Carew (center)

Pro MMA

A lot of international action this weekend.

Australian Shauna Carew has helped start-up a new division at pinweight, defeating Sarah Lagerstrom in a battle for the Roshambo 100 pound MMA title in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

Carew (3-1) found a tough test in Langerstrom, getting a split decision win.

—–

At We Love MMA in Oberhausen, Germany, Anne Merkt  imporved to 2-1 as she submitted Brazilian Luana Souza.

Merkt used her reach to overwhelm Souza and was able to sink in a rear naked choke in round 2.

—–

Oplot Challenge in Kharkov, Ukraine saw two bouts. Lily Kazak evns her record to 2-2-1 as she defeated Anna Bezhenar by unanimous decision. Irina Pilipenko wins her second pro bout, getting the TKO over Catherine Nishchenko in 28 seconds.

——

At Legion Fight Championship 2 in Brazil, Bianca Reis takes her record to 2-2 as she submitted Graziele Ricotta by rear naked choke in round 1.

—–

Back in the U.S., InvictaFC and XFC vet Suzie Montero even her record as she defeated Allanna Jones by unanimous decision at MaxxFC in Daytona Beach, FL. Jones came in 3 pounds over the 135 limit, and Montero agreed to a catchweight bout.

—–

In a pair of pro bouts at Gladiator’s Challenge, San Jacinto, CA, Ashley Yoder wins her pro debut in quick fashion, submitting last minute replacement Catalina Madril by armbar in only 15 seconds and Lissette Neri defeated Tierra Arnold via unanimous decision.

—–

In other pro bouts:

• At NAFC in Milwaukee, WI, Rocky Magdaleno defeated Amanda Lovato by unanimous decision, while in amateur action, Kali Robbins defeated Sarah Jacobson by unanimous decision.
• Stephanie Essensa got the technical submission over Jennifer Stumborg by rear naked choke in 1:48 of round 1. Alyssa Krahn defeated Kayla Matton by unanimous decision in an amateur bout at Havoc MMA in Red Deer, Alberta, Canada.

—–

Ammy MMA

Bartee

In other amateur bouts this weekend:

• Jamie Malinowski gains the 3FC and IKA 125 title by submitting Ashley Hancock by armbar in round 2 at 3FC in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
• At Hard Rock MMA in Shepardsville, KY, Emily Bartee defeated Amy Holland by armbar at 1:48 of round 1.
• Jacki Wilson submitted Cassondra Palmer by armbar in round 1 at GE Fights in Sullivan, Indiana
• At the Midwest Fight Series in Indianapolis, IN, Jessica Ehrnreiter submitted to Taylor Brown via strikes at 1:36 of round 1

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Braekhus Courtesy nettavisen.no

Boxing

Cecilia Braekhus successfully defended her WBA/WBC/WBO welterweight titles by defeating Myriam Lamare by unanimous decision in Frederikshavn, Denmark. The one sided battle saw Braekus win 9 out of the 10 rounds.

—–

In other boxing action:

• In a trio of bouts in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, Kenia Enriquez got the TKO over Selene Lopez in round 1, Brenda Flores defeated Mireya Ochoa by unanimous decision, and Sandra Robles got the TKO over Maria Gastelum in round 2.
• Soledad del Valle Frias KOed Marta Soledad Juncos in round 1 in San Luis, Argentina
• In Brandenburg, Germany Derya Saki defeated Pavla Votavova by TKO round 1

Over the weekend, the Texas Department of Regulation and Licensing overturned Jessica Eye’s split decision win over Sarah Kaufman from this past October. More info came out on Monday, but has left more questions than answers.

The TDRL stated Saturday Eye tested positive for a banned substance, and would be suspended a year since the positive test (which was January 22, 2014) several months after the fight. She was also fined.

On Monday, Eye’s camp stated things are being cleared up with the Texas Commission and is good to go for the February 22 fight with Alexis Davis on  February 22 in Las Vegas. The TDRL is stating it’s a “probationary suspension” and can fight as long as she pays the fine and abides by the rules.

