Duel For Domination 6 Report

This was my first time seeing a Duel For Domination card. It was an all amateur card. The card was evenly matched. No fights were you could say that the two guys did not belong in the cage together. The only thing on the negative side was the commentary. In a couple fights, the commentators were openly rooting for certain fighters including in the heavyweight bout one of them saying "I'm biased" and cheering as if he had won the lottery when his guy won. Commentators are there to be objective not to root on certain fighters, that is what the fans are for. The same commentator also made a very inappropriate O.J. Simpson knife comment. Outside of that though, I was impressed with the show and how it was run and would be willing to watch again.

1. Flyweight 3x3x3 Rounds
Jesse Van Dyke (1-2) vs Xavier Ramirez (2-5)

RD 1: They clinch on the cage. Head shots by Ramirez. More head shots by Ramirez. Knee to the leg by Ramirez. They drop down and Ramirez gets his back and lands head shots. They stand and Ramirez lands punches. Takedown by Ramirez into guard. Van Dyke looks for a triangle. More head shots by Ramirez.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Ramirez

RD 2: They clinch and a takedown by Ramirez into guard. Van Dyke looks for a triangle. Body shots by Ramirez. Van Dyke is trying hard for the triangle. Head shots by Ramirez. Ramirez escapes the triangle and gets side control. Van Dyke pulls guard. Van Dyke sweeps and gets on top in half guard. Punch to the head by Van Dyke.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Van Dyke

RD 3: Uppercut by Van Dyke. Takedown by Ramirez into guard. Punch to the head by Ramirez. Ramirez gets side control. Head shots by Ramirez. Van Dyke reverses and gets his back in north south. Van Dyke gets his back and gets his hooks in and flattens him. Head shots by Van Dyke. Van Dyke goes for a rear naked and gets it for the tap.

Result: Jesse Van Dyke via Tapout (Rear Naked Choke) at 2:22 of Round 3

2. Welterweight 3x3x3 Rounds
Derrick Brown (1-4) vs Patrick Oskvarek (0-1)

RD 1: Takedown by Oskvarek but they are up quick. Oskvarek gets another takedown but Brown lands on top in half guard. Oskvarek gets a triangle and gets the tap.

Result: Patrick Oskvarek via Tapout (Triangle) at 1:15 of Round 1

3. Middleweight 3x3x3 Rounds
Tatun Royle (0-1-1) vs Steve Broad (0-0)

RD 1: Uppercut by Broad. They clinch on the cage. Knee to the leg by Broad. They separate. Leg kick by Broad. They clinch on the cage. Royle looks for a takedown. They drop down with Royle on top in half guard. Punch to the head by Royle. Broad reverses and is on top in side control.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Broad

RD 2: Front kick by Royle. Uppercut by Broad. Hook by Broad. Broad hurts him with punches. A cross by Broad drops him and he lands more till the ref stops it.

Result: Steve Broad via TKO at 1:50 of Round 2

4. Light Heavyweight 3x3x3 Rounds
Braden Goodwin (0-1) vs Andres Ponce (1-0)

RD 1: Leg kick by Ponce and another. Ponce shoots in and slams him but they are up quick. Ponce catches a kick and slams him and lands in guard. Head shots by Ponce. They stand clinched on the cage. Takedown by Goodwin against the cage. Goodwin gets his back. Ponce rolls and is on top in guard. Punch to the head by Ponce. Ponce stands and lets him up. Hook and uppercut by Ponce.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Ponce

RD 2: Leg kick by Ponce. Front kick by Ponce. Leg kick by Goodwin. Spin kick by Goodwin. A slam by Ponce into side control. Head shots by Ponce. Ponce gets his back and lands head shots. Ponce goes for a rear naked but Goodwin escapes. Ponce tries for the rear naked again. He has it and the ref stops it. Goodwin seemed fine to me. Do not agree with the stoppage at all.

Result: Andres Ponce via Technical Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 2:20 of Round 2

5. Featherweight 3x3x3 Rounds
Augusto Mendes (0-0) vs Jaime Carskaden (1-3)

RD 1: Jab by Carskaden. Leg kick by Mendes. Takedown by Mendes and he gets mount. Mendes gets an arm triangle and the tap.

Result: Augusto Mendes via Tapout (Arm Triangle) at 0:36 of Round 1

6. Bantamweight 3x3x3 Rounds
Kasey Tanner (1-0) vs Nolan Linebaugh (0-0)

RD 1: Leg kick by Tanner. Jab by Tanner. They trade crosses. They clinch and move to the cage. Knee to the leg by Tanner. Knee to the body by Tanner. Knee to the body by Linebaugh. Knee to the body by Tanner. Linebaugh gets a takedown into guard. They stand and drop back down against the cage. Body shots by Tanner.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Tanner

RD 2: They trade punches. Jab by Tanner. They trade crosses. Leg kick by Tanner. Tanner catches a kick and takes him down in guard. Head shots from the bottom by Linebaugh. Body shots by Tanner. Head shots by Tanner. Body shots by Tanner. The ref stands them, don't see why. Cross by Linebaugh.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Tanner

RD 3: They trade hard punches. They clinch on the cage. Takedown by Tanner into side control. Head shots by Tanner. They stand. Takedown by Tanner into side control. Tanner tries to get his back but Linebaugh escapes and they stand clinched on the cage. Takedown by Tanner into guard. Head shots by Tanner.
I scored RD 3: 10-9 Tanner
My score card: 30-27 Tanner

Result: Kasey Tanner via Unanimous Decision (30-27/30-27/29-28)

7. Flyweight 3x3x3 Rounds
Jonathan Sanchez (3-6) vs John McCarthy (1-2)

RD 1: Leg kick by Sanchez and another. Lots of missed punches by both. McCarthy shoots and gets a takedown and gets his back. They stand and he still has his back. McCarthy tries for a rear naked. They go down and he still has his back. Head shots by McCarthy. McCarthy gets a rear naked and the tap.

Result: John McCarthy via Tapout (Rear Naked Choke) at 2:35 of Round 1


8. Featherweight 3x3x3 Rounds
DeWayne Parker 1-3) vs Tim Carillo (1-0)

RD 1: Leg kick by Parker. Hook by Carillo. Head kick by Parker. Parker lands punches on the cage. hey clinch in the center. Knee to the body by Carillo. Takedown by Carillo into half guard. Head shots by Carillo. Parker gets full guard. More head shots by Carillo till the ref stops it.

