UFC 229: Nurmagomedov vs McGregor Predictions

UFC 229 takes place on October 6th and as always we are back with our predictions. I am going to post them in a way that is quicker and easier to read. Joining myself (Jason Adams) is Alyssa Vasquez, Amy Montenegro, Andy Nguyen, Ashley Hawkins, Chris Gregory, Erin Taranova, Jehnn Stumborg, Jen Aniano, Jenna Bernick, Jenna Skinner, Jessenia Quinonez, Jessica Dinch, Jillian DeCoursey, Kate Brummitt, Katherine Grasshopper, Katie Casimir, Lacey Hancock, Layla Newton, Leigh-Ann Baskey, Lindsey VanZandt, Mallory Kane, Missy Pontbriand, Monica Franco, Olivia Parker, Rach Frehe, Rachael Smith, Sarah Shell, Serena DeJesus, Shamir Peshewa, Sophie Sharp, Stephanie Skinner, Tamikka Brents and Teri Brents.


1. Lina Lansberg (8-3) vs Yana Kunitskaya (1-4, 1NC)
Lansberg: Andy, Jason, Jehnn, Jenna S., Jessica, Jillian, Katherine, Leigh-Ann, Mallory, Monica, Olivia, Rach, Rachael, Sarah, Sophie, Stephanie
Kunitskaya: Alyssa, Amy, Ashley, Chris, Erin, Jen, Jenna B., Jessenia, Kate, Katie, Lacey, Layla, Lindsey, Missy, Serena, Shamir, Tamikka, Teri
Totals: Lansberg- 16 Kunitskaya- 18

2. Aspen Ladd (6-0) vs Tonya Evinger (19-6, 1NC)
Ladd: Amy, Chris, Erin, Jason, Jillian, Kate, Katherine, Katie, Lacey, Lindsey, Monica, Rach, Sophie, Stephanie
Evinger: Alyssa, Ashley, Jehnn, Jen, Jenna B., Jenna S., Jessenia, Jessica, Layla, Leigh-Ann, Mallory, Missy, Olivia, Rachael, Sarah, Serena, Shamir, Tamikka, Teri
Totals: Ladd- 14 Evinger- 19 No Vote- 1

3. Sean O'Malley (10-0) vs Jose Quinones (8-2)
O'Malley: Alyssa, Amy, Andy, Ashley, Chris, Erin, Jason, Jehnn, Jen, Jenna B., Jenna S., Jessenia, Jessica, Jillian, Kate, Katie, Lacey, Leigh-Ann, Lindsey, Mallory, Missy, Olivia, Rach, Rachael, Sarah, Serena, Shamir, Sophie, Stephanie, Tamikka, Teri
Quinones: Katherine, Layla, Monica
Totals: O'Malley- 31 Quinones- 3

4. Michelle Waterson (15-6) vs Felice Herrig (14-7)
Waterson: Jen, Jenna S., Jessenia, Jessica, Jillian, Kate, Katherine, Katie, Lacey, Leigh-Ann, Lindsey, Mallory, Monica, Rachael, Sarah, Serena, Stephanie, Tamikka, Teri
Herrig: Alyssa, Amy, Andy, Ashley, Chris, Erin, Jason, Jehnn, Jenna B., Layla, Missy, Olivia, Rach, Shamir, Sophie
Totals: Waterson- 19 Herrig- 15

5. Derrick Lewis (20-5, 1NC) vs Alexander Volkov (29-6)
Lewis: Alyssa, Amy, Andy, Ashley, Erin, Jen, Jenna B., Jenna S., Jessenia, Jessica, Jillian, Katherine, Lacey, Leigh-Ann, Mallory, Missy, Monica, Olivia, Rach, Sarah, Serena, Shamir, Stephanie, Teri
Volkov: Chris, Jason, Jehnn, Kate, Katie, Layla, Lindsey, Rachael, Sophie, Tamikka
Totals: Lewis- 24 Volkov- 10

6. Ovince Saint Preux (22-11) vs Dominick Reyes (9-0)
Saint Preux: Alyssa, Amy, Ashley, Chris, Erin, Jason, Jehnn, Jenna B., Jessenia, Jessica, Jillian, Katherine, Katie, Layla, Lindsay, Mallory, Monica, Olivia, Rachael, Serena, Shamir, Stephanie, Tamikka, Teri
Reyes: Andy, Jen, Jenna S., Kate, Lacey, Leigh-Ann, Missy, Rach, Sarah, Sophie
Totals: Saint Preux- 24 Reyes- 10

