Jessica Zomcik Interview

Photo Credits:
Photos 1-5: Shoot It MMA



Jessica Zomcik is considered by many to be the top 145LB amateur in the sport right now. After taking a hiatus from the cage, she has joined Evolve and put together some very impressive wins. She was set to face Jenna Fox at NAAFS Caged Vengeance however Fox has since withdrawn from that fight leaving Zomcik without an opponent. At the time of this interview the fight was still on.





Q: Last fight, you won a decision over Jena Baldwin, how satisfied were you with your performance?
A: Very satisfied, of course there is always things I can do better. She was a super tough cookie and was glad we could put on a performance for the fans, but I'm always looking to improve my game.

Q: It was the best I have ever seen you in terms of striking, is that something you have been working on a lot lately?
A: Yes ! I really only had my boxing coach, Al Zuck, who worked stand-up with me when I lived in Erie, so I always had that sort of boxing style until I moved to Evolve. I feel I've transitioned into more of a Dutch Muay Thai stand up fighter after working countless hours with striking coach Steve Traczyk. I really like how it's rounding out my skills.

Q: You have Jenna Fox coming up, what do you know about her?
A: Tough chick.

Q: She has a real good record and has many fights, but is there something you can bring that perhaps she has not had to deal with yet?
A: Experience in general, we're confident anywhere it goes.

Q: You are both really well-rounded fighters, in a case like that, do you go in trying to take it where you want to take it or just go in knowing you will be comfortable wherever it goes?
A: Comfy, comfy, comfy.

Q: She is strong, how much does constantly training with guys help you in fighting someone like that?
A: When you train with elephants your opponents feel like peanuts. I control grown men 200 pounds plus. I believe I can handle it

Q: You are the most popular amateur female around here combined with several teammates on the card, so crowd will be mostly for you, does that help you at all or do you block the crowd noise out once the fight starts?
A: Mostly block it out but I can still hear my papa in the crowd and my corner.

Q: You are two of the top fighters at your weight, do you see this at all as a fight to determine the top ranked fighter in your class?
A: Right now I'm currently ranked number one in nation at 145 and number one pound for pound in Ohio so there is a huge target on my back for sure. This fight is a pretty big deal in determining who's on top

Q: There is more than one female fight on the card, does that make you happy to see women's MMA getting to the point where there are multiple female fights on cards?
A: Hell ya! It's great seeing the sport grow , each month divisions get deeper and competition gets stronger, I love it.

Q: Is there a key to you winning this fight?
A: Keep calm and have fun.

Q: Do you have a prediction?
A: It will be a good fight.

Q: I ask this every time, so lets stick with tradition, have you given any thought as to when you want to turn pro?
A: Haha ! I knew this was coming, few more fights and then it'll be up to my coaches to determine that.

Q: Anyone you want to thank?
A: Thank you Jason first of all, for following women's MMA so closely and getting us exposure to the public ! Thanks to my biggest supporters- my mom and papa, thanks to Joe Moffa and the Riley Hotel Group, Parrish McIntyre, Intimidation Clothing Company, Shoot It MMA, Dr. Scott Higley, Fat A.Z. Musky Lures, John Cook, Steve Traczyk, Mike Riedel, all of team Evolve and Lauren Traczyk. I can't continue my passion without all of you ! Thank you!

Sparta Combat League "No Retreat No Surrender" Report

Pro/Am card from Sparta Combat League.



1.Amateur Flyweight Kickboxing 2x2x2 Rounds
Vickie Keller (1-0 Vital Training Systems/303 Training Center) vs Laura Perez (0-0 High Altitude)

RD 1: Leg kick by Keller. Leg kick by Perez. They clinch on the cage and trade knees and separate. Jab by Perez. Knee to the body by Perez. Keller lands punches. Front Kick by Perez.

RD 2: Leg kick by Perez. Keller lands punches. They clinch and Perez lands a knee to the body. They separate. Jab and cross by Perez. Two crosses by Keller. Leg kick by Perez. Hook by Perez. Cross by Keller. They trade punches.

RD 3: They trade punches. Leg kick by Keller. They clinch and Perez lands knees to the body. They separate. Cross by Keller. Jab by Perez. They trade leg kicks. Body kick by Perez. They clinch and separate quick. Jab by Keller. Head kick by Perez. Jab by Keller. They trade punches.

Result: Laura Perez by Unanimous Decision

2. Amateur Lightweight Kickboxing 2x2x2 Rounds
Randy Rowland (4-1 Factory X) vs Shawn Kist (0-0 Kist Customs)

RD 1: They trade hard punches. Clinch and knees to the body by Rowland. They separate and Rowland lands punches. Head kick by Rowland. Front kick by Rowland. Hook by Rowland. Rowland hurts him with a superman punch. Rowland drops him with a hook and Kist beats the count. Rowland drops him again with punches and Kist beats the count.

RD 2: They trade punches. Knees to the body by Rowland. Two head kicks by Rowland drops him to end the fight.

Result: Randy Rowland by TKO at 0:28 of Round 2

3. Amateur Flyweight 3x3x3 Rounds
Matt Speers (0-0 USA Pancrase) vs Aaron Nichols (0-0 Team Unseen)

RD 1: They clinch and drop down with Nichols looking for a guillotine. Body shots by Speers. Nichols still trying for the guillotine and then gets mount and lands head shots. Nichols gets his back but Speers escapes. Nichols goes for an arm and they stand clinched on the cage. They drop down with Speers on top in side control. Nichols defends well. Punch to the head by Speers.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Nichols

RD 2: Jab by Speers. Speers catches a kick and takes him down into side control. Body shots by Speers. Knee to the body by Speers. Head shots by Speers. Body shots by Speers. Head shots by Speers. Body shots by Speers. Knees to the body by Speers. Nichols escapes and they stand and clinch on the cage.
I scored RD 2: 10-8 Speers

RD 3: Nichols can not come out for the round.

Result: Matt Speers by TKO at 3:00 of Round 2

4. Amateur Middleweight 3x3x3 Rounds
Carlos Rubio (0-0 The Farm) vs Nolan Taylor (1-0 Team Victory)

RD 1: Hook by Taylor. They clinch on the cage. Knees to the leg by Taylor. They trade knees to the body. Knee to the leg by Taylor. Takedown by Taylor but they are up quick. Jab by Taylor. Leg kick by Rubio. Rubio lands punches and has him backing up. Head kick by Rubio. Taylor catches a kick and takes him down into half guard. Body shots by Taylor. Body shots from the bottom by Rubio. Sweep by Rubio and they stand clinched on the cage. Knee to the leg by Rubio. Knee to the body by Rubio. They separate. Body kick by Taylor.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Taylor

RD 2: They trade punches. Push kick by Taylor. Taylor drops him with a hook but Rubio is right back up. They clinch on the cage. Knee to the leg by Taylor. Knee to the leg by Rubio. Knee to the body by Rubio. Knee to the leg by Taylor and another. The ref warns Taylor for grabbing the fence and separates them. Leg kick by Rubio. Taylor shoots and they clinch and separate quick. They trade jabs. Leg kick by Rubio. Taylor looks tired. Leg kick by Taylor. Jab and cross by Taylor.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Taylor

RD 3: Leg kick by Taylor. Two hooks by Taylor. Taylor drops him with a cross but Rubio is right back up. Leg kick by Taylor. Leg kick by Rubio. Jab by Taylor. Leg kick by Taylor. Cross by Taylor. Jab by Rubio. Leg kick by Taylor. Cross by Taylor. Leg kick by Taylor. They trade hooks. Leg kick by Taylor. They trade hard punches.
I scored RD 3: 10-9 Taylor
My score card: 30-27 Taylor

Result: Nolan Taylor by Unanimous Decision (29-28/29-28/29-28)

5. Amateur Bantamweight 3x3x3 Rounds
Mario Suazo (0-3 L.A. Boxing) vs Chance Chin (1-2 Zingano Muay-Thai and BJJ)

RD 1: Jab by Suazo. They trade punches. They clinch and separate quick. Suazo is warned for grabbing Chin's trunks. Body kick by Suazo. Chin falls throwing a kick and Suazo punches him and then lets him up. Chin lands a kick low stopping action. They resume and Chin lands punches. Takedown by Chin and he lands punches and lets him up. Chin gets a takedown against the cage and lands punches. They stand. Body kick by Chin. Suazo looks tired. Leg kick by Chin.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Chin

RD 2: Cross by Chin. Jab by Suazo. Body kick by Chin. Takedown by Chin into guard. Punch to the head by Chin. Chin lets him up. Body kick by Suazo. Takedown by Suazo and he gets his back and lands head shots. They stand. Superman punch by Chin. Suazo looks really tired now. Uppercut by Chin. Leg kick by Chin. They trade punches.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Chin

RD 3: Body kick by Chin. Jab by Suazo. They clinch on the cage. Takedown by Chin into guard. Suazo tries for an arm but Chin stands and lets him up. Suazo lands punches. Chin shoots and they clinch on the cage. Body shots by Suazo. They separate. Jab and cross by Chin. Chin is warned for holding the fence. Knee to the body by Chin. They separate. Takedown by Suazo into guard. Suazo gets mount and lands a punch to the head.
I scored RD 3: 10-9 Suazo
My score card: 29-28 Chin

Result: Chance Chin by Split Decision (30-27/28-29/29-28)

6. Amateur Bantamweight 3x3x3 Rounds
Dale Shull (0-0 Top Notch) vs Geno Stricklett (0-1) Team Unseen)

RD 1: Takedown by Shull and he gets mount and lands head shots. Shull gets his back and a rear naked for the tap.

