Carla Esparza Interview

Photo credit: Esther Lin


Coming off an impressive three fight win streak, Carla Esparza gets her first title shot when she takes on Claudia Gadelha for Invicta on January 5th. Since her loss to Jessica Aguilar- fight many felt she won-, Esparza has show improvement with each fight and a win over Gadelha for the title would cement her placing among the sports elite.

Q: Looking back at your last fight, you beat Lynn Alvarez, how satisfied were you with your performance?
A: I was really happy with that performance. Anytime you get a fast finish I don't think there is really any complaining.

Q: Did you feel going in that you had to not only win but win impressive to deserve the title shot?
A: Yeah, I think it was kind of in the works, but I think that win definitely solidified it.

Q: Since you beat her, you and Felice Herrig have been training together a lot and have both looked better, how have you two helped each other?
A: We are pretty much both higher level fighters. Felice brings a lot to the table with her striking and she has a really flexible guard. We compliment each other. She has strong cage wrestling and I have a lot of ground and pound and wrestling. We compliment each other and when we spar hard it is really competitive. That is how you get better cause that is like a real life situation, sparring in the same weight class, top girls, you expose your faults and when a coach helps clean it up, it really helps.

Q: She fought last week, does it help when you both have fights coming up so close together?
A: Definitely! I came in at the beginning of her camp. I didn't know Invicta was coming this fast, I was expecting February, but it is great I got to have this to start my own camp and give me a perspective of what I need to work on.

Q: What would this title mean to you?
A: It would mean everything. I have never had a title. To be a title holder for Invicta, the top promotion for women, is the best you can have. I feel honored to fight in the first strawweight championship fight.

Q: You are fighting Claudia Gadelha, how do you feel you match up with her?
A: I feel I match up well. We are both finishers. I think we both come out strong. It will be who wants it more and imposes their will first. She has a similar style to mine. She likes the top game. Unfortunately there is not too much footage of her, I know her Jiu-Jitsu is really good. My wrestling really negates a lot of that. We will see how we match up on the ground, I am sure it will end up there eventually.

Q: Is it hard to game-plan when you don't see a lot of footage?
A: It is a little hard, but we know she likes to come out strong because there is so little footage. I'm expecting her to want to finish me in the first round, that is her pattern. I will be ready for five rounds and get my endurance up but I am expecting a tough first round.

Q: Is there a past opponent you would compare her to?
A: My coaches have said she is similar to Jessica Aguilar. She is a black belt in Jiu-Jitsu and won plenty of world titles in Jiu-Jitsu. As far as Jiu-Jitsu status I would say Megumi Fuji. Their style isn't to similar but as far as the level of Jiu-Jitsu.

Q: With her fighting in Brazil, could coming to another country have a negative affect on her?
A: There is always the jet-lag and traveling can be stressful, so it could play a factor. She traveled to Canada and won her fight. She is coming to fight so travel or not, she will be ready.

Q: Knowing she is gonna be looking for the submission do you do extra work on submission defense?
A: Yes, I always try and specify my camps when I have the time to. I have been doing a lot of submission defense and working off my back. I am ready for anything she brings.

Q: Her fights seem to always end in the first, you do have some experience going later, if it goes into the alter rounds, does that give you an experience edge?
A: Definitely! Just that experience of having to push yourself, it is adversity and I don't think she has had to deal with that, she has two decisions in her career. I plan to push her. This is a five round fight, if it goes five rounds I have the advantage.

Q: So if it does go to the fourth or fifth, I assume you are comfortable you have the cardio for that?
A: Yeah, my cardio feels really good right now. I don't care how great of shape you are, you go five rounds you are gonna get tired, but I feel good that if I have to go five rounds, I can do it.

Q: Does this being for a title in the top company for women's MMA put more pressure on you or can you treat it like another fight?
A: The fact it is a title fight, it isn't just another fight, it means a lot. But being for this or that organization doesn't play much of a difference. Invicta is a great organization and there will be a lot of eyes on this fight, but I feel pretty comfortable.

Q: People who know the sport know you are among the elite but does winning this title put your name out there more to the casual fan?
A: Definitely! This show has been growing bigger and bigger, there isn't a lot of people who follow MMA who haven't heard of Invicta. I expect a good showing and winning this belt will put my name out there a lot more.

Q: Do you have a predicition?
A: I am gonna try and put her way and finish her as soon as I can.

Q: Anyone you want to thank?
A: My team, Team Oyama, my sponsors Alienware, Brawl and Maul, Fear the Fighter, Battlewear and Innovative Results.

ShoFights 24 Report

On December 8th ShoFights presented a single elimination Featherweight tournament. Eight fighters were scheduled however one did not show up so one fighter received a bye in the first round. The first two rounds were one five minute round and the finals were scheduled for four four minute rounds.

