Unsigned Hype: "The Strawweights"

 There are 5 major global promotions that sign women fighters to long term contracts: UFC, Invicta, Bellator, XFL International and Cage Warriors.

What I will do is list fighters who are not signed to any of the 5 major promotions and tell you a little about them. They will be listed in order of highest ranked fighter.

1. Kalindra Faria 15-4-1

Kalindra is a 5'5 28 year old 115 lbs fighter from Sao Paulo, Brazil. She trains with Vale Top Team and Macao Gold Team.

Kalindra holds notable victories over Sanja Sucevic, Laura Balin, Aline Serio (twice), Carina Damm and Aline Sattelmayer. All the fighters mentioned are top ranked fighters in either the 115lbs division or even the 125lbs and 135lbs divisions.

Her notable losses have come against #1 115lbs fighter Jessica Aguilar and before that hard fought 5 round loss she was on an 11-fight winning streak. Other notable losses were against 125lbs Invicta title challenger Vanessa Porto and UFC 115lbs title contender Claudia Gadelha. The one draw on her record came against Invicta 125lbs title contender Jennifer Maia.

Now I know potentially Kalindra might be under contract to two companies, (XFC International) and (World Series Of Fighting) but chances are her XFC contract is non binding and that may be the reason WSOF signed her. If it is non binding then her WSOF contract may have been a one fight deal or as they have done with past Jessica Aguilar opponents, they may just release her from her multi-fight deal.

2. Sarah Schneider 7-6-0

Sarah is a 34 year old 5'3 115lbs fighter from Raytown, Missouri. She trains at American Jiu-Jitsu Academy.

Sarah, a true veteran of the sport holds notable wins over Amber Stautzenberger, Sally Krumdiak, Ivana Coleman, Kaitlin Young and Invicta matchmaker Julie Kedzie.

Her only two losses at 115lbs have come against UFC 115 lbs champion Carla Esparza and WMMA legend Megumi Fujii.





3. Emi Fujino 14-8-0

Emi is a 34 year old 5'3 115lbs fighter from Aichi, Japan. She trains at Wajutsu Keishukai Gods.

Emi holds notable wins over Invicta Atom weight contender Amber Brown, Mike Nagano and Celine Haga.

Her most notable losses have come against the best of the best, including; Deep 115lbs Champion Ayaka Hamasaki, #1 ranked 115lbs fighter Jessica Aguilar, Invicta top ranked strawweight fighter Mizuki Inoue and WMMA legend Megumi Fujii.

Now although she signed a contract with WSOF, it is unknown by me, whether or not she signed a multi-fight deal or a one fight deal, but based on WSOF handling of other opponents they have brought in to face their champion Jessica Aguilar I would conclude she is available to be signed,  much like was the case with Alida Gray.





4. Alyona Rassohyna 10-4-0

Alyona is a 5'2 24 year old 115lbs fighter from Oplot, Ukraine. She trains with Sapsan MMA Fight Club.

Alyona has yet to have any of her wins come against fighters with winning records, although she has lost to top ranked fighters such as top ranked UFC 115lbs fighter Seo Hee Ham and Invicta 115lbs champion Katja Kankaanpaa.

5. Karla Benitez 10-7-0

Karla is a 5'6 35 year old 115lbs fighter from San Fernando De Apuro Venezuela. She trains at Meguro Gym.

She holds notable wins against Simona Soukopova and Sanja Sucevic.

Even more impressive then her wins are the fighters Karla has been beaten by, a list that includes the next 115lbs UFC title challenger Joanna Jedrzejczyk, queen of MMA in Ireland UFC fight winner Aisling Daly, UFC fighter Tina Lahdemaki, 7-fight winner, top ranked 125lbs fighter Julia Berezikova, pound for pound #1 ranked female fighter, the WMMA legend Megumi Fujii and Invicta 115lbs champion Katja Kankaanpaa.

