting. Gray got $5000 for her efforts.

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On their heels of the card Friday night, RFA has announced their next card  in March 7 in Lincoln, NE. No pro female bouts are scheduled, but on the untelevised amateur undercard, Stephanie Watts will face Alyce Elizabeth Roen. Janie Konyek is also expected to fight on the card.

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U of MMA Marina Shafir has an opponent for what could be her final amateur MMA bout. Nicole Upshaw (1-1) has stepped up for the match at U of MMA February 9.

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Lucina

Pro bantamweight fighter Sarah Lacina will become the first female MMA fighter to be on “Survivor”. Lachina (1-1) last fought in 2011, losing to Kelly Warren via submission. The new season of “Survivor” debuts February 26.

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Calie Cutler (6-1 amateur) has announced she is turning pro and will fight her first pro match in March. More details to come.

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Germany’s Anne Merkt (1-1) looks to rebound from her first pro loss as she will face Brazilian Luana Souza  at “We love MMA” in Oberhausen, Germany on Feb. 1. Souza will make her pro debut. The fight is expected to be streamed.

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Swedish atomweight Iman Helin Darabi will compete in her 2nd pro fight April 5 at IRFA 6.0 in Stockholm, Sweden. The opponent is yet to be announced.

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A pair of female matches are planned for Steelfist MMA April 19. In an amateur featherweight bout, Charlene Donahue will face Krystal Larson, while Rachel Kemker will face a yet to be named opponent at heavyweight.

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Mexico’s Xtreme Kombat returns to action in Mexico City, Mexico with a pair of female bouts March 1

Anely Jimenez (7-1) looks to rebound from her first pro loss as she takes on Tania Pereda. Wendy Arellano (1-1) is looking for her second pro win as she takes on Karina Gonzalez.

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The boxing documentary “Last Woman Standing” is going to be available on iTunes January 28th.

The film chronicles Canadian boxers  Ariane Fortin and Mary Spencer as they prepare for the 2012 Olympic Games.

You can watch the trainer here.

We will have a complete review of the film this week.

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Rumor

On the Promoting Real Women podcast last week, Jessica Penne admitted she didn’t want to go back up to 115 and was why initially she didn’t take an offer to be a part of the “The Ultimate Fighter 20″. She has regretted the decision and will try out for the show.

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According to an interview with Fox Sports, former Miss United States Whitney Miller is looking to make a transition to MMA. Miller had started doing BJJ three months ago and placed second in her first grappling tournament. She still has a ways to go before he MMA debut. She is looking to fight at atomweight.

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BJJ world champion Miriam Cordoso told us on the Wombat Sports podcast her goal is to fight at atomweight for Invicta. The BJJ black belt is tipping the scales at the moment at 113 ahead of her strawweight match against Katie Howard.

It is a “possibility” she may try out for “The Ultimate Fighter 20″ but her team won’t make the decision until after the fight. Her training partner Amy Cadwell-Montenegro stated she will be trying out for the show.

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Scheduled Fights

Will cover these on the MRS on the column’s usual day on Friday. 

Barlow Courtesy Mix Fights

Weekend Results

At Enfusion Muay Thai in Eindhoven, The Netherlands, Iman Barlow defeated Adi Rotem by points.

In Bangkok, Thailand, Jingnan Xiong defeated Lena Ovchynikova by split decision in Muay Thai.

Lucia Krajcovic defeated Lelo Page by points in Muay Thai in Bratislava, Slovakia.

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News of the Week

In a recent interview on MMAJunkie.com, Cyborg Justino is in talks to return to Lion Fights Muay Thai March 28. No opponent was named.

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Lion Fights matchmaker Christine Toledo is looking for fighters for upcoming cards. If you are a Muay Thai fighter who is looking to fight in the U.S. for a major promotion, here is your chance.

Tweet @christineLFP or post something on the Lion Fights Facebook.

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Awakening Fights has a sit down interview with Lion Fights vet and world champion Lucy Payne. Payne will defend her Awakenings Muay Thai title against Victoria Lomax in Great Britain in March.

You can watch the interview here.