The “no-contest” seems to be staying in place for now.

The big question is why Texas decided test Eye so late after the fight, and what substance she tested positive for.

Eye’s camp is expected to be putting out a complete statement sometime in the next few days.

Fox

Bassette

Fallon Fox will hope to get back on the winning track as she will take on Heather Bassett at XFO MMA in Chicago March 21. The promotion announced the match Monday. The bout will take place at 135 pounds.

Fox (3-1) was on a three fight win streak with three finishes to start her pro career, until she lost in the finals of the CFA featherweight tournament to Ashlee Evans-Smith by TKO this past October.

Bassett (1-0) won her pro debut this past August, getting the rear naked choke over Breea Gilbert. Bassett went 5-2 as an amateur.

No word on if there will be a stream.

Courtesy Muay Thai TV

News

Denise Kiel Holtz has successful got a a loss overturned into a win and is now the Enfusion 57 kg champion.

Holtz lost to Ilona Wijmans in a title match on January 12 in The Netherlands by decision and Holtz’s camp appealed the decision. A panel of four independent judges reviewed the match and switched the decision to Holtz. With the switch, she is the new 57 kg champion.

You can watch the match here and judge for yourself.

—–

A pair of Muay Thai bouts have been announced for March 1 in Rockingham, Australia.

• Theresa Carter (Aus) vs. Laurene Pumpangmuan (Fra/Tha) (57kg)
• Carleigh Crawford (Aus ) vs. Juliana Rosa (Bra/Tha) (65kg)

More info can be found at Dominationprom.com.au.

—–

Muay Thai Combat Mania Yokkao announced two upcoming Muay Thai cards.

• February 19th at the Pattaya World Boxing Stadium in Thailand, Sylvie von Duuglas-Ittu will take on Lommanee Sor Hirun
• March 8th at the Reebok Arena in Bolton, UK. Laura Baugh will face Jacqui Bogart in a 55 kg bout.

More info can be found here.

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The International Federation of Muay Thai Amateurs has started an interview series to highlight female fighters across the globe.

You can read the interviews and like the IFMA Female Facebook here.

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The date for the 8th annual Muay Thai Classic in Des Moines, Iowa.

The event is the biggest in the U.S., having multiple divisional tournaments among different age groups, experience, and weight classes.

More info can be found at TBASanctioning.org.

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Upcoming Fights

Lion Fights will hold their 13th card with the main event for the women’s 57 kg title in Las Vegas this Friday.

Champion Tiffany Van Soest is looking to keep her undefeated record intact as she faces Australian standout and multiple time World Muay Thai Champion Caley Reece.

The fight will air on AXS TV in the U.S.

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French fighter Lelo Page is looking to rebound from a loss a few weeks ago this Saturday, as she will take on Russia’s Irina Mazepa in a Muay Thai at 60 kg in Ludre, France. Page is replacing Claire Haigh, who had to withdraw due to sickness.

We are always striving to give you more information and coverage in the women’s divisions of combat sports.

In an effort to serve you, the fans and fighters, better, we have a short survey. The answers will help us improve the site, focus more on what you want, and help us manage our time better.

Please take a few minutes of your time and complete these seven questions. Thanks for your input!

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Porto

Maria

Ana “India” Maria India is hoping to avenge a loss and make her way into the Unified rankings as she will take on #2 ranked Flyweight Vanessa Porot at Fataility Arena MMA in Rio Janeiro, Brazil March 30. India announced the fight on DamadeferroMMA.com Wednesday.

Maria (5-4) is on a three fight win streak, having returned last year with back to back wins after a three year hiatus. Her last win was this past July, getting the first round armbar submission over Maria Elisabete Tavares.