6. Jocelyn "Lights Out" Lybarger (4-1-0)

Jocelyn is a 5'4 29 year old 115lbs fighter from Phoenix, Arizona. She trains at The MMA Lab where she is coached by John Crouch.

Jocelyn holds notable wins against Rebecca Ruth and Rosa Acevedo.

Her only loss came against top 125lbs fighter Sarah Alpar.

7. Maiara Amanajas 4-1-0

Maiara is a 27 year old 115lbs fighter from Amapa, Brazil. She trains with Nocaunte Vincente Team.

The only loss on Maiara's career came against highly regarded Invicta fighter Ericka Almeida.

8. Danielle "Dynamite" Taylor 4-0-0

Danielle is a 27 year old 5'2 115lbs fighter from Palmdale, California she trains at The Socal Fight Factory.

Danielle has faced and defeated very stiff competition in her four pro wins, including finishes against Nikki Lowe (armbar) and Jillian Lybarger (TKO). Her other notable win came against the tuff and experienced Maria Andeverde.

9. Marilia "Chocolate" Santos 4-0-0

Marilia is a 22 year old 115lbs fighter from Bahia, Brazil.

She has finished 3 of her four victories (KO, TKO, arm-triangle)

 Her only decision win came against top Brazilian strawweight Aline Sattelmayer. 

10. Tomo Maesawa 4-4-0

Tomo is a 115lbs fighter from Aomori, Japan. She trains at Paraestra Hachinohe. 

Tomo's most recent and most impressive win came against Japanese veteran Yuko Oya.

Her notable losses have come against very good competition in, Cortney Casey, Mina Kurobe and Mika Nagano.

11. Emi Tomimatsu 7-9-0

Emi is a 32 year old 5'1 115lbs fighter from Chiba, Japan. She trains at Paraestra Matsudo.

Emi holds notable wins against Mika Nagano, Yuko Oya and Celine Haga.

Her notable losses have come against Invicta top ranked strawweight Mizuki Inoue (twice) UFC strawweight Kailin Curran and Mei Yamaguchi (twice).

Unsigned Hype: "The Bantamweights"

There are 5 major global promotions that sign women fighters to long term contracts :UFC, Invicta, Bellator, XFL International and Cage Warriors.

What I will do is list fighters who are not signed to any of the 5 major promotions and tell you a little about them. They will be listed in order of highest ranked fighter.

1. Alexandra Buch 8-3-0

Alexandra is a 34 year old 5'9 135lbs fighter originally from Hamburg, Germany and now living and fighting out of Wuppertal, Germany. She trains with Alligator Rodeo Team.

She holds notable victories over Anne Merkt, Tonja Hoffman and Shizuka Sugiyama. All of her 3 losses have come against top ranked fighters, two of those fighters being in the 145lbs division. 

2. Shizuka Sugiyama 11-4-1 

Shizuka is a 27 year old 5'5 135lbs fighter from Yokohama, Japan. She trains at Zendokai Yokhama.

She holds notable wins over Mizuho Sato, Megumi Yabushita and Celine Haga.

There was a planned drop to 125lbs for Shizuka but the fight was canceled when an opponent could not be found. Although she has an upcoming fight scheduled for November, 3 at 135lbs with the  Deep Jewels promotion, we include her here because if she is signed to a contract, Deep has been very willing to let its fighters move on to bigger things in the United States.

3. Carina "Barbie" Damm 22-11-0

Carina is a 35 year old 5'4 135lbs fighter from Vila Velha, Brazil where she trains with American Top Team and Sapo Fight Team.

Carina is a true pioneer of the sport, especially in Brazil. Her most notable wins have come against Aline Serio, Dayana Silva, Kalindra Faria, Ana Maria twice, Jessica Aguilar and Vanessa Porto.

4. Colleen "Thoroughbred"  Schneider 6-5-0

Colleen is a 32 year old 5'9 135lbs fighter from Los Angeles, California. She trains at CSW where she is coached by Josh Barnett.