King College Takes Team Crown

King College’s women’s wrestling team are the “Queens of the Mats” in 2013-14.

King took home the Women’s College Wrestling Association (WCWA) College Team Championships this past weekend  in St. Louis. They beat Oklahoma City College by 13 points and took home four individual titles to take home their first WCWA title. They won the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) National Duals title a few weeks ago.

Among King’s national champions are Haley Augello (116 lbs), Sarah Hildebrandt  (123 lbs), Alli Ragan (136 lbs), and Julia Salata (155 lbs).

Team USA wrestling’s Victoria Anthony (109 lbs/Simon Fraser University), Helen Maroulis (130 lbs/Simon Fraser University),  and Alli Ragan (136 lbs/King University) took home national titles in their divisions.

Here are the results:

Team Scores

1. King University – 229.0
2. Oklahoma City University – 227.0
3. Simon Fraser University – 219.0
4. Lindenwood University St. Charles – 148.0
5. Wayland Baptist University – 132.0
6. Campbellsville University – 112.0
7. University of Jamestown – 88.0
8. University of the Cumberlands – 74.0
9. Missouri Baptist University – 72.0
10. Midland University – 44.0
11. McKendree University – 35.0
12. Waldorf College – 35.0
13. Menlo College – 34.0
14. Northwest Kansas Tech – 34.0
15. Missouri Valley College – 30.0
16. Southwestern Oregon CC – 20.0
17. Pacific University Oregon – 3.0
18. Lindenwood University-Bellville – 0.0

Individual Championships

101 Pounds

• Championship Finals: Emily Webster (Oklahoma City University) def. Darby Huckle (Simon Fraser University) by technical fall (10-0)
• Consolation (3rd place): Vanessa Smith (Wayland Baptist University) def. Brianna Rahall (Oklahoma City University) by technical fall (10-0)

109 Pound

• Championship Finals: Victoria Anthony (Simon Fraser University) pins Breonnah Neal (Campbellsville University) (Fall 0:24)
• Consolation (3rd place): Grace Paxton (University Of the Cumberlands) pinned Kristi Garr (Oklahoma City University) (Fall 4:40)

116 Pounds

• Championship Finals: Haley Augello (King University) def. Amy Fearnside (University of Jamestown) by technical fall (10-0)
• Consolation (3rd place): Nikkie Brar (Simon Fraser University) def. Cody Pfau (Oklahoma City University) by decision (12-4)

123 pounds

• Championship Finals: Sarah Hildebrandt (King University) pinned Cady Chessin (Menlo College) (Fall 2:22)
• Consolation (3rd place):  Diaysha Moore (Lindenwood University St. Charles) def. Brieana Delgado (Oklahoma City University) by decision (8-4)

130 Pounds

• Championship Finals: Helen Maroulis (Simon Fraser University) pinned Rachel McFarland (Oklahoma City University) (Fall 1:10)
• Consolation (3rd place): Rosemary Flores (Campbellsville University) pinned Mallory Velte (Simon Fraser University) (Fall 2:36)

136 Pounds

• Championship Finals: Alli Ragan (King University) def. Shai Mason (University of Jamestown) by technical fall (10-0)
• Consolation (3rd place):  Samantha Villegas (Wayland Baptist University) def. Monica Ramirez (Lindenwood University St. Charles) by decision (6-2)

143 pounds

• Championship Finals: Tamyra Mensah (Wayland Baptist University) def. Amanda Hendey (King University) by decision (8-0)
• Consolation (3rd place): Forrest Molinari (Missouri Baptist University) def. Hanna Hall (Campbellsville University) by technical fall (14-4)

155 pounds

• Championship Finals:Julia Salata (King University) def. Kayla Aggio (Oklahoma City University) by decision (5-1)
• Consolation (3rd place): Brittany David (Lindenwood University St. Charles) def. Demi Strub (Oklahoma City University) by decision (11-10)

170 Pounds

• Championship Finals: Justina DiStasio (Simon Fraser University) def. Victoria Francis (Lindenwood University St. Charles) by decision (4-0)
• Consolation (3rd place): Kerri Bumpers (King University) pinned Sherese Thomas (Oklahoma City University) (Fall 0:48)

191 Pounds

• Championship Finals: Jenna Mclatchy (Simon Fraser University) def. Malexsis McAdoo (King University) by decision (8-2)
• Consolation (3rd place): Tiaira Scott (Campbellsville University) def. Heather O`Connor (Oklahoma City University) decision (12-4)

On the other side of the planet, two sisters are looking to make an impact in their home country.

