Courtesy UFC

Liz Carmouche returned to the win column Saturday at UFC on Fox 8 as she got the second round TKO win over Brazilian Jessica Andrade.

Carmouche (now 9-3) was able to take down Andrade early on (one was a huge slamming one), but Andrade would get in a guillotine attempt before the bell.

The second round was all Carmouche with a few more takedowns and getting the mount. After Andrade turned several times, which gave Carmouche her back, Carmouche regained mount and unleashed ground and pound. The ref finally stepped in at 3:57.

You can watch highlights here courtesty of MMAFighting.com.

—–

Courtesy UFC

On the preliminary card, Germaine de Randamie won her second match in a row as she was able to get the split decision over veteran fighter Julie Kedzie. Randamie used clinch work throughout the match using her knees  and controlling position. Kedzie started getting some takedowns in the later rounds, and got some good striking in round 3.

The judges disagreed on the rounds, with Randamie taking the split decision 30-27, 28-29, 29-28.

——

Amber Brown (3-1) rebounded from her first pro loss as she submits Kikuyo Ishikawa by armbar at 3:27 in round 3. Ishikawa was able to use her striking, to damage Brown’s eye, but Brown would use her knees to return the favor to Ishikawa’s.

The third round saw Brown work an armbar off her back and get the tap. This was the first time Ishikawa was finished in a fight.

—–

At Sugar Creek Showdown at Hinton, Oklahoma, Jinh Yu goes 2-0 with a headkick KO of Darla Harris in round 1. Yu has yet to see the second round in her pro career.

In amateur action on the card, Nicole Duffy defeated Madison Dodd by unanimous decision.

—–

In other pro action:

• Rocktagon in El Paso, Texas saw a pair of bouts. Alida Gray defeated Jessica Kennett by TKO round 2, and Jazmine Quezada fought Stacey Sigala to an unanimous decision.
• X-Fight MMA in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Livia Renata Souza got the heel hook submission over Aline Sattelmayer at 0:24 of round 1.

—–

Ammy MMA

• Roya Darvishian took home the Fight Lab strawweight title after taking Hannah Cifers to a unanimous decision win
• At Shock n’ Awe in Portsmouth, England, Kirsty Davis defeated Jess Offermans by unanimous decision

—–

Courtesy R-Awakenings

Kickboxing

Tiffany Van Soest becomes the first ever Lion Fight’s women’s champion with her first round TKO over Lucy Payne. Van Soest was giving away a length advantage, but it didn’t stop her from getting inside and landing stiff combos inside to get the win/

You can watch the end of the fight here courtesy Zombie Prophet.

—–

Boxing

Courtesy TheSweetScience.com

Jolene Blackshear earend her first championship as she defeated Sindy Amador by split decision to win the interim WIBA light flyweight title in Ontario, CA. Blackshear wins her third straight and improves to 8-3.  (See pic left.)

—–

In North Bergen, NJ, Nydia Feliciano defeated Crystal Hoy by unanimous decision to win the vacant IWBF bantamweight title. This is Feliciano second straight win.

—–

Natalia Smirnova was able to get the third round TKO over Veronika Hornyak by in Kaspiysk, Russia. Smirnova  wins the vacant WIBA/GBU lightweight title & the WBC International Silver lightweight title. Smirnova is undefat at 6-0.

—–

Ina a pair of bouts in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Carolina Raquel Duer gains the vacant WBO bantamweight title with her unanimous decsion win over Mayra Alejandra and Carolina Rodriguez defeated Florencia Roxana Canteros by unanimous decision.

—–

In other boxing bouts:

• Jessebelle Pagaduan def. Carleans Rivas by TKO round 3 to win the vacant Philippines GAB minimumweight title in Manila, Philippines
• At Pandamonium 9.5 in Pamona, CA, Heather Clark and Maia Kahaunaele-Stevenson fight to a split draw
• Lindsay Garbatt and Jakie Trivilino fight to a split draw in Saratoga Springs, NY
• In Lincoln, RI, Vanessa Greco def. Marcia Agripino by unanimous decision
• Jessica Chavez defeats Tenkai Tsunami by unanimous decision in Chihuahua, Mexico
• In Giulia, Italy Nicola Pietro Ciriani def. Marijan Markovic by TKO round 3

Boxer Heather Hardy has proven that you can find success in fighting your 30′s.

The undefeated 31-year-old pugilist recently got her sixth win with a TKO over Cassie Trost in New York this past week. She balances being a mom and being a trainer at the legendary Gleason’s Gym.

We talked to Hardy about her successful career and  her recent win.

——

Wombat Sports: You are currently undefeated as a pro. Has that been surprising?

Heather Hardy: No, I’m not surprised that I’m undefeated. I work so hard and I don’t go into my fights half-hearted.  I give 100% to my training and my boxing, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.  What has been a surprise though, is the overwhelming love and support I’ve received from my fans. It has been exiting to see my following grow everyday, and it has motivated me to work even harder.

vs. Mikayla Nebel 2012

Wombat: You started your boxing career later than most boxers. How is it being over 30 and fighting boxers younger than you?

Hardy: I feel that my life experience has helped me remain focused and disciplined.  At 31, I feel I understand life enough that my coach never has to tell me to run or train because I understand how much hard work it it takes to achieve success.  I am 31, but my body is definitely not old.

W.S.: How has it been training boxing and balancing work and mother duties?

H.H.: It is a big responsibility being a single parent, trying to balance work, boxing and raising my family, but, like any job, it has to be done.  I love every part of my life, so I make sure I find the time to give each part the attention it needs to grow.  It’s funny, no one ever asks a man how they balance work and family They just do it!

W.S.: There has been some momentum in terms of pro female boxing in other countries, but the US is struggling to get females on the cards. What do you feel needs to be done to start getting more women on boxing cards?

H.H.: It has been a struggle for girls to get on cards here in the US.  Courtney Love once said “I want every girl to pick up a guitar and start screaming.”  We need to make our voices heard, we need to start screaming.  Female boxing got a lot more attention last year when the girls finally made it to the Olympic Games, but there was an overflow of talent squeezed into three weight classes.  Competing with one another for the three little spots, though a good first step, but still just isn’t enough.  I was given an opportunity by Lou DiBella to show my city what I could do, and I’m not letting go.  Now that we are getting some attention from the public, we need to be so spectacular that no one can look away.  Together, we need to show everyone that we aren’t just a bunch of chicks fighting, but we work just as hard, if not harder, than the boys do. We deserve the same treatment.

W.S.: You have fought all of your fights in New York. Will we possibly see you travel more often after this fight?

H.H.: I’m a Brooklyn girl! If its up to me, I’d go anywhere and fight anyone. Fortunately, I have a manager and a promoter who have my best boxing interests in mind. They make the calls as to who, when, and where I fight. My job is to box, so regardless of where that ring is, I’ll just jump in and get to business.

W.S.: How active do you want to be over the next year? Is there a point where you think you could be in the title picture?

H.H.: Yes! I feel like there is too much time between my fights as it is. I’m the girl who will be in the gym training the day after a fight. I love my sport, and I am eager to learn and improve. My focus right now is to keep getting better and better with every fight, so when I do get that chance to fight for a title, I am completely ready.

vesus Trost July 24, 2013

W.S.: What did you learn in your recent win over Cassie Trost? 

H.H.: I learn a lot about myself with each fight, good and bad. I get a chance to see what areas need improvement and what I am capable of.  I am very fortunate to train alongside world champions, so I’m humble enough to know I still have a long way to go. I have a great coach who dedicates so much time to making my boxing better, and like any true student to the science, I am totally committed.

W.S.: Talk about your documentary that is still in production called “Hardy,” produced by Natasha Verma. What can your fans expect from this project and when will it be ready for the public?

H.H.: The film gives some insight into my life, the business end of boxing, the struggles of a single parent living in Brooklyn, and the larger picture of gender bias and inequity that will hopefully change soon.  The film should be out in December.

W.S.: Any message to your supporters and fans?

H.H.: There aren’t not enough words to express how grateful I am to my fans and supporters.  When I stepped into the ring last Wednesday on the night of my fight, and heard the sold out crowd at Roseland cheering my name, I was nearly brought to tears.  It is just an honor to fight for you guys, and I promise to continue working as hard as I do, so I never let you down. Follow me on Facebook and on Twitter at @HeatherHardyBox.

Four female boxers tell their story of struggles and success in the long awaited documentary “Fight Like a Girl” which will have its first screening in Hamilton, NY this coming Saturday.

Maureen Shea, Jill Morley, Kimberly Tomes, and Susan Merlucci come from different backgrounds and different points of their careers, but all use boxing as a way to enhance and improve their lives. The movie will be relesed on DVD soon and you can pre-order it on FightLikeaGirltheMovie.com for $25.

You can watch the opening of the documentary below 

Miscellaneous news

UFC World Press Tour has been going on the past week, and champion Ronda Rousey and Miesha Tate have been “stealing the show” over the guys. This lies in the fact the feud has hit an all time high.

It started Monday in Los Angeles, where the champ flipped the bird to Tate on stage. Rousey seemed a bit more irritated than usual, with Tate seeming to brush off Rousey’s comments.

Two parts worth noting:

• Welterweight champ George St. Pierre has changed his mind about women fighting in the cage, having had educated himself to the sport.
• When asked about who are the best fighters not signed to the UFC, Tate recommended InvictaFC title contender Leslie Smith, while the champ endorsed Taylor Stratford, who had faced Rousey at Tuff-n-uff in 2011. Rousey was Stratford’s only loss.

The last stop on the tour for Rousey and Tate is in Chicago Friday.