1: Amateur Featherweight Tournament (one 5 Minute Round)
T.J. Brown (7-0) vs Daniel Blair (4-2)

RD 1: Leg kick by Blair. Blair shoots in but gets stuffed. Leg kick by Brown. They clinch and quickly separate. Blair gets a takedown but Brown reverses and gets on top in side control. Blair works his way back up. Uppercut by Brown. Cross by Blair. Jab and cross by Blair. They clinch and move to the cage. Slam by Brown into side control. Knees to the body by Brown. Brown tries for a head and arm choke. Brown gets mount and lands head shots. The ref stands them, which was ridiculous. Takedown by Brown and he lands punches till the ref stops it.

Result: T.J. Brown by TKO at 2:20 of Round 1

2. Amateur Featherweight Tournament (one 5 Minute Round)
Hardy Friely (6-3) vs Ross Campbell (5-0)

RD 1: They clinch in the center and drop down. Campbell stands and lets him up. Friely shoots in but Campbell gets the takedown. Friely tries for a leg. Punches to the head by Campbell. Campbell lets him up. Friely shoots but Campbell sprawls. Campbell drops him with a push kick but Friely is right back up. Leg kick by Friely. Body kick by Campbell. Leg kick by Friely. Hook by Campbell. They trade punches. Friely shoots in but eats punches t the head before completing the takedown into guard. Head shots from the bottom by Campbell. Campbell gets a triangle and gets the tap.

Result: Ross Campbell by Tapout (Triangle) at 2:33 of Round 1

3. Amateur Featherweight Tournament (one 5 Minute Round)
Caleb Dye (8-2) vs Jason Powell (16-6)

RD 1: Cross by Dye. They clinch against the cage. Knees to the body by Dye. They separate. Takedown by Dye and they are right back up still clinched on the cage. Dye looks for a takedown and gets it and is in guard. Head shots by Dye. Powell tries for an arm but Dye escapes. Body shots by Dye. The ref stands them. Hook by Powell. Dye shoots in but Powell takes him down into guard. Powell gets side control. Knees to the body by Powell. Powell gets an armbar and gets the tap.

Result: Jason Powell by Tapout (Armbar) at 2:56 of Round 1

4. Amateur 125LBS (3x3x3 Rounds)
Hannah Eagle (0-0) vs Katy Collins (2-3)

RD 1: They come out trading punches. Collins gets a takedown and gets her back and a rear naked choke for the tap.

Result: Katy Collins by Tapout (Rear Naked Choke) at :35 of Round 1

5. Amateur Featherweight Tournament (one 5 Minute Round)
Cory Heinz (3-6) vs Ross Campbell (6-0)

RD 1: Heinz shoots in and gets a takedown but they are up quick still clinched. Campbell gets a guillotine and gets the tap.

Result: Ross Campbell by Tapout (Guillotine) at :24 of Round 1

6. Amateur Featherweight Tournament (one 5 Minute Round)
T.J. Brown (8-0) vs Jason Powell (17-6)

RD 1: Hook by Brown. Leg kick by Powell. Brown catches a kick and takes him down but lets him right back up. They clinch against the cage. Head shots by Brown. Body shots by Brown. Powell is working hard for a takedown. They separate. Powell shoots in and gets a takedown. Brown works his way up and they are clinched on the cage. Brown drops him with a knee and lands punches. The ref says the knee was to the head which is illegal for amateurs and disqualifies Brown. Brown is very angry. It looked to me like the knee landed to the body.

Result: Jason Powell by Disqualification at 2:50 of Round 1 (this result may have since been changed to a No-Contest)

7. Amateur Featherweight Tournament Final (4x4x4x4 Rounds)
Ross Campbell (7-0) vs Jason Powell (18-6)

RD 1: Hook and cross by Powell. They clinch on the cage. Slam by Powell into half guard. Not much action here. Powell moves to side control but then Campbell pulls guard. Powell is bleeding bad from the nose. Powell stands and drops down punches and gets back in guard. Punch to the head by Powell. Head shots from the bottom by Campbell. Punch to the head by Powell. They stand still clinched. Campbell gets a guillotine and gets the tap.

Result: Ross Campbell by Tapout (Guillotine) at 3:35 of Round 1

Submission of the Night: Ross Campbell (over Cory Heinz)

KO of the Night: T.J. Brown (over Daniel Blair)

Fight of the Night: Hardy Friely vs Ross Campbell

Tamikka Brents Interview

After making her long awaited pro debut a successful one when she defeated Jessica Halverson in November, Tamikka Brents steps inside the Invicta cage on January 5th to take on Amanda Bell in a fight that to me, has Fight of the Night written all over it. Brents was an amateur who had trouble getting fights, but now as a pro can be more active and show why she was so heralded as an amateur. The fight with Bell features two extremely talented young fighters who always put on an exciting show.