Result: Tim Carillo via TKO at 1:45 of Round 1

9. Flyweight 3x3x3 Rounds
Fabian Parra (2-1) vs Bryce McDaniel (0-0)

RD 1: They clinch on the center. Knee to the body by Parra. The move to the cage and Parra gets a takedown into side control. McDaniel reverses and is on top in guard. Body shots from the Bottom by Parra. McDaniel is not active from the top. Parra goes for an armbar but McDaniel escapes and then Parra gets his back. Parra goes tor a rear naked. Head shots by Parra.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Parra

RD 2: Cross by Parra. They clinch on the cage. Takedown by Parra and he gets his back. Parra gets his hooks in and lands head shots. Punch to the body by Parra. Head shots by Parra. Head and body shots by Parra. More body shots by Parra.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Parra

RD 3: Takedown by Parra and her gets his back. McDaniel escapes and stand and kicks at his legs. McDaniel drops down and gets his back. McDaniel is warned for hitting the spine and the action stops. They resume and Parra shoots and gets a takedown.
I scored RD 3: 10-9 McDaniel
My score card: 29-28 Parra

Result: Fabian Parra via Unanimous Decision (29-28/29-28/29-28)

10. Amateur Middleweight 3x3x3 Rounds
Deon Clash (0-1) vs Joe Gigliotti (0-0)

RD 1: Takedown by Gigliotti into guard. Gigliotti lets him up. They trade jabs. Takedown by Gigliotti into guard. Punch to the head by Gigliotti. Gigliotti moves to half guard. Head shots by Gigliotti. Clash reverses and gets on top as the round ends.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Gigliotti

RD 2: Hard cross by Gigliotti. Leg kick by Gigliotti. Gigliotti catches a kick and gets a slam into guard. Head shots by Gigliotti. Gigliotti lets him up. Gigliotti ducks a punch and takes him down into guard. They stand clinched on the cage. Head shots by Gigliotti. Takedown by Gigliotti into half guard.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Gigliotti

RD 3: Hook by Gigliotti. They clinch on the cage. Slam by Gigliotti into side control. Clash gets half guard. Punch to the head by Gigliotti. They stand and drop back down with Clash on top in guard. Punch to the head by Clash. More head shots by Clash. Body shots by Clash.
I scored RD 3: 10-9 Gigliotti
My score card: 30-27 Gigliotti

Result: Joe Gigliotti via Unanimous Decision (30-27/30-27/30-27)

11. Heavyweight 3x3x3 Rounds
Josue Reyes (0-0) vs Jeremy Cardinal (0-0)

RD 1: They trade punches. Reyes drops him with a punch. Reyes gets his back. Punch to the head by Reyes. Body shots by Reyes. Head shots by Reyes. More head shots by Reyes. Reyes moves to north south and lands body shots. The ref stands them. Reyes lands punches. Cardinal hurts him with a hook and lands punches on the cage till the ref stops it.

Result: Jeremy Cardinal via TKO at 2:25 of Round 1

12. Lightweight 3x3x3 Rounds
Alejandro Arrendondo (2-1) vs Aaron Wilson (2-1)

RD 1: Cross by Wilson. Jab by Arrendondo. They trade punches. They clinch on the cage. Wilson looks for a takedown and Arrendondo is warned for grabbing the cage. Takedown by Arrendondo into guard. Punch to the head by Arrendondo. More head shots by Arrendondo. Wilson goes for a triangle. Head shots by Arrendondo.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Arrendondo

RD 2: Leg kick by Arrendondo. Jab by Wilson. Leg kick by Wilson. Takedown by Wilson but they are up quick clinched on the cage. Takedown by Arrendondo and he gets mount. Shoulder strikes by Arrendondo. Head shots by Arrendondo. Wilson pulls guard. Arrendondo lets him up. Body kick by Arrendondo. Leg kick by Wilson. Leg kick by Arrendondo. Leg kick by Wilson. Cross by Wilson.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Arrendondo

RD 3: Leg kick by Arrendondo. Cross by Wilson. Hook by Wilson. They clinch on the cage. Punch to the head by Wilson. Knee to the leg by Arrendondo. Body shots by Wilson. Knee to the leg by Arrendondo. Knee to the leg by Wilson. Body shots by Wilson. Takedown by Arrendondo.
I scored RD 3: 10-9 Wilson
My score card: 29-28 Arrendondo

Result: Alejandro Arrendondo via Split Decision (28-29/30-27/29-28)

13. Featherweight 3x3x3 Rounds
Adel Altamimi (1-1) vs Ruben Hernandez (1-1)

RD 1: Leg kick by Altamimi and another. Takedown by Altamimi and he gets a guillotine for the tap.

Result: Adel Altamimi via Tapout (Guillotine) at 0:42 of Round 1

14. Bantamweight Title 3x3x3 Rounds
Fernie Garcia (3-2) vs Carlos Castillo (1-3)

RD 1: Cross by Castillo. Leg kick by Garcia. Cross by Castillo. Takedown by Garcia into side control. Garcia gets his back and looks for a rear naked. Garcia gets mount and then his back again. Head shots by Garcia. More head shots by Garcia.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Garcia

RD 2: Leg kick by Castillo. Hook by Castillo. Leg kick by Garcia and another. They trade leg kicks. They clinch and move to the cage. Slam by Garcia into guard. They trade head shots on the ground. Body shots by Garcia.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Garcia

RD 3: Hook by Garcia. Hook by Castillo. Leg kick by Garcia. They clinch on the cage. Takedown by Garcia into guard. Body shots by Garcia. They trade head shots on the ground. The ref stands them. Hard hook by Castillo. They clinch on the cage and drop down. Body shots by Castillo.
I scored RD 3: 10-9 Garcia
My score card: 30-27 Garcia

Result: Fernie Garcia via Unanimous Decision (30-27/30-27/30-27)

15. Lightweight Title 3x3x3 Rounds
Drakkar Klose (6-0) vs Thomas Keenan (3-0)

RD 1: Keenan rolls into him and goes for a heel hook but Klose escapes it and they stand. Takedown by Klose into guard. Klose stands and drops down body shots. Klose punches his legs. Klose drops down a hard punch and knocks him out.