Tamara and Samantha Garces have won multiple title in BJJ and looking to follow fellow Australian fighters like Bec Hyatt and Alex Chambers to fight for major promotions like InvictaFC and the UFC.

We took time to talk to the pair about their training and their goals in MMA.

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Wombat Sports: What got you interested in combat sports?

Tamara Garces: What got me interested in combat sports was mainly my Dad. He has always enjoyed watching the UFC and other forms of combat sports and through his influence I quickly became just interested as he is.

Samantha Garces: My dad got me interested in combat sports, when he’d watch UFC and boxing I’d watch it with him and it was always so interesting.

Tamara in compeititon

W.S.: What do you enjoy about it?

Tamara: What I enjoy about doing Jiu Jitsu and kickboxing is that I am constantly learning new things that could help me in all sorts of life threatening and dangerous situations. I also love the health benefits and the way that it has helped me stay healthy and fit.

Samantha: What I enjoy most about doing jiu jitsu is doing comps, coming first and bashing boys. what I like about kick boxing most is learning cool combos.

W.S.: How has your friends and classmates reacted to it?

T.G.: When I first started Jiu Jitsu and told my friends about it they started laughing and swinging their arms and legs everywhere ad started screaming words “hee-ya” and “wham”. That went on for a while but after I (constantly) explained to them what I actually do they don’t do that… as much. Now that I have won a few titles, they like to brag about me and tell basically everyone who meets me. My friends are really supportive about my Jiu Jitsu but just get a little frustrate that I can’t go out and do things with them because I’m at training. But that doesn’t really bother me because I know that all the hard work I’m doing now will pay off in the future… but then again it all ready has.

S.G.: I didn’t tell any of my friends [except for my best friend] because one day i may need or want to put them in a standing arm bar

W.S.: How about your family?

T.G.: As I mentioned earlier my Dad is really, really into Jiu Jitsu and any other form of martial arts. My Mum isn’t as into it as my Dad is but she is still really enthusiastic about it and it super proud of us. My younger sisters both really into it especially my baby sister… ufc is her favourite show.

S.G.: Both my parents are extremely supportive especially dad as my mum doesn’t really understand it, she just tells us to go hard and beat everyone.

W.S.: Who do you look up to in fighting?

T.G. : my parents are my biggest inspiration for everything but in fighting I really look up to a few Australian Jiu Jitsu girls who have really inspired me to chase my dreams. But Ronda Rousey is definitely my favourite fighter and my biggest inspiration in fighting.

S.G.: I look up to John Jones and Ronda Rousey they have both inspired me a lot.

Samantha in competition

W.S.: How do you feel about the future of females in fighting?

T.G.: I think the future is bright for females in fighting. We’re so lucky to have been able to start at such a young age and at the time we have. Other women never had that opportunity but we have them to thank for where female fighting is today. They’ve paved the way for younger female fighters and have given us an easier road to travel on in terms of achieving our goals.

S.G.: I feel it’s going to grow more and become much bigger especially because in the future I’m gonna be a professional fighter.

W.S.: What comes naturally to you in fighting? What have you found difficult?

T.G.: Most of the things I’ve done in Jiu Jitsu have come naturally to me except for when it comes to things that involve a lot of flexibility but I have improved. Kickboxing has been ok but I’ve only just started and don’t know much. I think one of the most difficult things for me was moving from gi to no gi and having to loose all of my grips but I think I’ve got the hang of things now.

S.G.: The main thing that comes natural to me in BJJ is winning and most difficult was changing from gi to no gi. in kick boxing I find a lot difficult because I’ve just started.