Q: You finally made your pro debut in November with a victory over Jessica Halverson, how did it feel to finally get to have that first pro fight?
A: It was crazy, I was so happy. I finally got to fight and unleash my elbows like I have been waiting to do forever.

Q: how happy were you with your performance?
A: There is still a couple little things that I could have done better. But overall, I thought I did really well. I got hit with a jab and I think that was it, that is always good in a fight haha.

Q: This fight for Invicta, knowing what they mean for women's MMA, what does it mean for you to fight for them?
A: It's exciting! That has been the goal for awhile. They contacted us before and after that first contact they have been checking on me, checking what fights I am doing. Now that I am finally in there I am just excited. It's Invicta, that's where you wanna be until UFC starts doing more divisions.

Q: The fight with Amanda Bell to me is an excellent match-up, two exciting fighters who both look to finish, would you agree?
A: Definitely! She is ranked number two ammy at 145. I don't think she got as much exposure as she should have, especially by the way she fights. I am excited.

Q: You just fought and she has had some time off, can that benefit you at all?
A: I think with any fighter, that time off you are afraid you have cage rust. I went right back to training after my fight and she has been training, so I think that little nervousness every fighter gets before a fight, I don't think will be a factor. We are just gonna go in there and entertain everyone. I don't think it's a factor.

Q: Does her having that time off make it harder to game-plan, not knowing what she has worked on in that time?
A: Not really! My game-plan is the same for everything. Just don't get hit, if you do get hit, hit them more than they hit you.

Q: Where do you feel you hold the biggest advantage?
A: I think my striking. I think my striking is better. She likes to strike but more of a brawling style. My technique in the stand-up is better. Other than that I think it is an even playing field. She could have been working on her stand-up the whole time she has been off. Just going off old fights, I feel my technique is better. I am preparing as if she is the best striker, best wrestler, best Jiu-Jitsu player in the world.

Q: On a card with all females, does part of you want to not only win, but also be one of the girls that everyone talks about after?
A: Every single fight I wanna do that. I want to be exciting win, lose or draw, that fighter that even if I lost, people say it was a hell of a fight that could have gone either way. Like when I fought in Ohio against Jessica Zomcik, they knew her and were rooting for her but after the fight they were cheering us both on because it was that good of a fight.

Q: Do you have a prediction?
A: My prediction is someone is getting elbowed.

Q: You could be on any game show you want, what one is it?
A: Do they still have Double Dare?

Q: What food do they not make deep friend that they should?
A: It would be cool to see a fried ice-cream cone.

Q: If you were Roseanne Barr would you ever consider naming your child Candy?
A: Haha, no!

Q: Have you ever in your life completed a full game of Monopoly?
A: No haha. I usually end up in jail a lot.

Q: What is the best Christmas movie?
A: You gotta go with Christmas Story.

Q: What is the worst Christmas movie?
A: I don't like the T.V. show Christmas specials. They are always so corny.

Q: Who was the most annoying Brady Bunch child?
A: The youngest one, whatever her name was. She was a snitch and had a lisp.

Q: Fight to the death, who wins, Jay Leno, Tonya Harding, Dolly Parton, or the little fat kid who played Chunk in Goonies?
A: I will go with Dolly Parton. Her chest will protect her and all the blows will bounce back and they will die from self inflicted blows.

Q: Anyone you want to thank?
A: I'd like to thank my friends and family, my gym Team Warrior Concepts, my head coach and the owners of TWC Scott and Jen Ward who are always looking out for me, the ladies in our women's fitness class, they are always cheering me on and supporting me, all my teammates and coaches, Curt Bee, Hunter Ansell, Jared Rusk and Lex James, my awesome girlfriend Anndrea for being there for me and helping me through this crazy fighter life along with my A-Team and the Oreo are very supportive no matter what. Also, my amazing sponsors, Complete Nutrition, AMB Construction, Spartan Sports Park, Keppler Environmental Management, New Age Tattoos, my awesome chiropractor Clint Scott, my amazing massage therapist Renee "Magic Hands" Dean, The Body Quest Store, Defense Soap, Intimidation Clothing, Scandals Nightclub, Lids, Title Shot Apparel, Punch Town and The Gyro Stop. They are all awesome and support me as much as possible. And of course a big thank you to Jason "Sweet Cheeks" Adams for interviewing me once again.

2012 Real Women Award Nominees

O.K. everyone, it's that time again. The last couple years the votes have been done via email. This year I have simplified it. Simply click on your votes in each award right here, except for the last few awards, which still must be done via email. You can vote in one award or vote for every one. Pro and amateur is defined by what your first fight or competition of 2012 was except for the 2013 Is Their Year award which is defined by what you are entering 2013 as. With the addition of the Physique division, there are now several more awards, so I have eliminated a couple awards from the past couple years. It is set up so you will only be able to vote once. At the bottom of the pole are som other awards for both MMA and Fitness as well as awards for my blog and fan page. The last couple awards are voters favorites and competitor/fighter favorites. For those you must email your choice to elway78@netzero.com. For competitor and fighter favorites you must also provide the name of a competition you did or the date and promotion for which you have had a fight. The final award is the Woman of the Year. This is also done by email. It is open to both competitors and fighters. It is as simple as it sounds, the competitor or fighter who had the best year. Every years there are complaints about people being left off the ballot in some categories. I am not alone in making these nominees. I have several fighters, competitors and media people who help with the nominees. So I am only a small part of deciding who gets nominated. These ballots will be open for voting until January 3rd at Midnight.


MMA Awards





































Bikini Awards



























Fitness Awards



























Figure Awards



























Physique Awards



























Bodybuilding Awards



























Other Awards














Write-In Votes

1. Voters Favorite Amateur Fighter
2. Voters Favorite Pro Fighter
3. Fighters Favorite Amateur Fighter
4. Fighters Favorite Pro Fighter
5. Voters Favorite Amateur Competitor (vote in each division)
6. Voters Favorite Pro Competitor (vote in each division)
7. Competitors Favorite Amateur Competitor (vote in each division)
8. Competitors Favorite Pro Competitor (vote in each division)
9. Woman of the Year

IFBB Pro Tiani Norman Interview

Photo Credits: Photos 1 and 3: Dan Ray
Photo 2: Adrienne Irizarry
Photos 4-5: RX Muscle


In 2012 Tiani Norman made the switch from figure to physique. It was obviously a wise switch as she wasted no time in earning her IFBB pro card Team Universe. She made her pro debut at the Tampa Pro to "establish herself on the pro circuit" and definitely looked like she belonged on that pro stage. In the coming years Tiani should be really doing big things on the pro stage and can be one of the elite in the division.

Q: Can you talk about how you got started in the gym?
A: I actually started in high school. I was on a competition cheerleading squad. It was not the kind of cheerleading you do at games, it was a lot of gymnastics and jumping. Instead of gym class we were sent to the weight room and instructed with the trainer there.That was were I got my first experience and I loved it.

Q: So it sort of became something you loved and progressed from there?
A: It was! After high school I went to college and we had a nice weight room there and I was active working out. I didn't study Exercise Physiology but had some friends who did and they sued me as their test subject. I was always being run through different types of workouts. I wish I knew then what I know now, I would have probably switched my major. From there, I stuck with it. I always loved the weights, never cared for the cardio end of it.

Q: What led to you competing?
A: I used to box. That was the only kind of cardio I enjoyed. I had a bit of a run-in in the ring and required some surgery. I didn't block very well and had a bone come out of my forehead and my nose basically caved into my sinus cavity. After that experience my coach suggested I do something non-contact and was pointing me in the direction of figure. It hadn't been around long and he felt I would be a perfect fit. I never went to a show, did all my homework on line and decided to compete. Ever since then I have never looked back.

Q: So was it like a lot of girls tell me, an addiction after that show?
A: I would say it was an addiction before I even hit the stage. Kind of like you, you work so hard for something, you set that goal. My intention that first show as to come in the top five. Since I had never been in a show I didn't know that when I got moved to the center that I was winning. When that happened I realized I have a shot and want to keep going and see how far I could take it.

Q: In 2011 at Team Universe you didn't place...
A: That is a sore subject haha.

Q: Was that what led you to physique?
A: The story behind that show was that two weeks prior I met with John Kemper and he told me I was perfect for physique and I should cross over. I told him I was going to give figure one last effort and see how I placed. He look at me with this look like "are you serious", and said "you do that and see how well you do." When I walked on stage he looked at me like "what are you doing?" I was not surprised after that experience. Someone came up to me and said "if you had listened to him you would be a pro tonight." It was a tough pill to swallow, not taking the advice I was actually seeking. It was not what I wanted to hear, but after that advice I realized I had to give it a shot and I am glad I did.

Q: That show, to me, you had the best physique package on stage except you weren't in physique....
A: Haha

Q: Were you frustrated after that?
A: I would be lying if I said I wasn't upset. More with myself. Two weeks out being told to come up with a routine, these new poses, I never considered it. If I could rewind I would have taken the blinders off and tried. He told me that day "this is a new division, no one knows what they are doing, you aren't going out there and embarrassing yourself, there are no guidelines yet". I try now not to look back and be hard on myself, I hope to take it better.

Q: In switching did you make an major changes to your training or diet?
A: I got to go back to training. I had cut way back. I hadn't put weights on my leg for a year. Every time on stage they said "you are too this you are too that", so my legs always were bigger than they wanted and my upper body was lacking. I got to go back to heavy weights instead of plyo. I eat a lot it helps build the muscle so it is more enjoyable. My goals are always the same, bring up the upper body and tighten the legs and glutes.

Q: Was it weird being on stage and posing as opposed to quarter turns?
A: I was nervous backstage but as soon as I got out it was so much fun. It was a blast. I wasn't nervous once I was out there. You get to show off your physique instead of trying to hide everything. You get to be yourself.

Q: This year at Team Universe you won your pro card, do you remember what went through your head?
A: Not really, there were no real thoughts. I was just so excited and happy. It was a dream come true. An overwhelming feeling and pure excitement. When you work that hard for so many years and it comes true, it is like "wow", there are no real words.

Q: Does the pro card carry an responsibility for how you represent yourself to fans of the sport?
A: I think so. I am trying to do more for different types of charities. I am trying to give back as much as I can. I don't want to be one of those people that is stuck up and not there to help others. I always want to be accessible. When people have questions I try and answer. I just wanna help anyone cause I know how good it feels to accomplish.

Q: In August you did the Tampa Pro, how did you feel about that show?
A: I went just to try and establish myself on the pro circuit. I didn't want to end with Team Universe. It wasn't enough time to make improvements so the overall experience was awesome. It was incredible to be backstage with all the pros. It was amazing. I wanted some feedback and then hit the ground running and have a full off-season for improvements. I knew it could be better, but I also knew I would rather come in like I did at Team Universe and see where the judges felt I could improve.

Q: Do you know when you want to compete next?
A: That is a really good question haha. P.J. Braun is my coach and we have gone back and fourth about shows for me because looking at what they are choosing, it seems the go for more muscle on the east coast and he feels I am a better fit on the west coast. I would like to be on stage in the spring or early summer. I want to do new York Pro but don't think I am. As of now, it is between Culver City and Orlando.

Q: Where do you want to improve?
A: With Tampa pictures, I really like my presentation but I could have come in a lot fuller and harder. I think I am still juggling with that part of it. I am very critical of myself, I don't look at the good things, I look at what needs improved. I don't think I will ever be satisfied haha. I think a lot of us are like that in the sport.

Q: When you are in the gym, beautiful girl with not the most common physique, do you get attention or stares from people?
A: Well, the nice thing for me is I work at the gym I workout at. I get attention but I turn it around to picking up more clients which so far has worked. I have gotten snooty comments here and there but for the most part everyone is encouraging and positive. I workout with the guy trainers, I haven't found girls around me who work out at my intensity level.

Q: If you could spend one day training with anyone you have never trained with, who is it?
A: For me, Erin Stern. I have admired her physique and athleticism for a long time. I love that she trains like an athlete not a bodybuilder. We would have fun doing bleacher runs and sprints, I would enjoy that.

Q: Anyone you want to thank?
A: I have to thank Species Nutrition. They take great care of me and are so supportive. Their supplements have helped get me to the level that I am now. My coach P.J. Braun, I would not have made it this far without him. My husband for putting up with my dieting and moodiness. He is not involved in the sport so he steps up to the plate for that. I have close friends who have my back and we lean on each other, Tammy Patnode and Melissa Di Bernardo.

Locked in the Cage 13 Report

This event was in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, so under Pennsylvania rules there is no head strikes on the ground for the amateur fights.

1. Amateur Flyweight (2x2x2 Rounds)
Shawn McMahon (1-2) vs Jeff Mickley (1-1)

RD 1: They clinch in the center of the cage. Knee to the body by Mickley. They separate and clinch back up. They separate and trade hooks. Clinch on the cage. Knee to the body by Mickley. McMahon goes for a guillotine and drops down with it and gets the tap.

Result: Shawn McMahon by Tapout (Guillotine) at 1:00 of Round 1

2. Amateur Lightweight (2x2x2 Rounds)
Robert Gehres (0-0) vs Ryan Putt (0-0)

RD 1: Gehres shoots in but gets caught in a guillotine by Putt. Putt drops down with it. Gehres pulls his head out and is in guard. Body shots by Gehres. Putt goes for a guillotine again but Gehres escapes. Body shots by Gehres.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Putt

RD 2: Gehres shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Body shots by Gehres. Putt gets full guard. Body shots by Gehres. Gehres pushes him to the cage and lands more body shots. Gehres tries to escape but can't. Body shots by Gehres. Gehres gets mount but the round ends.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Gehres

RD 3: They trade punches and clinch on the cage. Two knees to the body by Gehres. More knees to the body by Gehres. Gehres gets a takedown and lands body shots. Gehres stands and drops down body shots. Gehres drops into guard. Putt tries for an arm but Gehres escapes. Body shots from the bottom by Putt.
I scored RD 3: 10-9 Gehres
My score card: 29-28 Gehres

Result: Robert Gehres by Unanimous Decision (30-27/29-28/29-28)

3. Amateur Welterweight (2x2x2 Rounds)
Kevin Johnson (0-1) vs Marc-Ari Lewis (1-0)

RD 1: Jab by Lewis. They trade punches. Leg kick by Lewis and another. Jab by Johnson. They clinch on the cage. Knee to the body by Lewis. Punch to the head by Johnson. Knee to the body by Lewis. Two knees to the leg by Lewis. They separate. Push kick by Johnson. Leg kick by Lewis. Johnson catches a kick and takes him down.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Lewis

RD 2: Push kick by Johnson. Leg kick by Johnson. Jab by Johnson. Hook by Lewis. They clinch on the cage. Punch to the body by Lewis. Knee to the body by Lewis. The ref separates them. Leg kick by Lewis.
I scored RD 2: 10-10

RD 3: Cross by Lewis. They clinch on the cage. Knee to the leg by Johnson. They move to the center and Lewis gets a takedown into half guard. Lewis gets mount and lands body shots. Lewis pushes him to the cage and lands body shots. They trade body shots on the ground. Lewis tries for a guillotine but Johnson escapes it.
I scored RD 3: 10-9 Lewis
My score card: 30-28 Lewis

Result: Marc-Ari Lewis by Unanimous Decision (30-27/29-28/29-28)

4. Amateur Middleweight
Anthony Chicone (3-5) vs Craig Hight (3-1)

RD 1: Hight shoots in but Chicone gets the takedown. Chicone tries for an arm. Hight is warned for grabbing the cage. Chicone still is trying for the armbar. Hight lands punches to the leg and pulls his arm out and is in guard. Body shots by Hight.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Chicone

RD 2: They clinch and trade knees. They separate and Chicone lands a push kick. They clinch against the cage and Hight is warned for holding the fence. They separate but quickly clinch against the cage again. Takedown by Hight and he gets mount. Body shots by Hight. Hight goes for an armbar and gets it for the tap.

Result: Craig Hight by Tapout (Armbar) at 1:35 of Round 2

5. Amateur 160LB Catchweight (2x2x2 Rounds)
Aaron Bicking (3-1) vs Edward Shupe (2-1)

RD 1: They trade punches. Takedown by Shupe into guard. Body shots by Shupe. Bicking does a nice job and reverses and gets his back. Shupe escapes and is back on top in guard. Bicking tries for a triangle but Shupe rolls and gets his back. Bicking escapes and gets mount and gets an armbar for the tap.

Result: Aaron Bicking by Tapout (Armbar) at 1:54 of Round 1

6. Amateur Lightweight (2x2x2 Rounds)
Jon Best (0-0) vs Tucker Lutz (1-0)

RD 1: Best catches a kick and takes him down but they are back up quick. Cross by Best. Leg kick by Best. Takedown by Lutz into half guard. Body shots by Lutz. Best gets full guard. Best goes for an armbar but Lutz is defending it well. Knee to the leg by Lutz and another. Body shots by Lutz.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Lutz

RD 2: Cross by Best. They clinch on the cage. Knee to the body by Lutz. More knees to the body by Lutz. Knee to the leg by Best. Slam by Lutz into guard. Lutz moves to half guard. They stand and are still clinched on the cage. Knee to the body by Lutz. Takedown by Best into guard. Two punches to the body by Best.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Lutz

RD 3: They clinch against the cage and Lutz gets a takedown into guard. Lutz stands and drops back down into half guard. Lutz tries for a guillotine. Best escapes and is on top in side control. Lutz again goes for the guillotine but Best escapes.
I scored RD 3: 10-9 Lutz
My score card: 30-27 Lutz

Result: Tucker Lutz by Unanimous Decision (30-27/29-28/29-28)

7. Pro Bantamweight (5x5x5 Rounds)
Daniel Carbonel (0-1) vs Charles Kessinger (1-0)

RD 1: Leg kick by Kessinger. They clinch and Kessinger gets a takedown into half guard. Head shots by Kessinger. Carbonel gets full guard. Body shots by Kessinger. Kessinger picks him up high in the air and slams him down, Head shots by Kessinger. Carbonel gets an armbar and gets the tap.

Result: Daniel Carbonel by Tapout (Armbar) at 1:34 of Round 1

8. Pro Heavyweight (5x5x5 Rounds)
John Richard (3-3-1) vs Joe Stripling (6-4)

RD 1: Lots of feints and circling by both fighters. Richard shoots in and they clinch on the cage. Takedown by Richard into side control. Elbow to the head by Richard. Punches to the head by Richard. Elbow to the head from the bottom by Stripling. Punches to the head by Richard. Stripling gets half guard. More head shots by Richard. Punch to the body by Richard. More head shots by Richard. Body shots by Richard. Richard gets side control and lands body shots. Hard punches to the head by Richard. Stripling gets half guard. Body shots by Richard. Stripling is bleeding from the nose. Elbows to the head by Richard. Richard gets side control and lands a punch to the body. Head shots by Richard.
I scored RD 1: 10-8 Richard

RD 2: Richard shoots in and gets a takedown into side control. Elbows to the head by Richard. Richard traps an arm and lands head shots. Elbow to the body by Richard. Stripling gets his arm out. Punch to the head by Richard. Elbow to the head by Richard. More head shots by Richard. Richard gets mount and lands punches. Elbow to the head by Richard. Punches to the head by Richard. Richard moves to side control and lands a punch to the body. The ref stands them, which was a bad call. They trade jabs. Richard shoots in but Stripling sprawls. Richard keeps going and completes the takedown.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Richard

RD 3: They trade jabs. Richard shoots but Stripling sprawls and lands punches. Richard looks really tired. They stand clinched and drop down. Knee to the body by Stripling. Richard rolls and gets side control and then mount. Stripling gets half guard. Punches to the body by Richard. Richard gets side control and lands a knee to the body. Stripling gets half guard but then Richard gets mount. Sweep by Stripling and he stands and lets Richard up. Richard shoots and gets a takedown into side control. Body shots by Richard. Stripling rolls and gets on top and gets his back. Stripling lands hard head shots and the ref stops it.

Result: Joe Stripling by TKO at 4:32 of Round 3

9. Pro 140LB Catchweight (5x5x5 Rounds)
Varon Webb (1-0) vs Dwayne Holman (0-1)

RD 1: Takedown by Webb. Webb lands head shots and then lets him up. Webb catches a kick and gets his back standing. Holman turns into him and they care clinched against the cage. They trade knees to the leg. They separate. Hook by Holman. They clinch and move to the cage. Elbow to the head by Webb. Punch to the body by Holman. They trade body shots. Knees to the body by Holman. Knee to the leg by Holman. Knee to the leg by Web. Knee to the body by Holman. Knee to the leg by Webb. They trade body shots. Knee to the body by Holman. They separate. Clinch and move to the cage. Takedown by Webb into guard. Punch to the head by Webb.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Webb

RD 2: Cross by Webb. Hard hook by Webb. Webb shoots in and gets a takedown into guard. They stand still clinched and Webb lands a knee to the head. Punch to the body by Holman. Knee to the body by Holman. They separate. Body kick by Webb. They clinch on the cage. Knee to the leg by Holman and another. Punch to the head by Webb. Knee to the leg by Webb. Punch to the body by Holman. Punch to the head by Holman. Webb lands a knee low at the bell.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Webb

RD 3: They trade leg kicks. Hook by Holman. They clinch in the center and quickly separate. Body kick by Webb. Push kick by Webb. Cross by Holman. They trade jabs. Spin kick by Webb. Hard hook by Webb. Leg kick by Holman. They trade punches. Takedown by Webb and he gets mount. Punch to the body by Webb. Head shots by Webb. Nice wall walk by Holman to stand. Hard hook by Holman. They trade jabs. They clinch in the center. Jumping knee to Holman. They move to the cage. Knee to the leg by Holman. Punch to the head by Webb. Knee to the body by Webb and another. Body shots by Holman.
I scored RD 3: 10-9 Webb
My score card: 30-27 Webb

Result: Varon Webb by Unanimous Decision (30-27/30-27/30-27)

10. Pro Welterweight (5x5x5 Rounds)
Nate Kinard (0-0) vs Raoul Smith (0-1)

RD 1: Leg kick by Smith. They trade punches. Hook by Smith. Jab by Smith. Smith lands several punches. Leg kick by Smith. Cross by Kinard. Leg kick by Smith. Hook by Smith. Kinard charges in and they clinch on the cage. Hard knees to the body by Smith. They separate and trade hard punches. Superman punch by Smith. They trade hard shots. Uppercut by Smith. Jab by Kinard. They clinch on the cage. Elbow to the head by Smith. Takedown by Kinard into half guard. Head shots by Kinard. Kinard gets mount and lands punches. Kinard gets his back and lands head shots. Kinard moves back to mount and lands elbows to the head. Punches to the head by Kinard. More hard punches to the head by Kinard. Kinard gets his back and lands head shots. Smith rolls and gets on top in guard. Elbows to the head from the bottom by Kinard. Punch to the head by Smith.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Kinard

RD 2: Hook by Smith. They clinch on the cage. Knee to the leg by Kinard. More knees by Kinard. Takedown by Kinard but they are right back up still clinched on the cage. Knee to the leg by Kinard. Punches to the head by Kinard. They separate and trade punches. They clinch against the cage and Smith lands an elbow to the head. Knee to the body by Smith. They separate. Leg kick by Smith. They clinch on the cage and Kinard gets a takedown into side control. Elbow to the head by Kinard. Kinard gets mount and lands head shots. Smith is defending well. Elbow to the head by Kinard. More punches to the head by Kinard.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Kinard

RD 3: They clinch on the cage. Knee to the leg by Kinard. Kinard is working for a takedown and gets it into half guard. Head shots by Kinard. Smith injured his hand and the ref stops it.
Result: Nate Kinard by TKO at 1:35 of Round 3

Submission of the Night: Craig Hight

KO of the Night: Joe Stripling

Fight of the Night: Aaron Bicking vs Edward Shupe

My Rant

For quite some time I have wanted to address some things. With nothing to do tonight, it seems the perfect time.