You can watch the video below.

Los Angeles Presser

New York Presser

—–

The Women’s Boxing Network is working on a petition to get the Summer Olympics to open up more women’s divisions. You can read more on their website.

—–

A bit behind on this, but Valérie Létourneau will take on Cassie Crisano October 5th at Québec Mixed Martial Arts League 1 in Québec City, Québec.

—–

Another fight announcement sees Christina Tatnell taking on Belinda Sedgwick at Valor MMA in Launceston, Tasmania November 31.

—- 

In Sydney, Australia, Tam Ward will take on Janice Yee at Brace MMA September 21.

—–

Undefeated amateur bantamweight fighter River Jones has signed to InvictaFC. The Bristish Columbia native is 6-0 and has 4 TKO wins to her credit. It is expected she will make her pro debut at InvictaFC 7 in October.

You can take a little look into Jones’s life by clicking here.

—-

On Sunday at 1 p.m. pacific/4 p.m. eastern we will talk to MMA debuter Amanda Benjamin ahead of her fight with Mary Hayes at Absolute Action MMA August 10.

Listen to the Podcast here

—–

Rumors

UFC champ Ronda Rousey is tight lipped about why she was thinking she was being replaced in the first episode on “The Ultimate Fighter”. UFC president Dana White gave a little light on the subject, telling MMA Fighting’s Ariel Helwani that a verbal argument ensued between himself and “Rousey’s Hollywood lawyer” about certain things she wanted in order to do the show.

—–

Rousey admitted she won’t be watching the show as she will be in Bulgaria filming “Expendables 3″. It also sounded like she isn’t too happy about how she will appear on the show.

—–

Scheduled Matches

Pro MMA

At UFC 163 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Amanda Nunes will make her UFC debut against Sheila Gaff. The fight will air on FX.

Nunes (7-3) is coming off a decision loss to Sarah D’Alelio at InvictaFC 4, while Gaff (10-5-1) is coming off a first round loss to Sarah McMann.

——

Across the pond at UCMMA in London, England, Kerry Hughes will take on LJ Adams. Hughes will make her pro debut after going 3-0 in the amateur/semi-pro ranks. Adams (1-1) is coming off her first pro loss; losing a decision to Lina Akhtar Lansberg.

—–

Ammy MMA

At NAAFS in Carrolton, Ohio, Gina Begley is looking for her 4th win as she faces Katlyn Chookagian. Begley (3-1) is coming off a submission win over Shannon Culpepper in March. Chookagian (2-0) won both her fights with armbars.

—–

Amateur wrestler Danielle Hobeika will return to the cage as she will face Sarah Payant for the Premier Fight League flyweight title in Agawam, MA. Hobeika (1-0) is coming off a three year absence from the cage, having taken up kickboxing matches recently. Payant (3-2) had won three straight, finishing all her opponents.

—–

Also in Ammy MMA action:

• At GE Fights in Terre Haute, IN Cassondra Palmer takes on Holly Bartley
• Maria Rios will face Valerie Aspaas at Fight Night 9 in Biddeford, Maine
• Rock Xtreme MMA in Corpus Christi, Texas sees Audrey Alvarez battle Dee Nodarse
• At Kansas Fighting Allaince in Kansas City, KS Alex Stobbe faces Sella Rube

—–

Boxing

Munoz & Ramirez

In Toluca, México, Zulina Munoz will defend her WBC super flyweight title against Maribel Ramirez. Munoz has yet to taste defeat in 22 fights, while Ramierez is coming off back to back losses and looking to redeem her loss to Munoz. This will air on Fox Espanol.

—–

Rola El Halabi is looking to win the vacant WBF light welterweight title as she faces Dalia Vasarhelyi for the vacant championships in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Halabi is coming off her ever loss, losing a majority decision to Lucia Morelli. Vasarhelyi is coming off a unanimous decision loss.

—–

In Whitehall, New York, Melissa St. Vil will take on Sarah Kuhn for the IWBF welterweight title. St. Vil is undfeated in her past 5 fights, and Kuhn is coming off a split decision win over Nicole Woods.

—–

Brandenburg, Germany will see Jennifer Retzke and Florence Muthoni duke it out for the vacant IBO welterweight title. IBF champ Retzke  is looking for her second belt, having had back to back TKOs. Muthoni has won eight straight.

—–

In other boxing matches

• In Panama City, Panama, Sayda Mosquera takes on Veronica Taylor
• Gabriela Bouvier battles Romina Elizabeth Alcantra in Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Miami, Oklahoma sees Tiffany Alexander fighting Sheena Chaney

Former WIBF minimumweight champ Terri Moss has turned her love of boxing into several successful ventures. This includes her new gym Buckhead Fight Club, and Atlanta Corporate Fight Night, a tri-yearly event that takes local business professions and turns them into fighters, with the winners earning money for charity.

We will talk to Moss about both projects, her career, and what she is planning in the future.

Listen to the Podcast here

Pro MMA

Nunes Courtesy Bloody Elbows

Amanda Nunes made her hometown proud by getting a first round TKO win over Sheila Gaff this past Saturday in Rio.

Nunes (now 8-3) was in trouble early with Gaff taking her back, but Nunes used her size and reach to control Gaff, eventually getting her on the mat, take mount, and get the ground and pound win at 2:08 or round 1. Gaff gets her second straight first round loss in the UFC.

—–

Courtesy British Fighter Fightwear

Across the pond at UCMMA in London, England, Kerry Hughes makes a success pro MMA debut getting the unanimous decision win over LJ Adams. Hughes used her striking to bloody Adam’s nose in the opening stanza, with Adams dominating on the mat in the second. With a close last round, it was Hughes’s striking that gave her the edge.

—–

On the other side of the planet, Rhiannon Thompson stays undefeated at 4-0 as she defeats Kenani Mangakahia by TKO 2:43 round 3 to win the Fight World Cup Flyweight title in Australia. Thompson is best know for her head kick KO over InvictaFC star Bec Hyatt. She has finished all of her opponents.

——

Ammy MMA

Amateur wrestling standout Danielle Hobeika made a successful return to the cage as she got the first round rear naked choke submission over Sarah Payant to win the Premier Fight League flyweight title in Agawam, MA. Hobeika improves to 2-0.

—–

Katlyn Chookagian earned her third straight armbar win this past weekend, getting the win over Gina Begley at 1:49 of round 1 at NAAFS in Carrolton, OH. Chookagian goes 3-0.

—–

In other amateur MMA action:

• In a pair of bouts at WCFC in Placerville, CA, Arlene Culbreth defeats Dona Garza by split decision, and Aspen Ladd defeats Leslie Rodriguez by unanimous decision.
• Sella Rube gets the split decsion over Alex Stobbe at the Kansas Fighting Alliance card in Kansas City, KS.
• At GE Fights in Terre Haute, IN, Nakita Rogers defeated Shakia Hughes by split decision
• In Biddeford, Maine at Fight Night 9, Valerie Aspaas defeats Maria Rios by unanimous decision
• At Ascend Combat in Shreveport, LA, Candace Eich takes the unanimous decision over Briana Rivera

—–

Shootboxing

MMA teenage sensation Mizuki Inoue gained her second straight S-cup tournament crown over the weekend, defeating Ai Takahashi in the finals of the tournament in Tokyo, Japan. Inoue defeated Izumi Noguchi in the quarterfinals and Miyo Yoshida in the semi-finals. She won all her bouts by unanimous decision.

Another teen standout, Mio Tsumura, also got her second S-cup crown winning the high school tournament. It would only take 67 seconds for Tsumura to get the KO over Yuuki Kira in the finals.

In non-tournament bouts:

• Rena Kubota def. Lorena Klijn by majority decision
• Mei Yamaguchi def. Chihiro Kira by unanimous decision
• Rena Matsuda def. Nako Otsuka by unanimous decision
• Akari Nakamura def. Tomomi Souda by unanimous decision

—–

Boxing

In Baden-Württemberg, Germany, Rola El Halabi was successful in her move up in weight as she defeated Dalia Vasarhelyi by unanimous decision to win the vacant WBF light welterweight title. Holly Holm vacated the title when she decided to focus on MMA. Halabi (12-1) recovered from her first ever loss with the win. 

—–

It only took WBC super flyweight champ Zulina Munoz 1:49 to KO Maribel Ramirez to retain her title in Toluca, México. Munoz (now 39-1-2) is on an 18 fight unbeaten streak.

—–

In Whitehall, New York, Melissa St Vil got the unanimous decision over Sarah Kuhn to win the vacant IWBF welterweight title. St. Vil improves to 5-1-2.

—–

In other boxing bouts:

• Jennifer Retzke and Florence Muthoni fight to a draw for the vacant IBO welterweight title in Brandenburg, Germany
• Francia Elena Bravo successfully defended her WBA Fedelatin featherweight title by getting the unanimous decision win over Paulina Cardona in Cerete, Colombia
• In Buenos Aires, Argentina, Gabriela Bouvier defeated Romina Elizabeth Alcantra by split decision
• Boxer turned MMA fighter Anita Rodriguez returned to the ring to defeat MMA tuend boxer Jordan Gaza by TKO at 0:27 of round 2 in Coprus Cristi, Texas. This was Gaza’s boxing debut.
• In Panama City, Panama, Sayda Mosquera KOs Veronica Taylor in round 1

—-

For complete results from this past weekends, plus the rest of August’s action, click here.

Miscellaneous News

The Ultimate Fighter Finale has a date and location. It will take place November 30 at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. The main event or co-main is expected to be the finals of the women’s bantamweight tournament. It is also expected one or two more female fights will be on the card as well, pitting a few of the cast offs against each other. It will air on Fox Sports 1.