Result: Dale Shull by Tapout (Rear Naked Choke) at 0:39 of Round 1

7. Amateur Lightweight 3x3x3 Rounds
Heath Taylor (2-1 Serafim MMA) vs Mike Martinez (2-1 Independent)

RD 1: Takedown by Martinez into guard. Head shots by Martinez. Martinez gets his back and a rear naked for the tap.

Result: Mike Martinez by Tapout (Rear Naked Choke) at 1:34 of Round 1

8. Amateur Flyweight Title 3x3x3 Rounds
Brandon Heredia (5-1 Grizzly MMA) vs Allen Washington (6-4 Team Wildman)

RD 1: Jab by Heredia. Hook by Washington. Jab by Washington. Jab by Washington. Jab by Heredia. Hook by Heredia. Hook by Washington. They trade punches. Hook by Washington. Leg kick by Washington and another. Cross by Heredia. They clinch and separate. Hook by Heredia. Body kick by Washington. Hook to the body by Heredia. They clinch and separate. Jab and cross by Heredia.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Washington

RD 2: Jab by Heredia. Hook by Washington. They clinch on the cage. Head shots by Heredia. They separate. Cross by Heredia. They clinch on the cage. Body shots by Heredia. They separate. Hook by Heredia. Knee to the body by Washington. They trade hard punches. Hook by Heredia. They clinch on the cage. Head shots by Heredia. They separate. Jab and cross by Washington. Takedown by Washington but they are up quick. They clinch on the cage. Head shots by Heredia. Knee to the leg by Washington and another. Body shots by Heredia.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Heredia

RD 3: Jab by Heredia. Leg kick by Washington. Hook by Heredia. They clinch on the cage. Head shots by Heredia. They separate. Jab by Washington. Heredia lands punches on the cage. They clinch on the cage. Head shots by Heredia. They separate. Spin kick by Washington. Takedown by Washington against the cage. Heredia lands shots to the body from the bottom. They stand and drop back down and Washington has his back. They stand clinched on the cage. Knee to the body by Washington. They separate. Hook by Heredia. Takedown by Washington.
I scored RD 3: 10-9 Heredia
My score card: 29-28 Heredia

Result: Allen Washington by Unanimous Decision (30-27/30-27/30-27)

9. Pro Flyweight 5x5x5 Rounds
Sid Bice (0-0 Factory X) vs Aaron Trujillo (0-0 Zingano Muay-Thai and BJJ)

RD 1: Bice drops him with a hook and gets on top in mount. Head shots by Bice. Bice gets his back and then stands and drops down punches. Bice drops into half guard. Body shots by Bice. Bice lets him up. Takedown by Bice into side control. Body shots by Bice. Bice gets his back and then mount. Head shots by Bice. Bice gets his back and flattens him. Head shots by Bice. Trujillo escapes and they stand. Hook by Trujillo. They clinch on the cage. They trade knees to the leg and separate. Takedown by Bice into half guard. Bice gets mount and lands head shots. Hammer fists by Bice. Elbow to the head by Bice. More elbows by Bice. Punches to the head by Bice. Bice goes for an arm but the round ends.
I scored RD 1: 10-8 Bice

RD 2: Body kick by Trujillo. Cross by Bice. Bice shoots and gets a takedown into guard. Punch to the head by Bice. Bice moves to half guard. Body shots by Bice. Bice gets side control. Trujillo escapes and they stand. Leg kick by Trujillo. Takedown by Bice and he gets mount and lands punches to the head till the ref stops it.

Result: Sid Bice by TKO at 3:16 of Round 2

Submission of the Night: Dale Shull

Knockout of the Night: Sid Bice

Fight of the Night: Carlos Rubio vs Nolan Taylor

Gina Begley Interview

Photo Credits:
Photos 1 and 5: CMO Photo
Photos 2-3: Kellye Nicole
Photo 4: Paul Goodman Photo Sutdio



Gina Begley returns to the cage on August 3rd at NAAFS Caged Vengeance 14 when she faces Kaitlin Chookagian. Begley is coming off a big win over Shannon Culpepper and has been constantly improving and becoming one of the amateur fighters everyone is watching. Both fighters bring solid submission games to the cage and this fight could deliver a submission or fight of the night.

Q: I want to go over your last fight. You beat Shannon Culpepper. It seemed as though they thought they were bringing you in hoping to make you a nice name on the local fighters resume, did you feel that way?
A: I did! I felt like I was being brought in as good competition but someone she should be able to beat.

Q: Did it make the win that much more special?
A: It did because I got the feeling that she was the big favorite. It was nice to enter and not be expected to win and get the victory, especially in front of her hometown crowd. It felt nice, like invading a territory and taking a victory. It was a neat experience and one that I enjoyed. I enjoyed being being brought in to face the hometown favorite and taking that victory with me.

Q: As a pro you will fight less and less near home, is that long travel a good learning experience?
A: I have not really fought at home so much. I have had to travel to Northern Kentucky every time previous to Colorado. Even locally, I have a hard time finding fights, they find someone and she drops out last minute or they cant find anyone. I will be used to traveling some distance when it comes to turning pro. This fight coming up is five hours away so I wont have a lot of local support.

Q: You are fighting Kaitlin Chookagian, what do you know about her?
A: I really don't know much, and that is by choice. When they offered her as an opponent I looked her up and saw the basic information and watched one fight. I saw her record is listed as 2-0 with two arm bars and she is rightly proud of the fact that she is a Renzo Gracie Blue Belt. I saw a video of her grappling against a guy in a competition. Since that first time, I checked her record and asked questions, just to make sure I wasn't getting in a situation where someone had more experience than they claimed. After that, I haven't bothered to look up anything about her because I don't want to build up some quality in my head that she may or may not possess. What I learned from the initial offer as an opponent is all I know. It is not gonna make a difference after the fact how I fight or what I intend to do.

Q:It would seem as far as MMA, you are a big step up in competition for her, do you think she sees it that way or is that hard for you to tell?
A: It is really hard for me to tell because I have not done a lot of looking into what she has had to say, if anything. I don't really know. Maybe she thinks I am a step up in MMA but I don't know that she would feel like I am a step up in what she is ready for. She comes from a legit school and probably feels ready or she wouldn't accept the fight.

Q: Both her wins being by arm bar, not knowing if it is something she searches for or they just presented themselves, do you spend extra time working on defending arm bars?
A: I have been working a lot of extra time on my Jiu-Jitsu overall. Not because I am fighting her, but because I am trying to do my testing for 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu. I feel like I am gonna prepared wherever she takes it. If she searches for the arm bar, I am comfortable with that, I search for them to. I compete regularly in Jiu-Jitsu and I think of the last couple times, ten of my wins have come from arm bars. Part of training for arm bars is training to defend them so I will be ready.

Q: With grappling and kickboxing, you have been really active between fights, does that help you getting ready for this fight?
A: I think gets you ready for the aggression that someone comes after you with. You can train with partners you are comfortable with and your coach can tell them to attack you aggressively, but they are not coming at you with the aggressiveness as someone who views you as competition. I try and stay active so I can be used to that adrenaline dump or the aggressiveness that someone comes at me with. It helps to maintain your composure. It will help me be prepared for this fight and other fights.

Q: You are 3-1 and for those of us with eyesight you should be 4-0 and you also host Pro WMMA Now. Whether you know it or not, your name is more high profile than most people with four amateur fights, do you think that will make your more and more appealing as an opponent for someone looking to make a name?
A: Possibly, but like you said, I don't really see it. I'm just training every day and feel fortunate to talk to the professionals I get to on my show. I don't see myself as high profile. If the shoe were on the other foot, I may see it that way but also would see it as "this person has a lot on the line" and would know they are training hard expecting people to come at them hard. I spend a lot of time thinking about, writing about, my whole life revolving around mixed martial arts and I think it gives me and advantage because that is all I do, talk about it, write about it, think about it, watching, train it, even my son trains with me. I think it makes me if anything, a more intimidating opponent in that it is all I have to do. I don't have to work forty hours a week and then train in my spare time.

Q: You get to talk to a lot of people on the show, does talking with them help you with fighting, maybe inspiration?
A: It really does. I get to hear what some of these women at the top are doing in their camps and preparation and how they feel about fighting and their emotion about it. I get an inside scoop on what they do to be successful and I can incorporate that to my routine and have success as well. If you want to be a success, see what they do and try and replicate it. I think it helps me, talking to successful people.

Q: You mentioned never fighting at home, but traveling to another state, does it change how you do that final week of a fight?
A: Possibly, just because I don't get to do my weight-cut at home. It is not as comfortable doing a cut in a motel or out of town sauna. But my preferred method is in the tub, so no matter where I am at, I get to have that luxury. It is a little different, not having your stuff, your surroundings, but it's not bad. When you re cutting, you aren't comfortable anyway, so it doesn't really matter.