Result: Drakkar Klose via KO at 1:59 of Round 1

16. Welterweight Title 3x3x3 Rounds
Dante Patrick (4-1) vs Brandon Jones (1-1)

RD 1: Hook by Patrick. Cross by Patrick. Patrick shoots and gets a takedown. They stand and Patrick takes him down again and gets his back. Head shots by Patrick. Patrick gets mount and then gets his back again. Patrick moves back to mount and lands head shots. Jones gets half guard. They stand. Body kick by Jones.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Patrick

RD 2: Cross by Patrick. Takedown by Patrick into guard. Patrick gets mount and lands head shots. Patrick gets his back and a rear naked for the tap.

Result: Dante Patrick via Tapout (Rear Naked Choke) at 1:20 of Round 2

17. Flyweight Title 3x3x3 Rounds
Bobby Tinney (6-1) vs Justin Rascon (2-0)

RD 1: They trade jabs. They clinch and a takedown by Rascon into guard. They stand and drop back down with Rascon going for a guillotine. Tinney escapes and they stand clinched on the cage. They drop down with Rascon on top in half guard. Head shots by Rascon. Tinney reverses and is on top in half guard. Tinney looks for an arm triangle and gets mount. Head shots by Tinney.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Rascon

RD 2: Double jab by Tinney. They trade punches. Body kick by Tinney. They clinch on the cage. Takedown by Rascon into half guard. They stand clinched on the cage. Takedown by Tinney into mount. Rascon sweeps and is on top in half guard. They trade head shots on the ground. Tinney gets full guard. Punch to the head by Rascon. Rascon moves to half guard.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Tinney

RD 3: Leg kick by Tinney. Takedown by Tinney into side control. Rascon pulls guard and then sweeps and gets on top in half guard. Head shots by Rascon. Tinney gets full guard. Rascon gets mount and lands head shots. Rascon gets his back and looks for a rear naked but the round ends.
I scored RD 3: 10-9 Rascon
My score card: 29-28 Rascon

Result: Justin Rascon via Unanimous Decision (scores not read)

Submission of the Night: Augusto Mendes

Knockout of the Night: Drakkar Klose

Fight of the Night: Bobby Tinney vs Justin Rascon

WMMA Press Association Award Nominees

For the 5th year, the WMMA Press Association is presenting the nominees for their awards, which will be given away in early January.

The longest running awards dedicated to the women’s divisions of MMA, the WMMA Press Awards gathers top journalists in the sport to vote on the best of the year.

There are seven websites and eight journalists represented:

Rob Sargent - MMARising.com
Gina Begley - Pro (W)MMA Now
Katrina Belcher - TheUltimateFemaleFighter.com
Jason Adams - Real Women’s MMA
Tim Peterson - Women’s MMA Today
Yael Grauer (freelance writer for Sherdog)
Kristin Ursy - WMMA Round-up, and
MarQ Piocos - Wombat Sports
(Gina Begley was appointed a new member of the committee this year)

The committee will vote in late December (post UFC 168) and the winners will be announced over the members’ podcast in early January. More details to come.

One of the hotly contested honors is “Fan Favorite Awards”, which looks to be a battle royal this year with 30 fighters up for the title. This will be determined by fans by voting through members’ websites. Last year, Bec Hyatt upset Ronda Rousey in the voting which saw a record amount of votes. Voting will end in December 31.


Here are the nominees:

Fight of the Year

Ronda Rousey vs Liz Carmouche at UFC 157: Rousey vs Carmouche - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbhdEz8uPa8
Michelle Waterson vs Jessica Penne at Invicta FC 5 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnYeFpprwVA
Sarah Kaufman vs Leslie Smith at Invicta FC 5 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shENSKyW3y8
Cat Zingano vs Miesha Tate at TUF 17 Finale - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8fv2oX4wpI
Leslie Smith vs Jennifer Maia at Invicta FC 6 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRu5cmcRAto&feature=player_detailpage#t=6506
Tecia Torres vs Rose Namajunas at Invicta FC 6 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2IPts2kZKk
Fighter of the Year
(Nominees will be the winners of the divisional awards)

Featherweight of the Year
Julia Budd (2-0, defeat Mollie Estes, Charmaine Tweet)
Ashlee Evans-Smith (2-0, defeat Tori Adams, Fallon Fox)
Cristiane “Cyborg” Justino (2-0, defeat Fiona Muxlow, Marloes Coenen)
Faith Van Duin (4-0, defeat Kelly Kinita, Michelle Peruzzi, Arlene Blencowe, Kate Da Silva)

Bantamweight of the Year
Alexis Davis (3-0, defeat Shayna Baszler, Rosi Sexton, Liz Carmouche)
Holly Holm (4-0, defeat Katie Merrill, Allanna Jones, Nikki Knudsen, Angela Hayes)
Lauren Murphy (4-0, defeat Jen Scott, Kaitlin Young, Sarah D’Alelio, Miriam Nakamoto)
***Ronda Rousey (1-0, defeat Liz Carmouche)
(***If Miesha Tate defeats Rousey at UFC 168, she will be in contention for the award.)

Flyweight of the Year
Kalindra Faria (5-0, defeat Aline Sattelmayer, Dayse Nascimento, Alessandra Silva, Carina Damm, Hellen Bastos)
Alexa Grasso (3-0, defeat Lupita Hernadez, Alejandra Alvarez, Karina Rodriguez)
Barb Honchak (2-0, defeat Vanessa Porto, Leslie Smith)
Tina Lähdemäki (3-0, defeat Linn Wennergren, Stephanie Page, Karla Benitez)

Strawweight of the Year
Joanne Calderwood (4-0, defeat Livia Plettenburg, Sally Krumdiack, Norma Center, Katja Kankaanpaa)
Alida Gray (4-0, defeat Vidonic, Kennett, Tiem, Casimir)
Mizuki Inoue (3-0, defeat Seo Jung, Bec Hyatt, Emi Fujino)
Tecia Torres (3-0, defeat Paige VanZant, Rose Namajunas, Felice Herrig)

Atomweight of the Year
Amber Brown (1-0, defeat Kikuyo Ishikawa)
Seo Hee Ham (2-0, defeat Naho Sugiyama, Sadae Numata)
Michelle Waterson (1-0, defeat Jessica Penne)
Jinh Yu (2-0, defeat Meghan Wright, Darla Harris)

Newcomer of the Year
Amy Cadwell (3-0, defeat Cheryl Chan, Hadley Griffith, Jessica Doerner)
Bianca Daimoni (3-0, defeat Alessandra Silva, Morgana Oliveira, Gisele Moreira)
Alida Gray (4-0, defeat Patricia Vidonic, Jessica Kennett, Soannia Tiem, Katie Casimir)
Viviane Pereira (3-0, defeat Rosy Duarte, Ilara Joanne, Duda Yankovich)
Livia Renata Souza (5-0, defeat Cintia Faria, Aline Sattelmayer, Andressa Rocha, Aline Sattelmayer, Bianca Reis)
Faith Van Duin (4-0, defeat Kelly Kinita, Michelle Peruzzi, Arlene Blencowe, Kate Da Silva)