InvictaFC title contender Porto (16-6) is coming off a decision win over Zoila Gurgel. Currently ranked #2 in the 125 pound division, Porto won six of her past 8 fights, including a decision win over Tara Larosa. Porto submitted Maria by second round rear naked choke in their first meeting in 2006.

No word on if the event will be streamed.

Based out of Louisiana, Andrea Lee is starting to make waves at 125 in the amateur ranks.

The BJJ specialist and local boxing champ is riding a three fight win streak and will look for her 4th as she takes on Alyssa Vasquez at GFA in Alexandria, LA Feb. 8.

We talked to Lee about what will be a busy couple of months, being a mom, and her aspirations in 2014.

Listen to the Podcast here

Miller Courtesy CSC Sports Photography

This past weekend, China made a name for itself in women’s freestyle wrestling as they took home team gold at the Dave Schultz  Memorial International tournament in Colorado Springs, CO.

China took two divisional titles, with 2 silvers and a bronze.  Canada took second in the team competition.

Helen Maroulis (53 kg/116 lbs) and Randi Miller (69 kg/152 lbs) took home divisional titles for the U.S. Miller also received the “Outstanding Wrestler” award.

Here are the results:

48 kg/105.5 lbs.

• Finals: Jessica MacDonald (Canada) def. Alyssa Lampe (USA) by technical fall (14-4)
• Consolation: Victoria Anthony (USA) def. Tatyana Amanzhol (Kazakhstan) by technical fall (13-2)

53 kg/116 lbs.

• Finals – Helen Maroulis (USA) def. Katherine Fulp-Allen (USA) by decision (8-0)
• Consolation: Katarzyna Krawczyk (Poland) def. Yuyan Li (China) by technical fall (11-0)

55 kg/121 lbs.

• Finals: Xuechun Zhong (China) pinned Babita Kumari (India) (1:29)
• Consolation: Jillian Gallays (Canada) def. Aizhan Ismagulova (Kazakhstan) by technical fall (13-2)

58 kg/127.75 lbs.

• Finals: Lan Zhang (China) pinned Braxton Stone-Papadopulous (Canada) (1:32)
• Consolation: Geeta (India) def. Michelle Fazzari (Canada) by decision (7-2)

60 kg/132 lbs.

• Finals: Sakshi Malik (India) def. Jennifer Page (USA) by technical fall (14-4)
• Consolation: Marianna Sastin (Hungary) def. Amanda Hendey (USA) by decision (5-0)

63 kg/138.75 lbs.

• Finals: Zhangting Zhou (China) won by default. Luozhuoma Xi (China) ijuured and could not compete.
• Consolation: Danielle Lappage (Canada) pinned Luz Clara Vazquez (Argentina) (5:52)

69 kg/152 lbs.

• Finals: Randi Miller (USA) def. Elena Pirozhkova (USA) by decision (2-1)
• Consolation: Feng Zhou (China) def. Elmira Syzdykova (Kazakhstan) by technical fall (11-0)

75 kg/165 lbs.

• Finals:  Erica Wiebe (Canada) def. Fengliu Zhang (China) by decision (6-2) 
• Consolation: Victoria Francis (USA) def. Nikki (India)

Miscellaneous News

In MMA action these past few days:

• Priscila Souza submitted Cristina Mejia by rear naked choke in round 3 at PFC 16 in Peru
• At Bitetti Combat in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Viviane Pereira KOed Nicleide Machado in round 1

—–

In boxing action Thursday in Panama City, Panama, Lourdes Borbua defeated Zuliana Mendoza by unanimous decision.

——

Quick update on Jessica Eye. Eye had a blood thinner in her system for a pre-existing condition when she fought Sarah Kaufman and was why the Texas commission fined her. Eye will be paying the fine and the UFC won’t be taking any actions and supports Eye.

—–

“Ultimate Fighter 18″ fighter Peggy Morgan has announced on twitter she has been cut by the UFC.

—–

Lee

Amateur flyweight Andrea Lee has signed to the XFC. The promotion announced the signing Thursday.