She holds notable victories against Brenda Gonzales, Christina Marks and Sanja Sucevic.

5. Deise Lee Rocha 5-4-1

Deise is a 29 year old 5'5 135lbs fighter from Sao Paulo, Brazil. She trains with s few gyms including Madison Team, Siam Team MMA College, Noguchi Team and LA Sports.

She holds a notable win against Priscila de Souza.

6. Brenda "Boom Boom" Gonzales 5-2-0

Brenda is a 32 year old 5'5 135lbs fighter from Moriarty, New Mexico. She trains at Fit NHB.

Her most notable wins have come against Heather Bassett and Sarah Alpar.

7. Dayana Silva 5-2-0 

Dayana is a 135lbs fighter from Brazil that trains with Pejor.

She holds notable wins against Luciana Pereira and Aline Nery.

8. Ana "India" Maria 5-5-0

Ana is a 5'5 135lbs fighter from Bahia, Brazil.  She trains with Team Nogueira.

She holds notable wins against Maria Tavares, Aline Serio and UFC fighter Amanda Nunes, who she submitted by armbar in 2008.

Unsigned Hype: "The Featherweights"

There are 5 major global promotions that sign women fighters to long term contracts :UFC, Invicta, Bellator, XFL International and Cage Warriors.

What I will do is list fighters who are not signed to any of the 5 major promotions and tell you a little about them. They will be listed in order of highest ranked fighter.

1. Mizuho Sato 6-6-1

Mizuho is a 145lbs fighter from Tokyo, Japan. She trains at Wajutsu Kishukai Tokyo.

She holds notable wins against Michiko Takeda and Mayumi Aoki. Two of her wins have come by armbar.

2. Arlene "Angerfist" Blencowe 5-4-0

Arlene is a 31 year old 5'5 145lbs fighter from Port Macquarie, New South Wales, Australia where she trains at Beestingz in St. Mary's.

She holds notable wins against Invicta FC fighter Faith VanDuin and Kenani Mangakahia.

3. Lissette Neri 5-0-0

 

Lissette is a 27 year old 5'2 145lbs fighter originally from Rosemead, California and now living in Hisperia, California. She trains at Universal Grappling Academy.

She holds a notable win against Tierra Arnold.

4. Gabby "Gabanator" Holloway 3-1-0

Gabby is a 24 year old 5'4 145lbs fighter originally from Washington D.C. and now living in Orange Virginia, where she is a National Guard Supply Specialist. She trains at Zamora Boxing in Culpepper, Virginia where she is coached by Eric Zamora.

she holds notable wins against Rosanna Garcia and Invicta FC fighter Andria Wawro.

It was my understanding that Gabby was singed to XFCi, she is even listed on their website as a Flyweight,  but when I spoke to Gabby and asked her if she was signed to an exclusive contract, she said it was a one fight non exclusive contract she signed in January of this year and that she has yet to be offered a fight with the promotion.

5. Kilistina "Killa" Makihele 2-0-0

Kilistina is a 5'6 145lbs fighter originally from Sacramento, California and now living in Salt Lake City, Utah.

She holds notable wins against Rachel Kemker and Heather Martin.

Killa is dropping down from 160lbs the weight she fought in her last fight, she assured me that she can make 145lbs but she would even welcome a fight at 155lbs. 

Unsigned Hype: "The Lightweights and Up."

There are 5 major global promotions that sign women fighters to long term contracts :UFC, Invicta, Bellator, XFL International and Cage Warriors.

What I will do is list fighters who are not signed to any of the 5 major promotions and tell you a little about them. They will be listed in order of highest ranked fighter.

1. Jessica "Raising Havoc" Halverson 4-3-0

Jessica is a 32 year old 5'6 155lbs fighter Originally from Rexburg, Idaho, she now lives in St. Louis, Missouri where she trains and coaches at Academy Of Courage MMA.