7. Tony Ferguson (25-3) vs Anthony Pettis (21-7)
Ferguson: Alyssa, Ashley, Chris, Erin, Jason, Jehnn, Jenna B., Jenna S., Jessenia, Jessica, Jillian, Kate, Katie, Lacey, Layla, Olivia, Rach, Sarah, Serena, Shamir, Sophie, Stephanie
Pettis: Amy, Andy, Jen, Katherine, Leigh-Ann, Lindsey, Mallory, Missy, Monica, Rachael, Tamikka, Teri
Totals: Ferguson- 22 Pettis- 12

8. Khabib Nurmagomedov (26-0) vs Conor McGregor (21-3)
Nurmagomedov: Alyssa, Amy, Chris, Erin, Jen, Jenna S., Jessenia, Jillian, Kate, Katherine, Katie, Layla, Leigh-Ann, Lindsey, Mallory, Missy, Monica, Rach, Rachael, Serena, Shamir, Sophie
McGregor: Ashley, Andy, Jason, Jehnn, Jenna B., Jessica, Lacey, Olivia, Sarah, Stephanie, Tamikka, Teri
Totals: Nurmagomedov- 22 McGregor- 12

Bellator 206: Mousasi vs MacDonald Results

Bellator 206 took place September 29th from the SAP Center in San Jose, California. In the night's Main Event, Gegard Mousasi successfully defended his Middleweight Title with a second round stoppage of Welterweight Champion Rory MacDonald. After a close first round, in round two MacDonald went to get the takedown and although succeeding, he allowed Mousasi to get on top and land vicious ground and pound forcing the ref to step in. In women's action, Arlene Blencowe defeated Amber Leibrock with a third round TKO. After two close rounds, in round three Blencowe got a hard slam with Leibrock landing on her head and after some strikes on the ground it was over. Also, Keri Melendez remained unbeaten taking a decision from Dakota Zimmerman. Round one saw Zimmerman come very close to getting a decision but after that Melendez took over and got the win. A couple bouts took place off camera, so excluding those, here are all your results and our Of The Night Awards.

1. 140LB Catch Weight: Josh San Diego (8-4) defeated Joe Neal (6-4) via Split Decision (28-29/30-27/29-28). We scored it 30-27 San Diego.

2. Featherweight: Arlene Blencowe (11-7) defeated Amber Leibrock (3-2) via TKO at 1:23 of Round 3.

3. Bantamweight: Cass Bell (2-0) defeated Ty Costa (4-4) via Verbal Submission (Armbar) at 3:06 of Round 2.

4. 165LB Catch Weight: Adam Picolotti (11-2) defeated James Terry (20-10) via Unanimous Decision (29-28/30-27/30-27). We scored it 30-27 Picolotti.

5. Featherweight: Gaston Bolanos (4-1) defeated Ysidro Gutierrez (4-3) via KO at 1:37 of Round 2.

6. Strawweight: Keri Melendez (3-0) defeated Dakota Zimmerman (0-1) via Split Decision (29-28/28-29/29-28). We scored it 29-28 Melendez.

7. Featherweight: Aaron Pico (4-1) defeated Leandro Higo (18-5) via TKO at 3:19 of Round 1.

8. Welterweight: Douglas Lima (30-7) defeated Andrey Koreshkov (21-3) via Technical Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 3:04 of Round 5.

9. Heavyweight: Quinton Jackson (38-13) defeated Wanderlei Silva (35-14-1) via TKO at 4:32 of Round 2.

10. Middleweight Title: Gegard Mousasi (45-6-2) defeated Rory MacDonald (20-5) via TKO at 3:23 of Round 2.

Submission of the Night: Douglas Lima

Knockout of the Night: Aaron Pico

Fight of the Night: Adam Picolotti vs James Terry

TKO 44: Barriault vs Hunter Results

TKO presented their 44th event on September 22nd from Videotron Centre in Quebec City, Canada. In the Main Event, a battle for the Light Heavyweight Title, Marc-Andre Barriault defeated Adam Hunter by knockout in the first round. The fighters exchanged hard punches on the feet with both landing, but once it went to the ground, Barriault took over, got mount and landed hard shots for the finish. In women's action, Jade Masson-Wong won a close decision from Corrine LaFramboise. LaFramboise took the first round as on the ground she looked for submissions and was very active. Round two Masson-Wong was the aggressor and took control of the fight. Round three was very close and could have gone to either fighter but the judges liked Masson-Wong. Here are all your results and our Of The Night Awards.

1. Lightweight: Zackery Powell (1-0) defeated Brad Sullivan (1-1) via Tapout (Arm Triangle) at :39 of Round 1.

2. Bantamweight: Pierre-Olivier Bouffard (1-0) defeated Dorian Angerbauer (0-1) via Unanimous Decision (29-28/29-28/29-28). We scored it 29-28 Bouffard.

3. 163LB Catch Weight: Cedric Mongeon (2-2) defeated Alexandre Moufat (0-1) via KO at 4:39 of Round 1.