Amateur of the Year
Kyra Batara (4-1, 3-1 in 2013)
Katlyn Chookagian (5-0; 4-0 in 2013)
Brittany Dugas (7-0; 3-0 in 2013)
Maegan Goodwin (4-0; 3-0 in 2013)
Ashley Hancock (3-0 in 2013)
Mary Kate Hayes (4-0 in 2013)
Rachel Kovach (3-0 in 2013)
Rachael Ostovich (6-0; 2-0 in 2013)
Delaney Owen (7-2; 3-1 in 2013)
Rach Wiley (3-1; 3-0 in 2013)
Jessica Zomcik (9-3; 3-0 in 2013)

KO of the Year
Veronica Rothenhausler defeats Katalina Malungahu via KO (punch) at 1:12 of round 1 at Invicta FC 4 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXghnrfYjFQ
Vanessa Guimarães defeats Bruna Paiffer via KO (knee) at 1:44 of round 1 at Strikers HC 25 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQEeDW0QWcc
Nina Ansaroff defeats Aylla Caroline da Silva via KO at 1:25 of round 1 at PFL 10 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6zRZQR7Nsk
Holly Holm defeats Allanna Jones via KO(head kick) at 2:22 of round 2 at Legacy 21 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXB9-L2kwtU
Jinh Yu defeats Darla Harris via KO (head kick/punch) at 3:13 of round 1 at SCS 18 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFKrX7BYy_Y
Amanda Kelly defeats Hannah Stephens via KO (knee) at 3:40 of round 1 at Cage Warriors 60 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNB_zWp-hFA
Bianca Daimoni defeats Gisele Moreira via KO(punch) at 3:06 of round 2 at Floripa Fight 9 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFGf-p9vqNg
Alida Gray defeats Soannia Tiem via KO (punch) at :05 of round 3 at 24/7 12: State of Emergency - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QX55dMUbCAc

Submission of the Year
Duda Yankovich defeats Daniela Cristina via Keylock at 3:59 of round 2 at Bitetti Combat 14 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hp1zGiACG4A
Rose Namajunas defeats Kathina Cantron via Flying Armbar at :12 of round 1 at Invicta FC 5 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWrJd6png0M
Jessica Andrade defeats Milana Dudieva via Guillotine Choke at 4:34 of round 2 at ProFC 47 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ic0etLpKp5o
Emi Fujino defeats Amber Brown via Neck Crank at 4:18 of round 2 at Pancrase 247 – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVL8SwrWHSc
Alexandra Buch defeats Anne Merkt via Inverted Heel Hook at 4:49 of round 1 at No Compromises 2 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xuclmq6xzHM
Stephanie Eggink defeats Angela Magana via Triangle Choke at 3:10 of round 2 at XFC 25: Boiling Point - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMdjDjSubGs
Anastasia Yankova defeats Eleanor Tassinari via Scarf Hold Armlock at :26 of round 2 at White Rex Pro - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YAMdwKoAZs
Tina Lähdemäki defeats Karla Benitez via Arm-Triangle Choke at 4:50 of round 1 at Cage 24 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RReyvokvjDE

Promotion
Cage Warriors Fighting Championship
DEEP Jewels
Invicta Fighting Championships
NAAFS
Tuff-N-Uff
UFC
XFC

Sponsor
Babes of MMA
Brawl and Maul Fight Performance Gear
Fear the Fighter
Fight Chix
FighterGirls
Loyalty Before Royalty
MMA Chick
Polanti Watches
Tussle Fight Gear

Headline
Ronda Rousey and Liz Carmouche Become First Women to Compete/Headline a UFC Event
Women Enter ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ House, Rousey and Zingano (Tate) to Coach
Julianna Pena Becomes First Women’s Ultimate Fighter
Cage Warriors Open Multiple Women’s Weight Divisions
Invicta FC Crowns New Champions in All Five Weight Classes
Women’s MMA Pioneer’s Megumi Fujii, Hitomi Akano and Julie Kedzie Hang Up Their Gloves
UFC Launches Female Strawweight Division on The Ultimate Fighter, Season 20

23 Fighters Who Could Earn A Spot On Ultimate Fighter

Everyone is making their lists of who they would like to see tryout and possibly earn one of the final five spots for the 115 Ultimate Fighter. With all lists you need to take several things into account. I will not address them because they are not bad things. But those things will make everyone's lists different. For example in mine, I chose to add some people who fight at under and over 115. I included a couple amateurs as well. Not everyone will do that with their lists. So here is my list of 23 people I would like to see tryout for and possible earn one of the last five spots. I am not ranking them in any specific order as they are listed alphabetically by first name.


Credit: Oliver Martinez

1. Amber Stautzenberger
After losing her pro debut, Stautzenberger is on a roll winning four straight against very good competition including her recent win over Lacey Schuckman. Stautzenberger is on a roll right now and could use that positive momentum to do well at the tryouts and win her spot into the house. Stautzenberger has all the tools to reach the top of the 115 list and this could be the next big step.


Credit: Amy Cadwell

2. Amy Cadwell
Cadwell has gotten her pro career off to a good start winning her first two pro fights, both via rear naked choke.She had suffered a losing streak as an amateur but that is clearly behind her and she seems to be hitting her prime at just the right time. Cadwell would make a nice addition to the house.


Credit: Invicta FC

3. Ashley Cummins
Cummins comes in 3-2 losing two straight. However many observers, myself included felt she won her last fight with Emily Kagan and Kagan is already in the TUF house. Cummins is a very well rounded fighter and can adapt wherever the fight goes and holds impressive wins over Stephanie Frausto and Sofia Bagherdai. Definitely deserving of a shot at making the TUF house.


Credit: Invicta FC

4. Cassie Robb
Robb is 0-1 in her pro career and had a very short amateur career. In her one pro fight with Invicta, she seemed to have won the first round before tapping in the second to Laura Sanko. Before the finish she showed she has great potential and has many victories in her future. She was set to fight Livia Von Plettenberg in her second pro fight but that fight was called off when her opponent missed weight. She would be moving up in weight to fight at 115 but she has deceptive strength and I think she could more than hold her own at 115.