She has notable wins against Kate Bloomfield and Nikita Netjes.



2. Tierra Arnold 2-1-0

Tierra is a 155lbs fighter from California.

She has a notable win against Desiree Bliss.

3. Heather "Ginja Ninja" George 2-0-0 

Heather is a 29 year old 5'7 185lbs fighter originally from Sandy, Utah now living in Murray, Utah. She trains in Salt Lake City, Utah at Comprehensive Combat Sports with Team Victory. She is coached by David Sr, Kam Tueller, Cole Rose, and Jake Paul. 

She is managed by Steel Fist Fight Night MMA one of the few promotions that put on Welterweight and above female fights.

She has a notable win against Rachel Kemker.

4. Jennifer "Gypsy" Johnston 1-1-0

Jennifer is a 25 year old 5'8 155lbs fighter from Wasilka, Alaska

She holds a notable win against Lea Kapuniai

Jujeath "Bad Girl" Nagaowa defeats Jeet Toshi

 

On Friday May, 2 2014 at One Fighting Championship 15:"Rise of Heroes" at SM Mall of Asia Arena, Manila, Philippines.

Jujeath "Bad Girl" Nagaowa (1-0-0) defeated Jeet Toshi (2-2-0) by TKO due to (punches) at 1:07 of the second round in their 105-pound professional MMA match.

Jujeath is a 26 year old 4'11 fighter from Benguet, Philippines and now living and training in  Makati, Philippines at Team Insider Boxing Gym where she is trained by Jessie Paul Rafols and Kulba Rubillar.

I asked Jujeath how long has she been training and what got her into MMA and these were her answers, "I have been a pro-boxer for almost 7 years.and I have  always been a fan of MMA so when I was given the chance to be contacted by One FC, I agreed without any double thought. been training MMA for almost 2 months for this fight."

Amber Marie Leibrock defeats Stacey Vandiest

On Saturday May, 3 2014 at Ultimate Reno Combat 46 at The Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.

Amber Leibrock (1-1-0) defeated Stacey Vandiest (0-2-0) by verbal submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:58 of the first round in their 145-pound amateur MMA match.

Amber is a 26 year old 5'11 fighter from Hayward, California. She trains at Bay Area Fight Academy where she is trained by Eric Emananzan, Kennel Boxing under Arvin Jugarap and at Charles Gracie Jiu Jitsu under Matheus Colhado, Cristiano Xiaver and Clint Gerrona.

I asked Amber how long has she been training and what got her started in MMA and these were her answers, "I've been training for two years. What started me in MMA was I was going no where fast and needed something to discipline myself and keep me out of trouble and at the time I was dating a pro fighter who introduced me to her gym And once I started training I just couldn't stop. Then when I competed for the first time I knew I had found my thing in life that I was always meant to do."

Elizabeth Warner defeats Krissy Hunter

On Friday May, 3 2014 at Princess of Pain: "Round Robin Tournament" at the Auckland Boxing Association, Panmure, Auckland, New Zealand.

 Elizabeth Warner (1-2-0) defeated Krissy Hunter (2-2-0) by Majority Decision in their 140-pound amateur MMA match.

Elizabeth is a 25 year old 5'7 fighter originally from Brisbane, Queensland, Australia and now living and fighting out of Gold Coast, Queensland where she trains at Shindo Newbreed.She is coached by Kerry Dunne and Istok Stanojevic.

I asked Elizabeth how long has she trained and what got her started in MMA and these were her answers, "I have trained for nearly 4 years, I just gave it a go and fell in love with the sport."

Sabrina Compton defeats Gabrielle Marsters

On Friday May, 3 2014 at Princess of Pain: "Round Robin Tournament" at the Auckland Boxing Association, Panmure, Auckland, New Zealand.

