At 14, Sammy-Jo Luxton has seen and done more than a lot of girls her age. Having around 12 regional Muay Thai championships, Luxton is a part of the solid female fight team at Chaos Muay Thai fitness, which includes Muay Thai champion Christi Brereton and Future Star featured fighter Chantelle Tee.

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Wombat Sports: What got you interested in combat sport?

Sammy-Jo Luxton: I got given a flyer about different sports that I could try out, as I was reading through it I saw ‘Thai Boxing/ Thai fit’, I have always been a sporty person and wanted to give it ago because it was something different. I went to a taster session and the coaches invited me to a more advanced class, this is where I began to spar with other beginners and learn new techniques.

Wombat: What do you enjoy about it?

Luxton: I enjoy meeting other fighters now and going to different places, I have been to Latvia, Holland, all over the UK and just got into the GB team to compete at the Malaysian World Championships 2014. I enjoy training because it makes me stronger and more technical and also helps a lot with my fitness, which is great for school events as well.

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

SJL: My friends and classmates are really supportive about it, they are always asking questions about it and some of my classmates have actually come to training session because they hear so much about it and my friends are hopefully coming to watch my World Title fight in Milton Keynes in May. Some people still have trouble getting round the idea of a ‘girl fighting’, but it’s what I love to do!

W.S.: How about your family?

SJL: I couldn’t participate in Muay Thai without my family, they give up so much of their free time to take me to training, taking me to fights, travel the world with me, put up with me on long journeys saying ‘Are we there yet?’ All my family are really nervous when I fight though, I remember my Dad on my first fight, walking back and forth waiting for me to get in the ring and on every fight that my Mum has watched, she has burst out crying, but happy tears.

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

SJL: Easiest question ever… my coach/training partner Christi Brereton! Christi has recently become number 1 in the UK by beating Alexis Rufus-Full Thai Rules! I have known Christi all my life and when I was younger she used to come round my house and show my Mum and Dad her pictures of her fights and I remember watching her on pads and thinking ‘Wow!’ She is so technical and powerful and I hope to follow in her footsteps one day.

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

SJL: Lots of females have become more interested in Muay Thai for fitness and to have some self-defence. Loads of people joke around saying that Chaos is a girls gym because the majority of fighters are girls, which is great to hear because lots of girls/women have started to join Chaos because they know it’s not just big tough guys there and they feel more comfortable with other girls.

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

SJL: Once you step into the ring, your mind is set to win! I think ‘keep going forward’, ‘keep scoring’. Once the bell goes… I will not stop until the last round is over. I have gotten in the ring with older people, heavier people and will put in everything I have got!

W.S.: What have you found difficult?

SJL: The thing I have found difficult is not having very much spare time to spend with my friends because I’m always training or competing. They understand that my fights/ training are very important to me, so we always find a date that I’m not doing much and try and do everything in that one day!

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

SJL: I want to become a huge name that everyone knows, fight full Thai rules and fight in loads of different places. I would also like to see Muay Thai in the Olympics, but there is a slim chance that it will happen sadly. I just want to be the girl that everyone looks up to and appreciates… I want people (especially younger girls coming into the sport) to see a picture of me and think ‘I want to be like her’

W.S.: Anyone you’d like to thank and add?

SJL: I would like to thank my mum and dad for driving me everywhere, taking me training and supporting me. My Granny and Granddad for looking after my 2 little sisters, while I compete. My sponsors – Anchor-man Insurance, Western Venture Driving Agency. and of course – my brilliant coaches Steve Pender and Christi Brereton. I couldn’t of got this far without you!

Courtesy Seventh Core

Colleen Schneider has come a long way since she fought for Tuff-n-uff in Vegas back in 2009.

Having had little success at 135, Schneider dropped to 125 and has won four straight in MMA, and is the SFL flyweight champion.

Looking for a change and always ready for a fight, Schneider will make her pro kickboxing debut against Jennie Nedell this weekend at Kickboxing Empire at the Planet Hollywood Casino in Las Vegas.

We talked to Schneider about making the transition to kickboxing and her move to train with UFC fighter Josh Barnett.

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Wombat Sports: We haven’t seen you fight since September of last year. Any reason why that is?

Colleen Schneider: I’ve been looking for a fight the past few months, but it’s always hard for me to get a fight booked. I took a kickboxing fight because some opportunities for MMA fights I was hoping for didn’t pan out. However, I’m very excited to make my kickboxing debut. My striking has improved leaps and bounds since we’ve been focusing exclusively on it. It will be a fun fight to watch!

Wombat: You have moved from Syndicate MMA to training in southern California to train with Josh Barnett. How has the transition been and picking up catch wrestling?

Schneider: The transition to LA has been fantastic. I’m training at CSW in Fullerton with Josh Barnett and Erik Paulson. Catch Wrestling, stylistically, come more naturally to me than anything else I’ve done before. I absolutely love it, and am so grateful I had the opportunity to train under Billy Robinson before he passed away.

W.S.: You have been on a four fight win streak in MMA, and are one of the hot prospects at flyweight. What are your plans for 2014?

C.S.: I’m going to keep my 4 fight win streak in MMA rolling, and fight as many times as I can in 2014.

W.S.: You are taking a kickboxing match in Vegas this week. How has it been to train for a kickboxing bout rather than a MMA bout?

C.S.: Training for a kickboxing fight is actually much simpler than training for an MMA fight. All the time I would have spent wrestling and grappling, is now just spent on striking. It has allowed my training to be very focused and I’ve seen huge improvements because of it.

W.S.: What do you know about your opponent?

C.S.: My opponent is making her pro debut, but has large amateur record. I know she’s a tough girl and I expect her to come out there and give me a good hard fight.

W.S.: Anything you would like thanks/add?

C.S.: Huge thanks to my team and coaches at CSW. Also to my sponsors, Newaza Apparel and Garden of Life.