Credit: Invicta FC

5. Cassie Rodish
Rodish had won four straight before her recent loss to Simona Soukupova. Able to finish in a variety of ways and a win or two could put her in line for an Invicta title shot. However trying out at 115 for TUF is a move many would like to see her make. An extra incentive for Rodish to make the house is the huge positive light she could shine on women's MMA.


Credit: Sanskrit Photography

6. Diana Rael
An experienced 105'er Rael has fought many top names and the rare times she has lost it has been against top flight opposition. She would bring a level of experience of smarts that would help her to adapt to whoever she is across the cage from. Considered one of the sports most underrated fighters, this could be her chance to shed that underrated label and show people she is a top level fighter.


Credit: Jimmy Range Photography

7. Gina Begley
While Begley is also still an amateur, she has said she will turn pro soon. She has an amateur record of 4-2 but her two losses are to opponents who have a combined one loss and that is only because they fought each other. Begley is a constantly improving fighter who if she wanted to try 115 could slide in there and go fro amateur fighter to very well know fighter on TUF.


Credit: Andrew DeMattos

8. Heather Clark
After suffering back to back loses to quality opposition in Stephanie Eggink and Felice Herrig, Clark bounced back with a November win over Hanna Cifers. Clark is an exciting fighter who win or lose, always brings it and would make for some exciting potential match-ups in the TUF house.


Credit: Jasminka Cive


9. Jasminka Cive
Cive has suffered only one defeat in her career, a fight with Bec Hyatt where Cive's emotions maybe got the best of her. The powerhouse is loaded with potential and an appearance on TUF would help more people become aware of her great potential.


Credit: Invicta FC

10. Jessica Philippus
0-1 as a pro, Philippus has not fought for a year. Philippus had a great amateur career and has big time pro potential. A trip to the tough Tryouts might be the kick start to giving many fans what they want, a Jessica Philippus return to the cage. Philippus is another one who having her in the house would shine a bright light on women's MMA.


Credit: Joe Pic Photography

11. Jordan McDonald
The Tuff-N-Uff champ has been out for an extended period of time, but a return at the TUF tryouts would make fans happy. Yet to make her pro debut, she has the tools required to compete as a pro. If Jordan were to tryout and make it, she would quickly become a favorite with viewers as she is tough as hell and has the kind of attitude fans can get behind.


Credit: Invicta FC

12. Katja Kankaanpaa
Kankaanpaa is coming off her first pro loss to Joanne Calderwood in a close fight that I personally felt she won. She has fought and beaten some very good competition and showed in the fight with Calderwood that she can hang with the best in the division.


Credit: Hex Linc Photography

13. Katlyn Chookagian
Chookagian is still an amateur but is 5-0 including four wins in 2013. She has stopped four of her five opponents, most recently Vanessa Demopoulos. While not yet a pro and she admits to wanting to make sure she is ready before turning pro, these tryouts could tell her where she is at. She is a future star and this could be a big introduction.


Credit: Invicta FC

14. Lacey Schuckman
Schuckman has proven she will fight anyone at any time. She arguably has fought the toughest competition on this list. While coming off a loss in her last fight, Schuckman is one of those fighters who on any given day can beat anyone and if she were to make it in the house, she could be that dark horse who surprises people and makes it to the finals.


Credit: Invicta FC

15. Livia Von Plettenberg
2-1 as a pro, perhaps 115 might work out well for Von Plettenberg. She failed to make weight in her last fight with Cassie Robb and instead fought and defeated last minute replacement Kathina Catron. Her previous fight with Joanne Calderwood showed she has heart and is tough to finish. While her goal may be to fight at 105, perhaps an opportunity to make it into the UFC at 115 will make her think of staying at 115.


Credit: Invicta FV

16. Mizuki Inoue
While her lack of English could be one of a couple roadblocks for her to fight on TUF, Inoue definitely is deserving. American fans will know her from her Invicta fight where she defeated Bec Hyatt. If Inoue were in the house, she would be a threat.


Credit: Invicta FC

17. Norma Center
Center stepped up on short notice in July to take on Joanne Calderwood and put on an impressive performance, doing much better than some expected. Even in losing, that performance showed that Center is going to be a force to be reckoned with and would definitely be a great asset for the TUF house.


Credit: Pearl Gonzalez

18. Pearl Gonzalez
After losing her first pro fight, Gonzalez has bounced back with two straight wins, including winning the XFC title against Cortney Casey. While still improving and we have yet to see her at her best, Gonzalez could fill that dark horse role, someone who comes out of nowhere and does really well in the house.


Credit: KMS Photography

19. Rebecca Heintzman
After going undefeated as an amateur Heintzman continued her winning ways when she recently won her pro debut finishing Allison Haynes with a rear naked choke. Heintzman posses freakish strength and is able to dictate where she wants the fight to go. Heintzman in the house would also be a nice step in shedding labels some may have about women's MMA.


Credit: Models By Design

20. Sarah McLeod
After a slow start to her amateur career, fighting without real training, the amateur veteran of twelve fights won three of her last four with the only loss being to Tecia Torres. McLeod has been out of the cage over a year while finishing school. With her ridiculous power and big marketability, McLeod would be a big fan favorite.


Credit: For Your Eyes Only Photography

21. Stephanie Eggink
The XFC champ is on a three fight winning streak and has looked impressive winning those fights against solid competition. She fights like someone with much more experience and if she made it into the house, she would be a real threat to go very far.


Credit: Hex Linc Photography

22. Stephanie Frausto
While Frausto sports a losing record, she is among the best in the sport with a losing record as she has faced great competition. Training with her sister at CSA and the great female fighters there will no doubt help her improve and show the world what she can truly do in the cage. Making the TUF house could be step one to the bright future Frausto has in front of her.


Credit: Real Time Moments

23. Stephanie Skinner
"The Scrapper" comes in with a 2-4 record as a pro but her short pro career can be divided in two. She started at 0-3 but will admit she was ill prepared at that point. She has since gone 2-1 and shown herself to be a well rounded fighter. Having to withdraw from her last scheduled fight due to an injury, this could be a perfect scenario where she has time to heal before the tryouts. Skinner could be a legit threat to be this seasons Jessica Rakoczy.

NAAFS Night of Champions Report

December 7th was NAAFS annual Night of Champions card. It is the event all the amateurs in the promotion work all year for, to try and become the series champion. It is the best at each weight class battling it out. The highlights included Katlyn Chookagian solidifying herself as one of the top female amateurs in the sport and impressive wins for J.T. Miller, Dario Peterson and Nick Browne. Here is my play by play of the event.