W.S.: Being from Australia, are you seeing more opportunity for females in fighting sports?

T.G.: From what I’ve seen, there isn’t very many female fighters here in Australia but I can definitely say that is improving.

S.G. : There aren’t many female fighters in Australia but don’t worry cause in the future i’ll be up there.

W.S.: It is popular for many girls here in the U.S. to take up high school wrestling. Is that something you are looking into?

T.G.: Unfortunately for us we do not have that opportunity. We both go to an all girls high school and don’t have wrestling as a choice of sport.

S.G.: We go to an all girls school that’s super annoying and they don’t do many sports there so we have basically no chance of doing wrestling:(

W.S.: Would you like to travel to different countries to compete? What countries would you like to go to?

T.G.: I would definitely love to travel to other countries to compete. In the near future, we both hope to travel to compete in Abu Dhabi and also in America.

S.G.: I would love to travel round the world places like america, Abu Dhabi and Brazil to compete.

W.S.: What are your aspirations in fighting?

T.G.: I aspire to one day be the world champion. I would also love to open up my own gyms all over the world and be able to travel the world teaching people the skills I learnt in martial arts.

S.G.: i hope to one day to become the world champion, and open up my own gym and of cause become a famous UFC fighter.

W.S.: Anything you want to add/thank?

T.G.: I would like to thank all my coaches and my parents. I would also like to thank Jesus for always giving strength and courage during my fights and for protecting me on and off the mats.

S.G.: I would like to thank my mum and dad for supporting me and all my instructors. I would also like to thank my heavenly Father the Lord Jesus Christ for always giving me the strength and courage I need during my fights.

Psalm 144:1 BLESSED be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight.

Pennington

Andrade

The first ever female Ultimate Fighter will have to wait 2 years to make her second step into the octagon.

Julianna Pena has injured her knee for a third time and had to drop out of her upcoming match against Jessica Andrade at UFC 171 in Dallas, Texas March 15. UFC Tonight announced fellow TUF cast member Raquel Pennington will step in for the fight.

Update: Pena has torn her ACL, MCL, LCL, and Meniscus which is much more extensive than previously thought.   

Pennington (4-3) lost in the semi-finals by unanimous decision to TUF runner-up Jessica Rakoczy. On the TUF Finale in November, Pennington won in her octagon debut, getting the unanimous decision over Roxanne Modafferi snapping a two fight losing streak (not including the TUF loss).

Andrade (10-3) rebounded from her first UFC loss to Liz Carmouche to get the unanimous decision over veteran fighter Rosi Sexton in October.

The match is expected to air on the preliminary card, which will air on Fox.

Having trained in BJJ since age 15, Miriam Cardoso only took 3 months to win her first national title in Brazil. The black belt has won 5 world titles and has made her home in Redmond, WA.

Cardoso will try her hand at MMA when she takes on Katie Howard in what will be Cardoso’s pro debut.

We talked to Cordoso about making the transition to MMA and helping to train the next generation of BJJ champions.

Listen to the Podcast here

Pena Courtesy UFC

Miscellaneous News

According to Dana White during a press scrum on Thursday, Julianna Pena stated was attacked by a male training partner and that’s how she injured her knee.

In a report on MMAFighting.com, White stated Pena was harassed by a male fighter and the fighter eventually jumped on Pena’s back and cranked Pena’s neck, prompting Pena to fall weird on her knee and the injury occurred.

MMA Fighting followed up the story with an interview with Pena’s team member Michael Chiesa, who denies the story, stating the injury happened with a regular training partner during the course of rolling. He added if there was any insults, it was light-hearted and no harm intended.

Pena is expected to have surgery on her knee in L.A. next week and will be out for two years due to tears on her  ACL, MCL, LCL, Meniscus and hamstring. This is the third time Pena had an injury on her knee.

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Duke

Correia

Jessamyn Duke and Bethe Correia with both make their second appearances in the octagon in April.

The two will square off at UFC 172 in Baltimore, MD April 26. The news came out Thursday.