Q: NAAFS has had many of their fighters move to Invicta and even Bellator, does that make it appealing to fight for them?
A: I fought for RFA and they are a big promotion. It was questionable where I would fight next, would it be a local promotion? Then to get the offer from NAAFS, which is right there with where I came from, I am not going back to a small promotion, I am going to another big organization. It is cool to get to do that twice in a row because some people never get to do that at all. I am really excited. To fight for RFA and then move laterally to the NAAFS.

Q: Along those lines, you are a big proponent for women in the sport, for lack of a better word, do you find it cool to fight for a female matchmaker?
A: It really is. That is another reason I feel it is a lateral move from RFA to NAAFS because they are big into female fights, have a female matchmaker and embody what it is I try and promote with my show. It feels neat to go into a fight with people who are big supporters and have a female matchmaker. I love it and am super excited. Fighting for NAAFS is an amazing opportunity.

Q: Is there a key to winning this fight?
A: I do not like going to a decision. I have terrible luck with decisions. Even with Jiu-Jitsu, if it comes down to points, it seems like my weakness. My strategy is to finish. Even if I win a decision, it is still split. I don't want a decision, I want to finish fights.

Q; Do you have a prediction?
A: I think it's gonna be a good fight. I think MMA is unpredictable and that's what is wonderful about it. You have people who have trained in arts their whole life, like Jiu-Jitsu and get beat by people not as experienced. You never know when there will be a knock-out or someone makes a mistake. I am excited for it. I wouldn't say she has the best grappling pedigree I have faced because at one time Shannon Culpepper at one time was considered one of the best grapplers in the nation. I think it will be exciting.

Q: Have you given any thought as to how many amateur fights before you go pro?
A: The plan was at least two more before I talked about going pro. We had to consider wins, loses, opponent quality and things. It may be two more, it may be more, it may be less. It depends on what opportunities present themselves and how my fights go.

Q: Anyone you want to thank?
A: You for the opportunity to do this and always being so supportive of my career and helpful. Gary Thomas and Juan Valle of Bluegrass MMA and Pro MMA Now. My coach Scott Elliott for always giving me the confidence I lacked in myself, I really appreciate everything he has done for me. Team AFS, all my training partners, especially Adam Fritz, he has put in countless hours working with me outside of gym time, Jessamyn Duke, Brandon Campbell, Emily Bartee, everyone at AFS Academy. Also, 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu and the Thai Boxing Association of Kentucky. My sponsors Doctor Taverni, Defense Soap, F3 Nutrition, Impact Mouth Guards, Mikes Mix Recovery Drink.

Jenna Fox Interview

Photo Credit:
Photos 1-3: AJH Photography



Fresh of a win in June, Jenna Fox comes to NAAFS Caged Vengeance to take on local favorite Jessica Zomcik in a match-up of two of the top amateur fighters in that weight class. While respectful of her opponent, Fox expects to walk out with a win, a win that would go a long way in showing she is among the best. This has all the makings of a Fight of the Night battle.

Q: Last fight you beat Christina Skinner in June, how important was that win coming off a loss?
A: It was pretty important to me. I just wanted to get back to winning. Losing my title shot in February was hard on me, but I learned a lot from it. I wasn't extremely thrilled with the way my last fight went, but I did enough to win.

Q: This is less than two months later, do you like to be that active?
A: I do, I like to try and fight every other month or so and maybe take a little longer time off in the winter with all the holidays and family stuff. I like to stay as active as possible. One of the big things is keeping my weight in check. It's hard to stay disciplined when I don't have some sort of event coming up.

Q: When you do fight and then fight again so soon, do you try and stay close to fight weight so you aren't always cutting?
A: Definitely! I think my best cut was back in February and two weeks later in March. I don't think my weight has ever been that stable. I didn't have time to screw around.

Q: You are fighting Jessica Zomcik, what do you know about her?
A: I don't know much about her. I tried to look at her videos a little bit. Her stand-up looks decent, I have heard she is really good on the ground. I am excited to fight her, I think she is talented and this will be a good test to see what I am made of.

Q: She has fought like a who's who list of names, when the fight was presented was there any intimidation by that list?
A: No! Looking at her past opponents and wins and losses I was impressed for sure and that made me want it even more. Knowing she has beat some good people and lost to some good people. This will show me where I am at in the big picture.

Q: She has had a lot of fights, but is there something you can bring that maybe she has not dealt with before?
A: I feel like I am a really strong fighter. I know she fought Tamikka Brents who is incredibly strong. She seemed to have trouble the second time, so that could be my edge, that I am stronger than other girls.

Q: She is a local favorite and will have big crowd support, does that affect you at all or can you block that out?
A: I am pretty good at blocking that out. I have never fought this far away from home but I have fought in other fighters town and not had family there and people booing me and being rude to me. I don't expect that in this fight but have had that happen before. Once I get in the cage it is strictly business and whatever happens outside the cage has no effect.

Q: When you are coming in and fighting the hometown favorite, does it make a win more special?
A: A little bit. It is exciting to go somewhere else and show people what you are made of. Especially when people who were cheering for the other person come up and tell you you are good. It is cool to change peoples minds about you.

Q: There are a few female fights on the card, does that make you happy as a female fighter to see multiple female fights on cards?
A: Yeah, that is awesome. The female fights are almost always the most exciting anyway, so the more female fights, the better. Getting to be around other girls who fight who are serious and dedicated, it is cool to meet them.

Q: You are both well-rounded fighters, knowing that, do you go in trying to take it where you want or just know you are confident wherever it goes?
A: I am pretty confident wherever it goes. I know that there are some spots where I am comfortable than others and may try and push it that direction. But anywhere I end up I can get out of that situation or capitalize on it.

Q: You are two of the top two fighters at that weight, do you see it as kind of being for that number one spot?
A: Potentially yeah. I think it will show people where we are at. I feel like this show is bigger than a lot of shows I have fought on and might help get my name out there. Show everyone who I am and hopefully they will be impressed.

Q: NAAFS has had several fighters move on to Bellator and Invicta, does it make it more appealing for you to fight for them?
A: Definitely! I know that no matter what happens, I will give it everything I have and am not easy to make give up. Fighting for NAAFS will put a little spotlight, even if it doesn't go my way, I will show people I deserve to be there.

Q: is there a key to winning this fight?
A: I say my toughness. No matter where she takes it, I am confident I cant get through it. I have done five rounds and been hit harder than I ever imagined I would be.

Q: Do you have a prediction?
A: I predict me with my hand raised for sure.

Q: After this, any idea what you want next or just taking it one at a time?
A: I always take it one at a time. Every fight is a chance to learn. My past couple I learned things I need to work on. I am getting to a higher level and this fight will help me see where I am. My goal is to pro eventually and this will show me how close I am.

Q: Anyone you want to thank?
A: My team and coach Bob Long, they have been pushing me harder than ever and I think it has made an incredible difference in this camp. My sponsors ObarMuscle, Shandi's Music, Diffusion Hair Studio, the Stine Family, Simkin's Trucking, Grit Mouthguards, The Pathe Center for Healing, Phoenix Tattoo, Haase Embroidery and AJH Photography

Rach Wiley Interview

After a defeat in her first fight, Rach Wiley has gone 2-0 including a win this weekend over Elizabeth Espinoza. This win was made extra special for her because of a large amount of trash talking coming from Espinoza after an injury forced Wiley to back out from a kickboxing match with her. Both confident and humble, Wiley hopes more wins will continue to force people to take her serious as a fighter.

Q: You just won a decision over Elizabeth Espinoza. She had been talking a lot of trash, what was her issue with you?
A: Back in March we were supposed to kickbox here in Kansas. I broke my foot and was in a boot and unable to kickbox her. I was nice about it and shot her a message on Facebook and said "I am sorry, here is the deal, they will find you someone else and you will do great." Next thing I know she blocked me on Facebook and copied my message to her and wrote a response to it and posted it as a status. Mutual friends showed it to me. It was a novel about what a horrible person I am and how I make excuses and how I am a fake wannabe fighter and need to go back to being a ring girl. It went to her head and she thought I was scared of her which wasn't the case at all. It just kept going, she wouldn't let it go. In her mind, she convinced herself that I was scared of her and she could use it as a way to pump herself up. The next weekend I was like "fine, screw it, I will fight anyway. I just have a boot, I can take it off." She wouldn't do it. The weekend after I tried to get her on a card in Kansas City and she denied that one to. I finally got a promoter to get her to accept a fight here in Topeka. There was continuous crap talking on her part up till this point. She said the most horrible and hurtful things anybody has ever said about me.

Q: Were you surprised she did take this fight?
A: I think it was because in her mind she was like "why is she trying to fight me now? Maybe she isn't scared of me." But she denied that she thought she was ahead or whatever. In April she fought her first fight in Missouri and I was there. After she won I went up to her and congratulated her on her win and told her that we have problems, that the talking needs to stop and if she wants to fight me to let me know. She shook my hand and apologized and her coach did and he said everything is cool between me and him. She won her fight and I guess that gave her confidence to accept the fight with me. I wasn't surprised and was glad she accepted. I think the win gave her just enough confidence that she could beat me.

