Shoot Boxing Women’s Flyweight Champion Rena Kubota kicked off her pro MMA career with a sensational submission victory tonight at Rizin Fighting Federation 2 in Saitama, Japan. Kubota finished fellow striker Jleana Valentino with a flying armbar in the second round of their 51kg bout.
The popular Kubota, who is one of Japan’s biggest female combat sports stars, overcame a left hand injury that was aggravated very early in tonight’s bout. In other action, multi-time BJJ world champion Gabi Garcia knocked out pro wrestler Seini “Lei’D Tapa” Draughn in round one of a wild slugfest.
WPMF Women’s Pinweight Champion Saya Ito capped off the year with another impressive victory on Saturday night at Martial Arts Tournament 1 in Tokyo, Japan. Ito knocked out previously undefeated Thai champion Rojana late in the fifth round of their featured Muay Thai bout on the main card.
Former KSW champion Karolina Kowalkiewicz made a successful UFC debut in a featured strawweight showdown tonight at UFC on FOX 17: “Dos Anjos vs Cerrone 2” in Orlando, Florida. The Polish star defeated TUF 20 semi-finalist Randa “Quiet Storm” Markos on the FOX-televised main card.
The Ultimate Fighting Championship came to the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida tonight for UFC on FOX 17: “Dos Anjos vs Cerrone 2.” The event was headlined by a UFC Lightweight Championship rematch between champion Rafael dos Anjos and challenger Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone.
Former Invicta FC Bantamweight Champion Lauren Murphy steps back into the Octagon on February 21st at UFC Fight Night 82 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Murphy is set to face off against The Ultimate Fighter 18 semi-finalist Sarah “Cheesecake” Moras in a featured bout on the card.
Top strawweight prospect Tecia “The Tiny Tornado” Torres kept her perfect professional record intact with a clear-cut victory tonight at UFC 194: “Aldo vs McGregor” in Las Vegas, Nevada. Torres earned a Unanimous Decision win over late replacement opponent Jocelyn “Lights Out” Jones-Lybarger.
The Ultimate Fighting Championship headed to the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada tonight for UFC 194: “Aldo vs McGregor.” The event was headlined by a UFC Undisputed Featherweight Championship bout between José “Scarface” Aldo and “The Notorious” Conor McGregor.
Former Strikeforce champion Sarah Kaufman has received a new opponent for her upcoming bout on December 19th at UFC on FOX 17: “Dos Anjos vs Cerrone 2” in Orlando, Florida. Kaufman now meets Octagon newcomer Valentina “Bullet” Shevchenko, who steps in on just one week’s notice.