4. Welterweight: Danny Malette (2-0) defeated Guillaume Pulin (0-1) via TKO at 3:30 of Round 2.

5. Welterweight: Damien Lapilus (17-11-1) defeated Julien LeBlanc (5-1) via Unanimous Decision (30-27/30-27/30-26). We scored it 30-27 Lapilus.

6. 162.5LB Catch Weight: Jeremie Capony (6-2) defeated Robert Seres (4-3) via Unanimous Decision (29-28/29-28/29-26). We scored it 29-28 Capony.

7. Flyweight: Jade Masson-Wong (2-0) defeated Corinne LaFramboise (2-2) via Unanimous Decision (29-28/29-28/29-28). We scored it 29-28 Masson-Wong.

8. Bantamweight: Louis Jourdain (5-2) defeated Sebastian Ruiz (4-2) via Unanimous Decision (30-27/30-27/30-27). We scored it 29-28 Jourdain.

9. Bantamweight Title: Nate Maness (10-0) defeated Jesse Arnett (15-5) via TKO at 2:53 of Round 2.

10. Welterweight Title: Jesse Ronson (20-8) defeated Michael Dufort (6-3) via Split Decision (49-46/47-48/49-46). We scored it 48-47 Ronson.

11. Heavyweight Title: Ciryl Gane (2-0) defeated Adam Dyczka (7-1) via TKO at 4:57 of Round 2.

12. Light Heavyweight Title: Marc-Andre Barriault (11-1) defeated Adam Hunter (7-2) via KO at 4:28 of Round 1.

Submission of the Night: Zackery Powell

Knockout of the Night: Marc-Andre Barriault

Fight of the Night: Jesse Ronson vs Michael Dufort

UFC Fight Night 137: Santos vs Anders Results

UFC returned to Sao Paolo, Brazil on September 22nd and was held at Ginasio do Ibirapuera. In the Main Event, Thiago Santos beat late replacement Eryk Anders. Anders took the bout on six days notice. Both fighters had their moments with Silva being the better striker but Anders landing some of his own and mixing in takedowns. As round three came to a close Santos landed several elbows and Anders collapsed twice as he tried to return to his corner. Seeing this, the ref called the bout. In women's action Livinha Souza made her UFC debut and did so in impressive fashion quickly beating Alex Chambers with a guillotine. Also, Mayra Bueno Silva got a very impressive win with a first round submission of Gillian Robertson. In the final women's bout, Randa Markos and Marina Rodriguez fought to a draw. The bout was very close and the draw was not out of line. Here are all your results and our Of The Night Awards.

1. Strawweight: Livinha Souza (12-1) defeated Alex Chambers (5-5) via Tapout (Guillotine Choke) at 1:21 of Round 1.

2. Welterweight: Elizeu Zaleski Dos Santos (20-5) defeated Luigi Vendramini (8-1) via KO at 1:20 of Round 2.

3. Middleweight: Thales Leites (28-9) defeated Hector Lombard (34-10-1, 2NC) via Unanimous Decision (29-28/29-28/29-28). We scored it 29-28 Leites.

4. Flyweight: Mayra Bueno Silva (6-0) defeated Gillian Robertson (5-3) via Tapout (Armbar) at 4:55 of Round 1.

5. Welterweight: Serio Moraes (14-4-1) defeated Ben Saunders (22-10-2) via Tapout (Arm Triangle) at 4:42 of Round 2.

6. Heavyweight: Augusto Sakai (12-1-1) defeated Chase Sherman (11-6) via TKO at 4:03 of Round 3.

7. Light Heavyweight: Ryan Spann (15-5) defeated Luis Henrique (10-5, 1NC) via Unanimous Decision (30-27/30-27/29-28). We scored it 29-28 Spann.

8. Lightweight: Francisco Trinaldo (23-6) defeated Evan Dunham (18-8-1) via KO at 4:10 of Round 2.

9. Lightweight: Charles Oliveira (24-8, 1NC) defeated Christos Giagos (18-7) via Tapout (Rear Naked Choke) at 3:22 of Round 2.

10. Strawweight: Randa Markos (8-7-1) and Marina Rodriguez (10-0-1) fought to a Majority Draw (29-28 Markos/28-28/28-28).

11. Bantamweight: Andre Ewell (14-4) defeated Renan Barao (36-7, 1NC) via Split Decision (29-28/28-29/29-28). We scored it 29-28 Barao.

12. Light Heavyweight: Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (23-8) defeated Sam Alvey (33-11, 1NC) via KO at 1:00 of Round 2.