Q: Did you take any of the talking personal or did you just take it as her trying to hype herself up?
A: Sometimes I would take it personal. Someone at the gym would say "she wrote something else about you, you wanna see it?" I would read it and it would hurt my feelings. This girl who doesn't even know me is going out of her way to put me down so much. It did hurt my feelings, I want people to like me, that is human nature. It motivate me to train harder. As it kept going on, I started becoming immune to it and it stopped bothering me.

Q: With the fight being outside and hot weather, how much did it change what you might normally do on fight day?
A: Well actually, the day of it was hot at the beginning but a cold front came through with a bunch of storms and it made the temperature perfect. The bad part is that it was sprinkling and raining on and off. The fights got pushed back a bit because they said they wouldn't let us fight if the mat was wet. In the middle of our fight it started sprinkling and the cage floor was getting slippery. Were the sponsor logos were was especially slippery. I had to concentrate a little more on my footing. When she was circling and running away from me I didn't throw as many kicks as I wanted to to in fear of slipping and falling. I didn't really have a game=plan, I don't go in with game-plans, but I held back a little bit.

Q: When the fight started, knowing you were mad, was it hard to keep your cool?
A: I was pretty good at keeping my cool at weigh-ins and at the venue when I arrived for the fight. But twenty minutes before it was time to fight, I was warming up and hitting mitts and started getting so mad and don't know why. Maybe it was seeming so much more real to me. I was shaking and went and breathed and chilled out. When I got in the cage and was staring at her, I felt pretty calm. It wasn't hard to control aggression, but it helped me, I don't remember one time in that fight being tired. I was ready to go the whole time.

Q: It seemed that standing, she wasn't interested in trading and you had to keep chasing, did that get frustrating at all?
A: She kept skipping around in circles and running away. She was running in this circle the whole time and I was turning so I could look at her and started thinking "I need to make her stop, I am getting dizzy." I would punch her in the face and she would stop but when I would back out she would do it again. It didn't make me mad, I was happy because she was bleeding and her eyes were all black and it made me happy.

Q: There was some extra stuff after the fight, can you explain what happened?
A: After the fight, emotions were high because this has been an ongoing thing for months. It was finally over, it went how I envisioned, they raised my hand, I was so happy. I screamed and I looked at her and said "talk shit on me now Elizabeth." She said something and put her arms out, I don't know if to apologize or do that hug people do. I wanted no part of that. I said "don't fucking talk to me, get the fuck away from me, get to your side of the cage." I turned to the ref and said "get her the hell away from me." She started walking towards me and I walked towards her. Next thing I know the guy who checks the gloves and stuff before we go in the cage jumps in and wraps his arms around me and yanking me to the side of the cage. My coach was holding me to. I was totally calm. The head of the Kansas State Athletic Commission jumps in and says "you cant do that, you have to stop or I will suspend you for a year." I said "yes, you're right, I'm sorry." I shook his hand. The thing that upset me the most, there is a guy who works for the commission who came up to me and made me cry. He likes to talk to me. He loves to watch me fight. He said "Rachel I am so proud of you, but what happened, that is not you, you are always respectful, what happened." I explained and he said "I'm still proud of you." It made me emotional, I have tears telling you about it.

Q: With everything that went on, if the first victory was a ten, what was this one?
A: Off the charts, it was crazy. Everything that went on prior, I never fought anyone who said such horrible things and went out of their way to put me down. It was awesome, like an out of body experience. I was about to cry telling you about the commission guy for a second but now I have a huge smile and am so happy. I am so happy, you have no idea. It's like it's real now. The drama is over and she shut her mouth, nothing about me on her Facebook.

Q: From this fight, what is the biggest thing you need to improve?
A: I need to get a little more arm strength. After I hit her she wanted no more of that and tried to snuggle and hug me. Sometimes it was difficult to get out of her death grip of a hug. I think I did great with everything else.

Q: With two wins in a row, do you hope this makes people start taking you more serious?
A: Yeah! And after three and four and five wins in a row people wont have an issue taking me seriously. I feel people have a problem taking me serious and think "how can a Hooters girl fight?" We are supposed to be pretty and be girly and that is just a stereotype. Outside of work I am in a cut-off shirt and shorts and my hair in a bun and never have make-up on. My boyfriends asks me to dress up and that is not me. People will take me serious as I get more wins.

Q: Anyone you want to thank?
A: My Muay-Thai coach Shannon Woodward, my coach for whatever we feel like that day, Wayman Carter, my Judo coach Gary Gucciano, my cornerman and training partner Gabe Moulden and everyone who sparred and kicked my butt and showed me what she said. Also everyone who came out to support me, especially my mom, she was my biggest supporter getting ready, she saw everything and made sure I had money for my gas to go train or stuff I needed to train. Big thanks to my mom.

ShoFight "Summer Smash" Report

1. Amateur Welterweight 3x3x3 Rounds
Kevin Brockman (0-0) vs Sonny Johnson (1-0)

RD 1: Jab by Brockman. Takedown by Johnson and he gets mount. Head shots by Johnson. Johnson gets his back but Brockman rolls and is on top in guard. Johnson holds him close and avoids damage. They stand clinched on the cage. Takedown by Brockman into side control. Head shots by Brockman. Brockman gets his back and lands punches.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Brockman

RD 2: Takedown by Brockman into half guard. Brockman gets his back and a rear naked for the tap.

Result: Kevin Brockman by Tapout (Rear Naked Choke) at 0:38 of Round 2

2. Amateur Lightweight 3x3x3 Rounds
James Cantwell (0-0) vs Robbie Harbach (0-0)

RD 1: They trade jabs and clinch on the cage. Takedown by Harbach into guard and he lands head shots. Cantwell almost stands but can't. Head shots by Harbach. Cantwell goes for an arm but Harbach moves to side control and pushes him against the cage. Cantwell rolls and escapes and they stand. Body kick by Cantwell. Cantwell hurts him with punches. They clinch on the cage. Punch to the body by Harbach.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Harbach

RD 2: They trade punches. Leg kick by Harbach. Jab by Cantwell. Takedown by Harbach into side control. Head shots by Harbach. Harbach gets mount and lands head shots till the ref stops it.

Result: Robbie Harbach by TKO at 0:46 of Round 2


3. Amateur Lightweight 3x3x3 Rounds
Ruben Marin (0-0) vs Shawn Boone (0-2)

RD 1: Leg kick and cross by Marin. Body kick by Marin. Marin is calling him on. The ref warns them to fight. Marin lands punches on the cage. They clinch on the cage. Body shots by Marin. They separate. Boone looks like he doesn't want to fight. The ref again warns them for action. Marin drops him with punches and lets him up. Uppercut by Marin. Marin drops him with punches and again lets him up. Marin drops him again with a cross and hook and lets him up. The ref should have stopped it by now. Marin lands more punches and drops him and the ref finally stops it.

Result: Ruben Marin by KO at 2:24 of Round 1

4. Amateur Welterweight 3x3x3 Rounds
Jason Thompson (1-1) vs Lance Lee (9-11)

RD 1: Leg kick by Lee. They clinch on the cage. Body shots by Lee. Thompson gets a takedown into guard. The ref warns them for action. Head shots by Thompson. They stand clinched on the cage. Knee to the leg by Thompson. Takedown by Thompson and he gets his back and lands head shots. They stand and trade punches.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Thompson

RD 2: They clinch on the cage. Takedown by Thompson into side control. Thompson lands head shots. Thompson gets his back and lands head shots and looks for a rear naked. More head shots by Thompson. Thompson gets mount and lands more punches. Lee rolls and gets on top and lands head shots.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Thompson

RD 3: They clinch on the cage. They drop down with Thompson on top in side control. Head shots by Thompson. Thompson gets his back and the rear naked for the tap.

Result: Jason Thompson by Tapout (Rear Naked Choke) at 1:48 of Round 3

5. Amateur Featherweight 3x3x3 Rounds
Jenry Ferrara (1-1) vs Jesse Moore (2-0)

RD 1: Leg kick by Ferrara. Takedown by Ferrara and he gets mount. Nice sweep by Moore to get on top in guard. They scramble and Ferrara gets a gogoplata for the tap.

Result: Jenry Ferrara by Tapout (Gogoplata) at 1:37 of Round 1

6. Amateur Middleweight 3x3x3 Rounds
Arvin Brad (7-5) vs Max Humphrey (2-0)

RD 1: They trade punches. They clinch and move to the cage. Takedown by Brad but Humphrey gets on top and then gets his back and a rear naked for the tap.

Result: Max Humphrey by Tapout (Rear Naked Choke) at 0:38 of Round 1

7. Amateur Featherweight 3x3x3 Rounds
Dustin Stewart (2-5) vs R.J. Crouch (0-0)

RD 1: They clinch and trade punches and move to the cage. Takedown by Stewart into guard bu Crouch gets a guillotine and the tap.

Result: R.J. Crouch by Tapout (Guillotine) at 0:35 of Round 1

8. Amateur Flyweight 3x3x3 Rounds
Myles Malone (1-3) vs Danny Patton (2-0)

RD 1: Leg kick by Malone. Malone drops him with a head kick and gets on top in half guard. Malone tries to get mount bu can't. He tries again and gets it and lands head shots. Patton tries for a leg but can't get it. Body shots by Malone. Head shots by Malone. Malone stands and drops down punches. Patton goes for a heel hook and Malone drops into guard. Body shots by Malone.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Malone

RD 2: They clinch on the cage. Knee to the leg by Patton. They separate. Malone lands a kick low stopping action. They resume and trade punches. Hook by Malone. Takedown by Malone and he gets mount and lands head shots.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Malone

RD 3: Takedown by Malone into half guard. Body shots by Malone. The ref stands them. They clinch on the cage. Takedown by Malone and he lets him up. Malone drops him with a head kick and gets on top landing punches till the ref stops it.