Hill vs. Nichols Courtesy AGB Photos

Weekend Results

In a battle that stole the show in Queens, New York, Angela Hill got a split decision win over Ashley Nichols in a five round battle.

It was Hill’s aggression versus Nichols’s technical skill in the match, with both trading shots in the clinch throughout. The pace never slowed in the match with the hometown crowd heavily behind Hill.

In the end, the judges were split, with two siding with Hill. Hill remains undefeated, with Nichol receiving her first pro loss.

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In action in Australia, Theresa Carter defeated Laurene Pumphangmuan by TKO round 2, and Carleigh Crawford defeated Juliana Rosa by TKO.

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News

WMC 57 kg title holder Caley Reece has a new opponent for her March 15th title defense.

Muay Thai Angels standout Chomanee replaces Sawsing Sor Sopit in the title match in Australia.

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There was a 23 second head kick KO over the weekend, as Marloes Merza defeated Nongmint on Thailand.

You can watch the KO here.

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Look Peun Promotions announced their Warriors at War card in Red Hills, Australia will feature three mother and their daughters fighting on the same card.

The promotion didn’t announce what the matches were, but we do know those on the card include Karen Williams, Loryn Williams, Narelle Leahey, and Jen Cavinaugh.

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Upcoming fights

Kickboxing Empire holds their second card at the Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas, NV Saturday. In the only female match on the card, amateur standout Jennie Nedell will make gher pro debut as she takes on MMA standout Colleen Schneider.

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In Seine-Saint-Denis, France, three matches are set Saturday:

•  Anissa Meksen (Fr) v Funda Diken (Turkey) 54 kg
• Maelle Pariez (Fr) v Kalissa Houicha (Fr) 52kg
• Laetitia Lambert (Fr) v Ilinca Zerbu (Rom) 54 kg

——

Elsewhere in France, there is 54 kg one night tournament.

Participants include: Patricia Valkyria Gibelli  (Ita), Deborah Semeraro (Swiss), Soraya Bucherie (Fr), and Ruth Ashdown (Eng).

Begley

From time to time, the news editor of Wombat Sports MarQ likes to bring on fellow WMMA media to help get answers to the questions fans have been asking us. Gina Begley of ProWMMANow was the guest on this past week’s Wombat Sports podcast and we fielded your questions.

However, we ran out of time to answer all of them, so here are the one we weren’t able to get to.

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Shayna Baszler could fight Rousey in the near future. Your thoughts about the match? Obviously they would need to be at separate camps, but both know each other well now…. 

Gina Begley (ProWMMANow): I follow Shayna on social media so I can only talk about how I interpret through what I read. And, how I translate everything is, Shayna Baszler has not technically changed camps to Ronda Rouseys camp of Glendale Fightclub.

She still fights under her catch wrestling coach Josh Barnett. Baszler while living in South Dakota fought under her coach Josh Barnett that is in Los Angeles who I believe is based out of Tapout and CSW. I see posting and pictures of him and her that are current on social media, so that leads me to believe he is still her main coach.

It appears Shayna does train at with Ronda at her gym  but unless something changes with her next fight against Sarah Kaufman, doesn’t base her camp out of there.  I’m not sure changing camps to fight Ronda is really any kind of answer to the question asked.  Sorry!!

MarQ Piocos (Wombat Sports): It is interesting to see training partners as possible opponents since both know each other’s tenancies and could be intriguing in terms of how each adjust to their styles.

I am interested in seeing how Baszler handles Sarah Kaufman in their rematch, but I don’t see her beating Rousey at this time. If Baszler defeats Kaufman in an overwhelming fashion, pretty sure people will be talking a possible match, which is something that is very promotable.

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Kerry Vera stated she is going back to MMA this year. Should she be signed to the UFC right away or take some fights at Invicta before?

Begley:  Kerry Vera has not fought since 2009 so working her way up to the UFC through Invicta seems the most reasonable way to go in my opinion. I don’t expect her to start at the bottom of course but straight to the top doesn’t seem fair either. There are other more well known options that would be more reasonable to get the opportunity to fight for the UFC. Holly Holm, Lauren Taylor, are just a couple of 135ers that I would hope to see there ahead of someone how has not fought MMA in 5 years.

Piocos: I agree with Gina on this one. I really want Vera to work her way up and see some very intriguing matches for her at Invicta. Vera looks like she is the fittest she has been in her life and the only question would be cage rust coming in. If you haven’t seen Vera’s matches I highly recommend you do.

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Rumor is Jessica Rakoczy might be dropping to 115. Do you think she can drop and if so, should she get a slot on the upcoming TUF 20?

G.B.: I believe Rakoczy fought at 120 in boxing so it certainly seems within the realm of possibility. I wouldn’t have a problem seeing a second shot at TUF. It could be a really cool spin, but should probably not if the goal is to introduce new faces to UFC fans. I would rather see her face someone without going through the show at 115. If I could match any fight without considering UFC doesn’t have 125 or that they could make 115, it would be Jessica Rakoczy  versus Barb Honchak.

M.P.: Rakoczy seems to be in limbo in terms of the UFC. We haven’t seen her matched since her TUF finale loss and knowing Julianna Pena on the shelf, we were hoping to see Rakoczy pick up the slack. Maybe a fight with Sarah Moras is in order?

Back to the question at hand. There is no guarantees that Rakoczy can make 115, but she was the boxing champ at 122 before dedicating her career to MMA. I am still preferring the UFC does open tryouts for The Ultimate Fighter 20, it would be intriguing if they did select Rakoczy to drop and become the first fighter to take on TUF twice.

With a UFC contract already in hand and probably not wanting to leave her kids again for such a long period of time, I don’t see a TUF run happening. However, her dropping to 115 post TUF would make a lot of sense.

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Invicta is looking to move out of Kansas City to other markets. What cities are do you think would be a great place for their first card out of the city?