—–

In results from this morning at PXC in Mangilao, Guam, American Kailin Curran (2-0) defeated Japanese fighter Emi Tomimatsu (5-7) by unanimous decision. The match served as the co-main event.

You can watch the match here (2h:22m in)

—–

Castillo & Braekhus

A mega boxing title bout has been set for Frederikshavn, Denmark on September 2 as Cecilia Braekhus will defend her WBC/WBA/WBO welterweight titles against Oxandia Castillo. Both undefeated, Braekhus (22-0) has notable wins over Anne Sophie Mathis, Chevelle Hallback, and Mia St. John. Castillo (12-0-1) has 8 straight TKO wins.

Ground and Pound Germany did an interview with Braekhus, which you can read here. 

—–

The Super Heroes MMA flyweight title bout between Kalindra Faria and Juliana Werner Aguiar has been set for October 12 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Faria defeaeted Carina Damm by first round armbar in the semi-finals, while Aguair got a unanimous decision over Vanessa Melo at the promotion’s July card.

—–

Also announced in Brazil, Ana Maria will face Dayana Silva at Web Combat 3 in Rio de Janeiro September 30th. Maria (5-4) has won three straight, with all but one of her victories by armbar. Silva has won her past two bout in 2011, and is coming back after a two year hiatus.

The bout is expected to stream online. Link to be announced.

—–

Fresh off her win this past weekend, amateur fighter Katlyn Chookagian is looking for her forth win as she takes on Robyn Lewis at EFC Warrior’s Cage in Atlantic City, NJ August 24. It will stream on GFL.tv for $10. Also Roya Darvishian will take on Jen Lopez for the ammy strawweight title.

—–

Due to Bec Hyatt’s revelation of abuse by her ex-husband, some female fighters in Australia are not accepting fights from VALOR. Dan Hyatt, Bec’s ex, is a co-owner of the company. Belinda Sedgwick posted on her Facebook she pulled out of her fight with them in November.

—–

Our guest on the podcast a few weeks ago Heather Bassett has started a Vlog on the heels of her pro MMA debut at King of the Cage August 31. You can watch it here.

—–

Speaking of the podcast, we will have undefeated ammy fighter Brieta Carpenter on the show Sunday at 1 p.m. pacific/4 p.m. eastern. She is fighting Autumn Norton at Ultimate Reno Combat on August 24 for the promotion’s first ever women’s 135 title.

—–

Rumors

Ronda Rousey mentioned this week she is most likely going to retire in two years. Rousey currently has 2 more fights on her contract post Miesha Tate.

——-

The UFC is still looking for a replacement for Sarah Kaufman after Sara McMann dropped out for personal reasons. (Nope McMann isn’t preggers.) Kaufman told Alchemist Radio if she is given a choice, she would want to fight InvictaFC’s  Lauren Taylor.

—–

If Ana Jualton wins her boxing match against Celina Salazar in Mexico on August 17 and comes out injury free, several sites are reporting she will take on Yasmin Rivera for the IBF bantamweight title on the undercard of Mayweather vs. Canelo Sept. 14.

——

Scheduled Matches

Pro MMA

Three bouts are set for Brazil over the weekend:

• In a battle of undefeated fighters, Livia Renata Souza (3-0) will take on  Andressa Rocha (2-0) at Predator FC 24 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
• Also in Sao Paulo, Aline Sattelmayer will take on Mylla Souza at Coyotes Fight Night 1.
• At NCF 15 in Santa Catalina, Brazil, Kinberly Novaes takes on Jessica Suelen

—–

Ammy MMA

Four bouts are set for Absolute Action MMA in Williamstown, Kentucky, which will stream on AAMMA.net for $12.

• Amanda Benjamin will make her pro debut as she takes on 2-0 Mary Hayes
• In a battle of debuting fighters, Anna McCown faces Brianna Eberhardt
• Septien Johnson looks for her forth win as she faces Allison Ainley
• Alyssa Vasquez (5-3) will take on Sarah Cook (3-6) (pictured right)

—–

Boxing

In Panama City, Panama, Ogleidis Suarez will defend her WBA featherweight title against Liliana Palmera. Suarez (18-2-1) won her past 6 fights, TKOing Palmera in her last bout.  Palmera got a KO after her first bout with Suarez, but was KOed in her bout for the WBC lightweight title in March.

—–

In Kisumu, Kenya, Bena Kaloki and Flora Malecela will battle for the vacant East & Central African Professional Boxing Federation lightweight title. Malecela (4-1) is coming off her first loss, while Kaloki  (3-4) is looking for the upset.

—–

InvictaFC vet Ashleigh Curry will make her return to the sweet science as she faces Melisenda Perez in Saint Joseph, MO. Curry (4-8) is coming off back to back decsion losses. Perez (8-4) is coming off a majority decision win. 

——

In other boxing matches:

• In Brampton, Ontario, Canada, Amanda Beaudin faces Priscilla Trompowsky
• Jessy Cruz battles Lamar Charlton in Miami, Florida

The head of the longest running site dedicated to women’s boxing, Sue Fox has been the voice of female pugilist for over 15 years. Her website WBAN.com has been the resource for the sport with daily updates and their own belts to crown the best of the best.

Fox’s new mission is to expand the Olympic boxing weight divisions for women. There is a petition for people to sign here that will be brought to AIBA president Dr. Ching-Kuo Wu by Fox.

Wombat Sports’s MarQ and Girlboxing’s Malissa talk to Fox about the camapign and the current state of boxing.

You can listen to the podcast here.

Pro MMA

Kailin Curran picks up her second win  as a pro as she defeated Emi Tomimatsu by unanimous decision.

The bout was back and forth between the two, with Curran taking the edge on the ground. Tomimatsu was game on the feet, with both fighters exchnaging punching combos. In the end, all three judges saw it Curran, who goes 2-0 as a pro.

—–

Three matches were held in Brazil over the weekend:

• At Predator FC 24 in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Livia Renata Souza (3-0) gets her straight submission win with an armbar over def. Andressa Rocha at round 2
• Also in Sao Paulo at Coyotes Fight Night 1 line Sattelmayer evens her record and snaps a two fight win streak with a win over Mylla Souza by TKO in round 2. The fight was stopped by the doctor due to a cut on Souza’s eye.
• Kinberly Novaes get back in the win column by defeating Jessica Suelen by TKO at 5:00 of round 2 at NCF 15 in Santa Catalina, Brazil. Suelen refused to come come out for round 3.

—–

Ammy MMA

Absolute Action MMA held a quartet of female fights at their card in Williamstown, Kentucky.

• Allison Ainley defeated Septien Johnson by unanimous decision to go 2-0 and snap Johnson’s three fight win streak.
• Mary Kate Hayes defeated MMA debuter Amanda Benjamin by split decision to win her third straight
• Anna McCown defeated Brianna Lynch by TKO in round 1 in both fight’s debut to MMA
• Alyssa Vasquez defeated Sarah Cook by split decision to improve to 5-3

—–

Two fights happened at Driller Promotions in St. Paul, MN:

• Raquel Magdaleno defeated Rachelle Bacon by submission (rear naked choke) 1:05 round 1 to win the strawweight title
• Diorelle Ramos defeated Berta Gray by unanimous decision

—–

Courtesy FFBoxe.com

Boxing

Monica Silvina Acosta successfully retained her WBA light welterweight title by defeating Belinda Laracuente by TKO in round 7 in La Pampa, Argentina. This makes Acosta’s 16th win, her 6th WBA title defense, and she remains undefeated at 19-0-2.

On the undercard, Florencia Roxana Canteros defeated Luna del Mar Torroba by points

—–
In Panama City, Panama, WBA featherweight champion Ogleidis Suarez retained her title by getting the unanimous decision win over Liliana Palmera. This is Suarez’s seventh straight win.

—–

Osaka, Japan saw four female bouts over the weekend:

• Aiko Yamagishi def. Yukina Yasuda by majority decision
• Mikiko Muto def. Shione Ogata by split decision
• Kumiko Seeser Ikehara and Mika Iwakawa fight to a technical draw
• Maho Tamamori def. Asako Tonarii by majority decision

—–

In other boxing action:

• In Tokyo, Japan, Ayana Miyasaka defeated Ozora Hikaru by TKO round 1
• Renata Domsodi def. Eva Pakozdi by unanimous decisionin Šturovo, Slovakia
• In Santa Fe, Argentina, Marisa Johanna Portillo def. Marta Soledad Juncos by TKO round 2

Miscellaneous News

UFC champ Ronda Rousey took some time before she leaves for Bulgaria to film “The Expendables 4″ to take a first look at “The Ultimate Fighter” season 18 premier episode in Boston. Fellow coach Miesha Tate also saw the first episode Thursday as the cast was officially announced. We highly recommend you see our article about the cast for some insight.

The two hour premier will be on Fox Sports 1 September 4.

—–

Some backlash has came from Rousey announcing she would retire in two years to start a family. So much that Rousey has retracted the statement this week and said “she could retire tomorrow or in four years”. UFC President Dana White doesn’t expect Rousey to quit in two years, and told Ariel Helawani Thursday that Rousey will be making more money in the UFC then she will in the movies.

Courtesy Maxim

—–

Rousey is on the tail end of her long press tour before she heads to Europe. Highlights include:

• Rousey is this month’s covergirl of Maxim Magazine here in the U.S. You can check out pics here. The magaizne is on newstands now.
• Rousey was featured on ABC’s Nightline this week. You can watch it here

—–

Miesha Tate got a special surprise this week as the UFC gave her a Land Rover for her efforts as a coach on “The Ultimate Fighter”.