Result: Myles Malone by TKO at 1:39 of Round 3

9. Amateur Bantamweight 3x3x3 Rounds
Cody Matthews (3-0) vs Dylan Wilson (3-0)

RD 1: Matthews catches a kick and takes him down into side control. Wilson goes for an arm bar but Matthews escapes and is in guard. Matthews moves to side control. Wilson tries for an arm again and then stand. Slam by Matthews into guard. Wilson avoids damage well. Punch to the head from the bottom by Wilson. Matthews gets mount and lands head shots.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Matthews

RD 2: Takedown by Matthews into guard. Punch to the head by Matthews. Matthews moves to side control and then mount. Wilson escapes and they stand. Slam by Matthews into side control. Matthews stands and drops back down into guard.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Matthews

RD 3: Cross by Wilson. Takedown by Matthews into guard. Wilson holds him close. Head shots from the bottom by Wilson. Matthews moves to mount but Wilson gets half guard. Matthews gets mount but Wilson escapes and they stand clinched on the cage. They trade knees to the leg. Slam by Matthews.
I scored RD 3: 10-9 Matthews
My score card: 30-27 Matthews

Result: Dylan Wilson by Split Decision (scores not read)

10. Amateur Bantamweight 3x3x3 Rounds
Kahlip Skaggs (2-1) vs Seth Mitchell (1-1)

RD 1: Takedown by Mitchell and he pushes him against the cage. Skaggs gets on top and stands and drops down punches and then drops into guard. Skaggs lets him up. Slam by Mitchell into side control. They stand clinched on the cage. Slam by Mitchell into side control. Knee to the body by Mitchell. Mitchell gets his back and lands head shots.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Mitchell

RD 2: Cross by Mitchell. They clinch on the cage. Takedown by Mitchell into side control. Mitchell gets his back and lands head shots and gets a rear naked for the tap.

Result: Seth Mitchell by Tapout (Rear Naked Choke) at 0:41 of Round 2

11. Amateur Flyweight 3x3x3 Rounds
Stacey Miller (0-0) vs Katy Collins (5-3)

RD 1: They clinch on the cage. Knees to the leg by Collins. Takedown by Collins into half guard. Head shots by Collins. They stand clinched on the cage. Punch to the head by Miller. Knee to the leg by Miller. Knee to the leg by Collins. Miller tries for a guillotine.Knee to the leg by Miller and another. Knees to the leg by Collins.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Collins

RD 2: Takedown by Collins and she gets mount and lands head shots till the ref stops it.

Result: Katy Collins by TKO at 0:47 of Round 2

12. Amateur Welterweight 3x3x3 Rounds
Will Lavine (4-1) vs Marco Hutch (5-1)

RD 1: Takedown by Hutch and he lands head shots. Hutch gets his back and looks for a rear naked. Head shots by Hutch. Hutch gets mount and lands head shots. Hutch gets his back and a rear naked for the tap.

Result: Marco Hutch by Tapout (Rear Naked Choke) at 1:09 of Round 1

13. Amateur Super Heavyweight Title 3x3x3x3x3 Rounds
Josh Fairies (8-10-1) vs Shawn Bales (4-3)

RD 1: They clinch on the cage. Takedown by Fairies and he gets his back. They stand clinched on the cage. Fairies works hard and gets a takedown and gets his back and lands head shots till Bales taps.

Result: Josh Fairies by Tapout (Strikes) at 1:27 of Round 1

14. Amateur Featherweight Title 3x3x3x3x3 Rounds
Maegen Goodwin (3-0) vs Courtney Stowe (7-3)

RD 1: Push kick by Goodwin and another. They trade punches. Cross by Goodwin. Push kick by Goodwin but right at the knee which is illegal. Leg kick by Stowe. Jab by Stowe. Cross by Goodwin. They clinch on the cage. Punch to the head by Goodwin. Knee to the body by Goodwin. They separate. Cross by Goodwin. Leg kick by Stowe. Hook by Goodwin.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Goodwin

RD 2: Leg kick by Stowe. Jab by Stowe. Leg kick by Stowe and another. They clinch on the cage. Punch to the head by Goodwin. They separate. Leg kick by Stowe. They trade hard punches. They clinch on the cage. Knee to the leg by Goodwin. Punch to the head by Goodwin. Knee to the leg by Goodwin. Body shots by Goodwin.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Goodwin

RD 3: Cross by Goodwin and another. Push kick by Goodwin, again aimed at the knee which is illegal. Two leg kicks by Stowe. Good win lands punches on the cage. Goodwin looks tired. Leg kick by Goodwin. Leg kick by Stowe. Push kick by Goodwin, again aimed at the knee and Stowe is upset about it. Cross and jab by Goodwin. Goodwin lands punches on the cage. They clinch on the cage. Knee to the leg by Goodwin. Takedown by Goodwin and she gets her back and lands head shots.
I scored RD 3: 10-9 Goodwin

RD 4: Leg kick by Goodwin. Body kick by Goodwin. Hook and cross by Goodwin. Goodwin lands the front kick to the knee and is finally deducted a point. Leg kick by Stowe. Leg kick by Goodwin. Goodwin is deducted another point for another front kick to the knee. Stowe accidentally pokes her in the eye as the round ends but the ref misses it.
I scored RD 4: 9-8 Stowe

RD 5: Leg kick by Goodwin. Body kick by Stowe. Goodwin lands punches. They clinch on the cage. Knees to the leg by Stowe. Knees to the body by Stowe. They trade punches. Knee to the leg by Stowe.
I scored RD 5: 10-9 Stowe
My score card: 47-46 Goodwin

Result: Maegen Goodwin by Unanimous Decision (Scores not read)

15. Amateur Interim Lightweight Title 3x3x3x3x3 Rounds
Brian Fahnestock (7-2) vs Mike Breeden (7-3)

RD 1: Takedown by Breeden and he lets him up. They trade punches. They clinch and move to the cage. Breeden gets a guillotine and gets the tap.

Result: Mike Breeden by Tapout (Guillotine) at 0:52 of Round 1

Submission of the Night: Jenry Ferrara
Knockout of the Night: Ruben Marin

Fight of the Night: Maegen Goodwin vs Courtney Stowe

Invicta FC 6 Play by Play

Photo courtesy of Invicta FC


July 13th Invicta Fighting Championships put on their sixth installment and it may have surpassed all the previous events. In the evenings main event Cris Cyborg one a one sided fight to become the inaugural featherweight champion against Marloes Coenen. Several fights could have contended for fight of the night including the much anticipated Tecia Torres vs Rose Namajunas fight as well as Leslie Smith vs Jennifer Maia and Lauren Taylor vs Sara D'Alelio. This play by play will not have the Bec Hyatt vs Mizuki Inoue fight as my cable system was one of those who lost the feed for the event and I missed this fight while switching to the on-line feed.

1. Strawweight 5x5x5 Rounds
Kathina Catron (3-2) vs Livia Von Plettenberg (1-1)

RD 1: They trade punches. Cross by Von Plettenberg. They clinch and trade punches before separating. They clinch again and Von Plettenberg gets a takedown into half guard. Catron holds her close. Von Plettenberg almost gets mount but Catron keeps half guard. Head shots by Von Plettenberg. Catron goes for an arm bar and Von Plettenberg gets her back. Catron reverses and is on top in guard. Catron pushes her to the cage and they stand still clinched on the cage. Knees to the body by Von Plettenberg. They separate. They clinch in the center and separate. Again the clinch in the center. Knee to the body by Von Plettenberg. They separate. Catron catches a kick and takes her down into guard. Von Plettenberg goes for an arm as the round ends.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Von Plettenberg

RD 2: Takedown by Von Plettenberg but Catron gets on top in guard. Catron lets her up. They trade hard shots. Von Plettenberg ducks a superman punch and gets a takedown into half guard. Von Plettenberg gets her back and looks for a rear naked but Catron defends well. Body shots by Von Plettenberg. They trade head shots. Head shots by Von Plettenberg. Catron reverses and is on top and then they stand still clinched on the cage. They separate. Von Plettenberg ducks a punch and takes her down into guard. Head shots by Von Plettenberg.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Von Plettenberg

RD 3: They trade jabs. They clinch and move to the cage. Body shots by Von Plettenberg. Knee to the leg by Von Plettenberg. More knees to the leg by Von Plettenberg. Knee to the body by Von Plettenberg. They separate. Jab and cross by Catron. They clinch on the cage with Von Plettenberg looking for a takedown. They separate. Hard cross by Catron. Von Plettenberg catches a kick and they clinch but separate quick. They trade hard crosses. They clinch and move to the cage. Knees to the body by Catron. Knee to the body by Von Plettenberg. Takedown by Von Plettenberg into half guard. Hammer fists by Von Plettenberg. Catron gets full guard. Von Plettenberg moves to side control. Catron gets half guard and then full guard. Body shots by Von Plettenberg.
I scored RD 3: 10-9 Von Plettenberg
My score card: 30-27 Von Plettenberg