1. Amateur Featherweight 3x3x3 Rounds
Brandon Glarner (0-2 Independent) vs Timmy Bowman (0-1 Independent)

RD 1: Both fighters missing a lot of strikes. Glarner misses a hook and his shoulder pops of ending the fight.

Results: Timmy Bowman via TKO (Injury) at 0:49 of Round 1

2. Amateur Bantamweight 3x3x3 Rounds
Chris Kingsley (0-1 Independent) vs Nic Lute (0-0 Full Force MMA)

RD 1: Cross by Kingsley. Takedown by Lute into guard. They stand and trade punches. Takedown by Lute and he gets his back and lands head shots. Lute gets mount and lands head shots. Lute gets his back and looks for a rear naked and gets it for the tap.

Result: Nic Lute via Tapout (Rear Naked Choke) at 1:29 of Round 1

3. Amateur Featherweight 3x3x3 Rounds
Osahon Omo-Osagie (1-1 Team Titan) vs Kenny Locsei (0-0 Strong Style Fight Team)

RD 1: They trade hard shots with Omo-Osagie getting the best of it. Body kick by Omo-Osagie. They trade hard punches. They clinch on the cage. Lucsei looks for a guillotine. Punch to the body by Omo-Osagie. They drop down with Locsei looking for the guillotine still. Omo-Osagie escapes and is in half guard. Body shots by Omo-Osagie. Lucsei is cut on his head. Omo-Osagie stands and drops back down and gets his back in north south. Punch to the body by Omo-Osagie.
I scored Round 1: 10-9 Omo-Osagie

RD 2: Leg kick by Omo-Osagie. Omo-Osagie catches a kick and they clinch on the cage. Uppercut by Omo-Osagie. They separate. Takedown by Omo-Osagie into side control. Sweep by Locsei into half guard. Head shots by Locsei. Locsei gets mount and lands head shots. More head shots by Locsei till the ref stops it.

Results: Kenny Locsei via TKO at 2:38 of Round 2

4. Amateur Middleweight 3x3x3 Rounds
Scott Mauck (0-0 Team Lock Haven) vs Darion Peterson (1-0 Strong Style Fight Team)

RD 1: Jab by Peterson. They clinch and a takedown by Peterson into guard. Peterson pushes him to the cage. Peterson stands and drops hard punches and then drops into half guard. Peterson gets side control and then mount. Head shots by Peterson. Hammer fists by Peterson. More head shots by Peterson.
I scored RD 1: 10-8 Peterson

RD 2: Jab by Peterson. Peterson hurts him with punches and Mauck is trying to run away. More hard punches by Peterson. Hook by Peterson. Jab by Peterson. Peterson drops him with a hook to end it.

Result: Darion Peterson via KO at 1:09 of Round 2

5. Amateur Featherweight 3x3x3 Rounds
Ahmad Douglas (1-0 GriffonRawl) vs Andrew Newman (0-0 Team Adventure)

RD 1: Takedown by Douglas into guard. Punch to the body by Douglas. Newman defends well. Douglas pushes him to the cage. Douglas moves to side control. Punch to the body by Douglas. Douglas gets mount and lands body shots. Douglas goes for an armbar and then a triangle and gets it for the tap.

Result: Ahmad Douglas via Tapout (Triangle) at 2:42 of Round 1

6. Amateur Lightweight 3x3x3 Rounds
Anthony Monteleone (1-1 East Palestine Fight Club) vs Scottie Moritz (2-0 Instigator Fight Team)

RD 1: They trade hard punches. Monteleone drops him with punches and lands more. Monteleone lets him up and lands more punches. Hard hook by Monteleone. Now Moritz is landing hard punches. Moritz lands an illegal head kick and drops him. Moritz is deducted a point. They resume. Cross by Monteleone. They trade punches. Moritz lands punches on the cage. Moritz lands a knee to the head which is also illegal is is disqualified.

Result: Anthony Monteleone via Disqualification at 1:41 of Round 1

7. Amateur 120LB Title 3x3x3 Rounds
Vanessa Demopoulos (4-0 Ronin Training Center) vs Katlyn Chookagian (3-0 All Star BJJ/Team Renzo Gracie)

RD 1: Jab and body kick by Chookagian. Leg kick by Chookagian. Cross by Demopoulos. Leg kick by Chookagian. Hook by Chookagian. Double jab by Chookagian. They trade jabs. Leg kick by Chookagian. Push kick by Demopoulos. They trade punches. Hook by Chookagian. They trade hooks. Uppercut by Chookagian. Jab by Chookagian and another. Double jab by Chookagian. Leg kick by Chookagian. Jab by Chookagian. Demopoulos is cut under her eye. They trade leg kicks. Chookagian drops her with a hook and lands more shots.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Chookagian

RD 2: Hook by Demopoulos. Demopoulos's eye is swelling shut. Hook and leg kick by Chookagian. Demopoulos is now bleeding badly from the nose. Hard hook by Chookagian. Chookagian lands punches on the cage. Demopoulos is bleeding badly. They clinch on the cage but separate quick. Jab by Chookagian. Hook by Chookagian.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Chookagian

RD 3: Leg kick by Demopoulos and another. They trade punches. They clinch on the cage and separate. Hook by Chookagian. Cross by Chookagian. Hook by Demopoulos. Hard cross by Chookagian. Cross by Chookagian. Hook by Chookagian. Double jab by Chookagian and the ref stops it.