Sabrina Compton (1-0-0) defeated Gabrielle Marsters ( 0-1-0) by submission (armbar) at 0:44 seconds of the first round in their amateur MMA match.

Sabrina is a 23 year old 5'11 fighter who trains at
Oliver MMA in Glen Eden, New Zealand where she is trained by Steve Oliver, she also trains at Tukaha under Pedro.

I asked Sabrina how long has she trained in MMA and how she got tarted, these were her answers, " started training when I was 15 at a Women's unarmed combat gym I was going to an Aikido class with my dad and accidentally went to the wrong place (the unarmed combat place) and I really liked the look of it lol, girls were just going going for it in the ring. Women's Unarmed Combat is a combination of Judo, Wrestling, Aikido and unarmed combat. I stopped when I was 19. I am 23 now and just started training again in January."  

Janay Harding defeats Helen Malone

On Saturday May, 3 2014 at Eternal MMA 5 at The Coolangatta Hotel, Coolangatta in Queensland, Australia.

Janay Harding (1-1-0) defeated Helen Malone (2-2-0) by TKO in the first round of their 135-pound amateur MMA match.

Janay is a 19 year old  5'8 fighter from Gold Coast, Queensland she trains out of the PUMMA gym in Burleigh, Queensland under Vincent Perry.

I asked Janay how she got started in MMA and how long has she trained, these were her answers, "I Previously did Shodican Karate and obtained black belt. At 15 after doing karate for 3 years I wanted to do something more challenging, I found a gym and started up, fell in love and have been there ever since. Have been training MMA for 4 years now and Karate for 7 years."

Missy Laxon defeats Tracy Burns

On Friday May, 3 2014 at Princess of Pain: "Round Robin Tournament" at the Auckland Boxing Association, Panmure, Auckland, New Zealand.

Missy Laxon (1-0-0) defeated  Tracy Burns (0-1-0) by Split Decision in their 145-pound amateur MMA match.

Missy is a 33 year old 5'2 fighter from Napier, New Zealand and now living training and fighting out of Dunedin, New Zealand. She coached by Matt Toa Owner /Coach/Promoter of Team Hammerhead MMA.

I asked Missy how long has she trained and what got her started in MMA and this was her answer, "I actually trained Muay Thai first a few years ago in Hawkes Bay then concentrated on my kids, then I moved to Dunedin, New Zealand and both my kids started doing BJJ, my son is 15 and my daughter who trains as well she's 13. Then I decided to join them in BJJ and then soon after joined the women's kickboxing classes and as soon as I saw MMA I wanted to do it! I have been training for over a year with Team Hammerhead an just love fighting love the challenge love the rush really enjoy BJJ and grappling I have always loved it, Ive meet some amazing people trained at Tiger Muay Thai camp an just loved it." . 

Missy is the owner of a  Sports Massage Therapist & Skin Specialist salon, she is a full time worker, fighter and mother.

 

Tairi Ford defeats Serina Cole

 

  On Friday May, 3 2014 at Princess of Pain: "Round Robin Tournament" at the Auckland Boxing Association, Panmure, Auckland, New Zealand.

Tairi Ford ( 5-2-0) defeated Serina Cole (1-2-0) by TKO at 0:42 seconds of the first round in their 125-pound amateur tournament Championship match.

She also defeated  Hera Tamati (0-1-0) by Unanimous Decision in their amateur MMA tournament semi-finals match.

Tairi is a 28 year old 5'9 fighter of Cook Island decent who is originally from Tokoroa, Waikato, North Island of New Zealand but now living and fighting out of Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. She trains out of Waikite Gym under JTK Boxing. and Immortals/Tukaha. She is coached by Josh Te Kowhai, Anaru Grant, Justin Franklin Rob Le Comte and the boys from Tukaha.

I asked Tairi how long has she been training and what got her started in MMA and this was her answer, "I have been training MMA since September 2011. I chose MMA because I wanted to loose weight but also liked how challenging it was so I took it on."