G.B.: Las Vegas seems like one of the most reasonable options for any card. With so many fighters, gyms, and shows it seems like the place for MMA to just happen.  Especially if your card doesn’t consist of local fighters to sell your tickets to friends, family, and teammates.  Fans will go to vegas, many fighters are already there. Big name gyms are already centered there so you have a base of people to market too. Tuff N Uff is an amateur show that has had a lot of success in Vegas. Las Vegas is the home of entertainment of all sorts seems a reasonable option.

M.P.: I agree that Vegas would be a great place to go. Two other places I would throw in the mix is St. Louis and Chicago.

St. Louis would make an easy transition for the Kansas City based organization since they already have a relationship with the Missouri commission and would be close to home.

Chicago is the biggest city in the mid-west and would provide great and cheap flights for fighters to come in. With the new tv deal, Chicago also has resources to help broadcast the event.

———

Flyweight Barb Honchak seems to be in Rousey’s situation in terms of suitable contenders. Is there anyone you think should get a shot next?

G.B.: Tonya Evinger is now number 10  on the Unified WMMA rankings at 135 but has fought at 125 once. She seems adimate on social media about wanting a fight any fight. It could be exciting. Other wise, start throwing the ladies at her on the rankings she hasn’t beat yet.

M.P.: InvictaFC president Shannon Knapp told me she is going to start building a contender fast. A match between Nina Ansaroff and newly signed and undefeated Joanna Jedrzejczyk makes sense for a number 1 contenders match. Michelle Ould and #2 ranked Vanessa Porto would also be an intriguing match to set up a contender.

Miscellaneous news

Taylor

In pro MMA action Thursday, Danielle Taylor makes a successful pro debut as she defeated  Maia Stephenson by unanimous decision at King of the Cage in Highland, CA.

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In ammy MMA action on Friday at RFA in Lincoln, Nebraska:

• Alyce Roen submitted Stephanie Watts by triangle round 2
• Erin Smith defeated Janie Konyek by unanimous decision

Also Friday in pro action at Talent Draft 1 in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Mariana Leonardo defeats Pamela Rivelles via TKO at :35 of round 2.

In amateur action on the card, Juliana Velasquez got the rear naked choke over Lucelia Souza at 1:57 of round 2.

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In two boxing title matches Friday night:

• In Tucuman, Argentina, Cecilia Sofia Mena was crowned the new WBC Latino featherweight champion, defeating Antonina Ayala Vazquez by unanimous decision to win the vacant title
• Tenkai Tsunami got the 7th round TKO win over Honey Mae to win the vacant OPBF bantamweight title in Tokyo, Japan

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Tuff-n-uff will start a strawweight tournament April 11 in Las Vegas and the stakes have never been higher. The promotion announced Friday the winner will receive an InvictaFC contract.

The participants are already set and it looks to be a multiple card process to crown a tournament champion. We will have more about the tournament next week.

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RFA announce on their preliminary stream that it plans on opening three weight classes (125, 135, 145) in both the amateur and pro ranks. It also promised to have at least one pro and one ammy female fight on each of their cards in the future.

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XFC flyweight champion Pearl Gonzalez will return to her hometown of Chicago to fight Kelly Warren at XFO 50.

Gonzalez (2-1) has back to back armbar finishes, with her last one gaining her the XFC title in October. Warren (3-5) is looking to snap a five fight losing streak.

The match joins Fallon Fox versus Heather Bassett on the card. The event is not expected to stream unless the arena sells out.

We will have Pearl Gonzalez on the Wombat Sports podcast Sunday at 1 p.m. pst/4 p.m. est.

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DEEP-JEWELS announced they are going ton start doing pay-per-views of their events on UStream. This means greater access to fans in other countries including the US. No word on when this will start.

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Paraguay’s Pamela Boveda will look for her second pro win as she takes on MMA debuter Brazilian Elen Torres at Rhino Fight Club in Ciudad del Este, Paraguay April 26.

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Congratulations to Kyra Gracie. The top female BJJ black belt is pregnant with her first child.

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Rumors

One of the top flyweight prospects who just got her first pro win last month is expected to sign with Invicta next week.

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Invicta is looking to shore up their atomweight division with some of the best 105ers around, so expect some of the top 15 to be signed shortly.

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Inoue

Mizuki Inoue’s manager Shu Hirata states he is hoping to sign the 19 year old to the UFC.

InvictaFC vet Inoue (7-2) has made waves as she defeated TUF 20 signee Bec Hyatt at InvictaFC 6. A major reason why she wasn’t considered for “The Ultimate Fighter 20″ is she was in the middle of the DEEP-JEWELS tournament at the time. Since she lost in the finals due to missing weight, her dance card is open.

More than likely, Inoue will forego trying out for TUF and fight for the vacant Invicta strawweight title this year. After the dust settles on TUF, we could see Inoue signed in the UFC in 2015.

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Cat Zingano mentioned she is open to fighting Cyborg Justino if offered the fight. She also confirmed the summer timeline for a possible return and looks to take the title match with UFC champion Ronda Rousey then.

—-

Multi-time ADCC grappling champion and BJJ blackbelt Gabi Garcia is going to make her MMA debut in August according to an interview with Combate.com.

Considered the #1 BJJ competitor over 60 kg. Gracia, however, has bit of a hurdle. She is planning on fighting at 185 pounds, which is lacking depth at the moment.

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18 year old MMA prodigy Shino VanHoose maybe back in the cage as soon as April. She last fought in 2012 at DEEP-JEWELS at the age of 16. After training in Japan for most of her career, she has moved to Idaho.

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Brittany Dugas is expected to announce her next match for King of the Cage in Monday on the ProWMMANow podcast. It will be in April in Wisconsin, but she is keeping the opponent tight lipped until then.

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After her win at Cage Warriors last week, Catherine Costigan will be heading to Holland to train with Lucia Rijker and Marloes Coenen.

