Multi-time boxing champion Jessica “The Ragin'” Rakoczy earned the first win for her team during tonight’s fourth episode of The Ultimate Fighter 18: “Team Rousey vs Team Tate.” Rakoczy knocked out Roxanne “The Happy Warrior” Modafferi to give fight control to coach “Rowdy” Ronda Rousey.
Led by coach Miesha “Cupcake” Tate, Modafferi got off to an excellent start in her fight with Rakoczy and she dominated the majority of round one on the ground. Rakoczy showcased her striking skills in round two and she finished Modafferi on the mat after dazing her with a powerbomb slam.
Rakoczy flurried with punches right away, but Modafferi wasted no time in closing the distance and she took Rakoczy down against the cage. Modafferi moved to side control and landed short punches, then tried to take Rakoczy’s back for a rear-naked choke. Rakoczy reversed position and wound up on top, but Modafferi was active from her back with submission attempts. Rakoczy punched her way out of a kimura and stood up to escape a heel hook. Modafferi got her back down before the end of the round.
As round two began, Modafferi rushed forward in search of a takedown and Rakoczy countered with a series of short but powerful uppercuts. She dropped Modafferi with a left hook and entered her guard. Modafferi held on from the bottom, so Rakoczy picked her up and powerbombed her on her head. Modafferi struggled to remain conscious and Rakoczy landed unanswered punches from the top. She dove in with one final right hand and the bout was finally stopped at the 2:33 mark of round two.
Rakoczy’s victory was a big one for both her and her team, and the previously winless Team Rousey gained control of the fight picks. Next week’s episode will feature Team Rousey representative Davey Grant taking on Team Tate’s Louis Fisette.
(Photo Credit: UFC)