In what was clearly her most impressive performance to date, “12 Gauge” Paige VanZant earned a lopsided Unanimous Decision win tonight at UFC on FOX 15: “Machida vs Rockhold” in Newark, New Jersey. The Reebok-sponsored 21-year-old strawweight dominated Felice “Lil’ Bulldog” Herrig.
Many questioned the hype surrounding VanZant following her successful UFC debut in November, but she proved critics wrong again by punishing Herrig with ground and pound throughout tonight’s bout. Herrig survived until the final bell, but she was left battered and bloodied by VanZant’s assault.
The Ultimate Fighting Championship came to the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey tonight for UFC on FOX 15: “Machida vs Rockhold.” The event was headlined by a middleweight matchup between former UFC champ Lyoto “The Dragon” Machida and top contender Luke Rockhold.
Bantamweight contenders Miesha “Cupcake” Tate and Jessica “Evil” Eye are officially set to face off on July 25th at UFC on FOX 16: “Dillashaw vs Barao 2” in Chicago, Illinois. The potential 135-pound title eliminator, which was initially targeted for June, was announced by UFC officials today.
An injury in training has forced top Japanese star Shizuka Sugiyama out of her planned contender’s rematch against unbeaten South Korean prospect Ji Yeon Kim at Deep Jewels 8 on May 31st in Tokyo. Deep Jewels officials announced the news today. Kim has also been removed from the card.
Undefeated Ukrainian prospect Maryna “The Iron Woman” Moroz continued her string of upset victories with an impressive first-round finish tonight at UFC Fight Night 64: “Gonzaga vs Cro Cop 2” in Kraków, Poland. Moroz submitted heavy favourite Joanne “JoJo” Calderwood with a slick armbar.
The Ultimate Fighting Championship came to Kraków Arena in Kraków, Poland tonight for UFC Fight Night 64: “Gonzaga vs Cro Cop 2.” The card featured a heavyweight rematch between Gabriel “Napão” Gonzaga and Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipović, who returned following a three-year UFC hiatus.
An undisclosed injury has forced Seo Hee Ham out of her strawweight bout against “Rowdy” Bec Rawlings at UFC Fight Night 65: “Miocic vs Hunt” on May 10th in Adelaide, Australia. In Ham’s place, Lisa Ellis has stepped in to face off against TUF 20 rival Rawlings in a must-win fight for both.
Two women’s bouts have been announced for the upcoming Road Fighting Championship 23 card on May 2nd in Seoul, South Korea. In strawweight action, Japanese standout Emi “Kamikaze Angel” Fujino makes her Road FC debut when she takes on local fan favourite Hyo Kyung Song.