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Ireland’s Ais “The Bash” Daly is currently on a tour of the U.S. training in different parts of the country.  She was in Portland, Oregon this past week, training and doing a few seminars.

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Japanese atomweight standout Celine Haga has training out of Jackson’s MMA for the past few weeks. No word on how long she will be there.

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Scheduled Fights

Markos & House Courtesy Pennography

Pro MMA

Randa Markos is looking to get back on the winning track as she will take on  Lynnell House at Provincial FC 2 in London, Ontario, Canada Saturday.

Markos (3-1) is a five year veteran of the sport, and won her first three pro fights until losing a decision to Justine Kish in January. Markos won her first pro bouts with back to back armbar submissions.

House (2-0) is looking for her third straight pro win, having finished her previous two opponents in the first round.

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JEWELS vet Takayo Hashi is returning after a two year absence from the sport to take on Kim Ji-Yeo at Road FC in Seoul, Korea.

Hashi (14-4) snapped a three fight losing streak with a win over current InvictaFC signee Rozanne Modafferi. Hasi was on a eight fight win streak before losing to Sarah Kaufman in a title match for then Strikeforce 135 title.

Ji-Yeo is coming off her pro debut, fighting Shizuka Sugiyama to a draw.

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In the other pro MMA this weekend at Collision Fight in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, Débora Ferreira will take on Betina Baino

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Ammy MMA

Virago FC will make it’s debut Saturday with an all female card in  Williamsberg, KY.

Four matches have been officially announced for this card.

• Jessica Ehrnreiter vs. Allison Ainley – 145 title
• Sarah Cook vs. Anna Abrams
• Sarah Swain vs. Dominique Berry
• Septien Johnson vs. Mary Kate Hayes

Also expected to compete is Brianna Lynch, Amanda Benjamin, Tanya Greenlee, Raven Farley, Hope Halava, and Desiree Wilson.

Follow Wombat Sports on twitter for results.

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Ignite MMA in Amarillo, TX will feature four female bouts Saturday.

• Mercedes Chavez vs. Trinity Davis (135)
• Angel Jones vs. Ruby Diaz (115)
• Sanaz Khamisi vs. Jianna Denizard (115)
• Bianca Rodriguez vs. Vanessa Grimes (115)

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In other ammy MMA action Saturday:

• At V3 Fights in Memphis, TN, Andrea Lee faces Jamie Milanowski
• Chelsea McCoy takes on Gina Petron at Revolution Figtht Series – Winchester, VA
• In Evansville, IN at HooknShoot Danielle Ternet battles Alexis Ragsdale
• In a pair of bouts at Cage Kings 2 in La Junta, CO, Nayleen Schmidt faces Cheri Muraski and Tiffany Whatley-Mata takes on Sandra Jaqez
• At Hardrock MMA in Somerset, Kentucky, Taylor Brown battles Evva Johnson and Kerri Jenkins squares off with Joanna Bess

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Boxing

Undefeated Maria Vega looks to gain her first pro title as she takes on Linda Laura Lecca for the vacant WBA Fedelatin super bantamweight title in Lima, Peru.

Vega (7-0) is a five year vet of the sport, and has finished four of her seven opponents.

Lecca (8-2-1) is looking to recover from a title loss this past January at super flyweight, moving up two weight classes. Lecca had won five straight before the loss in January.

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In other boxing action Saturday:

• In Sofia, Bulgaria Desislava Lazarova takes on Violeta Angelova
• Annie Mazerolle faces Marva Dash in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada
• In Indre, France, Elodie Bouchlaka battles Jasmina Nadj
• Bibi Ondoua dukes it out with Ala Moussa Edine in Creutzwald, Moselle, France
• In Nord, France, Wendy Gervois squares off with Claudia Ferenci
• Angelique Duchemin takes on Marianna Gulyas in Thuir, Pyrénées-Orientales, France

RFA announced what will be the first of several female signings over the next few weeks.

Maureen Riordon (3-2) has signed to the promotion according to a tweet by RFA Sunday. Riordon has trained in MMA for the past 5 years and has also fought in Muay Thai. Training out of Fusebox in Colorado, she plans on dropping to flyweight after spending most of her career at 145.

Riordon will also make her GLORY kickboxing debut at their Denver event in May.

No word on when Riordon will be making her RFA debut.

Dugas

Cutler

Two flyweight prospects battle it out at King of the Cage in Lac du Flambeau, WI April 26th.

Amateur standout Calie Cutler will make her pro debut against Brittanny Dugas.

Cutler (9-1 ammy) finished in all her amateur wins, only going to the second twice overall. Dugas (0-1) is coming off a pro debut loss after going 8-0 in the amateur ranks.

The fight will air on MAV TV.

Markos Courtesy Randi Lotsberg

Pro MMA

Randa Markos recovered from her first loss in remarkable fashion, submitting Lynnell House by armbar at 1:57 of round 1 at Provincial FC 2 in London, Ontario, Canada.

Markos (4-1) gave House her first professional loss and gains the initial PFC strawweight title.

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There was a rare draw at ROAD FC in Korea this past weekend. Takayo Hashi saw her first draw after a two year absence from the sport. Kim Ji-Yeo gets her second straight draw in her career.

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Débora Ferreira got her second pro win, getting the TKO over Betina Baino at 4:21 round 2 at Collision Fight - Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

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Ammy MMA

The all female amateur promotion Virago FC made their debut in Williamsberg, KY over the weekend with eight female bouts.

In the main event, Allison Ainley took home the inaugural VFC featherweight title with a 61 second TKO over Jessica Ehrnreiter. 