Result: Livia Von Plettenberg by Unanimous Decision (30-27/29-28/29-28)

2. Strawweight 5x5x5 Rounds
Ashley Cummins (3-1) vs Emily Kagen (2-1)

RD 1: They trade punches. Hard cross by Cummins. Cummins lands more punches. Cross by Kagen. They clinch on the cage. Knee to the leg by Cummins. They trade knees to the leg. They separate. Hard cross by Cummins. They clinch on the cage and trade knees to the leg before separating. They trade punches. They clinch on the cage. Knee to the leg by Cummins. They separate as the round ends.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Cummins

RD 2: They clinch and separate quick. Cross by Cummins. Leg kick by Kagen. Jab by Cummins. Hook by Cummins. Cross by Kagen. Push kick by Kagen. Body kick by Kagen. Kagen drops her with a cross but Cummins gets right up. Cummins hurts her with punches and they clinch on the cage. Knees to the leg by Cummins. Knee to the body by Kagen. Takedown by Cummins but they are up quick and Cummins takes her back standing. Knees to the body by Cummins. Head shots by Cummins. Kagen escapes and is on top and lands head shots.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Cummins

RD 3: They clinch on the cage. Elbows to the head by Kagen. Punch to the head by Cummins. Short head shots by Kagen. They separate. Hook by Cummins. Leg kick by Kagen. Jab by Kagen. Two leg kicks by Kagen. They trade jabs. Body kick by Cummins. Cummins lands punches. They trade punches. They clinch on the cage and separate quick. Leg kick by Cummins. Jab by Kagen. They clinch and move to the cage. Knee to the body by Cummins. They trade knees to the leg.
I scored RD 3: 10-9 Cummins
My score card: 30-27 Cummins

Result: Emily Kagen by Split Decision (30-27/28-29/30-27)

3. Strawweight 5x5x5 Rounds
Rose Namajunas (2-0) vs Tecia Torres (2-0)

RD 1: Body kick by Torres and another. Leg kick by Torres. They trade hard punches. They clinch and takedown by Torres. Torres lands hard head shots and stands and drops down punches. Torres lets her up. Cross by Namajunas. Jab by Namajunas. Cross and leg kick by Torres. Leg kick by Torres. They trade punches. Leg kick by Namajunas. Cross by Namajunas. Hard hook by Namajunas. Body kick by Torres. They trade punches. Leg kick by Namajunas. Body kick by Torres. They trade leg kicks. They trade hard shots. Namajunas goes for a flying arm bar but Torres escapes and lands punches. Namajunas goes for an arm bar but Torres escapes and lands head shots. Torres stands and Namajunas is warned for holding Torres's glove. Torres lands punches on the cage.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Torres

RD 2: Hard cross by Namajunas. Leg kick by Torres. Jab and body kick by Namajunas. Leg kick by Namajunas. Cross by Namajunas. Leg kick by Torres. Torres drops her with a push kick but she is right back up. They trade punches. Leg kick by Namajunas. Cross by Namajunas. Torres lands hard punches on the cage. They trade punches. Body kick by Torres. Hook by Namajunas. Torres catches a kick and takes her down landing punches. Torres lets her up. Torres lands punches on the cage. Leg kick by Torres. Cross by Torres. Push kick by Torres. Torres drops her with a leg kick.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Torres

RD 3: Leg kick by Torres. They trade hooks. Body kick by Torres. They clinch and Namajunas gets a takedown into half guard. Punch to the head by Namajunas. Namajunas stands and drops back down into half guard. Head shots from the bottom by Torres. Torres gets full guard. They trade head shots on the ground. Namajunas stands and Torres lands an up kick and Namajunas drops into guard. They trade head shots. Torres goes for an arm but can't get it. They stand and drop back down with Namajunas on top.
I scored RD 3: 10-9 Namajunas
My score card: 29-28 Torres

Result: Tecia Torres by Unanimous Decision (30-27/29-28/29-28)

4. Bantamweight 5x5x5 Rounds
Miriam Nakamoto (1-0-0-1) vs Duda Yankovich (1-1)

RD 1: Jab to the body by Yankovich. They clinch on the cage. Body shots by Yankovich. Knee to the body by Nakamoto. Elbows to the head by Nakamoto. Knee to the body by Nakamoto. Nakamoto drops her with a knee to the head by Yankovich goes for a heel hook. Nakamoto escapes and lands punches. Nakamoto lets her up and lands punches. Nakamoto drops her with a knee to the head and lands punches till the ref stops it.

Result: Miriam Nakamoto by TKO at 2:08 of Round 1

5. Strawweight 5x5x5 Rounds
Bec Hyatt (5-2) vs Mizuki Inoue (5-1)

The feed stopped during this fight and I could not provide play by play.

Result: Mizuki Inoue by Unanimous Decision (29-28/29-28/29-28)

6. Strawweight 5x5x5 Rounds
Joanne Calderwood (6-0) vs Norma Rueda Center (2-0)

RD 1: They trade punches. Calderwood lands punches. They clinch on the cage. Calderwood lands knees to the body. Head shots by Calderwood. They separate. Calderwood lands punches.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Calderwood

RD 2: They trade punches. Jab by Calderwood. They clinch on the cage. Knees to the leg by Center. Knee to the leg by Calderwood. They separate. Leg kick by Calderwood. They clinch on the cage. Knees to the leg by Calderwood. They separate. Hook by Center. Center shoots in but can't get the takedown. Hook by Center. Leg kick by Calderwood and another.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Calderwood

RD 3: Two leg kicks by Calderwood. Center gets a takedown and pushes her to the cage. They stand still clinched. Knee to the body by Calderwood. Elbows to the head by Calderwood. Takedown by Center into guard. Calderwood goes for an arm. Head shots by Center. Calderwood still trying for the arm. Body shots by Calderwood. The ref stands them. They trade punches.
I scored RD 3: 10-9 Center
My score card: 29-28 Calderwood

Result: Joanne Calderwood by Unanimous Decision (30-27/29-28/29-28)

7. Atomweight 5x5x5 Rounds
Jessica Penne (10-2) vs Nicdali Rivera-Calanoc (8-6)

RD 1: Cross by Calanoc and another. Leg kick by Calanoc. They trade punches. Cross by Penne. Cross by Calanoc. Uppercut by Penne. Jab by Calanoc. They trade crosses. Jab to the body by Penne. Takedown by Penne into half guard. Penne stands and drops back into half guard. Penne gets mount and looks for a guillotine. Calanoc escapes. Head shots by Penne. Penne gets her back and gets a rear naked for the tap.

Result: Jessica Penne by Tapout (Rear Naked Choke) at 4:57 of Round 1

8. Flyweight 5x5x5 Rounds
Leslie Smith (5-3-1) vs Jennifer Maia (7-2-1)

RD 1: Leg kick by Maia. Cross by Smith and another. Jab by Smith. They trade punches. Hook by Smith. Takedown by Smith into half guard. Maia gets full guard. Maia pushes her off and they stand and Maia takes her down. They stand clinched on the cage and then separate. Jab by Smith. Cross by Smith. Jab by Maia. Cross by Maia. Jab by Smith. They trade punches. They clinch on the cage. Knee to the body by Maia. They separate. Jab by Smith. Cross by Maia. They clinch and separate quick. Hook by Maia. Head kick by Maia. Head kick by Smith. They trade punches.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Smith

RD 2: They trade hard punches. They clinch on the cage and drop down with Maia on top in half guard. Smith goes for a heel hook but can't get it. Smith gets on top in half guard. Maia gets full guard. Head shots by Smith. Smith stands and lets her up. Body kick by Smith. Cross by Maia. They trade punches. Head kick by Smith. Jab and cross by Maia. Uppercut by Maia. Jab by Smith. Cross by Maia. They trade jabs. Smith lands hard punches. Takedown by Maia into guard. Smith tries for an arm as the round ends.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Smith

RD 3: Jab by Smith. Maia gets poked in the eye stopping action. They resume and trade punches. Smith lands hard shots on the cage. Maia catches a kick and takes her down into guard. Punch to the body by Maia. Maia tries for a D'arce choke but Smith escapes and is on top in half guard. Body shots by Smith. Smith gets mount and lands head shots. Smith gets her back but Maia gets half guard. More head shots by Smith.
I scored RD 3: 10-9 Smith
My score card: 30-27 Smith

Result: Leslie Smith by Unanimous Decision (30-27/30-27/29-28)

9.Bantamweight 5x5x5 Rounds
Sarah D'Alelio (7-3) vs Lauren Taylor (6-0)

RD 1: Leg kick by D'Alelio. Taylor catches a kick and lands a punch. They clinch on the cage. Knee to the leg by D'Alelio. Takedown by Taylor but they are up quick. They drop down and D'Alelio gets her back. D'Alelio tries for an arm. Nice escape by Taylor and they stand clinched on the cage. Taylor is working hard for a takedown. Taylor gets the takedown into half guard. D'Alelio tries for an arm but can't get it.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 D'Alelio