Lee (5-3) won three of her last four fights, having an extensive background in boxing. She took home the Louisiana Golden Gloves title and is undefeated in Muay Thai.

Lee had hinted to us on the Wombat Sports podcast about the signing, and tells us she is going to be very busy in the next few months with more amateur fights and the possibility of a MMA based reality show this summer.  She is in no hurry to fight in the XFC, wanting to gain experience before cashing in on the big opportunity.

Lee will face last minute opponent Shanna Young this weekend at GFA in Alexandria, LA.

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Sedgwick

Australian Belinda Sedgwick announced on Facebook this past week she has been forced to retire due to an injured back.

Sedgwick was supposed to fight Christina Tatnell at Valor MMA February 15, but the doctor found a bulged disc in Sedgwick’s spinal lumbar vertebrae and advised her to retire.

Sedgwick will still be involved in the sport, helping match make the upcoming Princess of Pain card.

We wish her the best in her retirement.

—–

With Sedgwick’s retirement, Helen Malone will step up to take on Tatnell on the Valor card February 15.

Malone (2-0) is coming off back to back stoppages and is returning after a year and a half absence from the sport.

Tatnell (3-1) went 3-0 in 2013, with a submission and TKO win.

——

Several changes this week on the upcoming DEEP Jewels card February 16 in Tokyo.

Mika Nagano was set to have a retirement match, but has had to withdraw due to being pregnant.

Added to the card is Roxanne Modafferi protege Brittany Ann Decker, who will face Haruka Kojima in a grappling match.

—–

ViragoFC adds two more bouts this week for their first all female amateur card March 8 in Kentucky.

• Sarah Swain vs. Dominique Berry
• Septien Johnson vs. Mary Kate Hayes

—–

Kalindra Faria looks to improve her win streak to nine as she will face Argentina’s Laura Balin at MMA Super Heroes in São Paulo, Brazil March 30. The match is the first of 6 female bouts announced for the card.

Faria (12-3) will be dropping to strawweight for the bout, having competing recently at flyweight. She finished her last 5 opponents, including three armbar submissions.

Balin (4-1) has yet to be finished and won her first four fights by finishes. She lost to Vanessa Guimaraes by decision last year.

We are expecting more female bout to be announced in the coming weeks, as the card will feature talent from Argentina and Brazil.

The fight will stream for free outside of Brazil, with the link being posted on the MMA Super Heroes facebook page March 30.

——

Arena Combat Brazil announced a bantamweight match between Naiara Guerreira and Wanessa Oliveira April 12 in Goiania, Brazil.

——

TUF 20 fighter and InvictaFC vet Joanne Calderwood has signed to Mano Management.  The company also represents UFC fighter Alexander Gustafsson.

—–

Even though she has yet to have a movie premier, Ronda Rousey has signed up to take on two more movie roles according to Variety.

The UFC champ will tackle another action film in “The Athena Project”, which is based on a New York Times book by Brad Thor. The book is about an elite team of female Delta Force soldiers on the hunt for a terrorist.  Rousey stated she was a fan of the book and campaigned to be a part of the film.

Rousey will also be a part of the upcoming “Entourage” movie, which is a film continuation of the HBO series. No word on what kind of role she will have in it; be it a cameo of herself or playing a love interest.

Rousey is also expected to be a part of the Expendables spin off “The Expendibelles”, which will continue her role from “The Expendibles 3″.

No word on if Gina Carano will be a part of any of the action films, but we would hope they would consider it.

—–

Speaking of Carano, if you missed her appearance on Fox’s “Almost Human” you can watch the episode on Hulu.

—–

On the Wombat Sports podcast Sunday, we will talk to North Carolina strawweight Nicole Hunt Ertzberger about her uypcoming amateur bout with Amy Bybee.

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

—–

Rumor

Add Ais “The Bash” Daly to the list of people trying out for TUF.