In other bouts on the card:

• Sarah Cook def. Anna Abrams by TKO 1:47 round 1
• Dominique Berry def. Sarah Swain by split decision
• Amanda Benjamin def. Tanya Greenlee by TKO 1:58 round 1
• Septien Johnson def. Mary Kate Hayes by TKO 0:47 round 1 (135)
• Hope Halava vs. Kendra Wilson by unanimous decision
• Desiree Wilson def. Raven Farley by TKO 0:58 round 1

——

At Hardrock MMA in Somerset, Kentucky, another contender for KO of the Year happened as Joanna Bess was able to get a spinning back elbow KO over Kerri Jenkins at 0:17 of round 3.

You can watch the KO here.

In the other female bout on the card, Evva Johnson got the 34 second TKO over Taylor Brown to win the ammy 145 title.

You can watch the match here.

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In other amateur action:

• In a pair of bouts at Cage Kings in La Junta, CO, Cheri Muraski defeated Nayleen Schmidt by TKO round 1 and Sandra Jaqez defeated Tiffany Whatley-Mata by TKO round 3
• Andrea Lee defeated Ashley Samples by submission due to strikesat 1:12 round 1 to gain the ammy 125 title at V3 Fights in Memphis, TN

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Boxing

Linda Laura Lecca gained her first professional title, defeating Maria Vega by unanimous decision to win the vacant WBA Fedelatin super bantamweight title in Lima, Peru. Lecca improves to 9-2-1.

——

In Osaka, Japan, Nana Yoshikawa claims the first ever OPBF female light flyweight title defeating Krikanok Island by TKO round 1. Yoshikawa remains undefeated at 3-0.

—–

In other boxing matches:

• In Sofia, Bulgaria, Desislava Lazarova defeated Violeta Angelova by unanimous decision
• Bibi Ondoua defeated Ala Moussa Edine by unanimous decision in Creutzwald, Moselle, France

Utah’s premier MMA promotion will be showcasing the best female talent in the region.

Steelfirst Cage Fighting announced eight feamle bouts matches for a stacked 16 fight card April 19 in Farmington, UT.

RiRi Whiting will fight Danielle Donaldson for the vacant 135 title in the featured bout on the women’s portion of the card.

Other female matches announced:

• Brenda Enriquez vs. Carissa Merrill
• Buffy Ogden vs. Morghan Filler
• Rachel Kilmer vs. Killastina Matatohi
• Becca Cater vs. Jennifer Snyder
•  Charlene Donahue vs. Krystal Larson
• Jessica Bergstrom vs. Deane Dorn
• Karen Cornell vs. Amber Madson

No word on if the matches will be streamed.

Just starting her combat sports career, Philadelphia’s Kayla Wakefield was able to get third place in her last NAGA tournament. She is a part of the new breed of fighters who are training all facets of the game from grappling to kickboxing to become a MMA fighter.

Wakefield is training with Rocco’s MMA Boxing and Fitness under Adam Rocco, who is a BJJ and pankration black belt.

——

Wombat Sports: What got you interested in combat sports?

Kayla Wakefield: I was over weight and my step father wanted me to start working out. Then i got a letter from school  saying i was also overweight. Then my step father stepped  in and start making me work out. Start making me take classes. And I did not like it at first but after seeing the results and how it could benefit me  now i love it.

Wombat: What do you enjoy about it?

Wakefield: I love Mauy Thai because I love to punch and kick and it helps me when i am angry. It gives me an outlet when i am frustrated with family, friends and life.

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

K.W.: Most of the girls in my class thought I was crazy. Some of the boys flirted with me. My best friend just laugh she encouraged me to keep it going when all the other kids called me a boy. The boys are now afraid to ask me out and the girls don’t talk to me because the are afraid i might hurt them.

W.S.: How about your family?

K.W.: My family drive me to and from the gym everyday. They encourage me to keep going even if I am having a bad day and not want to go. My stepfather will sneak up on me sometimes and put me into a lock and make me get out of it. Even if I am crying like a little baby.

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

K.W.: First of all my coaches Adam Rocco, Alex Rodriguez, and Joe Martini. And the Professional fighters who influence my life is  Munah Holland , Ronda Rousey, Jessica Eye, and Felice Herring.

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

K.W.:  I think they should keep it going because woman are just as strong as males. That the female MMA will continue to grow. I believe they will take the sport to the next level. And you never know i might be the next Ronda Rousey.

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

K.W.: I found Striking comes naturally to me and the grappling is the hardest but i don’t quit.

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

K.W.: I intend to be an Invicta Champion. I don’t see the UfC bringing in the heavier weight classes any time soon. I would gladly be the Invicta Champion. I am determent and there is no off switch on me.

W.S.: Anything you want to add/thank? 

K.W.: First of all I want to thank Wombat Sports for the Interview and showing interest in my career. I am looking forward to competing in grappling tournament and possibly amateur Muay Thai sometime this year.

I would also like to thank my family and friends for supporting me. My coaches and team mates At Rocco MMA who make me better everyday. My my sponsor GRIT MOUTH GUARDS for keeping my teeth in my mouth.  Paul Hejduk from DFFD. And anyone else I forgot I am sorry.

Invicta stated they were expansion their atomweight division and add a shooting star in the 105 division.

Jinh Yu Frey (2-0) was nominated for atomweight and KO of the Year at the 2013 WMMA Media awards. She is on the cusp of being ranked and has finished both of her pro opponents in the first round. She has notable wins over InvictaFC vets Meghan Wright and a stand out KO over Daral Harris.

No word on when Frey will make her debut. This will be the first of several signings to Invicta this week.

Michigan flyweight Amanda Bobby Cooper announced Wednesday she has signed with Invicta.

Cooper (1-0) went 8-2 as an amateur before turning pro last month. The flyweight standout got her biggest win to date last month with an armbar submission win over Brittany Dugas in her pro debut.

Cooper joins Jihn Yu Frey as the latest to sign with Invicta. Invicta is expected to announce a few more signings in the coming week.

VanHoose

Ham

The #3 Unified ranked Seo Hee Ham will fight in her homeland of Korea for the first time as she takes on the young gun Shino VanHoose April 6 at RoadFC in Seoul. VanHoose confirmed the match Tuesday.