—–

Stautzenberger

Amber Stautzenberger will be back in action November 9th as she will make the trip to Hawaii to fight Caroline Correia at Global Warrior Challenge 2: “USA vs Brazil”. Stautzenberger (3-1) has won three straight, including a unanimous decision win over top prospect Glena Avila this past spring. Correia (1-1) is coming off a TKO loss this past spring.

The fight will air on DirecTV and Dish Network.

—–

Tiff-a-Tat productions made a tribute video featureing female California based fighters. You can watch the video here.

—–

Middleasy found a video of a girl KOing another in a karate match using a somersault kick. You can watch the video here.

—–

This Sunday on the podcast, we will have Roya Darvishian, who is set for a rematch with Jen Lopez in the main event at EFC in Atlantic City, NJ August 24. The fight will main event the card, which will stream on GoFightLive.tv for $10.

We will talk to Darvishian about her blooming amateur career.

You can listen here at 1 p.m. pacific/4 p.m. eastern.

—–

Rumors

Word is getting around that Invicta is asking Cyborg Justino to move up to 155 for her next match. There is a growing division at lightweight, and the promotion would find her more competitive matches at that weight. Her next fight will be the last on her contract. Justino is hoping to fight on their next card (which is now rumored to be in November) but we are thinking she won’t be back in action at Invicta until 2014.

—–

Speaking of InvictaFC 7, don’t expect to see Ayaka Hamsaki and Mizuki Inoue on the card. DEEP-JEWELS will be having a card round that time and both are most likely going to compete in individual matches.

——

According to sources, you can add veteran US BJJ black belt Lana Stefanac to the list of participants at the ADCC in China in October.

—–

Scheduled Fights

Pro bouts

At RFA 9 in Los Angeles, CA, Justine Kish and Christine Stanley are both looking for their second pro win in what will be a preliminary bout on the card. Both had solid pro debuts, with Kish is coming off a submission win over #7 ranked Munah Holland, and Stanley coming off a 29 second TKO over Leah Barfield this past April.

The match is on the untelevised portion of the card, but we will let you know if it streams.

—–

Super Fight League returns to action in Mumbai, India with a tv taping Saturday. Ritika Singh will take on Daizy Singh in a strawweight bout. It will air on Aug. 30 on the SFL UStream channel.

—–

Jade De Haas and Sabrina Garcia will both make their pro debuts at XKO in Dallas, TX. Garcia is undefeated as an amateur, with De Haas coming in at 1-1.

—–

In Entre Rios, Argentina at Kaeshi Challenge 3, Laura Balin will take on Luly Silva. Both from Argentina, Balin (2-1) is coming off a decision loss to Vanessa Guimaraes, while Silva is making her pro debut.

—–

Ammy MMA

In amateur action this weekend:

Friday

• At Hurst Showdown in Hurst, TX, Rachel Kovach takes on Jianna Denizard

Saturday

• In a pair of matches at Atlas Fights 17 in Biloxi, MS,  Miki Rogers takes on Delaney Owen, while Brianna Smith faces Steffi Obilisundar
• Hannah Rogers will battle Hannah Fitzpatrick at 3FC 18 in Pigeon Forge, TN
• Two matches are featured on the Grand Junction Fight Night, in Grand Junction, CO. Megan Miller will face Ali Kistler, while  Mariah Schenkelberg takes on Kecia Hedgecoke.
• Bobbie Bedard will take on Hannah McNitt at Hahn MMA in Festus, MO

Boxing

Ana Julaton makes her return to the boxing ring Saturday in Cancun, Mexico as she faces Celina Salazar. It will air on Fox Sports Net and Fox Espanol in certain markets. Julaton (12-3-1) is coming off a 19 second TKO win a year ago. Salazar (4-1-2) is coming off a majority decision loss to Melinda Cooper.

—–

Claudia Andrea Lopez moves up in weight to take on Diana Ayala for the vacant IBF super featherweight title in Chubut, Argentina. Lopez (22-7) is coming off a loss to Dahiana Santana this past spring in a match for the IBF featherweight title/ Ayala (14-9-4) is coming off a draw with Glenis Varona.

—–

In other boxing action:

• In Chicago, Illinois, Kristin Gearhart will face Amanda Cooper
• Kirstie Simmons will duke it out with Sheena Chaney in Denver, Colorado
• In Sonora, Mexico, Linda Soto battles Kareli Lopez
• Simone Da Silva Duarte faces Maria Jose Nunez in Sao Paulo, Brazil

Pro MMA

Kickboxer Justine Kish got her second submission win as she defeated San Diego’s Christine Stanley in round 2 at Resurrection Fighting in Los Angeles Friday.

Kish (2-0) and Stanley (1-1) fought after the main event, and went at it right away throwing strikes. Kish would push Stanley against the cage and use a Muay Thai clinch to land knees, then take down Stanley. After going back on the feet, Kish would continue taking the striking advantage, landing a push kick to drop Stannley. Stanley would get back up, but Kish would get another takedown. Kish would take Stanley’s back, and get in an armbar attempt before the end of round 1.

Kish would get the Muay Thai clinch again in round 2, using knees and short elbows to wear down Stanley. A takedown by Kish allowed her to take Stanley’s back and sink in a rear naked choke. Stanley would defend, and Kish transitions to an armbar, then a triangle, the back to the armbar for the tap out.

—–

Courtesy Mike Calimbas Photography

Sabrina Garcia earned her first pro win, with a TKO over Jade De Haas at 1:09 of round 2. Being undefeated as an amateur, Gracia has established herself as one of the top bantamweights in the state of Texas.

—–

In other pro action:

• Daizy Singh defeated Ritika Singh by unanimous decision at the Super Fight League TV taping. The match will air on Aug. 30 on their UStream channel.
• At Kaeshi Challenge 3 in Entre Rios, Argentina, Gloria Castillo defeated Luly Silva by submission (kneebar) round 1 in a battle of Argentine MMA prospects.
• Michele Angelo defeated Paula Mutante by unanimous decision at AraraFight in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
• Also in Sao Paulo, Thais Peruchi defeaetd Beatriz Desiro by armbar submission round 3 at BIG BANG MMArília

—–

Ammy MMA

Destanie Patton and Annie Marie DeCrescente battled in a fight of the night performance at Brawl Inc. Battle on the Strip in Branson, MO. Patton would get the unanimnous decision victory.

—–

In a pair of bouts at Grand Junction Fight Night, Grand Junction, CO,  Megan Miller defeated Ali Kistler by TKO at 1:18 round 1, and Kecia Hedgecoke defeated Mariah Schenkelberg by submission at 1:28 round 1.

—–

At Atlas Fights 17 in Biloxi, MS, Delaney Owen defeated Miki Rogers by unanimous decision and Steffi Obilisundar defeated Brianna Smith by verbal submission due to strikes at 2:09 round 2.

—–

In other ammy fighters:

• At Hurst Showdown in Hurst, TX, Rachel Kovach defeated Jianna Denizard by submission (rear naked choke) round 2
• Hannah Rogers defeated Hannah Fitzpatrick by submission (armbar) round 3 at 3FC 18 in Pigeon Forge, TN
• In Festus, MO at Hahn MMA Harley Fest, Hannah McNitt def. Bobbie Bedard by verbal submission (punches) round 1

—–

Boxing

Celina Salazar (right) was able to out muscle Ana Julaton (left) to get the upset unanimous decision win in Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico Saturday.

Julaton didn’t look like her usual self throughout the fight, looking sluggish and drained. Salazar would win all but one round on the scorecards. If Julaton won, she was rumored to be a part of the undercard of Floyd Mayweather versus Canelo Alvarez, but the fight is now in jeopardy.

In other female action on the card, Arely Valente defeated Yesenia Gomez by majority decision to win the WBC Youth flyweight title.

—–

Claudia Andrea Lopez gained her third world title as she defeated Diana Ayala by TKO round 4 to win the vacant IBF female super featherweight title in Chubut, Argentina. Lopez lost the IBF featherweight title in her last outing, and went up in weight to win her second IBF title.

 —-

Unbeaten South Korean Su-Yun Hong successfully defended her WBO Minimumweight title for the second time as she defeated former WBA Atomweight champion Mari Ando by split decision.

—–

In other boxing action:

• In Sonora, Mexico, Linda Soto defeated Kareli Lopez by unanimous decision to win the vacant WBF Intercontinental super flyweight title
• Kristin Gearhart defeated Amanda Cooper by unanimous decision in Chicago, Illinois
• In Santa Ynez, California, Maria Suarez defeated Gloria Salas by unanimous decision
• Selene Lopez defeated Dulce Galaviz by KO round 2 Sinaloa, Mexico
• In Buenos Aires, Argentina, Karen Elizabeth Carabajal def. Vanesa Calderon un unanimous decision
• Gretchen Abaniel defeated Fahpratan Looksaikongdin by TKO round 1 in Sawtell, Australia
• In Mexico City, Mexico, Estrella Valverde defeated Kandy Sandoval by split deicison
• Simone Da Silva Duarte def. Silvia Beatriz Lescano by TKO round 3 in Sao Paulo, Brazil

Kaufman and Eye

Miscellaneous news

Jessica Eye versus Sarah Kaufman has a date. They will square off at UFC 166 October 19th in Houston, Texas.

Eye (10-1), who just signed with the UFC, is on a seven fight win streak, while Kaufman (16-2) is coming off a split decision win over Leslie Smith at Invicta. No word on if they will be on the televised undercard or the PPV card.