——

Bantamweight fight Rosanna Garcia is set to return to MMA this June.

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Upcoming Matches

Van Soest & Reece Courtesy Lion Fights

Muay Thai

Lion Fights 57 kg champion Tiffany Van Soest and challenger Caley Reece both came in on weight for their title bout Friday night in Vegas, which will air live on AXS TV. The fight will main event the card.

On the undercard, Megan Laura will take on Fanny Tommasino, and Krystal Khorge will also be in action.

—–

Pro MMA

XFC is holding their first international card in  Sao Paulo, Brazil this Saturday which will stream on XFCmma.com for those outside of Brazil.

Two female fights as the promotion starts its flyweight tournament.

• Salvana Gomez Juarez vs. Bianca Daimoni
• Maryerlin Rivas vs. Daiana Torquato

—–

Claudia Rey looks for her thrid pro win as she takes on pro debuter Kessyne Mara at Nitrix Champion Fight in Camboriú, Brazil. This will stream for free on Sportv.globo.com Saturday.

—–

In other pro MMA bouts:

• In a pair of bouts at CageSports MMA in Tacoma, WA, Katie Howard takes on Miriam Cardoso and Regan Bennedetti faces Cheryl Chan
• Rebecca Heintzman battles Rachel Sazoff at CFFC 31 in Atlantic City, NJ. This will stream on GFL.tv for $15.
• In Emerald, Australia at UCU 2, Jessy Jess Rose will take on Zoie Shreiweis
• Jenny Silverio faces Julia Jones at Fight Time 18 in Ft. Lauderdale, FL

——

Ammy MMA

U of MMA returns to Hollywood, CA with two female bouts.

TUF 18 assistant coach and Ronda Rousey’s training partner Marina Shafir will look to keep her undefeated first round submission win streak alive as she faces Nicole Upshaw.

Two bantamweights will make their MMA debuts as Amanda Jones takes on Roxanna Pinotti.

—-

In other amateur MMA bouts:

• At VFC in Junction City, Kansas, Autumn Lamle takes on Rachel Wiley
• Audrey Alvarez faces Lindsey Marino at Rocks Xtreme MMA in Robstown, Texas
• In North Hollywood, California at Mansion Fights 14, Elizabeth Rodriguez  battles Tatiana Suarez
• At HFC 19 in Valparaiso, Indiana, Elane Santiago faces Anne Malinoff for the 105 title
• Nichole Usko battles Nichole Dodson at RFO in Polk, Ohio
• In Myrtle Beach, NC at Warefare MMA,  Andy Nguyen takes on Melissa Timmers
• Monica Franco faces Kenai Sebala at Just Scrap in Hilo, Hawaii
• At World Combat Series in San Jose, CA, Melissa Wang battles Saray Perez

—–

Boxing

Irma Garcia looks to defend her WBA bantamweight title for the thrid time as she takes on Nazly Maldonado in a rematch in Huixquilucan, México

Garcia (8-1-1) is coming off a majority decision win this past November over Magali Rodriguez.

Maldonado  (1-3) is looking avenge a loss to Garcia and win her first world title.

—–

WBO minimumweight champion Su-Yun Hong will defend her belt against Mako Yamada in Chuncheon, South Korea.

Hong (9-0) has five finishes to her credit and is looking for her thrid successful title defense.

Yamada is undefeated at 5-0.

——

In Binan City, Laguna, Philippines, Gretchen Abaniel and Nongnun Mor Krungthepthonburi will battle for the vacant WIBA minimumweight title.

Abaniel (13-5) won three of her last four fights and is looking to regain the title after losing it in 2011.

Krungthepthonburi  (2-0) is looking for her first ever world title.

—–

In other boxing action:

• In Chicago, Illinois Kristin Gearhart takes on Allanna Jones
• Xenia Jorneac battes Marianna Gulyas in Bayern, Germany
• In Brussels, Belgium, Sanae Jah faces Nevenka Mikulic

Kaufman

Baszler

It’s a rematch nearly 5 years in the making.