Kate "Jiu-Jiteira" Da Silva defeats Charlene Watt

 

On Friday May, 3 2014 at Princess of Pain: "Round Robin Tournament" at the Auckland Boxing Association, Panmure, Auckland, New Zealand.

Kate "Jiu-Jiteira" Da Silva (7-1-0) defeated Charlene Watt (1-1-0) by Unanimous Decision in their 135-pound professional MMA tournament Championship match.

She also defeated Desiree-Ann "Dangerous" Maaka (0-2-0) by submission (armbar) in the first round of their 135-pound tournament opening match.

Kate is a 31 year old 5'6 fighter from Matamata, New Zealand. She now lives and trains out of
Kawerau, New Zealand. She trains with Brothers at Arms Kawerau MMA and Gracie Gym NZTeam where he is coached by her husband Roney Da Silva.

She is a Black Belt in Jiu Jitsu

I asked Kate how long ha she trained in BJJ and MMA and what got her started, here are her answers, " Ive been training MMA for about 5 years now, I started BJJ 9 years ago to lose weight, I was overweight after quitting smoking, I wasn't in the best place in my life before BJJ, I was partying and drinking a lot generally unhealthy and had no goal or direction. BJJ absolutely changed my life! I started after meeting my husband/coach Roney Da Silva he just kept nagging me to start so I did and saw dramatic results in weight loss. I gained so much confidence which changed my whole look on life."

Karine Silva defeats Cintia Nunes

 

On Saturday May, 3 2014 at Aspera Fighting Championship 6 at Pacifico Body Bord in Itapema, Santa Catarina, Brazil.

Karine "Killer" Silva (3-0-0) defeated Cintia Nunes (0-1-0) by KO (Head Kick) in the first round of their 125-pound professional MMA match.

Karine is a 20 year old 5'3 fighter originally from Nova Dourados, Mato Grosso Do Sul, Brazil and now living and fighting out of Balneário Camboriú, Brazil where she trains at Astra Fight team. She is coached by Marcelo Brigadeiro. Her Wrestling coach is Tim Ruberg and her Muay Thai coach is Darren Till.

Roberta Paim Rovel defeats Thais Machado

 

On Saturday May, 3 2014 at Aspera Fighting Championship 6 at Pacifico Body Bord in Itapema, Santa Catarina, Brazil.

Roberta "Crusher" Paim Rovel (3-0-0) defeated Thais Machado (0-1-0) by TKO (retirement) at 3:55 of the first round of their 145-pound professional MMA match.

Roberta is a 26 year old 5'8 fighter originally from Sapucaia do Sul, Brazil  but now living and fighting out of Balneário Camboriú, Brazil where she trains at Astra Fight team. She is coached and managed by Marcelo Brigadeiro. She is coached in Wrestling by Tim Ruberg and her Muay Thai coach is Darren Till

Roberta is a BJJ Black Belt and a 3x BJJ World Champion, who also trains with the Brazilian National Wrestling Team. 

I asked Roberta how long she has trained in BJJ and MMA and this was her answer, "I have been training Martial Arts for 10 years and I have been focusing on MMA for the last two years. My goal is to get in the UFC and fight in the 135-pound weight class, the weight class of defending champion Ronda Rousey. I know I'll soon be on top its just a matter of time. I want to thank all the fans, you'll be hearing a lot from me!"

Cassie Crisano defeats Glauciele Silva

On Saturday May, 4th at Olimpia Fights in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Cassie Crisano (2-1-0) defeated Glauciele Silva (0-1-0) by submission (inverted armbar) in the 1st round of their 135-pound professional MMA match.

Cassie is a 33 year old 5'10 fighter originally from Ellenville, New York but now living and fighting out of Sao Jose do Rio Preto, Sao Paulo Brazil at Brazil Fight School where she is trained by Joel "The Joker" Garcia. She has trained in Brazil for the last two years.

