In her final fight as an amateur, Jessica Philippus added another title belt to her collection tonight at Kansas Super Fights: “My Battle, My Belt” in McPherson, Kansas. Philippus submitted Amanda Hein with a first-round arm-triangle choke to capture the KSF amateur women’s championship.
Philippus had originally planned to turn pro two weeks ago at Invicta FC 1, but opted against making the cut to 105 pounds so soon after the birth of her daughter. After picking up her seventh amateur win tonight, Philippus looks to transition to the pro ranks at Invicta FC’s second event in July.
Philippus (7-1-0) had a tougher fight early on against Hein (3-4-0) than some had anticipated, as the local favourite scored with solid punches that prompted Philippus to counter with a takedown attempt. Philippus was able to get the fight to the mat and she held a clear advantage on the ground, where she worked from the top until she was able to set up the choke. Hein tried to defend, but she was forced to submit and relinquished her KSF title in the process.
The Missouri-based Philippus has won seven straight fights since dropping her MMA debut to Barb Honchak at 125 pounds. She is currently in talks to compete at Invicta FC 2 on July 28th in Kansas City, Kansas, in a bout that will be contested in the 105-pound atomweight division.
Winner: Jessica Philippus by Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke) at 2:42 of round one. She improves to 7-1-0 as an amateur.
(Photo Credit: Jerry Chavez)