Shayna Baszler looks to avenge a loss as she will face Sarah Kaufman in what will be Baszler’s UFC debut April 16 at “The Ultimate Fighter Nations” finale on Fox Sports 1. The promotion announced the fight Saturday.

Baszler (15-8) defeated Colleen Schneider to get into “The Ultimate Fighter” house, but would lose to eventual winner Juliana Pena in quarterfinals. Since then, Baszler has been training with UFC champion Ronda Rousey.

Kaufman (16-2-1) is coming what was a split decision loss to Jessica Eye, but was turned into a no-contest by the Texas State Athletic commission. Kaufman has wins over UFC title contenders Alexis Davis, Miesha Tate, and Liz Carmouche. In their first match, Kaufman got the unanimous decision over Baszler.

The match will are of Fox Sports 1 April 16.

Kowalkiewicz

InvictaFC has signed their first Polish fighter.

Karolina Kowalkiewicz (4-0) announced this week she is now a part of the promotion. The standout from Poland started her MMA career in 2012, getting a TKO win over Marzena Wojas. Kowalkiewicz would eventually win a tournament to become KSW’s 55 kg champion. She also has a win over InvitcaFC vet Simona Soukupova.

Kowalkiewicz had fought at a catchweight of 120 pounds recently and is expected to drop to strawweight for Invicta. No word on when she will make her promotional debut.

Invicta has acquired the #4 Unifed ranked featherweight on the planet.

Undefeated New Zealnder Faith Van Duin announced Saturday night she has signed with promotion.

Van Duin (4-0) won an one night tournament last year to become the Storm Damage featherweight champion. Only training in MMA for two years, she is the current WKBF Junior Welterweight Kickboxing Champion.

She will be the first fighter of Maori (native New Zealand) descent to be signed to a major MMA promotion.

No word when she will make her InvictaFC debut.

We are always striving to give you more information and coverage in the women’s divisions of combat sports.

In an effort to serve you, the fans and fighters, better, we have a short survey. The answers will help us improve the site, focus more on what you want, and help us manage our time better.

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Brown

Invicta’s signee spree continues with an addition to their atomweight division.

#5 Unified ranked Amber Brown announced she has signed with the promotion on her twitter account Sunday.

Brown (3-1) got her biggest win last July, defeating Unified ranked fighter Kikuyo Ishikawa. She started out as strawweight, winning back to back at King of the Cage before fighting for Pancrase.

The Albuquerque native is the third fight to be announced this week as additions to Invicta and the first new atomweight addition this year.

No word on when she will debut with the promotion.

Pro MMA

The XFC headed to Sao Paulo, Brazil for their first card of an international fight series. The card featured two opening round matches of their flyweight tournament.

In what was an interesting bout between two undefeated fighters, Argentina’s Salvana Gomez Juarez (3-0) got the submission over Bianca Daimoni (3-1) with a keylock at 4:49 of round 3.

Action was slow to start, as both were tentative in the first minute not landing a single punch. After a warning by the ref, the two started in go at it in flurries, and then they slowed down. Juarez hit several low blow knees, which got her a warning from the referee.

The second round saw much of the same flurries than circling. Dainmoni was deducted a point for hair pulling in the clinch.

The third round saw Juarez more aggressive and finally got the takedown late, securing the keylock with just 11 seconds to spare. Jaurez advances to the semi-finals.

In a non-televised bout, Venezuelan Maryerlin Rivas defeated Brazil’s Daiana Torquato by unanimous decision and advances to the semi-finals.

—–

Cardoso vs. Howard Courtesy CageSport/ESP Photography

Two strawweight bouts were featured on the CageSports MMA card in Tacoma, WA.

BJJ blackbelt Miriam Cardoso did well in her debut loss to Katie Howard. Howard’s aggression and top control proved the difference and Howard got the unanimous decision.

