2004 Olympic silver medallist Sara McMann kicked off her UFC career with an impressive first-round stoppage victory tonight at UFC 159: “Jones vs Sonnen” in Newark, New Jersey. McMann finished hard-hitting opponent Sheila “The German Tank” Gaff with punches from a top-side crucifix.

McMann wasted no time in taking the fight to the ground and she kept Gaff pinned against the cage. Gaff held on for a standup and landed some nice knees on the feet, but she could not stay up for long. McMann took her back down and landed unanswered punches until the bout was stopped.

McMann (7-0-0) shot a quick double-leg takedown right away as Gaff (10-5-1) rushed towards her. She settled into Gaff’s guard and landed short punches to the body while Gaff held on and occasionally postured for an armbar. McMann used a can opener to try to open Gaff’s guard, but the German fighter tied McMann up until referee Gasper Oliver brought the fighters back to their feet.

McMann clinched again, but Gaff did well to stay on her feet against the cage. She landed knees to the body and reversed the clinch, but McMann used a single-leg takedown to get her back down on the ground. Gaff nearly swept into top position, but McMann muscled her back down and moved from side control to a top-side crucifix. She landed two elbows and adjusted her position. Gaff was trapped and had nowhere to go, and she ate a series of right hands until the fight was waved off.

With tonight’s victory in her UFC debut, McMann remains undefeated in her mixed martial arts career. The standout wrestler has defeated three straight past or present top-five ranked opponents.

Winner: Sara McMann by TKO (Punches) at 4:06 of round one. She improves to 7-0-0.

(Photo Credit: UFC)