RD 2: They trade jabs. Uppercut and cross by D'Alelio. Taylor catches a kick and lands punches. Taylor lands a knee low stopping action. They resume and Taylor lands a jab. Uppercut by D'Alelio. Taylor lands punches. Cross by Taylor. Jab by Taylor. Hard uppercut by D'Alelio. Leg kick by D'Alelio. Taylor catches a kick and they clinch on the cage. Takedown by Taylor but D'Alelio is right back up. Takedown by Taylor into half guard but they are up quick clinched on the cage. Punch to the head by Taylor. They separate. Jab by Taylor. Cross by Taylor. Jab and cross by Taylor. Jab by Taylor.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Taylor

RD 3: They trade punches. Cross by Taylor. Jab by Taylor. Hook by D'Alelio. They trade jabs. Uppercut by D'Alelio. They trade punches. Cross by Taylor. They trade jabs. Cross by D'Alelio. Hook by D'Alelio. Jab by Taylor. Hook by D'Alelio. Cross by Taylor. Hard cross by Taylor. Jab by Taylor. Leg kick by D'Alelio. Cross by D'Alelio. Jab and cross by Taylor. Uppercut by D'Alelio. They trade punches. Taylor catches a kick and lands a punch. Cross by Taylor. Jab by D'Alelio. They trade punches.
I scored RD 3: 10-9 Taylor
My score card: 29-28 Taylor

Result: Lauren Taylor by Unanimous Decision (30-27/29-28/29-28)

10. Strawweight 5x5x5 Rounds
Ayaka Hamasaki (9-0) vs Claudia Gadelha (10-0)

RD 1: Hamasaki shoots in and they clinch on the cage. Knee to the leg by Gadelha. Takedown by Gadelha into half guard. Punch to the body by Gadelha. Body shots by Gadelha. Hamasaki is defending well. More body shots by Gadelha. Gadelha stands and lands a knee to the head of a downed opponent as the round ends and is deducted a point.
I scored RD 1: 9-9

RD 2: Cross by Hamasaki. Takedown by Gadelha into side control. Elbow to the head by Gadelha. Body shots by Gadelha. More body shots by Gadelha. Hamasaki almost escapes but can't. Hamasaki gets half guard. Body shots by Gadelha. Gadelha gets mount and lands head shots. Gadelha tries for an arm triangle but the round ends.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Gadelha

RD 3: Takedown by Gadelha and she gets her back. Hamasaki rolls and gets on top in guard. Punch to the head by Hamasaki and another. Hamasaki moves to half guard. Hamasaki goes for an arm but Gadelha gets on top and then gets her back. Gadelha gets mount. Body shots by Gadelha. Gadelha lands head shots till the ref stops it.

Result: Claudia Gadelha by TKO at 3:58 of Round 3

11. Featherweight Championship 5x5x5x5x5 Rounds
Cris Cyborg (11-1) vs Marloes Coenen (21-5)

RD 1: Leg kick by Coenen. They trade punches. They clinch on the cage. Elbow to the head by Coenen. They separate. Jab and cross by Cyborg. Hook by Cyborg. They clinch on the cage. Knee to the leg by Cyborg. Takedown by Cyborg into half guard. Punch to the head by Cyborg. Cyborg stands and drops down punches. Cyborg lets her up. Leg kick by Coenen. Cyborg drops her with a cross and gets in side control. Cyborg stands and drops down a hard punch and lets her up. Jab by Coenen. They clinch on the cage and separate quick and trade punches. Takedown by Cyborg into side control. Head shots by Cyborg.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Cyborg

RD 2: Leg kick by Coenen. Coenen gets a takedown but Cyborg lands on top in side control. Knee to the body by Cyborg. Cyborg Stands and lets her up. They clinch and move to the cage. Takedown by Cyborg into side control. Elbow to the head from the bottom by Coenen. Cyborg stands and lets her up. Hook by Coenen. Coenen shoots in but Cyborg lands on top in side control and lands head shots. Cyborg stands and lets her up and takes her back down into guard. Cyborg lets her up. Cross by Coenen. Takedown by Cyborg into guard.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Cyborg.

RD 3: Jab by Cyborg. They clinch and a takedown by Cyborg but she lets her up. They clinch and move to the cage. Knee to the body by Cyborg. Takedown by Cyborg and she lets her up. Hook by Cyborg. They clinch on the cage and Cyborg gets a takedown into half guard. Head shots by Cyborg. They stand. They clinch on the cage. Knee to the leg by Cyborg. They separate. Cyborg lands hard punches on the cage. They clinch on the cage and trade knees to the leg. Punch to the head by Cyborg. Knees to the body by Cyborg. They separate. Cross by Coenen.
I scored RD 3: 10-8 Cyborg

RD 4: Coenen catches a kick and they clinch on the cage. Knees to the body by Cyborg. Uppercut by Coenen. Knees to the leg by Coenen. Takedown by Cyborg into half guard. Coenen lands an up kick as Cyborg is on her knees and the ref stops it to warn her. They resume and Cyborg lands a leg kick. Cross by Cyborg. Cyborg drops her with a cross and gets on top landing head shots. Cyborg gets mount and lands head shots. Body shots by Cyborg. Cyborg pushes her to the cage and lands head shots. Elbows to the head by Cyborg. Cyborg lands more punches to the head and the ref stops it.

Result: Cris Cyborg by TKO at 4:02 of Round 4

Invicta Predictions Results

Photo courtesy of Invicta FC



Here are the final results of the fan voting for Invicta predictions. Keep in mind the India Gomes vs Charmaine Tweet fight is not listed. Tweet is a late replacement for Julia Budd and I did not make a new poll for that fight. Percentages do not add up to exactly 100 percent in each case because they are rounded up or down.

1. Cassie Robb vs Livia Von Plettenberg
Robb: 4% for KO/14% for submission/21% for decision/ 39 % total
Von Plettenberg: 20% for KO/12% for submission/29% for decision/ 61% total

2. Mollie Estes vs Veronica Rothenhausler
Estes: 1% for KO/7% for submission/7% for decision/ 15% total
Rothenshausler: 63% for KO/6% for submission/15% for decision/ 84% total

3. Ashley Cummins vs Emily Kagan
Cummins: 20% for KO/20% for submission/34% for decision/ 74% total
Kagan: 3% for KO/9% for submission/14% for decision/ 26% total

4.Rose Namajunas vs Tecia Torres
Namajunas: 4% for KO/36% for submission/9% for decision/ 49% total
Torres: 12% for KO/5% for submission/31% for decision/ 48% total
3% voted for a draw

5. Miriam Nakamoto vs Duda Yankovich
Nakamoto: 53% for KO/14% for submission/14% for decision/ 81% total
Yankovich: 4% for KO/4% for submission/11% for decision/ 19% total

6. Joanne Calderwood vs Norma Center
Calderwood: 91% for KO/0% for submission/1% for decision/ 92% total
Center: 0% for KO/4% for submission/4% for decision/ 8% total

7. Bec Hyatt vs Mizuki Inoue
Hyatt: 22% for KO/13% for submission/20% for decision/ 55% total
Inoue: 4% for KO/28% for submission/13% for decision/ 45% total

8. Jessica Penne vs Nicdali Rivera-Calanoc
Penne: 25% for KO/44% for submission/23% for decision/ 92% total
Rivera-Calanoc: 4% for KO/3% for submission/1% for decision/ 8% total

9. Leslie Smith vs Jennifer Maia
Smith: 29% for KO/5% for submission/27% for decision/ 61% total
Maia: 7% for KO/13% for submission/16% for decision/ 36% total
3% voted for a draw

10. Sara D'Alelio vs Lauren Taylor
D'Alelio: 13% for KO/25% for submission/13% for decision/ 51% total
Taylor: 19% for KO/8% for submission/21% for decision/ 48% total
1% voted for a draw

11. Ayaka Hamasaki vs Claudia Gadelha
Hamasaki: 6% for KO/29% for submission/21% for decision/ 56% total
Gadelha: 7% for KO/24% for submission/13% for decision/ 44% total

12. Marloes Coenen vs Cris Cyborg
Coenen: 7% for KO/6% for submission/8% for decision/ 21% total
Cyborg: 73% for KO/2% for submission/1% for decision/ 76% total

13. Fight of the Night
Namajunas vs Torres- 52%
Coenen vs Cyborg- 15%
Smith vs Maia- 9%
Hyatt vs Inoue- 4%
Robb vs Von Plettenberg- 4%
Nakamoto vs Yankovich- 4%
Penne vs Rivera-Calanoc- 4%
Hamasaki vs Gadelha- 3%
D'Alelio vs Taylor- 1%

Summer Bradshaw Interview

Photo Credits:
Photos 2-3: FightFan.net



Summer Bradshaw has quickly risen the ranks and after just a few amateur fights is already in everyone's top five in her weight class. After a decision in her first fight, Summer has stopped her last three opponents. When she turns pro, Summer is definitely someone to keep an eye on to make an impact in the division.

Q: Can you talk about how you got started training for the sport?
A: My history was Tae-Kwon-Do and I had competed in tournaments and that is when I really discovered a passion for competing. I had a series of traumatic events that kind of catapulted me into the MMA world. I needed to switch it up as far as training went. I went to a couple gyms around town and found a gym where I thought I could fight in three months. My goal was to fight in three months. After trying to throw Tae-Kwon-Do into what all these guys knew, I was getting choked out it seemed like every three seconds. After that, I realized that there was no way, there is too much to this, I need to train as long as I needed to and trust the people there to tell me when I was ready. That was a little over three years ago. That had to break down all my habits from Tae-Kwon-Do and retrain me, so it has been a long process, a long road to get where I am now.