Undefeated amateur Regan Bennedetti made an impact in her pro debut, choking out  Cheryl Chan by an arm triangle choke at 2:32 in round 2.

—–

In other pro bouts:

• At CFFC 31 in Atlantic City, NJ, Rebecca Heintzman defeated Rachel Sazoff by split decision
• Claudia Rey go the TKO over Kessiny Mara in round 1 at NCF 19 in Balneário Camboriú, Brazil
• In Emerald, Australia at UCU 2 Jessy Rose Clark submitted Zoie Shreiweis by rear naked choke in round 1
• At Fight Time 18 in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Julia Jones defeated Jenny Silverio by unanimous decision

—–

Courtesy Armbar Nation

Ammy MMA

Marina Shafir got her fifth straight first round submission win at U of MMA in Hollywood, CA Sunday as she got the armbar on Nicole Upshaw, who drops to 1-1.

Word is that this is the featherweight’s last amateur fight and will be turning pro soon.

—–

Lightweight Rachel Wiley gained her 4th straight win as she defeated Autumn Lamle by split decision at VFC in Junction City, Kansas. Wiley improves to 4-1.

—–

In other amateur MMA bouts:

• At HFC 19 in Valparaiso, Indiana, Anne Malinoff defeated Elane Santiago by unanimous decision to win the initial 105 title
• Briana Padilla defeated Melody Nanez by unanimous decision at King of the Cage in Albuquerque, NM
• In Myrtle Beach, NC, Andy Nguyen submitted Melissa Timmers by guillotine in round 1 at Warefare MMA
• At Just Scrap in Hilo, Hawaii, Kenai Sebala submitted Monica Franco by rear naked choke in round 2
• Melissa Wang defeated Saray Perez by unanimous decision at World Combat Series in San Jose, CA

—–

Boxing

In Binan City, Laguna, Philippines, Gretchen Abaniel has regained her WIBA minimumweight title, getting the TKO over Nongnun Mor Krungthepthonburi in round 9 in a match for the recently vacated title.

Abaniel (14-5) lost the title in 2010, and has won four of her last five.

——

Yamada Courtesy Fight News

In Chuncheon, South Korea, Mako Yamada remains undefeated and earns her first world title as she upsets Su-Yun Hong for the WBO minimumweight title. She won by split decision. Tamada improves to 5-0, and hands Hong (9-1) her first loss.

—–

In other boxing matches:

• In Chicago, Illinois, Kristin Gearhart gets the TKO over Allanna Jones in round 3
• WBA bantamweight champ Irma Garcia defeated Nazly Maldonado by unanimous decision in a non-title bout in Huixquilucan, México
• In Pionki, Poland, Ewa Brodnicka got the TKO over Pavla Votavova in round 1
• Melania Sorroche defeated Galina Koleva Ivanova by points in Cataluña, Spain
• In Brussels, Belgium, Sanae Jah and Nevenka Mikulic fight to a draw
• At Rocks Xtreme in Robstown, Texas, Paulina Granados defeated Paola Ortiz by split decision and in an ammy Muay Thai match, Lindsey Marino defeated Audrey Alvarez by decision

Invicta gains an undefeated 115er to help rebuild the division.

The promotion announced Monday they signed Brazilian Livia Renata Souza.

Souza (5-0) has four first round submission finishes. In her latest outing  this past December, she got the triangle choke on Bianca Reis in 42 seconds. She has black belts in BJJ and Judo.

No word on when she will debut with the promotion.

Courtesy Bernie Palmore/Lion Fights

Weekend Results

One of Australian’s best Muay Thai fighter gain herself another title and remains undefeated.

Caley Reece (19-0) was able to take a split decision over American Muay Thai star Tiffany Van Soest Friday night at Lion Fights 13 in Las Vegas. This was Van Soest first professional loss.