Ham (12-5) is the current DEEP-JEWELS 106 pound champion, and won the belt from former Invicta fights title challenger Naho Sugiyama last year. Ham was won six of her last seven bouts, and has yet to taste defeat at 105.

VanHoose (3-2) is coming off a 17 month absence from the sport, having last fought under the Pancrase banner in Japan. She started her pro MMA career at the age of 16, wining her first three bouts with her debut seeing a unique Ezekiel choke submission victory. She has moved from Japan back to Idaho since her last match, and will make her debut at 105 against Ham.

The RoadFC event will stream on UStream on April 6 for $10.

Ever the innovators, Princesses of Pain have announced a MMA round robin tournament May 3 between three of Oceania’s top bantamweights.

Storm Damage featherweight tournament finalist Kate Da Silva, Princesses of Pain bantamweight finalist Charlene Watt, and POP bantamweight tournament semi-finalist Desiree-Ann Maaka will fight to become the 2014 60kg POP champion. 

Da Silva (5-1 pro) is a five year vet of the sport, but took three years off and returned last year to take part in the Storm Damage featherweight tournament. She would get back to back submissions wins to get to the finals, losing to champion Faith Van Duin.

Watt (3-1 amateur) came back to MMA after a two year absense last year to take part of the POP bantamweight tournament. With a TKO in the quarterfinals and a submission in the semi-finals, she would lose an unanimous decision in the finals to Dawn Chalmers.

Maaka (1-1 amateur) debuted last year with a first round KO win in the opening round of the POP bantamweight tournament. She would lose to Watt in the semi-finals.

The POP will be announcing more matches in the upcoming weeks.

Lybarger

Acevedo

In it’s continuing efforts to expand their female divisions, RFA announced a pro female bout for their 14th event in April 11th in Cheyenne, WY April 11.

Jocelyn Lybarger will face Rosa Acevedo in an 120 pound catchweight bout, which will air on AXS TV.

InvictaFC vet Lybarger (2-1) is looking to reocver from her first pro loss last June. She has back to back wins to start her pro career. Lybarger had stated plans to possibly drop to 115.

Acevedo (1-0) won her pro debut a few weeks ago, getting an unanimous decision over Sharice Davids. Acevedo went 4-2 as an amateur with three finishes.

The bout will air as part of the main card of RFA 14 on AXS TV.

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Batara

In other RFA news, the promotion signed their latest female talent in atomweight Kyra Batara.

The amateur standout went 4-1 in her amateur career, gaining the Tuff-n-uff 105 title. Batara is set to make her pro debut at BAMMA USA March 28th against Misha Nassiri before making her RFA debut sometime this summer.

Meksen def. Funda courtesy Muay Tha TV

Results

In a pair of bouts in France this past weekend,

WBC Muay Thai champion Anissa Meksen (France) defeated Funda Diken (Turkey) by TKO in the 3rd round to retain the title. You can watch the fight here.

France’s Laetitia Lambert defeated Spain’s Ilinca Zerbu by points. points.

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Elsewhere in France, Soraya Bucherie won a 55 kg Muay Thai tournament. Bucherie would take on Switzerland’s Deborah Semararo and won via points. In the other semi-final,  Patrizia Gibelli of Italy (who was a last minute replacement for Lena Ovchinnikova) got an upset points win over WBC World champion Ruth Ashdown. 

Bucherie would defeat Gibelli by points to win the tournament crown.

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News

WCK Muay Thai USA returns to action at the Hollywood Park Casino in Inglewood, CA April 19. Three bouts are set:

• Marie Choi vs. Renee Rosa
• Vanessa Gonzales vs. Emily Griffin
• Janet Todd vs. Ariana Gomez

The fights are expected to air on Fox Sports San Diego.

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Friday Night Fights announced a female Muay Thai fight for their April 4th card in Queens, NY.

New Jersey’s  Prairie Rugelio of the all female “Team Girl Fight” gym will face Toronto’s Janice Lyn.

The match will stream for free on Fridaynightfights.com April 4th.

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GLORY will have a female bout on their Denver card in May. Maureen Riordon will face a yet to be named opponent in a K-1 rules bout. No word on if this will be on the televised portion of the card.

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The newly formed Lethal Ladies Muay Thai promotion in New Zealand will have their first card April 5th with a packed card.

The main event will see Natalia Teller taking on Melody Downs for the WKBF Welterweight title. More matches will be announced in the coming weeks. 

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WPMF world champion pinweight champ Little Tiger will defend her title against Pogeo-Tonyomusu on Thailand March 30th.

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The Biggest annual amateur Muay Thai event in the U.S. is back this summer.

The Thai Boxing Association will hold their annual three day event June 26-29 in  Des Moines, Iowa. The TBA has expanded their women’s amateur tournaments by popular demand, with new weight classes and more divisions.

Early bird registration ends this week for the fee of $63, with the next round of fees at $68.

You can register by going to http://www.tbasanctioning.org.

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Kaitlin Young has announced she will be fighting K-1 in Moscow July 5th for WAKO. Opponent to be announced.

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Miriam Nakamoto is back to full training. No word on when she is fighting next.

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Upcoming fights

Coming off a big win over Tiffany VanSoest, Caley Reece is ready to defend her WMC 57 kg World Muay Thai world title against Thailand’s Chommanee Sor Tehhiran in Australia.

The current XFC flyweight champion, Pearl Gonzalez has come from being one of the top pankration fighters in the USA to being a rising star at 125.

Having moved from Chicago to San Diego, Gonzalez now trains with the San Diego Combat Academy with UFC fighter Liz Carmouche.

We talked to Gonzalez about her successful 2013, training with two coaches, and her upcoming fight with Kelly Warren at XFO March 21.