Q: So the plan all along was to fight?
A: Yeah! I wouldn't have said I wanted to cage fighting right away, I love Tae-Kwon-Do. I kinda fell into it. Drew Lawrence at Pariah MMA really gave me the time and attention and it turned out I was pretty good at what I wanted to do. They hovered over me and kept a close eye on me.

Q: Did any family or friends have a problem with their daughter or friend getting in a cage and fighting?
A: As far as my family, my dad was the best support I had. The rest of my family was not so supportive, they didn't think I should be in there. My mom was worried about me getting hurt, my sister said I was too pretty to fight, I had a lot of comments. With my daughter, from my history, I would be supportive on what she chooses to do but I would make sure she is safe and has proper training before she gets in the cage. All my family has come around because of the improvements and how good at has been for me physically and emotionally. I think there is a huge positive to fighting and what it can do for somebody.

Q: Recently you had two fights a month apart, you beat Cynthia Vargas in April and Brandy Cobos in May, was it hard to peak for a fight and then turn around and do it again so quick?
A: With the weight fluctuations, yes, because I have always had that time where I can rest for a minute. I wasn't quite ready, I hadn't trained my body to do those that close together. I put myself through a weight fluctuation where I should have been more disciplined in. Mentally, you have to be ready for that. It was a rocky road on the second one but it was a learning experience. I needed to go through that with me coming to a pro venture eventually. If I had my choice, I would space it out more, but if that is the way it falls, I know I can do it. Next time, I would be completely disciplined on the weight area.

Q: Is there one of your wins that stands out to you or you are most proud of?
A: I think everything is just a learning experience. My first one, because of everyone hyping up who I was fighting and saying she was number one in Colorado for my weight. That one, I listened to much to the hype and got too nervous and didn't perform that well. It took awhile to warm up and in the third round I got to it. I have huge respect for her. My second opponent took it on last minute, I under-estimated her. She was a lot stronger than I realized. The third one, she was brand new and very disrespectful. The fourth one was more solid. Me working through not having everyone there that I usually have, was probably for me the best learning experience. I had a fever and was sick before I walked into the cage. I had to dig deep on that one. So I would say the last one. I learned more about myself, she was a tough opponent, she could take a punch. That is probably the most memorable for me.

Q: Everyone pretty much has you top five in your weight class, did you expect that kind of recognition so quick?
A: I did not, no. I was just talking to my sister about this. I had no idea I was gonna catapult so quickly on the rankings list. I had a lot of people come in when we were training and I got some attention that people saw that in me. They were good about uplifting me and congratulating me and they wanted to meet me and know more about me. I didn't realize it back then. How it has gone has been a little bit of s shock but I am realizing I know where I can go and wanna take it as far as I can.

Q: Is it hard to not let it go to your head?
A: With some people, and I have seen it with a couple guys I started with, it went to their heads right away. I try and hold myself back, coming from Tae-Kwon-Do and that respect and keeping humble, I have been built with that since I was ten years old. You don't wanna make yourself out to be more than you are. That is my goal, to stay me. I am a single mom of two kids and I want them to be proud of me. They don't know everything I do, they have seen me train but they have never seen my fight. I have to keep a level head for them. I don't want them to watch me get too big of a head. This is life, somebody is gonna come up who is bigger and better than you. I think it will take me a lot farther.

Q: How hard is it to balance training with being a single mom?
A: That is the most challenging thing I have been through in my life. My kids are the most important thing to me and I want them to be proud and see me succeed in everything I do. That is another goal I am trying to accomplish with the fighting. It takes a lot of time, I have had both girls go through medical things that takes me away from training. They come first and then I can get my training in. I have friends who help, but it is tiring. I am trying to get everything right with my diet, taking it all on is a challenge but completely worth it. They are the ones who are gonna be proud of me and with me the rest of my life.

Q: Is there anyone you like to watch and try and pick things up from?
A: I have always looked up to Cyborg. Her fights don't last to long so it is hard to watch. Her persona and how she portrays herself, that is a huge role model for me, to be that confident in yourself. She is my number one. There are a couple other girls. I concentrate more on myself anyways.

Q: Have you given any thought as to how many amateur fights you want to have?
A: Originally this was gonna be my last. However I had one offer for Jessica Zomcik and I really wanted that. Things didn't work out but I am about to sign a contract for an eight person tournament in Las Vegas and Jessica and other huge names are supposed to be there. Vegas is the best place to be with P.R. and all that. Then if everything works out you will see me in one of the big shows soon.

Q: Invicta is coming up, what will be fight of the night?
A: Cyborg, I cant wait to see that one. That is the only fight I have seen with her going the distance. I am excited to see all the fights. I flew out to see the last one. I look forward to watching. Good luck to all those ladies. I don't like to predict cause you never know what is gonna happen.

Q: Anyone you want to thank?
A: My gym, Pariah MMA. Drew Lawrence for always supporting and believing in me. Vincent O'Donnell, my original coach. Scott Cleve is a huge help to me. Leonard Thierry for finding me fights and all my training partners.

Natosha McKinnon Interview

Photo Credit:
Photos 1-4: Muscular Development/Michael Pinto


Natosha McKinnon did not do well the first time she competed and planned not to do it again. However, she decided to give it another go and just recently won not only her class, but the overall at the West Coast Classic. While nothing is definite as far as her future competing goals, Natosha McKinnon is someone who has the potential to do very well in bigger and bigger shows.

Q: Can you talk about how you got started in the gym?
A: I got started when I was sixteen. I had a friend who was a few years older and she was a gym rat. In high school I started lifting weights, I played sports, so it was natural. I always loved muscles so it was a natural transition to go to the gym.

Q: What made you decide to compete?
A: I was certified as a personal trainer in 2003 and worked at a gym where a lot of competitors were. I really wanted to do it but was not committed. I was too young and did not have the dedication for the diet. When I hit my thirties I decided I wanted to challenge myself to do something that I hadn't been able to do previously. I decided last year when I hit thirty-three that I was gonna start training.

Q: A lot of people may not understand what bikini is, did you have to explain to people it was fitness and not a T&A thing?
A: Yeah, absolutely! I feel like to this day I still have to explain what NPC or IFBB mean and show them pictures and explain it's not bodybuilding. There not a large understanding of it outside of the industry.

Q: That first time, right before going on stage, were you nervous or excited or both?
A: I thought I was gonna throw up. I was very nervous. I hate being in front of people, I am very much an introvert. It was hard for me to step on stage and feel like I was being judged. I was way more nervous then excited.

Q: A lot of people I interview say they do the first show and it becomes addicting, was that the case with you?
A: Not at all. I placed very poorly my first show. I think it was because I wasn't having fun and it was portrayed in my face. My boyfriend called it my "bitch face". I decided I didn't want to compete again, I was miserable, I didn't enjoy the experience at all. Then pride kicked in and I decided I wanted to do better, so I decided to do it again, but it definitely wasn't for the joy of it.

Q: You just won your class and the overall at the West Coast Classic, can you describe how you felt when you won the overall?
A: I was very excited. I think there is a picture of me on Muscular Development where you can see in my face, I am all scrunched up like a weirdo. I was so excited, I felt like a little kid. We were up there for ten or fifteen minutes and turned around ten or fifteen times, the head judge said it was by far the hardest decision they had made in quite some time. I didn't think it was gonna be my name they were gonna announce so I was excited and surprised.

Q: So going in you wouldn't have thought that was a realistic possibility?
A: No way! I wanted to place in the top three, that was on my new years resolution list. I wanted to not only get a trophy, but place top three. Had I done that I would have been ecstatic, so this was beyond anything I had expected going in.

Q: When you don't place well you know you have work to do, but when you do that well, is it hard to not get over-confident and realize you still got work to do?
A: When I saw pictures of myself, your natural inner critic comes out, and I felt "my butt doesn't look good from that angle" or "I didn't stand well" or "my abs weren't shredded enough" or whatever. Even though I was excited and proud of myself, I definitely can see areas of improvement if I were going to move forward.

Q: Do you know when you want to compete next?
A: I think if I do compete, it will be next year. I turn thirty-five in January so I can compete at Masters and feel I maybe have a better shot from a pro card standpoint. If I had any chance, it would e at that level. I haven't decided which show since I am not affiliated to any team. I don't know if I will or not.

Q: If you do compete, is there one area where you feel you most need to be better?
A: My butt. They always say you win it from the back. That's why I didn't know I had won it.

Q: When you are at the gym, do you get the stares and attention from people?
A: I have been at my gym for so long that I don't get that anymore. Plus, my boyfriend trains there as well. If anything, it is women asking what I am training for.

Q: If you could spend a day training with someone you have never trained with, who would it be?
A: Dana Linn Bailey. She is an Adonis. I would like to train with someone that goes that hard. I like to think I go hard, but it would be nice to have her say "suck it up."

Q: Anyone you want to thank?
A: Kimberly Gordon, my partner in Dumbbell Divas and my boyfriend Aric Orama. He spent hours watching me pose and was always the biggest cheerleader for me.