Result: Katlyn Chookagian via TKO at 2:11 of Round 3

8. Amateur Heavyweight Title 3x3x3 Rounds
Antwan Phillips (4-0 Premier Martial Arts) vs Jeff Hughes (11-2 Evolve MMA)

RD 1: Leg kick by Hughes. Phillips shoots but Hughes sprawls. They clinch on the cage. Head shots by Hughes. Slam by Phillips into half guard. Body shots by Phillips. Phillips gets mount and lands head shots. Sweep by Hughes and he gets in side control. Hughes gets his back and lands head shots. They stand clinched on the cage. They trade body shots. Takedown by Phillips into side control. Hughes gets half guard. Head shots by Phillips.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Hughes

RD 2: Leg kick by Hughes. Phillips shoots and they clinch on the cage. Head shots by Hughes. Phillips is trying hard for a single. Knee to the body by Hughes and another. They separate. Hook by Hughes. They clinch on the cage. Head shots by Hughes. Phillips is working hard for a takedown. Phillips is bleeding from the nose. Takedown by Phillips into half guard. Punch to the head by Phillips. More head shots by Phillips.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Hughes

RD 3: They clinch on the cage. Body shots by Hughes. Body shots by Phillips. Head shots by Phillips. Phillips is working for a takedown. Body shots by Hughes. Takedown by Phillips into half guard. Head shots by Phillips.
I scored RD 3: 10-9 Phillips
My score card: 29-28 Hughes

Result: Antwan Phillips via Split Decision 29-28/28-29/29-28

9. Amateur Lightweight Title 3x3x3 Rounds
Nick Foxhuber (7-1 Ronin Training Center) vs Nick Browne (9-1 Uniontown Fight Club)

RD 1: They trade punches. They clinch on the cage. They trade body shots. Knee to the body by Browne. They separate. Hook by Browne. They clinch and move to the cage. Takedown by Browne into guard. Body shots by Browne. More body shots by Browne. Head shots by Browne.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Browne

RD 2: Hook by Browne. They clinch on the cage. Takedown by Browne into half guard. Foxhuber gets full guard. Punch to the body by Browne. Head shots by Browne. Foxhole tries for an arm but can't get it. Hammer fist by Browne. Head shots by Browne. The ref stands them. Hook and leg kick by Browne.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Browne

RD 3: Take down by Browne into guard. Head shots by Browne. Browne stands and drops down punches to the head. Foxhole tries for a triangle but can't get it. Body shots by Browne. Head shots by Browne. Foxhole tries for an arm but can't get it. Browne gets mount and lands head shots.
I scored RD 3: 10-9 Browne
My score card: 30-27 Browne

Result: Nick Browne via Unanimous Decision (30-27/30-27/30-27)

10. Amateur Welterweight Title 3x3x3 Rounds
Ivan Rodriguez (5-0 Bronx Hill MMA) vs Josh Krizan (7-1 Wrestling Factory Cleveland)

RD 1: Hook by Rodriguez. Cross by Rodriguez. Takedown by Krizan into half guard. Punch to the head by Krizan. Krizan gets side control. Rodriguez gets up but Krizan brings him back down in guard. Head shots by Krizan. Rodriguez escapes and they stand. They trade hard shots. Krizan shoots and gets a takedown but they are up quick. Krizan drops him with a hook but Rodriguez gets right back up. Rodriguez lands hard punches.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Krizan

RD 2: Cross by Krizan. Krizan shoots and they clinch on the cage. Krizan works for and gets takedown into half guard. Head shots by Krizan. Punch to the body by Krizan. Body shots from the bottom by Rodriguez. They trade head shots on the ground. They stand and trade hard shots. They clinch on the cage and separate quick. Hook by Rodriguez. Rodriguez lands punches. Takedown by Krizan into half guard. Head shots by Krizan.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Krizan

RD 3: They trade hard punches. Takedown by Krizan into half guard. Krizan gets side control. They stand. Hook by Rodriguez. Takedown by Krizan into guard. The ref stands them. Takedown by Krizan into guard. Punch to the head by Krizan. Rodriguez rolls and gets his back and lands hard head shots.
I scored RD 3: 10-9 Rodriguez
My score card: 29-28 Krizan

Result: Josh Krizan via Unanimous Decision (29-28/29-28/29-28)

11. Amateur Middleweight Title 3x3x3 Rounds
Cody Tominack (5-1 Ohio Valley MMA) vs J.T. Miller (5-0 Strong Style Fight Team)

RD 1: Takedown by Tominack into side control. Punch to the body by Tominack. They stand and trade punches. Hook and cross by Miller. They trade punches. They clinch on the cage. They trade head shots. Uppercuts by Miller. Knee to the leg by Miller. Uppercut by Miller. They drop down but are up quick. They trade hard punches. Miller hurts him with an uppercut. They trade hard punches.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Miller

RD 2: Jab by Tominack. Jab by Miller. They clinch on the cage. Knee to the body by Tominack and another. Punches to the body by Miller. More body shots by Miller. Tominack goes for a takedown but as the go down Miller gets his back and lands head shots till the ref stops it.

Result: J.T. Miller via TKO at 2:15 of Round 2

12. Amateur Bantamweight Title 3x3x3 Rounds
Mario Micale (7-5 Evolve MMA) vs Seth Shaffer (5-0 Instigator Fight Team)

RD 1: Hook by Shaffer. Takedown by Micale into half guard. Micale stands and lands punches. Shaffer gets up. Micale shoots in and Shaffer lands punches to the head and the ref stops it.

Result: Seth Shaffer via TKO at 0:47 of Round 1


Submission of the Night: Ahmad Douglas

Knockout of the Night: Darion Peterson

Fight of the Night: Ivan Rodriguez vs Josh Krizan

Invicta Fan Predictions Results

Fan voting for Invicta predictions is over. Fans were allowed to vote on the winner of each fight and how it would end as well as predict the fight of the night. With Sarah D'Alelio coming in as a late replacement for Kelly Kobold to face Tonya Evinger, there was no voting for that fight. percentages may not add exactly to 100 percent as I rounded off. Fight of the Night is listed at the bottom. Don't forget Invicta can be seen on PPV or order on-line this Saturday.

1. Munah Holland vs Nina Ansaroff
Holland by KO/TKO- 31.13%
Holland by Submission- 13.21%
Holland by Decision- 34.91%
Ansaroff by KO/TKO- 6.60%
Ansaroff by Submission- 3.77%
Ansaroff by Decision 8.49%
Draw- 1.89%
Total- Holland- 79.25% Ansaroff- 18.87%

2. Vanessa Porto vs Zoila Gurgel
Porto by KO/TKO- 14.68%
Porto by Submission- 12.84%
Porto by Decision- 24.77%
Gurgel by KO/TKO- 13.76%
Gurgel by Submission- 11.93%
Gurgel by Decision- 22.02%
Draw- 0%
Total- Porto- 52.30% Gurgel- 47.70%

3. Julia Budd vs Charmaine Tweet
Budd by KO/TKO- 41.51%
Budd by Submission- 15.09%
Budd by Decision- 23.58%
Tweet by KO/TKO- 5.66%
Tweet by Submission- 5.66%
Tweet by Decision- 8.49%
Draw- 0%
Total- Budd- 80.18% Tweet- 19.81%

4. Joanne Calderwood vs Katja Kankaanpaa
Calderwood by KO/TKO- 55.12%
Calderwood by Submission- 3.94%
Calderwood by Decision- 27.56%
Kankaanpaa by KO/TKO- 3.15%
Kankaanpaa by Submission- 4.72%
Kankaanpaa by Decision- 4.72%
Draw- 0.79%
Total- Calderwood- 86.61% Kankaanpaa- 12.59%

5. Felice Herrig vs Tecia Torres
Herrig by KO/TKO- 6.67%
Herrig by Submission- 5.83%
Herrig by Decision- 28.33%
Torres by KO/TKO- 10.00%
Torres by Submission- 7.50%
Torres by Decision- 40.83%
Draw- 0.83%
Total- Herrig 40.83% Torres- 58.33%

6. Lauren Murphy vs Miriam Nakamoto
Murphy by KO/TKO- 12.17%
Murphy by Submission- 9.57%
Murphy by Decision- 10.43%
Nakamoto by KO/TKO- 58.26%
Nakamoto by Submission- 4.35%
Nakamoto by Decision- 3.48%
Draw- 1.74%
Total- Murphy- 32.17% Nakamoto- 66.08%

7. Carla Esparza vs Claudia Gadelha
Esparza by KO/TKO- 2.33%
Esparza by Submission- 8.53%
Esparza by Decision- 22.48%
Gadelha by KO/TKO- 19.38%
Gadelha by Submission- 38.76%
Gadelha by Decision- 7.75%
Draw- 0.78%
Total- Esparza- 33.33% Gadelha- 65.89%

8. Barb Honchak vs Leslie Smith
Honchak by KO/TKO- 7.34%
Honchak by Submission- 4.59%
Honchak by Decision- 28.44%
Smith by KO/TKO- 15.60%
Smith by Submission- 8.26%
Smith by Decision- 33.03%
Draw- 2.75%
Total- Honchak- 40.36% Smith 56.88%

9. Fight of the Night
Herrig vs Torres 34.62%
Honchak vs Smith 24.62%
Calderwood vs Kankaanpaa 10.77%
Murphy vs Nakamoto 10.77%
Esparza vs Gadelha 10.77%
Budd vs Tweet 5.38%
Holland vs Ansaroff 1.54%
Porto vs Gurgel 1.54%

Claudia Gadelha Interview

Due to the audio not being the best, here is a transcript of my interview with Claudia Gadelha in advance of her Invicta title fight with Carla Esparza.

Q: First, for people who may not be familiar, can you talk about how you got started training for the sport?
A: I am from a little town here in Brazil. I didn't have much to do and was very bad, a very bad kid. The coach for Nova Uniao showed me Jiu-Jitsu when I was fifteen years old. That changed my life. The gym is the same gym for Renan Barao, Jussier Formiga, Jose Aldo, guys from the UFC. From the beginning I had champions around me and it made me love the sport.

Q: Your last fight, you beat Ayaka Hamasaki, how happy were you with that fight?
A: Since I started in martial arts, my dream was to be champion. I always had that in my mind, that I wanna be a champion. I moved to Rio De Janeiro where I was far from my family and friends. I moved here to train with the best team in the world. I moved to train with them and be a champion. Fighting on a big show always was my goal. Fighting in the Invicta cage was a dream come true for me. Hamasaki is one of the best fighters in the division and meant so much to me to fight her. People expect so much from me here in Brazil and I have to give me best and that is what I did.

Q: Was it important to you to look good in order to make a big name in North America?
A: Yes! I always think that I wanna do more. I don't think I have a limit to my dreams and goals and always want more in my life.

Q: You are fighting Carla Esparza. You were supposed to fighter her earlier but got injured. Since you are fighting her anyway, was it kind of a good thing that you got injured and can prepare for her more?
A: Yeah, I think everything is in God's time. When I was getting ready, it was very hard for me, I really wanted that fight, I really wanted to fight her. I think it was a good thing because I have more training and have a title shot again. I think it made me more prepared for the fight, to show more work and be more professional. God knows everything. If he did that, it was because something was supposed to happen.

Q: Your specialty is BJJ and hers is wrestling, so do you expect most of this fight to be on the ground?
A: I will be ready for anything. I am a Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt for sure, I will feel more welcome on the ground, but I do so much boxing and wrestling and will be prepared for anything. I am sure she will bring a lot of wrestling and from what I read, she wants to stand up with me. I have a very good stand-up game as well and am ready for anything. I will bring everything strong and hard and see what happens.

Q: You are always in great condition so if it goes all five rounds, I assume you are feeling good about your cardio?
A: Yeah, my cardio is insane right now. When Is tarted camp I realized I have to put in eight weeks of hard work and do my best. I made my cardio better than ever. I am ready to not get tired, to go more than five rounds and bring you guys a really really good fight.

Q: With her being a wrestler, if it goes down she will wanna be on top but with your submissions I assume you would be comfortable on your back?
A: Yeah, I have no problem being on my back. I will do my best and I don't think she will take me down, but if she does, I will get up.

Q: Are there any previous opponents you would compare her to?
A: Not Really. Maybe one that had a better ground game than her is a girl from Brazil named Davina Maciel. I fought her a long time ago but she stopped fighting MMA and does only Jiu-Jitsu now. That was my fourth fight and I submitted her with an armbar with my back on that mat. That was the hardest ground game girl that I fought.

Q: When will you leave Brazil to come here?
A: Monday morning.

Q: Does the long travel affect how you do your weight cut?
A: No! I start to loose weight ten days before the fight. I lose over two pounds every day. I loose a lot of weight to make 115. Everything is on schedule. That does not bother me. I have no problem with that.

Q: Do you have a prediction on how this fight will end?
A: I don't wanna predict, I just wanna say one thing. I don't wanna fight five rounds. I am going to fight like going to war. I don't wanna fight five rounds.

Q: I have two questions that people asked me to ask you. The first one is, outside of BJJ and MMA, what do you like to do for fun?
A: I am so busy because I am student also. I don't really have time for a lot of things. With all the training and studying, I don't have time to do things. Sometimes I have time to go to the beach, to walk around and look at the beautiful place.

Q: The other question is, for people here, are there any female fighters in Brazil that we may not know, that we should keep an eye on?
A: Yeah for sure. MMA is getting big here now. A lot of girls here are getting interested in being a professional fighter. We have a lot of good talent here that will be good fighters in the future.

Q: Is there anyone you want to thank?
A: I want to thank God for life and being healthy to do what I love. My team Nova Uniao and my coach and all my sponsors that help me.