Listen to the Podcast here

Young defeats Johnston

Miscellaneous News

In pro MMA action from Wednesday, Michelle Young defeated Jennifer Johnston by rear naked choke at Alaska Fight Championships in Anchorage.

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In Tuesday in boxng action, Saemi Hanagata got the 5th round TKO over Satomi Nishimura to win  the vacant OPBF mini-flyweight title in  Tokyo, Japan.

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In boxing in Podstrana, Croatia on Thursday, Manuela Zulj defeated Ana Boras by points.

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Two matches have been announce for Cage Warriors 67 in  Swansea, Wales April 12.

Undefeated bantamweight and teen prodigy Agnieszka Niedźwiedź will look for her 6th straight win as she takes on CWFC debuter Gemma Hewitt. Poland’s Niedźwiedź (5-0) finished her first four opponents before winning a decsion over Kerry Hughes in her CWFC debut. Hewiit (1-0) will make her bantamweight debut, coming off a pro debut win over Chloe Hinchliffe this past November.

The other bout sees two CWFC debuters as England’s Kate Jackson taking on Spain’s Monica Gaitan in a flyweight bout. Jackson (4-2) is looking to rebound from a TKO loss last May. Gaitan (1-0) made her pro MMA debut last October getting a unanimous decision win.

Both matches will be stream April 12, with Niedźwiedź versus Hewitt on MMAJunkie.com and Jackson versus Gaitan on Cage Warrior’s facebook.

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Thursday Sherilyn Lim came in seven pounds overweight for her possible bout with Ann Osman at OneFC on Friday morning. Even though Lim attempted to lose the weight, she was very dehydrated and came in 5 pounds over. The ,match was scrapped.

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Iniong

Yamaguchi

Former Valkyrie champion Mei Yamaguchi will make her much anticipated atomweight debut at  PXC 43 in  Pasig City, Philippines March 29. She will face Philippine fighter Gina Iniong.

Yamaguchi (11-6-1) is celebrating her 7th year in MMA and has faced some of the best strawweights on the planet. She is coming off a split decision loss to Patricia Vidonic in her PXC debut. Yamguchi has notable wins over Emi Fujino and Mika Nagano.

Iniong (2-1) debuted for PXC last November, getting a TKO win.

The match will stream on the PXC website for $15.

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UFC champion Ronda Rousey is looking to split from her current management company according to an article by Sherdog.com.

Rousey has gotten legal representation to get out of her contract with Fight Tribe Management, with her attorney stating that the contract won’t hold up under California law. No word on why Rousey wants to part with the company.

The company only handles her fight career, and doesn’t handle her booming acting career. Fight Tribe has asked for arbitration to come to a resolution over the contract. If the arbitration doesn’t work, they could see themselves in court.

More on this story as it develops.

Lacroix

——

On the podcast Sunday at 1 p.m. pst/4 p.m. est, we will talk to Melanie Lacroix who is coming off a long absence from the sport to face Brooksie Bayard at BAMMA USA March 28th.

You can listen to the podcast here on Sunday.

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Rumors

UFC president Dana White stated during a press scrum this week he is going to meet with Holly Holm this week to possibly get her into the UFC. According to an interview with Holm’s manager on Sherdog.com, he is asking the UFC for a title fight and a six figure contract. We will see how that goes.

——

White also stated The Ultimate Fighter 20 tryouts are still a go, but still on no date announced.

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Ronda Rousey stated she would be open to facing Gina Carano for the UFC title right away because she feels she earned it for all she has done to help the sport. She also stated she would be open to face Carano at a catchweight of 140. We await Cyborg’s response to this.

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We should have an announcement about the upcoming Tuff-n-uff strawweight tournament in the next few days. The four participants have been selected and the winner will get an Invicta contract.

——

Expect at least one more signing to Invicta to be announced next week. RFA is also expended more signings in the next few weeks.

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Expect XFC to make some announcements soon about a possibly ammy card in the U.S.

——–

Scheduled matches

Pennington & Andrade

Pro MMA

Two up and coming bantamweight Jessica Andrade and Raquel Pennington will battle on the UFC 171 televised prelims. Both made weight Friday.

Andrade got her first UFC win over veteran fighter Rosi Sexton, after stumbling in her pro debut against Liz Carmouche. Pennington lost in the semi-finals of “The Ultimate Fighter” season 18 and got her first official UFC win over Roxanne Modafferi.

The match will air on Fox Sports 2 Saturday.

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Faria & Serio Courtesy Wayne Camargo/RedeTV

Also on Saturday, XFC Intentional will feature a strawweight bouts Saturday on their live stream. Kalindra Faria will take on Aline Serio in a rematch of their 2012 encounter. Faria won the first fight by unanimous decision at flyweight. Both fighters made weight Friday.

Faria (12-3-1) is making her strawweight debut and is on an eight fight win streak, finishing her last six. Serio (7-4) has gone 4-1 since her loss to Faria and will also make her strawweight debut.

The match will be the co-main event and will stream for free on XFCMMA.com.

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In other pro action:

• At PLMMA 29 in Poland, Lena Tkhorevska faces Anna Moldavchuk
• In a pair of bouts at Victory Iron Girls in Brazil, Gisele Moreira battles Kessiny Mara and
• Helaine Ribeiro takes on Karine Silva
• Deise Rocha fights Priscila de Souza at Gladiator CF in Curitiba, Parana, Brazil

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McLeod and Wells

Ammy MMA

Flyweight Sarah McLeod is looking for her third straight win as she takes on Rebecca Wells at VictoryFC in Ralston, Nebraska. Both fighter make weight.

McLeod is coming off a year and a half absence from the cage. She won 3 of her last four bouts, with a submission win in her last match over Alexandria Stobbe. Wells has only lost by decision and has a win by submission.