—–

Marloes Conenen is having surgery over the weekend to repair her knee. She injured it before her fight with Cyborg Justino at InvictaFC 6. We wish her a speedy recovery.

—–

A documentary on former WIBA light middleweight boxing champ Maria Lindberg is set to debut September 17 with a screening in Malmo, Sweden. The documentary follows her career from being an amateur in the 90′s to going 8-1 as a pro.

—–

Heather Bassett is getting ready for her pro debut at King of the Cage next week and has been documenting her experience. You can watch her first vlog here.

—–

Undefeated MMA fighter Joanna Jedrzejczyk will have a K-1 kickboxinbg match against Lisa Schewe September 7th at KampfSport Nacht Restart in Leverkusen, Germany.

—–

There is an ammy Muay Thai card in the works, featuring mostly female fighters Sept. 28 in Chantilly, VA. OOFights MMA and Thai Boxing Championships will be doing a co-promoted event. The only match announced has been Kalyn Lee versus Kristan Childress; with fighters at all weight classes looking for opponents.

You can sign-up for matches at the Thai Boxing Championship website.

—–

The Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus, Ohio will once again have an MMA card, this time having a new promotional partner in the newly created Absolute Cage Fighting. Among the matches announced for the September 14th event is a battle of undefeated fighters as Vanessa Demopoulos (3-0) takes on Brittany Williams (2-0).

——

Buckhead Fight Club announced they will have a female-only boxing seminar in the Atlanta area September 13-15. World champion and coach Terri Moss will head the clinic, with her crack team of trainers and fitness expects helping you improve you game and diet.

The seminar includes instruction in sparring techniques, defensive techniques, mental conditioning,effective floor routines, weight manipulation techniques nutrition, and pad techniques. This with a Mayweather-Canaelo viewing party Saturday night.

Cost for participation is $350 before September 10, and $400 after that date. Overnight stay is included in this price. For more information, contact Buckhead Fight Club, 678-322-7511.

—–

Reid

Fissori

We will have two podcast this weekend, which will feature two of the participants in the Tuff-n-uff featherweight tournament.

On Saturday at 1 p.m. pacific/4 p.m. eastern, we will talk to Shannon Reid, who trains at Drydale’s MMA in Vegas. The KOTC vet is currently 1-1 in her career. You can listen to the podcast here.

On Sunday at 1 p.m. pacific/4 p.m. eastern, undefeated fighter and top prospect Bryanna Fissori will be on the show. Currently at 6-0, the Hawaiian is looking to make waves in the mainland U.S. You can listen to the podcast here.

—–

Rumors

We are expecting some announcements for InvictaFC in the next week or so about their 7th event. The date will be either in early October or late November, as they don’t want to counter program against the UFC or Bellator. Both promotions which will have the run of weekends from October 19 to November 16. Most likely date would be November 23 (weekend before the TUF finale) or October 12.

—–

Among those expected to fight is Felice Herrig, who has been hiniting she may have an opponent for the card.

—-

Roxanne Modafferi is tight lipped on where she is moving to when she returns to the U.S. She has promised to reveal it September 1. We can tell you, however, it will be West Coast.

—–

Scheduled Fights

Pro MMA

Michele Gutierrez will make her return to cage as she will take on Tyra Parker at Dakoka Fighting Championships Fall Brawl Friday night. The match will stream on Midwestfightshop.com for $5.

Gutierrez (3-3) is looking to to snap a two fight win streak, while Tyra Parker (2-3) is looking to even her record.

—–

In Hawaii, InvictaFC vet Raquel Pa’aluhi is looking to snap her 3 fight losing streak facing Prescilla White at Destiny MMA. White is looking for her first pro win.

—–

At Pocos Fight 2 in Monas Gervis, Brazil, Margarete Soares (0-2) looks to get her first pro win as she takes on debuter Mariana Morais

—–

Ammy MMA

Top strawweight prospects Roya Darvishian (5-2) and Jen Lopez (4-1) will rematch for the EFC strawweight title in Atlantic City, NJ Saturday, which will stream on GFL.tv for $10. Darvishian won their first match by split decision.

—–

Fan favorite fighter Rachel Wray will be fighting for Kingdom MMA in Little Rock, AR against Bobbie Jenee Bedard, which will stream on GFL.tv for $10.

Wray (2-1) got her first loss to Nadia Nixon by decision. Bedard (3-3) is making a quick turnaround, having lost via submission to Hannah McNitt this past weekend.

—–

A pair of bouts are set for Rumble at the Roseland 73 in Portland, OR.

• Katie Howard looks to avenge a loss to Emily Corso and gain the flyweight title.
• Anna Chouinard will take on Veronica Wickersham

—–

At WCFL 6 in Tampa, FL, two bouts are set:

• Migdalia Acevedo vs. Jessica Branco
• Cheyanne Vlismas vs. Saha Brown

—–

In other ammy bouts:

• Autumn Norton and Brieta Carpenter will square off for the first ever Ultimate Reno Combat 135 title
• At U of MMA in Hollywood, CA, Yumi Matsumoto faces Jessica Pryor
• Mia Avila will take on Jeana Pinelli at Dragon House MMA in San Francisco, CA
• Dynasty Sports MMA in Omaha, Neb sees Rebecca Wells battle Casi Jo Lee
• Selina Montoya will face Heather Smith at Fight Brigade MMA in Pueblo, CO
• At Fight Brigade MMA in Pueblo, CO, Heather Smith will take on Selina Valdez-Montoya
• In New Orleans as RMMA 28, Laura Uyeda will face Natalie Figueroa
• At Xtreme Fighting Championships in Ponchatoula, LA, Annaliesha Smith battles Faith Charfauros
• Elisabeth Couch will take on Veronica Luna at 559 Fights in Visalia, CA

—–

Kickboxing

InvictaFC star Miriam Nakamoto will defend her WBC Muay Thai title against Aleide Lawant in Temecula, CA. Nakamoto defeated top fighter Julie Kitchen in her last Muay Thai bout last year. Lawant is coming off a loss to Kitchen.

Also on the card, Super Fight League vet Lena Ovchynnikova will face Emily Bearden.

—–

Boxing

MMA fighter Jennifer Tate will make her boxing debut as she takes on Laura Deanovic in Fresno, California. Tate had taken some time off of MMA to raise a family, and fought in some kickboxing matches earlier this year in Thailand.

Deanovic (1-4) is seeking her second win, having only been KOed once on her career.

—–

Three bouts are set for Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany which will air on EuroSport. Ina Menzer (30-1) will take on Goda Dailydaite (8-0) for the interim WBF featherweight title and the vacant WIBA featherweight title. Also on the card, Delfine Persoon faces Galina Gumliiska, while Elfi Philipps battles Talitha Groot.

—–

Tomoko Kawanishi (7-1) will defend her OPBF super flyweight title against Tamao Ozawa (5-0) in Osaka, Japan.

Pro MMA

Tyra Parker (3-3) evens her record over the weekend, getting the win over Michele Gutierrez at DakotaFC in Fargo.

Parker looked dominant in the first round, utilizing several different leg submission attempts. She would end the first with the mount.

Th second round saw Parker jump to half guard, and again attempt submissions. After one failed armbar attempt, she would get a successful one on Gutierrez and force the tap at 1:29 or round 2.

—–

Three fights happened in Brazil over the weekend:

• At Sparta MMA, Claudia Rey def. Greicy Tonet by TKO (doctor’s stoppage) round 2
• In Poços de Caldas, Brazil at Pocos Fight 2, Mariana Morais def Margarete ‘Soares’ Fabio by submssion (guillotine choke) round 1
• Juliana Aguiar def Deise Lee by unanimous decision at Arena Force

—–

Courtesy MMA Hawaii

Destiny MMA held a solid card in Honolulu, Hawaii over the weekend, with four fights on the card.

In the only pro bout on the card, InvictaFC vet Raquel Pa’aluhi got back on the winning track, getting the first round TKO win over Priscilla White.

Three amateur bouts were also on the card:

• Monica Franco def. Tiani Valle  by unanimous decision
• Rachael Ostovich def. Hannah Kampf by unaimous decision
• Chantelle Berengue def.  Carrie Mayazono by unanimous decision

—–

Courtesy Jersey Strong MMA

Ammy MMA

Jen Lopez avenged a loss to Roya Darvishian by getting an unanimous decision at EFC Warriors in Atlantic City, NJ. With the win, she gains the EFC strawweight title. Lopez improves to 5-1. (Pictured right).

—–

Autumn Norton became the first ever Ultimate Reno Combat by handing Brieta Carpenter her first loss an an ammy. Norton would KO Carpenter in round 1 to win the title. She improves to 3-1.

—–

In other amateur bouts:

• In a pair of bouts at WCFL 6 in Tampa, FL, Migdalia Acevedo defeated Jessica Branco by unanimous decision, and Cheyanne Vlismas defeated Sasha Brown by submission by armbar 2:11 round 1.
• At Rumble at the Roseland 73 in Portland, OR, Veronica Wickersham defeated Anna Chouinard  by TKO 2:48 if round 1
• Rebecca Wells defeated Casi Jo Lee by submission (rear naked choke) in round 1 at Dynasty Sports MMA in Omaha, Neb.
• In Ponchatoula, LA at Xtreme Fighting Championships, Annaliesha Smith def. Faith Charfauros by TKO 2:40 of round 2
• At 559 Fights in Visalia, CA, Veronica Luna defeated Elisabeth Couch by TKO 1:36 of round 1
• Jessica Pryor defeated Yumi Matsumoto by unanimous decision  at U of MMA in Hollywood, CA.
• In Pueblo, Colorado at Fight Brigade MMA, Heather Smith defeated Selina Valdez-Montoya by submission (armbar) 2:43 of round 2
• At RMMA 28 in New Orleans, LA, Laura Uyeda defeated Natalie Figueroa by TKO 0:44 of round 1

—–

Kickboxing

Courtesy Total Muay Thai

Miriam Nakamoto remains undefeated in Muay Thai as she got the unanimous decision over Aleide Lawant in Temecula, CA.