Duke (3-0, 1 NC) lost to Raquel Pennington in a “Fight of the Season” performance on “The Ultimate Fighter”. Duke would defeat fellow castmate Peggy Morgan by unanimous decision on the TUF finale card in November in her octagon debut.

The undefeated Brazilian Correia (7-0) is coming off a split decision win in her UFC debut over veteran fighter Julie Kedzie.

The match will most likely be on the preliminary card and air on Fox.

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Another fight has been added to Cage Warriors 64 February 15 in London, England.

England’s Kirsty Davis and Finland’s Veera Nykanen will fight in a battle of 115 pro debuters. Davis (2-0 semi-pro) returned after a two year absence from MMA this past July to get a unanimous decision win over Jess Offermans.

Nykanen (2-0 semi-pro) has a BJJ background, and got a unanimous decision in her last fight this past summer in her native Finland.

The bout joins Laura Howarth versus Amanda Kelly in the card.

The match will stream live and free on MMAJunkie.com  February 15.

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Aldana

Mexican bantamweight Irene Aldana has signed to Invicta. Aldana tweeted the news Thursday.

Aldana (3-1) went on a three fight first round KO streak, with two of them gaining her the Xtreme Kombat torunament crown. She lost to Larissa Moreira Pacheco this past December is a solid striking battle.

No word on when she will debut from the promotion.

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The southern portion of the U.S. has several fights in the next few months, and mathcmaker Kelly Carson gave us the 4-1-1 on what to expect.

• Feb. 21 at Belts of Honorious in Austin, TX,  Montana Stewart battles Katherine Roy, while Fatima Mallett dukes it out with Sarah Boyd
• Feb. 22 at Test of Wills in Austin, TX, Brittany Anne Robertson faces Stephanie Builderback, and Laurie Ashby takes on Bianca Rodriguez.
• Mar. 8 at Ignite MMA in Amarillo, TX has for female bouts set. Mercedes Chavez will take on Trinity Davis, Angel Jones faces Ruby Diaz, Sanaz Khamisi battles Jianna Denizard, and Bianca Rodriguez dukes it out with Vanessa Grimes.

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The female fly weight duel between Brazilian Priscila Souza against Cristina Mejia is confirmed in Peru Fighting Championship 16, which will be held in Lima, February 5. Will be the second meeting of the two fighters, in the first fight, in November last year, the Brazilian Souza won via armbar over the Peruvian at 4:20 of the first round.

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Moss

This past weekend, Polish fighters gathered for a bi-yearly all women MMA fight camp in Lodz, Poland. Top European fighters Karolina Kowalkiewicz and Agnieszka Niedźwiedź were among the trainers. You can see the photos of the camp here.

—–

Congratulations to retired world champion, boxing trainer, and promoter Terri Moss who received three Georgia Fighters Awards; Promoter of the Year, Promoter of the Year, and being inducted into the Georgia Boxing Hall of Fame.

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Rumors

According to several sources, InvictaFC is looking to have their next card in March. The UFC has most of the month booked, but three of the cards are outside the country, so it is wide open for most of the weekends in the month.

——

Cyborg Justino is looking at two possible fights coming in the next few months.

In an article in MMA Junkie, it has been reported Cyborg may defend her InvictaFC featherweight title against #1 contender Ediane Gomes. If the fight happens, it will most likely follow the March card, as Lion Fights is wanting Cyborg to fight on their March 28th card.

——

Sarah Kaufman will most likely fight in her home province of British Columbia, Canada June 14 at UFC 174 at Vancouver’s Rogers Arena.

—–

Miesha Tate announce on twitter she is going to be training in Europe for her upcoming fight against Liz Carmouche. Tate plans on training in Paris (most likely to train with with Olympic Judo gold medalist Lucie Décosse) and will reunite with MMA fighter Cindy Dandois, who helped Tate train for Ronda Rousey last year.

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Scheduled Matches

Pro MMA

In what will be a rare pinweight (100 lbs) bout, American Sarah Lagerstrom traveled down to Australia and will face Shauna Carew Saturday at  Roshambo MMA in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

Lagerstrom has been fighting at 105, and has yet to win as a pro. Carew will make her pinweight debut, going 2-1 as a pro.