I asked Cassie how long has she been training and also what got her started in MMA and this was her answer, "
I started training MMA in 2009 after I was involved in a shooting at work (police officer) where my partner was shot. It was my therapy to deal with the incident. I also have wrestled since I was 14 years old."

Cassie has another fight coming up this weekend vs. Beatriz Zambonini at Ring of Fire Brazil 9 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Calie Cutler defeats Janice Meyer

On Saturday April, 26th at Gladius Fights: XI "Syracuse vs. Nashville" in Cortland, New York at The J.M. McDonald Sports Complex.

Calie Cutler (10-1-0) defeated Janice Meyer (2-2-0) by submission (armbar) at 1:18 of the 2nd round in their 140-pound amateur MMA match.

Calie is a 5'6 fighter from Gregory, Michigan, who now lives and trains in Brighton, Michigan at Scorpion Fighting System under James Grey, Tim Farr and Steve Wedkemper.

 I asked Calie how long has she been training and how she got started in MMA and this was her answer, ""I have been training for two and a half years. What got me into MMA is I wrestled for nine years three years of those years at Jamestown College in North Dakota. I got into MMA because I reallllly missed competing and I knew that MMA would be a great substitute for wrestling. What got me into wrestling is a more interesting story. In seventh grade I didnt make the cheer team, they said I wasn't athletic enough so I joined wrestling instead."

Calie usually fights at 125-pounds.

Sinead Kavanagh defeats Aoife Murphy

On Saturday April 26th at Cage Contender: 18 "Wain vs. Ambriz"  at The Kings Hall Complex in Belfast, United Kingdom.

Sinead Kavanagh(1-1-0) defeated Aoife Murphy(0-1-0) by unanimous decision in their 155-pound amateur MMA match.

Sinead is a 5'6 fighter from Inchicore, Ireland she trains at Sbg nass rd where she is coached by John Kavanagh my coach.

 I asked Sinead how she got started in MMA and this was her answer, " I have been training about 6 months and got into MMA because I saw how big it was getting and I was fed up with Boxing after 10 years it was time to move on!! the excitement I get from MMA got me totally addicted to it."

Cindi Bottelberghe defeats Lorene Arbuckle

Saturday April, 26th at 3 River Throwdown at the La Crescent Community Arena in La Crescent, Minnesota.

Cindi Bottelberghe(1-0-0) defeated Lorene Arbuckle (0-2-0) by TKO at 1:09 of the first round in their 125-pound amateur MMA match.

Cindi is a 27 year old 5'5 fighter from Onalaska, Wisconsin and now living and fighting out of La Crosse, Wisconsin, where she is trained by Ian Maland at Iron Works Training Center and Driss Anam of Driss Anam's Academy in La Crescent, Minnesota
 
I asked Cindi how and when she got started in MMA and this was her answer, " I played soccer growing up and also have two brothers that are very close in age to me, so having them beat on me was a good start for MMA. I played goalie in soccer and also leaned how to take a beating from that. I started training in San Diego in 2010 at the Arena with Cris Cyborg as my Chute Boxe coach. I moved back to the Midwest to Dubuque, Iowa in 2012, began training with Pat Hayes at The Gym. I began learning Jui Jitsu in Dubuque as well. I then moved to La Crosse Wisconsin and began MMA and Jui Jitsu training at Iron Works Training Center.

Andrea Lee defeats Hannah Grabble

On Saturday April, 26th at Gladius Fights: XI "Syracuse vs. Nashville" in Cortland, New York at the J.M McDonald Sports Complex.

Andrea Lee (7-3-0) defeated Hannah Grabble (2-1-0) by submission (armbar) in the first round of their 125-pound amateur MMA match.

Andrea is a 25 year old 5'6 fighter originally from Atlanta, Texas and now living and training out of Bossier City, Louisiana where she trains at Karate Mafia with Donny Aaron.