It was a war seeing both fighters getting cut. It was Nakamoto’s endurance that saw her outpoint Lawant in the end. Nakamoto retained her WBC World lighhtweight title and adds the WBC International Lightweight belt to her collection.

In another title fight on the card, Lena Ovchynikova defeated Emily Bearden to win the IKKC Super Batamweight World Title.

—–

Boxing

Svetlana Kulakova became the interim WBA light welterweight title, as she defeated Judy Waguthii by unanimous decision in Volgograd, Russia. Kulakova remains undefeated at 8-0.

—–

In Osaka, Japan, champion Tomoko Kawanishi successfully defended her OPBF super flyweight title Tamao Ozawa by TKO round 1. Kawanishi improves to 8-1.

—–

MMA fighter Jennifer Tate made a successful boxing debut this past weekend, getting the unanimous decision win over Laura Deanovic in Fresno, California.

—–

In other boxing action:

• In a pair of bouts in West-Vlaanderen, Belgium, Delfine Persoon defeated Galina Gumliiska by TKO round 2, and Elfi Philipps defeated Borislava Goranova by points
• In Tijuana, Mexico, Brenda Flores def. Diana Gonzalez by unanimous decision
• Lizbeth Crespo and Maria Eugenia Quiroga fought to a draw in Chubut, Argentina
• Lombardia, Italy saw Nicola Pietro Ciriani defeat Attila Tibor Nagy by points
• In Durango, Mexico, Nora Cardoza defeated Claudia Elizalde by unanimous decision
• Nancy Franco def. Lorena Mendoza by unanimous decision in Tamaulipas, Mexico

Throughout the next few days, we will be previewing the upcoming Storm Damage MMA one night featherweight tournament. The event is set for Saturday in Camberra, Australia. The event won’t be streamed, but a DVD will be available three weeks after on Stormmma.com.au.

—–

Arlene Blencowe is looking to make history, as she could be the first female to hold titles in MMA and boxing.

Blencowe made headlines earlier this year as she became the WIBA and WBF light welterweight World boxing champion in a short notice fight. She was the underdog coming into the bout, but proved too much for more experience Daniella Smith, gaining Blencowe both vacant titles.

Blencowe, who has done tournaments in amateur boxing, looks to turn heads in MMA with winning the historic Storm Damage MMA tournament Saturday.

—–

Wombat Sports: How did you get started in combat sports?

Arlene Blencowe: Three and a half years ago I walked into Allegiance Combat and Fitness Centre, where I met my trainer Jason Harris. At the time I was 26 years old with 2 children and had a dream to represent Australia at the London Olympics, as an amateur boxer. I was driven, determined and worked hard to get to the level I needed to be to compete against the elite.

Over the next 2 years I competed all over Australia and traveled overseas with the Australian representative team, racking up the experience with a busy 30 bouts in that period of time. I spent my amateur career fighting well above my weight division, fighting women in the 75kg category as this was an Olympic division. I walked around at 67kg. I was competitive and won gold at the Arafura Games, a major international tournament. However, I narrowly missed out on making the London Olympic team.

I was disheartened not qualifying and achieving something that had been the driving force for some time. After reassessing my goals I turned professional with my boxing. My next challenge was to become a world champion. This gave me a new passion and drive for the sport that I loved.

W.S.: You are the current WIBA and WBF light welterweight World boxing champ. Tell us about getting your first world titles.

A.B.: In June the opportunity came up for me to fight for the WIBA and WBF light welterweight World boxing titles against a well respected New Zealand fighter Daniella Smith with a 16-2 record; as opposed to my 1-1 record and amateur experience. On a week’s notice I had taken the fight. This was only possible because I had been keeping active with MMA fights and training. I was in shape and ready to contest the belts in a 10 round bout at such short notice. I won all 10 rounds by a points decision to win both titles. A dream come true!

Wombat: What made you turn to MMA?

Blencowe: I had two professional boxing bouts and then a long period where I wasn’t matched or didn’t have any possible opponents lined up. My last fight had been in October 2012. I continued my training, but in January 2013 Jason suggested that we add BJJ, grappling and wrestling into my training. For fitness, new skills, to keep the edge on training and to leave me the option of possibly competing in MMA.

I laughed at the idea of competing in MMA, as I knew absolutely nothing about submissions or anything to do with being on the ground.

W.S.: How has been the transition between boxing and MMA?

A.B.: My training partner, Sam ‘Sledgehammer’ Bastin a fellow MMA fighter along with my trainer Jason Harris, were extremely patient with teaching me. I have always been extremely athletic and have excelled in any sport to the point of being at representative level; athletics, netball, touch football, etc. But I have to admit at first I was a little slow at grasping the concept of the ground game. In saying that I gained a great respect for it and learned early on that just because I was dominant in the stand up, that doesn’t necessarily mean I will win the fight.

W.S.: You just started MMA this year. How was that first match? What did you do to adjust in your second and third fights?

A.B.: I had my first bout in April this year at Fight World Cup against Kyra Purcell, as expected I was dominant in my stand up but was taken to the ground and submitted by arm bar in the 2nd round. The fight received fight of the night.

I hit the gym hard over the next six weeks before my next bout in May against Kerry Barrett. I won by a points decision and was happy with the improvements I had made since my previous bout.

I competed again in MMA in July at Nitro9 against Jessy Jess (Rose). Although I lost that bout by RNC in the second round, I came away from the bout a better fighter having had that contest. Belief is the number one key element in becoming a successful fighter, once of course you cover the aspects of training and fitness.

W.S.: You are taking part of this historic tournament. What are your expectations?

A.B.: I truly believe that I can destroy my opponents and showcase my talents as a fighter and that this tournament can be the turning point in my career. I believe that I have all the elements to be a world class MMA fighter and therefore fulfill my next dream of becoming a world champion in this sport as well. My aim is to be noticed and this event will give me the exposure and open up doors for future events. Hopefully breaking into the international MMA scene.

I am very excited to be competing on the Storm Damage 3 card alongside the other female fighters. I am grateful to Storm Oshyer for giving me the opportunity.

W.S.: We have seen an increase in more female fighters over the past two years in Australia. What do you account for the growth?

MMA is the fastest growing sport and women in combat are quick to join the ride. Females can train and compete at Elite levels, just as men can. I believe that the increase in female fighters in Australia is due to the introduction of female amateur boxing into the Olympics and also having one female weight division included into the UFC.

W.S.: Anything you’s like to add?

A.B.: I would like to thank my sponsors ACFC, Allegiance Clothing, Outlast Nutrition, Enriched Health & Physiotherapy, Photography by Linda, Mesa Web Design.

You can follow me on twitter – @arleneangerfist on my website – www. angerfist.com.au and on Facebook – Arlene Blencowe.

Special thanks to my manager/trainer/promoter Jason Harris for everything!! He quoted back in 2010 “this girl right here, will one day be a world champion!”

Miscellaneous News

OneFC MMA has signed Singapore based bantamweight Sherilyn Lim. The Muay Thai specialist was instrumental in starting women’s kickboxing in Singapore, having found the Polytechnic’s Muay Thai club. She won her amateur MMA debut in July, only taking 90 seconds to get the TKO victory over Nur Atiqah Nadia at Ultimate Satria Championship.  She will make her promotional and professional debut Oct. 18 as she will face Malayasian Ann Osman.

Lim is the second female fighter to be signed exclusively to the OneFC, joining atomweight Nicole Chua.

The match will stream live from Singapore at OneFC.livesport.tv for $11 October 18.

—–

In a match we misses this past weekend, Seo Hee Ham defended her CMA combat title in Asia against All Kyushu. The belt was contested under kickboxing rules. Ham made quick work of Kyushu by getting the TKO at 1:48 of round 1.

—–

Video has been posted of Autumn Norton’s TKO win over Brieta Carpenter at Ultimate Reno Combat from last weekend. You can watch it here.

—–

Holly Holm will return to action October 11 in Dallas, TX at LegacyFC. She will face a yet to be announced opponent.

—–

Colleen Schneider has become the third TUF cast member to book a fight post filming. She will take on Chrstina Marks at SCMMA 3 in Ontario, California September 7.

—–

A new teaser for next week’s premier of “The Ultimate Fighter” is up featuring Peggy Morgan, Tara LaRosa, Shayna Baszler, Revelina Berton, and Roxanne Modafferi giving their advise to living with women in a house. You can watch it here.

—–

Heather Bassett’s second vlog is up as she will fight tomorrow for King of the Cage in her pro debut. You can watch it here. Bassett will take on Breea Gilbert in Keshena, WI.

Warth

—–

KSW has a new trailer for the match between Jasminka Cive and Karolina Kowalkiewicz. You can watch it here.

—–

On the podcast Sunday at 1 p.m. pacific/4 p.m. eastern, we will talk to Texas strawweight River Warth as she prepares to take on Nicole Duffy at the Austin Championship Sept. 7. You can listen to it live here.

—–

Rumors

We were expecting Megumi Fujii’s opponent for her retirement match to be announced at the Vale Tudo Japan presser Friday, but it wasn’t the case. With October approaching fast, the announce will hopefully come next week.

—–

InvictaFC strawweight Carla Esparza states she is “in training for her next fight” on twitter, which fuels speculation she will be defending her title against Claudia Gadelha at InvictaFC 7.