Van Soest tried to be the aggressor and use her explosive style to gain the upperhand on Reece. Reece was able to use her experience advantage to stifle Van Soest in the clinch with knees, which scored in the minds of the judges.

Reece took the decision 49-46, 47-48, and 48-47.

You can watch the highlights here.

On the undercard:

• Ashley Muenz def. Krystal Khorge by unanimous decision
• Fanny Tommasino def. Megan Nazareno by decision 

Page Courtesy Marco Da Lue

—–

In another match this weekend, France’s Ielo Page defeated Russia’s Irina Mazepa by decision.

—–

At Fair Fight in Germany, Dilara Kocak defeated Lisa Schewe by points to win the K1 German 58 kg  title bout.

You can watch the fight here. 

—–

Kelsey van de Poll (NL) defeated Ana Tome (Portugal) by points in a Muay Thai 58 kg bout.

—–

News

Cyborg (center) Courtesy Bernie Palmore/Lion Fights

Lion Fight announced during the card that Cris Cyborg Justino will be back in action for the Muay Thai promotion, taking on undefeated Dutch fighter Jorina Baars March 28 in Las Vegas.

Cyborg made a successful promotional debut for LFP this past September,  defeating Jennifer Colomb by TKO in round 2.

Baars (25-3) has won multiple European Muay Thai and kickboxing titles and will prove a tough test for Cyborg.

—–

Fresh off her win, Caley Reece is going to fight again in four weeks as she will take on Sawsing Sor Sopit in Australia. Reece will defnd her 57 kg WMC world title defense.

She also has a match set against Shari Ranger April 12 in Australia.

—–

In Vegas in March 8, Jennie Nedell and Colleen Schneider will square off on the “Kickboxing Empire” card in a 125 pound bout.

—–

Upcoming matches

In San Diego, CA, WCK Muaythai will hold a card with three female bouts.

Muay Thai star Jemyma Betrian comes to the USA to take on American Top Team’s Thais Souza at 55kg in the main event.

Also on the card, MMA star Zoila Fruasto will make her Muay Thai debut. Her sister Stephanie will be fighting MMA on the card.

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A pair of Muay Thai bouts are set for Thailand. Farida Okiko faces Sawsing sor Sopit and Chommanee takes on Nongphet. Both matches will be at 55 kg.

Courtesy Jeff Binn

Invicta continues to rebuild its strawweight division with the addition of Ashley Greenway. The North Carolina 115er announced she signed with the promotion Tuesday.

Greenway (5-1 ammy) has finished in all but one of her wins, which includes three submissions. Her only loss was a decision to UFC signee Tecia Torres.

She is the fourth strawweight to sign with the promotion since the UFC signed 11 of Invicta’s 115 fighters. She joins Irena Aldana, Livia Renata Souza , and Karolina Kowalkiewicz.

InvictaFC president Shannon Knapp stated she suspects the promtion’s 8th card would be in late March or early April. No word if Greenway will be on that card.

Costigan

Cabello

Undefeated atomweight Catherine Costigan is looking for her forth win as she takes on Irene Cabello March 1 in Dublin, Ireland. Cage Warriors announced the match Tuesday.

Ireland’s Costigan (3-0) has three straight submissions to her credit, including her recent rear naked choke over Morgane Delagnau on New Years Eve.

Spain’s Cabello (1-1) is a vet of the Super Fight League in India. She got the armbar submission over Ritika Singh in her last match this past May. This will be Cabello’s Cage Warriors debut.

The match will be streamed for free on MMAJunkie.com March 1.

The expansion of the Invicta strawweights continues as Brazilian Herica Tiburcio announces her signing Wednesday.

Tiburcio (7-2) is on the cusp of the top 10, having back to back armbar finishes in 2013. She has yet to be finished, with her only losses coming from Camila Lima and UFC signee Claudia Gadelha, both by decision.

This brings the new strawweight signee count (post UFC signings) to 5.

This string of signings looks to continue over the next week leading to an announcement of InvictaFC 8.