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In other ammy bouts:

• At Gladiators of the Cage in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Jaime Chesney takes on Christina Cherkes
• Katy Collins battles Katherine Farrow at ShoFights in Branson, MO. The fight will stream on GoFightLive.tv for $15.
• In Colorado Springs, CO at NMEF, Selina Valdez-Montoya faces Lauren Metcalf

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Boxing

Undefeated Catherine Phiri is looking for her first world title as she takes on Pia Mazelanik for the vacant WBC Silver bantamweight title in Lusaka, Zambia.

Phiri (7-0) has finished her last two opponents, and won the vacant African Boxing Union female bantamweight title in September last year.

Mazelanik (13-5-1) got a TKO in her last bout, and won four of her last 6.

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On other boxing matches:

• At Hauts-de-Seine, France, Maiva Hamadouche faces. Floarea Lihet
• Mikayla Nebel takes on Christina Fuentes Hamilton Township, New Jersey
• In a pair of bouts in Tucuman, Argentina, Guadalupe Maria Antonia Maldonado dukes it out with Soledad del Valle Frias and Leonela Paola Yudica Andino battles Vanesa Lorena Taborda
• Irma Sanchez faces Yazmin Ortega in Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, Mexico
• In Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico, Joselyn Arroyo Ruiz takes on Leidis Martinez
• Ewa Piatkowska dukes it out with Antonela Begonja in Arlamow, Poland
• In Sopron, Hungary, Alexandra Gorog battles Csilla Nemedi

Andrade vs. Pennington Courtesy UFC

Pro MMA

Jessica Andrade and Raquel Pennington went to war in what was a razor this split decision for Andrade at UFC 171 in Dallas, TX.

Andrade used her striking and takedowns early on to control the fight, but Pennington pushed her aggressive striking in the latter part of the fight, getting a guillotine attempt in before the end of the second round.

After an exciting third round, two of the 3 judges scored the fight for Andrade, who improves to 11-3 overall and 2-1 in the UFC.

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Kalindra Faria increases her win streak to 9 as she defeated Aline Serio by unanimous decision at XFC in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Faria (13-3) made her strawweight debut in the rematch with Serio, getting the upper hand in striking and takedowns in the first two rounds. Serio would rally back in round 3, but a late takedown sealed Faria’s decision win.

—–

In other pro MMA bouts:

• At Gladiator CF in Curitiba, Parana, Brazil, Deise de Souza  defeated Priscila de Souza by unanimous decision
• Lena Tkhorevska submitted Anna Moldavchuk by rear naked choke at 0:38 round 1 at PLMMA 29 in Poland to become atomweight champion
• In two pro fights at Victory Iron Girls 1 in Brazil, Gisele Moreira submitted Kessiny Mara armbar at 2:12 of round 2 and Karine Silva KOed Helaine Ribeiro at 4:03 of round 1. In an amteur bout, Jaqueline Santana submitted Claudia Silva by armbar at 3:57 in round 1

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Wells vs. McLeod Courtesy Chavo photography

Ammy MMA

In ammy MMA action:

• At VFC in Ralston, Nebraska, Sarah McLeod defeated Rebecca Wells by unanimous decision. 
• Jaime Chesney submitted Christina Cherkes by rear naked choke in round 1 at Gladiators of the Cage – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
• In Branson, MO at ShoFights, Katy Collins got the TKO over Katherine Farrow in 55 seconds of round 1
• Kelsey Johnson TKOs Candice Thomas in round 2 at Combat Fights Inc. - Aberdeen, SD

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Boxing

Catherine Phiri gains her first world title getting the third round KO over Pia Mazelanik to win the vacant WBC Silver bantamweight title in Lusaka, Zambia.

Phiri improves to 8-0 and gets her second straight KO. She has put out the challenge to the WBC World champ Susie Ramadan after the fight.

—–

In other boxing action:

• Maureen Shea defeated Nohime Dennisson by unanimous decision in Oxnard, California
• In a pair of bouts in Tucuman, Argentina, Guadalupe Maria Antonia Maldonado defeated Soledad del Valle Frias by unanimous decision and Leonela Paola Yudica Andino defeated Vanesa Lorena Taborda by unanimous decision
• In Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, Mexico, Yazmin Ortega defeated Irma Sanchez by unanimous decision
• Joselyn Arroyo Ruiz got the KO over Leidis Martinez in round 2 in Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico
• In Arlamow, Poland, Ewa Piatkowska KOs Antonela Begonja in round 1
• Csilla Nemedi gets the TKO over Alexandra Gorog in round 1 in Sopron, Hungary

The much anticipated Tuff-n-uff amateur strawweight tournament has announced the four participants in what will be their biggest tournament to date. The semi-finals will start April 11 at the Orleans Casino in Las Vegas and the finals will be June 7th at the Thomas and Mack Center. The winner will receive an InvictaFC contract.

In the semi-finals, Molly Wren-Holms will face Laura Uyeda, while Jianna Denizard battles Jamie Moyle.

Starting her career over a year ago, undefeated Holms (4-0) finished her first 3 opponents in the first round. The California trained fighter recently got a decision win over Alyson Carvalho.

Representing Arkansas, undefeated Uyeda (5-0) is a student under BJJ national champion and BJJ black belt Hillary Williams. She earned a Bronze No-Gi Worlds 2012 Gold Houston Open BJJ 2012. Even though she is best known for her ground game, she got a full athletic scholarship to the New Orleans University at Monroe which makes her one of the most dangerous in the tournament.

Local Vegas prospect Jamie Moyle (3-2) is a part of the Syndicate team which features Ultimate Fighter vet Roxanne Modafferi and XFC vet Heather Clark. Having gone 2-0 o begin her career, Moyle defeated Stephanie Alba at Tuff-n-uff in January.

Texas fighter Denizard (5-2) started his MMA career in 2011, but took a break to return in 2013. She had a busy year last year fighting six times. She finished three of her opponents and is on a two fight win streak.

The April 11 card will stream on Go Fight Live for $10.