* First I want to address people who guy on my fan page or others and make negative comments towards the girls. This does not happen only on my page, it happens on lots of pages and profiles. Why do people feel this is acceptable? Listen, not everyone likes muscular women. Not everyone finds them attractive. Everyone has a preference. Some like blondes, some like brunette's, so are leg men, some are chest men, but believe it or not, some men like muscular women. You are within your rights to not find muscle attractive on a woman, but just because you don't that doesn't mean you speak for everyone. If you do not have something positive to say, don't say anything at all. How hard is that?

* Next is the "she looks like a man" comments. When did muscle become gender specific? Why can't a woman be muscular if she wants? If you are a man and skinny does that mean you look like a woman? Me personally I think some of the most beautiful women I have ever met happen to be bodybuilders. There are a couple body parts that differentiate a man from a woman, we all know what they are, and the size of ones biceps are not one of those body parts.

* One thing I have seen a few times that upsets me is when a bodybuilder says a bikini competitor doesn't train as hard because she isn't squatting huge weight or something along those lines. That's crap. If you are stronger and more muscular, you can lift more. So while you are curling fifty pounds it doesn't mean you are working harder than the girl curling twenty pound dumbbells. Everyone works hard, we just go about it in different ways. You can't complain female bodybuilders are unfairly stereotyped and then turn around and unfairly stereotype someone like a bikini competitor.

* Making people afraid to train or start working out. One comment is "not everyone can do what we do". Bull!!!! We lift weights, do cardio and diet. ANYONE can do it. They just have to want to and be willing to put in the work. Or this one, "I leg pressed more than the guy at the gym today. Made him look bad". Ummm, no, you didn't make him look bad, you mad him look like someone who hasn't been training as long as you, that doesn't make him look bad. Or, "I hate the newbees are in the gym taking up the equipment". Is it your gym? Do you own the equipment? Were you not new once? Would you have continued training if more experienced people made you feel so unwelcome? Then these same people will make fun of someone who is out of shape. Well why the hell would hey want to go to the gym just to be made fun of and looked down on? How about giving them some encouragement, if you have a free second and they are using equipment wrong, show them how to do it correctly.

* People who call themselves role models or say people look up to them. You do not decide that, others decide that. Winning a pro card or some big show does not automatically shoot you into role model status. Hate to break it to you, but people usually look up to competitors who have a great attitude, and thinking you are better than everyone else is not a great attitude.

* Metabolic damage. A cause that is very important to me. I hear often from girls who have it and are embarrassed to tell people. Don't be embarrassed. Easier said than done, I realize this, but the more we educate people, the more we can help others avoid it. Ladies, please take care of yourself. No show or pro card is worth your health. I am no expert, but to learn more, read sites and blogs such as my trainer Danny-J of the Sweaty Betties, or Angie Gooding or Tamara Ashton.

* Lack of coverage for women in the sport. Read a bodybuilding magazine from post Olympia. There was very little about the female divisions. It was all about the men. In my mind the best physique on the Olympia stage this year belonged to Erin Stern. But all the magazines and sites are Phil Heath this and Kai Greene that. What about the amazing story of what Iris Kyle is accomplishing? Luckily we have great sites like Sioux Country and Fitgems giving women the attention and credit they deserve. So I ask you to support the women by visiting sites like those listed.

The fitness industry is an amazing industry. I get to be a little part of it and when I finally get on stage I get to be more of a part of it. I consider myself lucky. I think there are ways to make it better. Support those who support the women in the sport, don't make people scared to go to the gym, encourage them to go to the gym, be modest and appreciative, don't look down upon people who don't train how you train, these are just some of the things that can help. Does any of this stuff mean anything coming from me? I don't know, but I wanted to say it anyway. I want this sport and industry to thrive, I want female competitors to get respect for their hard work and to be seen in a positive light. When I was 300 pounds and wanted to go from overweight to a bodybuilding stage, it was women who helped. If I asked a guy for help, I got nothing, if I asked a female, I often got more help than I even asked for. I am a man and my trainer s female (Danny-J) and my posing coach is female (Michelle Brent). Women like them and so many people deserve respect, and that is my goal, and with sites like the earlier mentioned Sioux Country and Fitgems, hopefully they will get some respect.