13. Welterweight: Alex Oliveira (19-4-1, 2NC) defeated Carlo Pedersoli (11-2) via KO at :39 of Round 1.

14. Light Heavyweight: Thiago Santos (19-6) defeated Eryk Anders (11-2) via TKO at 5:00 of Round 3.

Submission of the Night: Mayra Bueno Silva

Knockout of the Night: Antonio Rogerio Nogueira

Fight of the Night: Thiago Santos vs Eryk Anders

Alaska Fighting Championship 141: Meriweather vs Booker Results

Photo Credit: Alaska Fighting Championship



Alaska Fighting Championship returned on September 19th from Alaska Airlines Center in Anchorage, Alaska. In the night's Main Event, Dominick Meriweather dominated David Booker before getting the submission. Meriweather took it to the ground right away and while Booker defended pretty well for a time, Meriweather, upon standing back up, sunk in the guillotine for the tap. In the Co-Main Event, Mike Plazola got a second round finish of Cody Rice. Round one saw Plazola control the action, get a takedown and land some nice shots. Round two went back down to the ground and this time Plazola got the finish. Here are all your results and our Of The Night Awards.

1. 175LB Catch Weight: Kris Berberich (1-3) defeated Les Morgan (0-2) via TKO at 1:20 of Round 1.

2. Heavyweight: Enoka Sautia (1-0) defeated Alton Prince (5-19) via TKO (Injury) at 1:31 of Round 1.

3. 150LB Catch Weight: Kyle DeLa Rosa (1-0) defeated Tristen Lowe (0-1) via TKO at 3:27 of Round 1.

4. Light Heavyweight: Aaron Phillips (1-0) defeated Jason Hughes (0-1) via Tapout (Strikes) at 3:00 of Round 1.

5. Lightweight: Mike Plazola (16-9) defeated Cody Rice (13-13) via Tapout (Rear Naked Choke) at 1:08 of Round 2.

6. Lightweight: Dominick Meriweather (5-1) defeated David Booker (3-3) via Tapout (Guillotine Choke) at 4:16 of Round 1.

Submission of the Night: Dominick Meriweather

Knockout of the Night: Kris Berberich

Fight of the Night: Mike Plazola vs Cody Rice

UFC Fight Night 136: Hunt vs Oleinik Results

UFC Fight Night 136 took place September 15th from the Olimpiyskiy Stadium in Moscow, Russia. In the night's Main Event, Aleksei Oleinik defeated Mark Hunt. Early on Hunt had Oleinik hurt, landing some hard leg kicks that clearly had Oleinik limping and in trouble. Oleinik however continued to march forward and seemed to stun Hunt before taking him down. Hunt tried to escape but Oleinik got the choke and the win. In the Co-Main Event Jan Blachowicz outclassed Nikita Krylov. From the very beginning Blachowicz's grappling skills proved to be too much and midway through round two he got the submission. Here are all your results and our Of The Night Awards.


1. Bantamweight: Merab Dvalishvili (8-4) defeated Terrion Ware (18-7) via Unanimous Decision (30-25/30-25/30-25). We scored it 30-27 Dvalishvili.

2. Welterweight: Ramazan Emeev (18-3) defeated Stefan Sekulic (12-3) via Unanimous Decision (29-28/30-27/30-26). We scored it 29-28 Emeev.

3. Middleweight: Jordan Johnson (10-0) defeated Adam Yandiev (9-1) via Tapout (Side Choke) at :42 of Round 2.

4. Light Heavyweight: Magomed Ankalaev (10-1) defeated Marcin Prachnio (13-4) via KO at 3:09 of Round 1.

5. Lightweight: Marbek Taisumov (27-5) defeated Desmond Green (21-8) via Unanimous Decision (30-27/30-27/30-27). We scored it 29-28 Green.

6. Lightweight: Rustam Khabilov (23-3) defeated Kajan Johnson (23-14-1) via Split Decision (29-28/28-29/29-28). We scored it 29-28 Johnson.

7. Bantamweight: Petr Yan (10-1) defeated Jin Soon Son (9-3) via Unanimous Decision (30-27/30-27/29-28). We scored it 29-28 Yan.

8. Middleweight: Khalid Murtazaliev (14-2) defeated CB Dollaway (18-10) via TKO at 5:00 of Round 2.

9. Welterweight: Alexey Kunchenko (19-0) defeated Thiago Alves (27-13) via Unanimous Decision (30-27/29-28/29-28). We scored it 29-28 Kunchenko.

10. Heavyweight: Shamil Abdurakhimov (19-4) defeated Andrei Arlovski (27-17, 1NC) via Unanimous Decision (29-28/30-27/30-27). We scored it 29-28 Abdurakhimov.

11. Light Heavyweight: Jan Blachowicz (23-7) defeated Nikita Krylov (25-6) via Tapout (D'arce Choke) at 2:41 of Round 2.

12. Heavyweight: Aleksei Oleinik (57-11-1) defeated Mark Hunt (13-13, 1NC) via Tapout (Rear Naked Choke) at 4:26 of Round 1.


Submission of the Night: Aleksei Oleinik

Knockout of the Night: Magomed Ankalaev

Fight of the Night: Petr Yan vs Jin Soon Son

UFC 228: Woodley vs Till Results

Photo Credit: Ultimate Fight Championship




UFC 228 took place September 8th from The American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. In the Main Event, Tyron Woodley successfully defended his Welterweight Title submitting previously undefeated challenger Darren Till. Round one was fought mostly in the clinch on the cage. But in round two, Woodley rocked Till with a straight right and got on top landing very good ground and pound before sinking in the choke for the tap. In the Co-Main Event, Jessica Andrade made a strong statement and claim to a Strawweight Title shot with a first round knockout of Karolina Kowalkiewicz. Andrade came forward right away and had Kowalkiewicz hurt with repeated strikes. After it appeared Kowalkiewicz was getting her bearings back, Andrade dropped her with a punch and the ref stepped in. In earlier women's action, Tatiana Suarez made her own claim to the title shot with a one-sided destruction of Carla Esparza. Esparza had no answer for Suarez's takedowns and ground and pound and with just seconds left, the ref called it. Also, Irene Aldana won an exciting split decision from Lucie Pudilova in a fight that saw both have their moments and both show off a very formidable striking attack. Here are all your results and our Of The Night Awards.

1. Flyweight: Jarred Brooks (14-2) defeated Roberto Sanchez (8-2) via Split Decision (29-28/28-29/29-28). We scored it 29-28 Sanchez.

2. Bantamweight: Irene Aldana (9-4) defeated Lucie Pudilova (8-3) via Split Decision (29-28/28-29/29-28). We scored it 29-28 Pudilova.

3. Lightweight: Jim Miller (29-12, 1NC) defeated Alex White (12-5) via Tapout (Rear Naked Choke) at 1:29 of Round 1.

4. Welterweight: Diego Sanchez (30-11) defeated Craig White (14-9) via Unanimous Decision (30-27/30-27/30-27). We scored it 30-26 Sanchez.

5. Middleweight: Darren Stewart (9-3, 1NC) defeated Charles Byrd (10-5) via TKO at 2:17 of Round 2.

6. Welterweight: Geoff Neal (10-2) defeated Frank Camacho (21-7) via KO at 1:23 of Round 2.

7. Bantamweight: Aljamain Sterling (16-3) defeated Cody Stamann (17-2) via Tapout (Kneebar) at 3:42 of Round 2.

8. Strawweight: Tatiana Suarez (8-0) defeated Carla Esparza (14-6) via TKO at 4:33 of Round 3.

9. Welterweight: Abdul Razak Alhassan (10-1) defeated Niko Price (12-2, 1NC) via KO at :43 of Round 1.

10. Bantamweight: Jimmie Rivera (22-2) defeated John Dodson (21-10) via Unanimous Decision (30-27/30-27/29-28). We scored it 30-27 Rivera.

11. Featherweight: Zabit Magomedsharipov (16-1) defeated Brandon Davis (9-5) via Tapout (Kneebar) at 3:46 of Round 2.

12. Strawweight: Jessica Andrade (19-6) defeated Karolina Kowalkiewicz (13-3) via KO at 1:58 of Round 1.

13. Welterweight Title: Tyron Woodley (19-3-1) defeated Darren Till (17-1-1) via Tapout (D'arce Choke ) at 4:19 of Round 2.

Submission of the Night: Zabit Magomedsharipov

Knockout of the Night: Jessica Andrade

Fight of the Night: Irene Aldana vs Lucie Pudilova

August 2018 Fitness Athlete of the Month: Alina Popa

Photo Credit: Mike Yurkovic



2011 was the year people really started taking notice of Alina Popa. At least in my mind anyway. That's the year where it to me became apparent that Alina was destined to be one of the great's of female bodybuilding. She took fifth place at the Olympia that year but you could easily have made the argument she was top two. She quickly became popular. The following year she took an even better package on stage and took 3rd at the Arnold Classic and moved up a spot to fourth place at the Olympia. People began to realize that Alina had everything it took to eventually take home the sport's biggest crown.


Photo Credit: JM Manion/NPC News Online

Then came 2013. Alina returned again to the Olympia stage and took second place and many made the argument she should have won. It's a subjective sport, and the opinions were different, but the differed only on one thing, was it Alina Popa or was it Iris Kyle. But even if you thought it was Iris over Alina, you still knew Alina Popa was a legit contender to being the absolute number one female bodybuilder in the world. 2014 it came down to the same as the year before, Iris vs Alina. Once again the judges gave it to Iris, but this year, there were even more people being vocal believing Alina deserved that win. Her popularity was growing as evidenced but our own annual awards where year after year Alina was winning the voting for Voters Favorite as well as Competitors Favorite, meaning even her fellow competitors were saying Alina was their favorite.