She is a 4 sport amateur world champion (MMA, Muay Thai, Boxing & BJJ) holding a (23-5) combined record between Boxing, Muay Thai and MMA. She is also a highly decorated Relson Gracie bluebelt who competes in the expert division. She recently won a tournament in the men's division submitting all the men In her division. 

I asked Amanda how she got started in MMA and this was her answer, "I was a waitress at Buffalo Wild Wings around 2009 when I became fascinated with MMA through the UFC fights they showed there regularly. After much searching I found a home at Karate a Mafia (a Relson Gracie affiliate school) and met my coach Donny Aaron who would later become my husband."

She has also recently signed a pro contract with the XFC and will make her pro debut later this year after her amateur obligations are fulfilled. 

Her next fights are. June 20 in Bossier City for Legacy FC against 7-2 fighter Heather Denny. Then in July she will defend her V3 title against Jamie Milinowski in Memphis.

Pam Sorenson defeats Amanda Wyatt

On Saturday April, 26th at King of the Cage: "Clockwork" at Lake of the Torches Resort & Casino in Lac Du Flambeau, Wisconsin.

Pam Sorenson (4-0-1) defeated Amanda Wyatt (5-4-0) by submission (armbar) in the first round of their 145-pound amateur MMA match.

Pam is a 28 year old 5'5 fighter from Blaine, Minnesota who trains at The Cellar in Minneapolis, Minnesota where she is coached by Chris Cichon, Marcello Nunes, and Brandon Buchholz.

I asked Pam how she got started in MMA and this was her answer, "Up until I had tried out the kickboxing classes 2 years ago, I had never done any combat sports of any kind. I played soccer and volleyball and was a very competitive cross country skier. Before I gained all my weight, I also loved to run and have run a few marathons.I started Kickboxing just under 2 years ago when I realized I was over weight and unhealthy (I was about 200 pounds at the time). And about a year and a half ago my gym brought in a BJJ black belt from Brazil, so I thought I'd try BJJ out and it turned out I really liked it. I started competing in grappling tournaments shortly after, and about a year ago I decided I wanted to compete in MMA."

Amy O'Mara defeats Anya Hines: Fight Video

 

On Saturday April, 26th at Rage in the Cage: 4 in Stoke-On-Trent, Staffordshire, England at the Queens Theatre.

Amy O'Mara (1-0-0) defeated Anya Hines (1-3-1) by (TKO) due to ground and pound, in the first round of their 115-pound amateur MMA match.

Amy is a 25 year old 5'5 fighter who lives and trains in Stockport, Greater Manchester, England. She trains at 12 Gauge MMA where she is coached by Matt Thorpe and Simon Home.

I asked Amy when and why she got started in MMA and this was her answer, " I have been at 12 Gauge MMA for 14 months and have done kickboxing before that I just sort of fell into MMA. I was looking for a kickboxing gym when I found 12 Gauge and liked the sound of submission wrestling and then tried every other class and never looked back."

To see the fight video, click read more. 

Shannon Sinn defeats Courtney Himes

 

On Saturday April, 26th at Sparta Combat League: "Army vs. Navy: V" in Loveland, Colorado at the Budweiser Event Center.

Shannon Sinn (1-0-0) defeated Courtney Himes (0-2-0) by submission (armbar) at :51 seconds of the first round of their 125-pound professional MMA match.

 Shannon is a 35 year old  5'7 fighter from Brighton, Colorado where she trains at Grinders submission Fighting and Strictly Boxing. She is trained and managed by Albert Rosales.

Shannon ended her amateur career with an (5-1-0) record.

I asked Shannon how she got started in MMA and this was her answer, "I have been training for 4 1/2 yrs. I had no prior experience in combat sports. I competed in track & field through high school and college. I ended up going to a MMA school just looking for a good cardio workout. Initially I had no intentions of fighting but the competitive part of me took over"