—–

Scheduled Matches

Pro MMA

The long awaited Storm Damage MMA featherweight tournament happens this weekend, with all fighters making weight.

The eight woman one night tournament will be contested under modifed rules, with no elbows and shorter rounds. (Two minute rounds in the quarter and semi-finals; 3 minutes in the finals.)

Helen Malone has dropped out of the tournament, which means a wild card pick will face Maryanne Mullahy in the last quarterfinal match.

Here are the quarterfinal match-ups. (Hyperlinked names takes you to our interviews with them) :

• Ginny Connors vs Belinda Sedgwick
• Kate da Silva vs Arlene Blencowe
• Faith Van Duin vs Michelle Peruzzi
• Maryanne Mullahy vs (Wild card pick)

The matches won’t be streamed but will be released on DVD in three weeks on the Storm Damage MMA website. Follow @WombatSports on twitter for complete results.

—–

Fujino

The newly formed DEEP-JEWELS will make its debut this weekend with a set of eight MMA bouts. Most fighters made weight on Friday.

The main event will feature Celine Haga, who is looking to continue her win streak as she takes on Sadae Numata. Nutama weight in 900 grams over and will have two yellow cards going into the contest.

(Update – the winner of the Haga vs. Numata fight will Seo Hee Ham for the inaugural DEEP-JEWELS 105 title. This will most likely be on the D-J November card.)

Also Emi Fujino looks to work her way back into the top 10 strawweights by defeating Korea’s Hyo Kyung Song.

Here are the rest of the MMA matches set for Tokyo:

• Mika Nagano vs Akiko Naito
• Yasuko “Ikuko” Tamada vs Yukiko Seki
• Yasuko Mogi vs Yuko “Amiba” Oya
• Satomi Takano vs Masako Yoshida
• Takumi Umehara vs Megumi Sugimoto

We will have results posted on twitter as they become available.

—–

Another MMA tournament happens this weekend as Mexico’s Xtreme Kombat MMA will try to find it’s top flyweight. Among the particpants in the one night tournament:

• Anely Jimenez (7-0)
• Alexa Grasso (2-0)
• Karina Rodriguez (1-0)
• Sandra Chimeyo (pro debut)

—–

In other pro bouts:

• AT NCF 16 in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Chayani Mendes takes on Cinthya Mocoto
• Izabela Badurek faces Martyna Czech at MMA Only Gala in Pszow, Poland
• In London, England at Immortals Fight Promotions 1, Agnieszka Niedzwiedz battles Iren Racz
• At Ultimate Beatdown 12 in Malyasia,  Helen Harper battles Liezel Lumindas

—–

Ammy MMA

Shasta McMurray and Kyra Batara will duke it out for the Tuff-n-uff 110 pound title Friday night in Vegas. Arizona’s McMurray (1-1) and Oregon’s Batara (1-1) are looking for their second wins.

The match will stream on Tuff-n-uff’s UStream channel for $5.

—–

In Vegas on Saturday, two female bouts are set for King of the Cage.  Rachel Smith and Danielle Taylor will square off for the ammy KOTC 115 title, while Molly Wren-Holmes faces Monica Ameng.

—–

Boxing

In Constitucion, Chile, Carolina Rodriguez and Ana Lozano will battle for the vacant WIBA bantamweight title.

Rodriguez (8-0) and Lazano (7-0) are undefeated, with Lazano finishing all but on of her opponents.

—–

In other boxing action:

• Carmen Cruz faces Tassie Eckerie in Nashville, Tennessee
• In Toppenish, Washington, Carol Azure takes on Latite Olney

One of the most popular amateur boxing events of the year will hit the Bay Area Saturday.

The third annual Beautiful Brawlers event will see some of the best up and coming talent in the sweet science duke it out. A total of 20 matches are set, with a day full of action in three sessions.

Olympian Queen Underwood will take on California’s Stalacia Leggett in what will be the main event of session 3.

Sessions two will feature a rematch between Casey Morton and Jamie Mitchell. Mitchell won their first meeting, with Morton hoping to even the score. Both have declared this will be their last amateur match as both are planning to turn pro.

Session 1 will be headlined by the teenagers of the sport, as Heaven Garcia faces Yessenia Martinez. Both are well on their way to making the Olympics in 2020.

Many faces of the sport will be in attendance, including WBC Silver flyweight champ Ava Knight, WBO/WIBF flyweight champ Melissa McMorrow, IFBA Lightweight champ Crystal Morales, and interim WIBA light flyweight champ Jolene Blackshear.

In terms of media, WBAN head Sue Fox and Women’s MMA Round-up’s Kirsten Ursy and Veronica LoCurto will be there to cover the action.

The bouts begin at 12:30 p.m. at the SportsHouse in Redwood City, CA. Tickets are $20 general admission or $60 ringside.

In what a crazy weekend of fights that saw two tournament champions crowned, nine separate countries had MMA action in the female divisions.

—–

Pro MMA

If you missed our coverage of DEEP-JEWELS debut in Japan and the Storm Damage tournament in Australia, click the links.

——

Photo Courtesy Mike Antihero

Mexico has crowned it’s first flyweight champion.

Alexa Grasso won two tough bouts Saturday to be crowned the Xtreme Kombat Mexico 125 champ. Grasso (4-0) only took 26 seconds to take care of her semi-final opponent Alejandra Alvarez via TKO.

Grasso’s opponent in the finals, Karina Rodriguez, got a unanimous decision over Anely Jimenez in her semi-final bout.

Grasso and Rodriguez would go the distance in the finals, with all three judges giving Grasso the win and the title.

——

At King of the Cage in Keshena, WI, Heather Bassett made a spectacular pro debut, as she landed a head kick dropping her opponent Breea Gilbert, and the securing the rear naked choke in round 1. You can watch the video here.

—–

In other Pro MMA action across the planet:

• At NCF 16 in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Chayani Mendes defeated Cinthya Mocoto by submission (armbar) round 1
• In Pszow, Poland at MMA Only Gala, Martyna Czech takes the unanimous decision over Izabela Badurek
• Agnieszka Niedzwiedz submits Iren Racz armbar at 3:54 in round 1 at Immortals Fight Promotions 1 - Aberdeen, Scotland
• At Ultimate Beatdown 12 in Malyasia, Helen Harper defeated Liezel Lumindas  by TKO round 1

—–

Ammy MMA

South Africa been developing their women’s divisions over the past year, as Fight Star 4 held an amateur fight this past weekend. Karate and kickboxing champ Santa-Marie Venter would defeat Natasha Elliott by TKO round 1.

—–

Batara Earns Tuff title

Tuff-n-uff MMA has crowned a new 110 pound champ in Las Vegas. Oregon’s Kyra Batara defeated Arizona’s Shasta McMurry by unanimous decision to win the title. Batara improves to 2-1.

—–

Also in Vegas over the weekend, King of the Cage crown an amateur strawweight champion as Danielle Taylor defeated Rachael Smith by TKO round 1.

—–

Boxing

In Constitucion, Chile, Carolina Rodriguez earned the vacant WIBA bantamweight as she took the unanimous decision over Ana Lozano. Rodriguez remains undefeated at 9-0 and hands Lorenzo her first loss.

—–

Jessica Gonzalez gains some gold as she defeated WBA bantamweight champion Irma Garcia by split decision.  Gonzalez snaps Garcia’s seven fight win streak.

—–

In other boxing action:

• In Nashville, Tennessee, Jacqueline Park defeated Carmen Cruz by unanimous decision
• Carol Azure and Latite Olney fight to a split draw in Toppenish, Washington
• In Merida, Yucatán, Mexico, Celia Roman defeated Elizabeth Zarate by unanimous decision
• Angela Marciales gets the first round TKO over Gleydis Jimenez Barranquilla, Colombia
• In Berne, Switzerland, Nicole Boss KOs Alexandra Gorog in round 1
• Celia Roman get sh unanimous decision over Elizabeth Zarate in Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico

Some of the best current and up and coming boxing talent gathered Saturday for the third annual “Beautiful Brawlers” event in Redwood City, CA. It didn’t disappoint.

Around 40 of some of the best amateur boxers in the U.S. gathered to test their skills. The main event of the final session saw Olympian Queen Underwood take a decision win over Stalacia Leggett.

Jamie Mitchell of Salinas Boxing Club defeated Casey Morton in a “Fight of the Night” award performance. Mitchell won their first outing.

Heaven Garcia won the under 14 Best Fighter award, someone to keep an eye on come the 2020 Olympics.

Partial results:

• Queen Underwood def. Stalacia Leggett by unanimous decsion
• Tessa Moon def. Rebekka Holt by unanimous decsion
• Alayna Woods def. Dalia Valenzuela by unanimous decsion
• Lupe Gutierrez def. Leslie Soria by unanimous decsion
• Katrina Nahe def. Odalys Camacho by unanimous decsion
• Andrea Avilas def. Allie Mendina by unanimous decsion
• Iris Contreras def. Jessica Galves by unanimous decsion
• Jamie Mitchell def. Casey Morton by unanimous decision
• Selena Hernandez def. Kim Mazariegos by TKO in the 2nd Round
• Kim Mazariegos def. Lizbeth Tovar by unanimous decision

We at Wombat Sports have dedicated the site to covering female combat sports, and that isn’t an easy task. Hours of research and writing go into our day. As much as we try, we can’t cover everything and miss a lot of news and upcoming prospects.

With that in mind, we need your help in order to help you. Here are some simple things you can do to get some more media coverage.