Alina did not compete in 2015 and returned in 2016. Only this time, with there not being female bodybuilding at the Olympia, she stepped on stage at what is now the sport's biggest prize, the Rising Phoenix. Alina had a new batch of challengers, a changing of the guard was taking place as new people were stepping up competing for the best, people like Margie Martin, Helle Trevino and Sheila Bleck. Alina finished a very respectable third place. A small step back from her second place Olympia finishes, but at the same time, it might have been the best field of competitors she'd ever faced. Alina also regained her throne as the possibly most popular bodybuilder in the world.


Photo Credit: Mike Yurkovic

However in 2017 she once again was away from the stage, not competing the whole year. But how's this for an example of her popularity, she wasn't eligible since she didn't compete but she still received the most votes in our annual awards for Voters Favorite Competitor. She couldn't win due to not competing but if our rules were different, she would have won that award without even competing.

But fans were made happy this August as Alina returned to the stage at the Tampa Pro and not only did she return, she looked absolutely better than ever and took a first place finish in a field of fifteen of the best in the world. There were some great competitor's on that stage and Alina walked away with the win. Fans are surely hoping Alina will be active and be on stage often as she still has the potential and ability to go down as one of the all-time greats.


Photo Credit: JM Manion/NPC News Online

Why is Alina Popa so popular. I've been told by fellow competitor's that they like Alina because in a sport that is sometimes called selfish, Alina is very friendly, doesn't have an ego and is easy to like. Fans like her because obviously her physique is always on point but Alina also is one example of how muscle on a woman can be beautiful, she helps to destroy the "muscle looks manly" myth that some ignorantly have. Alina definitely has the ability to become a Hall-Of-Fame bodybuilder but she is already a Hall-Of-Fame personality that most bodybuilding fans will always root for.

August 2018 MMA Athlete of the Month: Kaitlin Young

Photo Credit: RIZIN FF


When something becomes popular, especially a sport or certain thing within a sport, one of the struggles is to remember to acknowledge those who paved the way, those who were doing it become it was "cool". With the women's side of MMA growing in popularity, a new fan base has arrived and it is up to the "die-hards" to let those new fans know those who paved the way. For without them doing it, where would the newer athletes have discovered it from? Where would the newer fighters have learned that they can get in the cage themselves and compete at the highest level?


In MMA people love to say that Gina Carano started it and Ronda Rousey picked up from there. But the reality is women were in the cage long before Gina, fighting for whatever money they could get a promote to pay them, if he paid them at all. But even if we ignore history and go with that theory that it started with Carano, it's not a fight unless you have two people in there. So in the modern fans version of history that women's MMA started with a person named Gina, still others had to be there with her. One of those women, on May 31st of 2008 was Kaitlin Young, live on National TV on CBS. It doesn't take a genius to know that most likely Kaitlin was selected as the opponent because they knew she'd want to stand and trade with Carano, but one must wonder if they knew Kaitlin was going to be as tough as she was. Kaitlin did not get the win that night, as the doctors stopped the fight in round two. However, Kaitlin Young introduced herself to a knew group of fans, she let people know she was a fighter, a legit fighter, who on any given night could take out anyone.


Photo Credit: RIZIN FF

Kaitlin continued to compete, facing off with the proverbial who's who of the sport, the Kedzie's, the Smith's and the Carmouche's before deciding to step away from MMA and just focusing on competing in Muay Thai. After a few losses, she probably felt like Muay Thai AKA stand-up was her "specialty" so let's focus on that. And focus she did as she showed herself to still be an elite fighter, winning fights and winning titles. In that time she took on a new challenge, she became the matchmaker for Invicta FC, the all female promotion and like with any challenge, she excelled. Sure, there are those who live to complain who probably said she wasn't great at her job, but if you ever dealt with her on a professional level, you'd know Kaitlin was great at her job and put her heart into it, all the while, still training and competing.


Photo Credit: Unknown

But like anyone who feels they still have more to offer, Kaitlin decided it was time to compete in MMA again and on August 12th Kaitlin travelled to Japan to fight for RIZIN and take on the much heralded Reina Miura. Not to put words into people's mouths or to speak for them, but I don't think it is out of the realm of possibility that Kaitlin was being brought in to be a nice name on Miura's resume. A name to help make the homegrown superstar look good. Someone forgot to tell Kaitlin. Kaitlin looked like the Kaitlin Young of old, perhaps even better than the Kaitlin Young of old and walked out with a unanimous decision victory. She was back and she was ready for more.


Photo Credit: MMAFightGala

Within the past few days it has been revealed Kaitlin is back competing in MMA and will be stepping down as Invicta's matchmaker and in fact will be competing at Invicta's next event. While those who dealt with Kaitlin in a business aspect will be sad to see her go, anyone who is a fan of women's MMA must be excited that she is back competing. A newer Kaitlin, a confident Kaitlin can really make waves and it's going to be exciting to watch this next chapter.

UFC 228: Woodley vs Till Predictions

Photo Credit: Ultimate Fighting Championship



We are back with Our UFC 228 predictions. UFC 228 takes place September 8th. Joining myself (Jason Adams) are Alyssa Vasquez, Amy Montenegro, Andy Nguyen, Ashley Hawkins, Chris Gregory, Emily Andzulis, Jehnn Stumborg, Jen Aniano, Jenna Bernick, Jenna Skinner, Jessenia Quinonez, Jessica Dinch, Jillian DeCoursey, Kate Brummitt, Katherine Grasshopper, Katie Casimir, Kia Lola, Lacey Hancock, Layla Newton, Leigh-Ann Baskey, Mallory Kane, Missy Pontbriand, Monica Franco, Olivia Parker, Rach Frehe, Rachael Smith, Sarah Shell, Serena DeJesus, Shamir Peshewa, Sophie Sharp, Stephanie Skinner, Tamikka Brents and Teri Brents.

1. Irene Aldana (8-4) vs Lucie Pudilova (8-2)
Alyssa: Aldana
Amy: Aldana
Andy: Aldana
Ashley: Aldana
Chris: Pudilova
Emily: Aldana
Jason: Aldana
Jehnn: Pudilova
Jen: Pudilova
Jenna B: Aldana
Jenna S: Pudilova
Jessenia: Aldana
Jessica: Aldana
Jillian: Aldana
Kate: Aldana
Katherine: Aldana
Katie: Pudilova
Kia: Pudilova
Lacey: Pudilova
Layla: Aldana
Leigh-Ann: Aldana
Mallory: Aldana
Missy: Pudilova
Monica: Aldana
Olivia: Aldana
Rach: Pudilova
Rachael: Aldana
Sarah: Aldana
Serena: Aldana
Shamir: Aldana
Sophie: Aldana
Stephanie: Aldana
Tamikka: Aldana
Teri: Aldana
Totals: Aldana- 25 Pudilova- 9

2. Aljamain Sterling (14-3) vs Cody Stamann (17-1)
Alyssa: Sterling
Amy: Stamann
Andy: Sterling
Ashley: Sterling
Chris: Stamann
Emily: Stamann
Jason: Stamann
Jehnn: Stamann
Jen: Stamann
Jenna B: Stamann
Jenna S: Stamann
Jessenia: Stamann
Jessica: Sterling
Jillian: Sterling
Kate: Sterling
Katherine: Sterling
Katie: Sterling
Kia: Sterling
Lacey: Sterling
Layla: Stamann
Leigh-Ann: Stamann
Mallory: Sterling
Missy: Stamann
Monica: Stamann
Olivia: Sterling
Rach: Stamann
Rachael: Stamann
Sarah: Sterling
Serena: Sterling
Shamir: Sterling
Sophie: Sterling
Stephanie: Sterling
Tamikka: Sterling
Teri: Stamann
Totals: Sterling- 18 Stamann- 16

3. Carla Esparza (14-5) vs Tatiana Suarez (7-0)
Alyssa: Suarez
Amy: Suarez
Andy: Suarez
Ashley: Suarez
Chris: Suarez
Emily: Esparza
Jason: Esparza
Jehnn: Suarez
Jen: Esparza
Jenna B: Esparza
Jenna S: Esparza
Jessenia: Esparza
Jessica: Suarez
Jillian: Esparza
Kate: Esparza
Katherine: Esparza
Katie: Esparza
Kia: Esparza
Lacey: Esparza
Layla: Esparza
Leigh-Ann: Esparza
Mallory: Suarez
Missy: Suarez
Monica: Suarez
Olivia: Esparza
Rach: Suarez
Rachael: Suarez
Sarah: Esparza
Serena: Esparza
Shamir: Suarez
Sophie: Suarez
Stephanie: Suarez
Tamikka: Suarez
Teri: Suarez
Totals: Esparza- 17 Suarez- 17

4. Jessica Andrade (18-6) vs Karlina Kowalkiewicz (12-2)
Alyssa: Andrade
Amy: Kowalkiewicz
Andy: Andrade
Ashley: Kowalkiewicz
Chris: Kowalkiewicz
Emily: Andrade
Jason: Kowalkiewicz
Jehnn: Kowalkiewicz
Jen: Andrade
Jenna B: Andrade
Jenna S: Kowalkiewicz
Jessenia: Andrade
Jessica: Andrade
Jillian: Kowalkiewicz
Kate: Andrade
Katherine: Kowalkiewicz
Katie: Andrade
Kia: Kowalkiewicz
Lacey: Kowalkiewicz
Layla: Andrade
Leigh-Ann: Andrade
Mallory: Andrade
Missy: Kowalkiewicz
Monica: Kowalkiewicz
Olivia: Andrade
Rach: Andrade
Rachael: Andrade
Sarah: Kowalkiewicz
Serena: Kowalkiewicz
Shamir: Kowalkiewicz
Sophie: Kowalkiewicz
Stephanie: Andrade
Tamikka: Kowalkiewicz
Teri: Andrade
Totals: Andrade- 17 Kowalkiewicz- 17

5. Nico Montano (5-2) vs Valentina Shevchenko (12-2)
Alyssa: Shevchenko
Amy: Shevchenko
Andy: Shevchenko
Ashley: Shevchenko
Chris: Shevchenko
Emily: Shevchenko
Jason: Shevchenko
Jehnn: Shevchenko
Jen: Montano
Jenna B: Montano
Jenna S: Shevchenko
Jessenia: Shevchenko
Jessica: Shevchenko
Jillian: Shevchenko
Kate: Shevchenko
Katherine: Shevchenko
Katie: Shevchenko
Kia: Shevchenko
Lacey: Montano
Layla: Shevchenko
Leigh-Ann: Shevchenko
Mallory: Shevchenko
Missy: Shevchenko
Monica: Shevchenko
Olivia: Montano
Rach: Shevchenko
Rachael: Montano
Sarah: Montano
Serena: Montano
Shamir: Montano
Sophie: Shevchenko
Stephanie: Shevchenko
Tamikka: Shevchenko
Teri: Montano
Totals: Montano- 9 Shevchenko- 25

6. Tyron Woodley (18-3-1) vs Darren Till (17-0-1)
Alyssa: Woodley
Amy: Woodley
Andy: Woodley
Ashley: Woodley
Chris: Woodley
Emily: Till
Jason: Woodley
Jehnn: Till
Jen: Till
Jenna B: Woodley
Jenna S: Woodley
Jessenia: Woodley
Jessica: Woodley
Jillian: Woodley
Kate: Woodley
Katherine: Till
Katie: Woodley
Kia: Woodley
Lacey: Woodley
Layla: Till
Leigh-Ann: Woodley
Mallory: Till
Missy: Till
Monica: Till
Olivia: Woodley
Rach: Till
Rachael: Till
Sarah: Woodley
Serena: Woodley
Shamir: Till
Sophie: Woodley
Stephanie: Woodley
Tamikka: Till
Teri: Till
Totals: Woodley- 21 Till- 13

Invicta FC 31: Jandiroba vs Morandin Results

Photo Credit: Invicta FC


Invicta FC 31 took place September 1st from their home base of Kansas City, Missouri. In the night's Main Event, Virna Jandiroba was successful in her Strawweight Title defense and remained undefeated by submitting Janaisa Morandin in round 2. Jandiroba, the Jiu-Jitsu specialist got it to the ground quickly as she could and for the most part dominated the first round there. In round two she again got it to the ground and was able to once again control the action there before securing the finish. In the Co-Main Event, Pearl Gonzales continued her roll taking a one sided unanimous decision from Daiane Firmino. Gonzales pretty much dominated the fight standing, against the cage or wherever else it went as Firmino tried all she could but couldn't mount much offense. Here are all your results and our Of The Night Awards.

1. Featherweight: Audrey Wolfe (1-0-1) and Holli Salazar (1-0-1) fought to a Draw (28-28/28-28/28-28). We scored it 29-27 Salazar.

2. Strawweight: Kay Hansen (3-1) defeated Helen Peralta (2-1) via TKO at 4:16 of Round 3.

3. Atomweight: Kelly D'Angelo (3-2) defeated Lindsay VanZandt (3-1) via Unanimous Decision (30-27/30-27/29-28). We scored it 29-27 D'Angelo.

4. Flyweight: Miranda Maverick (4-1) defeated Victoria Leonardo (2-1) via Tapout (Armbar) at 3:20 of Round 1.

5. Strawweight: Mallory Martin (4-2) defeated Ashley Nichols (3-3) via TKO at 1:05 of Round 3.

6. Bantamweight: Lisa Spangler (3-0) defeated Shanna Young (4-1) via Split Decision (28-29/30-27/29-28). We scored it 29-28 Spangler.

7. Flyweight: Pearl Gonzales (9-3) defeated Daiane Firmino (10-3) via Unanimous Decision (30-27/29-28/29-27). We scored it 30-27 Gonzales

8. Strawweight Title: Virna Jandiroba (14-0) defeated Janaisa Morandin (10-2) via Tapout (Arm Triangle) at 2:23 of Round 2.

Submission of the Night: Virna Jandiroba

Knockout of the Night: Mallory Martin

Fight of the Night: Lisa Spangler vs Shanna Young