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Suzie Montero and Allanna Jones are both looking to snap two fight losing streaks as they will square off at MaxxFC in Daytona Beach, FL.

Montero (1-2) won her pro debut against Kim Couture but suffered back to back losses to Jessamyn Duke and Pearl Gonzales. Jones (2-3) has wins over Kathleen Albany and Kelsey De Santis. Jones is coming off losses to Fallon Fox and Holly Holm.

The event is expected to stream Saturday on Go Fight Live for $15.

—–

We Love MMA in Oberhausen, Germany will feature Anne Merkt taking on Luana Souza. Merkt is looking to rebound from her first loss as a pro, while Souza is looking for her first pro win.

The match is expected to stream on Ground and Pound Germany’s website Saturday.

—–

In other pro bouts:

• Oplot Challenge in Kharkov, Ukraine will stream for free on Oplot’s Youtube channel and will feature Liubov Demidov taking on Anastasia Zayac.
• At Legion Fight Championship 2 – Sao Pailo, Brazil, Bianca Reis (1-2) will take on pro debuter Graziele Ricotta.
• At NAFC in Milwaukee, WI, Rocky Magdaleno faces Amanda Lovato. In an amateur bout, Sarah Jacobson takes on Kali Robbins.
• In Red Deer, Alberta, Canada at Havoc MMA, Stephanie Essensa battles Jennifer Stumborg. Alyssa Krahn dukes it out with Kayla Matton in an amateur bout.

—–

Ammy MMA

In amateur action:

• At Hard Rock MMA in Shepardsville, KY, Emily Bartee faces Amy Holland
• Jacki Wilson takes on Cassondra Palmer at GE Fights - Sullivan, Indiana

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Braekus & Lamare courtesy Wende/Team Sauerland

Boxing

Undefeated Cecilia Braekhus is looking to defend her WBA/WBC welterweight titles for the 14th time (and the WBO title for the 11th time) as she takes on Myriam Lamare in Frederikshavn, Denmark. Both Braekus (65.8 kg) and Lamare (64.9) made weight Friday.

Braekhus  (23-0) has finished 3 of her last five opponents including a TKO over Oxandia Castillo this past September.

Lamre (22-3) is riding a six fight win streak. Her only losses is to Holly Holm and Anne Sophie Mathis.

—–

In other boxing matches:

• In three matches in Tijuana, Mexico, Kenia Enriquez faces Selene Lopez, Brenda Flores takes on Mireya Ochoa, and Sandra Robles battles Maria Gastelum.
• Soledad del Valle Frias dukes it out Marta Soledad Juncos in San Luis, Argentina
• In Manila, Philippines, Lady Love Sampiton faces Cheraly Dagit

Holm

Werner

The previously announced Legacy bantamweight title match has a date and location.

Holly Holm looks to gain her first MMA title as she will take on Brazilian Julie Werner at Legacy’s debut in Albuquerque, NM April 4th. The promotion announced the title match Friday.

The pound for pound boxing champ turned MMA fighter Holm (6-0) has yet to be challenged, KO-ing her first 5 opponents. Her most recent victory was over Angela Hayes by unanimous decision.

Werner (7-3) is looking to upset the talented striker. The Muay Thai specialist is on a five fight win streak with 4 finishes.

The match will air on AXS TV April 4.

Courtesy WSOF/Lucas Noonan

It was a slow January for the Unified rankings as only a few minor changes happened.

Due to inactivity, Shayna Baszler has dropped off the top 10 bantamweights. Since her TUF matches were exhibitions, they didn’t count on her record. Tonya Evinger moves to #10 in the division.

With her loss to Delaney Owen, Sarah Alpar has dropped off the flyweight top 10. Julia Berezikova (now #7), Juliana Werner (now #8), and Nina Ansaroff (now #9) move up a spot.  DeAnna Bennett enters at #10.

Even though there was no change in the strawweight top 10, Jessica Aguilar remains at #1 and gains her first major title at strawweight.

The featherweights and atomweights also stay pat..

You can read the complete February Unified Rankings here.