Get on social media

If you missed our story with Shannon Knapp from this past July, one of the best things to do to help earn your way into Invicta is to be noticed. One of the ways she recommended was to be involved in social media. Most fighters have a facebook, but twitter seems to be the preferred option. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to be on it 24/7. One tweet a day or every other day will work. You can also link your instragram and Facebook to twitter, so you don’t have to tweet directly on the account.

Let us know if you have a fight coming up

We update our “Upcoming Fights” database at the beginning of the month and every Thursday just in case certain sites don’t have fights posted. Even with that, some fights slip through the cracks. If you let us know the promotion, location, and opponent you have in a fight coming up, we will surely post it. It also gives us ideas on who to interview on the site.

Let us know if you won and how

We try to hunt down results as much as possible, but most come from local MMA media and twitter reports. Fighters are usually the best source, but we can’t report without some details. If you post on social media, please state how you won and what round – it will help out a lot not only with our site, but with others as well.

Keep us in the know about your record

The UG and Sherdog tend not to have accurate records and a lot of times we have been corrected. Continue to do so if we do get it wrong, and we will make sure the proper people can correct it on Fightfinder.

Recommend a teammate

If you aren’t the only female fighter in your gym, let us know. We are highly interested in those fighters who are making their way up the ranks. If they are making a debut, or have a fight coming up, let us know.

You can always contact us on twitter @WombatSports and on our Facebook account with any info you feel we should know. We hope to help your career by getting the word out.

Courtesy SouthWest Fight News

Miscellaneous News

XFC will crown it’s first strawweight champion Friday night as Stephanie Eggink (3-1) will fight Angela Magana (11-5). Eggink weighted in at 114.6 pounds. Magana initially weighted in at 115.4, but since this was a title fight, she had to drop the extra 0.4 pounds. Was weighted in at 115 even on the second try.

Eggink has won all of her XFC bouts, getting decisions over Brianna VanBuren and Heather Clark. Magana will be making her promotion debut, coming off a loss to UFC signee Jessica Eye. Magana had won three straight before the loss.

The scheduled bout between Stephanie Skinner and Angelica Chavez was cancelled due to Chavez getting mono earlier this week. Both got their fight purses. No word on when the fight will be rescheduled.

The title match between Eggink and Magana will air live on AXS TV Friday night.

—–

Gutierrez

Cummins

Veteran fighter Michele Gutierrez is hoping to get back on the winning track and even her record as she will face Rachael Cummins at BAMMA  Bad Beat 11 October 25 in Commerce, CA.

Gutierrez (3-4) was on a three fight win streak before losing to Amanda LaVoy in May of 2011. She lost via armbar against Tyra Parker last month. She is hoping to break a three fight losing streak.

Cummins (1-1) is coming off a submission win over Maia Kahaunaele this past June. She would lose to InvictaFC’s Norma Center in her pro MMA debut.

BAMMA USA will announce a stream for the event in the coming weeks.

—–

Team Tate

The early ratings are in as roughly 726,000 households in the US watched the Ultimate Fight 18 premier Wednesday night. This was half of the number of the Ultimate Fighter season 17 premier. A good part of why deals with the show moving from the popular FX network to the fledgling Fox Sports 1, and that it aired on Wednesday, one of the busiest days for prime time viewership.

The show is also airing on FX in Australia Wednesdays and BT Sports in Great Britain Thursday nights.

—–

TUF had posted video of Shayna Baszler and Julianna Pena commenting about their match next Wednesday on Fox Sports 1. You can watch it here.

—–

The UFC has announced their new EA Sports video game will feature female fighters. UFC champ Ronda Rousey and Miesha Tate are officially announced for the game, with more will be joining them as the game is created. The women won’t be able to fight the men in the game, so no dream matches of Rousey versus Brian Caraway folks.

Usually with these games there is a “create a fighter” option, so with a little bit of skill, you can probably create anyone from the InvictaFC roster (at 135 of course).

Contrary to popular belief, this isn’t the first time a female fight will be a part of a UFC video game. MiddleEasy pointed out Ericka Montoya was in the UFC’s 2004 game.

—-

In addition to Cyborg Justino versus Martina Jindrova’s muay thai bout at Lions Fight 11 September 20 in Vegas on AXS TV, Monique Travis is fighting Angela Hill on the undercard. 

—-

Among the other fights announced this week:

MMA

• Agnieszka Niedzwiedz will face Eeva Siiskonen at MMA Attack 4 Poland in October 26 
• Egnland’s Stacey  Hayes and Italy’s Annalisa Bucci will duke it out at Heat 24 in London’s Southend on October 12.

Kickboxing

• At Merseburger Fight Night In Germany October 5, super flyweight world champion Adelina Dimova faces Malaysian WKN European Championess Su Yin Gelis.

—-

The International Olympic Committee is set to vote on bringing wrestling back to the Olympics in 2020 this Sunday in Russia. The other two sports up for inclusion are squash and baseball/softball.

—-

Former Bellator and Strikeforce competitor Kerry Vera put out a video for the “Functional Patterns” website and she looks as great as ever. You can watch the video here.

—–

We continue our preview of the upcoming Tuff-n-uff 145 tournament on the podcast with fighter Bethany del Cid Sunday at 1 p.m. pacific/4 p.m. eastern. The Team Alpha Male product has an extensive boxing background and looks to take the MMA world by storm.

You can listen here Sunday.

—–

Rumor

Among those with fight announcements forthcoming are Alexis Davis, Bethe Correia, and Maria Hougaard.

—-

Pink Fights in Brazil is rumored to have a card coming up later this month, and it’s expected the card will be announced soon.

—–

Australia’s “Wimp 2 Warrior” series, which turns regular guys and girls into MMA fighters, is looking into a TV deal for their second season. The first season was featured as a web series.

—–

Scheduled matches

Pro MMA

At XFN 14 in Tulsa, OK, InvictaFC vet Kathina Catron will take on Susy Watson.

Catron was a late replacement at InvictaFC 6, losing a decsion to Livia Von Plettenberg. Catron won her previous bout the week before. Watson will be making her pro debut, getting an ammy win this past March.

In ammy action, Maegan Goodwin will take on Yuri Nedina.

—–

Fresh off her appearance on “The Ultimate Fighter” Colleen Schneider returns to action as she will take on Christina Marks at Submission Championship MMA in Ontario, CA.

The former SFL flyweight champion Schneider (4-4) is on a three fight win streak, but was outmatched by Shayna Baszler to get shut out of the TUF house. Schneider returns to 125 for this match.

Christina Marks (4-6) is looking to earn her second win in a row, having gotten a 25 second TKO win this past March.

—–

In other pro MMA matches:

• At Carelia Fight 9 in Imatra, Finland, Eeva Siiskonen faces Julia Stoliarenko
• Lena Ovchynnikova takes on Alexandra Guseva at Gas Station MMA in Lviv, Ukraine
• In Argentina at Heroes MMA 2,  Paloma Fabrykant battles Denise Boifer
• At Magic City Mayhem 3 in Minot, ND Jessica Doerner faces LeAnn Amundson
• Karolline Rosa battles Mylena Duarte at HCC in Vila Velha, Brazil

—–

 Ammy MMA

A pair of matches will take place at the Austin MMA Championships in Texas. The main event will feature River Warth taking on Nicole Duffy for the strawweight title. Also on the card, Sarah Boyd will face Julia Ottolino.

—–

At No Mercy Extreme Fight in Colorado Sprins, CO, two matches are set. K.C. Juanilllas will face Alissa Garcia, while Ashlee Maston takes on Nicole Forzano.

—–

In other Ammy MMA matches:

• At Warfair Fighting Championships in Myrtle Beach, SC, Andy Nguyen faces Jessamine Ali
• Amy Palalia takes on Amanda Robinson at Elite1 MMA in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada
• In Beloit, Wisconsin at Stateline Warriors 58, Lisa Wells battles Kim Roegner
• At HD Fight Series in Matthews, NC, Lisette Galvan dikes it out with Brittany Kraycirik
• In Corpus Christi, TX at Rock Xtreme MMA  Maylene Estudillo takes on Jianna Denizard

—–

Boxing

Braekus and Castillo

Cecilia Braekhus will defend her WBC/WBA/WBO welterweight titles against Oxandia Castillo in  Frederikshavn, Denmark.

Braekhus (22-0) will be defending the WBC/WBA titles for the 11th time. Castillo (12-0) is the current WBO light middleweight champ and will be dropping down for the match. Both are looking to maintain their unbeaten streaks.

—–

Two title matches are set in Saarbruecken, Saarland, Germany.  WBF light welterweight champion Rola El Halabi will defend her title for the first time against Sopo Putkaradze.  El Halabi (12-1) won the belt last month, rebounding from her first loss in her career. Putkaradze (6-0) has yet to see defeat, getting the TKO win in her bout last month against Tamuna Salukvadze.

The other match will be for the vacant WBF super flyweight title as Raja Amasheh battles Eva Voraberger.

—–

On other boxing action:

• In Cordoba, Argentina, Natalia Vanesa del Valle Aguirre takes on Soledad Capriolo
• Alma De la Cruz dukes it out with Salma Canales in Jalisco, Mexico
• In Mableton, Georgia, Rolanda Andrews battles Angel Gladney
• Lisa Lewis takes on Celene Roman in Fresno, California
• In León, Mexico Irma Sanchez dukes it out with Katia Gutierrez
• Debora Anahi Dionicius faces Olga Julio in Buenos Aires, Argentina
• In Monclova, Coahuila de Zaragoza, Mexico, Julia Gamboa dukes it out with Arlette Martinez
• Joselyn Arroyo Ruiz battles Elizabeth Munoz in Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico