By:  Thomas Vickers (MMA – Journalist)

QUEEN MMA MEDIA

(QUEEN MMA MEDIA) – (Springfield, Massachusetts) Marisa “Spider Monkey” Belenchia wowed the sold out crowd at Premier FC 26 held June 16, 2018 at the Sheraton Hotel Monarch Place in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Marisa Belenchia matched up against Grace Nowak in an atomweight showdown at Premier Fighting Championship 26.  It would be both Nowak and Belenchia’s professional debut.

Belenchia had faced Nowak in early May of 2018 for the Reality Fights promotion vacant amateur atomweight title where Belenchia took the ‘W’ by way of a unanimous decision.  Grace Nowak stepped up and accepted the fight against the “Spider Monkey” after Denise Bruckner pulled out just two weeks prior to the match.

Marisa is an accomplished brown belt in jiu jitsu.  She is a 2016 IBJJF World Jiu Jitsu NO-GI purple belt champion and 2016 IBJJF Pan Jiu Jitsu NO-GI Champion.  There is no question that the “Spider Monkey” is a legitimate BJJ threat in the cage.

 

 

Photo courtesy of QUEEN MMA MEDIA   Photo credit – Briana Lynn Banas 

 

Despite Nowak’s considerable experience having been competing as an amateur since 2010 she was unable to hold her own against the determined Belenchia.  The “Spider Monkey” aggressively took the fight in hand from the start.  Grace Nowak engaged in brief moments of stand up with little success.  Nowak gave it her best but steadily wilted under Belenchia’s offensive assault.  It was very clear, Belenchia was there to swiftly take care of business.

The “Spider Monkey” finished Nowak at 4:15 of the first round with a dynamic submission via straight arm bar.  Photograph courtesy of QUEEN MMA MEDIA  Photo credit – Briana Lynn Banas

 

I spoke with Marisa not long after the match.  She explained how the bout had pretty much played out as she had anticipated.  It is common for an atomweight to begin their professional career as an atomweight but then climb to strawweight not long after.

“I plan on staying at atomweight for my pro career,” explained Marisa.  “I do not have an issue with this weight.”  Belenchia is short and strong.  She has what many believe to be the ideal physique for an atomweight.

Grace Nowak came up short in her pro debut and falls to 0 – 1 while Marisa Belenchia moves to 1 – 0 as a pro.  Belenchia had produced a 4 – 1 amateur record before turning professional.  Her only loss coming back in 2016 to Jillian DeCoursey by way of a questionable split decision that many agree could have easily went the other way. Many die hard MMA fans in the northeast feel Belenchia got the better of DeCoursey and deserved the win and there are those who feel DeCoursey gained a close win.  In the end the judges scored the bout as they did.

“I’m sure there will be an eventual rematch,” stated Marisa.  “I was just surprised when the decision was announced.  I just came in to her hometown and left with a controversial decision.  I didn’t realize that even if I won I’d lose.”

Regardless of the outcome Belenchia has the fight skills necessary to excel as a professional.   DeCoursey having turned pro in 2017 has compiled an undefeated 2 – 0 record under the Invicta FC promotion banner.   There is little doubt the chances of a rematch manifesting on the professional level are fairly high as time goes on.

“Spider Monkey” is truly a righteous nickname for this amazing atomweight.  Her ability to maintain balance and control body weight distribution in the cage is quite remarkable.  Marisa is an exciting addition to the sport of professional WMMA.  She has genuine promise as a pro atomweight and carries a fire in her that is almost guaranteed to launch her towards extraordinary professional achievements.

In close I asked the “Spider Monkey” if she had any shout outs.  Her reply was short and simple.  “My Coach Andrew Calandrelli of Ultimate MMA for making me the fighter I am.”

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“I knew she was tough and had heart.  I hit her with some hard shots that I think would have put most people down.” – Hannah “Queen of Sparta” Goldy

By:  Thomas Vickers (MMA – Journalist)

QUEEN MMA MEDIA

(QUEEN MMA MEDIA) – (Springfield, Massachusetts)  Lisa “Insane” Blaine and Hannah “Queen of Sparta” Goldy squared off in a featured main card pro flyweight bout at Premier FC 26.  The MMA promotion was held June 16, 2018 at the Sheraton Hotel Monarch Place in downtown Springfield, Massachusetts.

Lisa Blaine and Hannah Goldy collided with fierce intensity from the opening moment of round one. Instantly the sold out crowd on hand knew this was going to be serious action.  Blaine and Goldy traded big bangs early in fiery stand up exchanges.  Blaine attempted to use her reach advantage landing straight punches on an aggressively encroaching “Queen of Sparta”.

Hannah Goldy adapted swiftly overcoming Blaine’s reach by moving forward with bursts of crisp striking.  Goldy moved in close with hard combinations upstairs. Her strength quickly became a factor driving Blaine’s back to the cage often. The “Queen of Sparta” controlled the clinches and maintained a furious offensive assault throughout the three round bout, landing frequently with heavy shots.

The crowd was in the fight from the start sending waves of support to the Connecticut based Lisa Blaine.   When it seemed Lisa had nothing remaining in the tank she would fire back with straight rights and hooks of her own.

Hannah executed a solid performance showcasing her boxing abilities and highlighting her defensive movement.  Her amazing physical conditioning allowed her to keep up a tremendous pace.   She continued to build momentum as the fight progressed manipulating the action effectively with her power.  It seemed clear Blaine would become overwhelmed by the hard hitting Goldy.

By the third round Lisa Blaine was fighting in retreat and finding it difficult to muster up the offense needed to stay in the fight.  Hannah looked as fresh in the third round as she did in the first.  At the end of the entertaining fight the cage side judges ruled a unanimous decision (30-27 30-27 30-25) in favor of Goldy.

 

Blaine falls to 2 – 2 as a professional but has made it clear she plans to rebuild and return to the cage with vigor.  Blaine may have lost a one-sided unanimous decision but she proved she is as tough as railroad spikes forget the nails.  She demonstrated a gritty willpower that warrants respect.

I went to the fight already aware that Hannah Goldy was a major talent possessing considerable promise in the sport.  I left the fight realizing Hannah was also a true champion in sportsmanship.

I caught up with Hannah Goldy not long after the fight.  She explained she never really has a definite plan or strategy going into a fight other than doing her best to be prepared for the many possible variables that could arise.

 

 

“I felt comfortable on the feet and was having fun so I decided to keep it standing and bang,” Hannah explained pertaining to her performance against Blaine.  “I knew she was tough and had heart.  I hit her with some hard shots that I think would have put most people down.”

Goldy added another win to her impressive pro record with the unanimous decision victory.  Many in the fight game would not be surprised if the “Queen of Sparta” was to find herself on a UFC fight card someday.

QUEEN MMA MEDIA would like to thank PREMIER FC for organizing another amazing event.  It was a night of fabulous people and fantastic fights.  Proving once again why PREMIER FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP is one of the top MMA promotions in the northeast.

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By: Thomas Vickers (MMA – Journalist)

QUEEN MMA MEDIA

(QUEEN MMA MEDIA) – Premier FC announces Marisa “Spider Monkey” Messer-Belenchia versus Grace Nowak set for Premier FC 26.  Messer-Belenchia had been scheduled to fight Denise Bruckner in a professional women’s mixed martial arts atomweight match up, however Bruckner is reported to have recently pulled out of the contest.

Marisa “Spider Monkey” Messer-Belenchia fights out of Connecticut and will be looking to make an impressive professional debut not far from her backyard.  She hosts a 4 – 1 record as an amateur and is riding a two fight winning streak.

Grace Nowak is a scrappy competitor who will no doubt be bringing her game come fight night.  Nowak has considerable experience in the cage having been fighting as an amateur since 2010.  She will be stepping up on short notice to make her professional debut against Messer-Belenchia.

Despite Bruckner’s disappointing pullout, Premier FC management has taken a good fight gone bad and turned it into an even better fight for the June 16, 2018 fight card to be held at Sheraton Monarch Place in downtown Springfield, Massachusetts.

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PREMIER FC 26: Lisa “Insane” Blaine versus Hannah “Queen of Sparta” Goldy

By: Thomas Vickers (MMA- Journalist)

QUEEN MMA MEDIA

(QUEEN MMA MEDIA) June 16, 2018 Premier FC is set to host an evening of top shelf Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) sports entertainment at Sheraton Monarch Place in Springfield, Massachusetts.  The talent filled fight card of Premier FC 26 will include two outstanding professional mixed martial arts female match ups.

One of these two exciting bouts is Lisa “Insane” Blaine versus Hannah “Queen of Sparta” Goldy , a flyweight contest that is almost guaranteed to produce hard hitting big time electricity.

LISA “Insane” BLAINE

Lisa “Insane” Blaine is a tough WMMA athlete who fights out of Connecticut.  She brings a respectable 2 – 1 professional record into the cage.  Blaine is an aggressive mixed martial artist who trains in boxing, muay thai, wrestling, and jiujitsu.  She won her pro debut one year ago by way of second round knockout at Premier FC 23 on June 10, 2017.  Blaine continued her success by winning her next fight in October of 2017 with a split decision victory against Ana Julaton at Bellator 185.

Blaine is coming off a disappointing three round unanimous decision loss to Destiny Quinones at Premier FC 25 in March of 2018 and will be seeking to get back on the winning path.  Blaine originally agreed to drop down in weight from flyweight (125 lbs) and face Destiny Quinones at strawweight (115 lbs), however she was unable to reach the weight and a catch – weight match was set at 120 lbs.  Blaine is thirty eight years of age and it is not uncommon sometimes for older female fighters to struggle with weight issues.

“I am not making excuses,” Blaine clarified.  “I had eight weeks to train and Destiny executed a perfect game plan.”  Unsatisfied with the lower weight Blaine has decided to return to flyweight where she has spent most of her amateur and professional careers.

Lisa is not thinking about her opponents fighting style, undefeated pro record, or abilities.  She has chosen to tune it out and focus on trusting her coach, training hard, and getting her hand raised at the end of the fight.  The Premier FC veteran appears considerably more confident returning to the cage as a flyweight.

HANNAH “Queen of Sparta” GOLDY

Hannah “Queen of Sparta” Goldy fights out of Palm Harbor, Florida and hosts an impressive 2 – 0 record as a pro.  She won her pro debut with a three round unanimous decision over Gillian Robertson as a strawweight back in 2016 under Square Ring Promotions Island Fights 37 at the Pensacola Bay Center.

The “Queen of Sparta” earned her second win with a second round KO/TKO over Vanessa Marie Grimes on February 8, 2018 at Island Fights 46 as a flyweight.  Goldy is a strong fighter who is always in tremendous physical condition.  She is more than just beauty and brawn.  She is a solid stand up striker who will be hunting for her third “W”.

“I do like to stand and bang but I’m also a well rounded fighter,” explained Goldy when asked by Queen MMA about her boxing style and if she seen the match against Blaine being stand up striking battle.   “I’m not scared to pick someone up and slam them.  I am comfortable wherever the fight goes. At this level it is so important to be well rounded so I’m constantly working on improving every aspect of my game.  My goal is to become a complete mixed martial artist,” she continued when asked by Queen MMA if she was comfortable if the fight went to the mat.

Hannah trains at Fusion Xcel, Tough as Nails, and Orlando BJJ. She is no stranger to New England.  Born in Boston, Massachusetts she grew up and graduated high school in Vermont.  

“I am super excited to come back up north to fight,” explained the twenty-six year old Goldy.  “This will probably be the closest I will ever fight to home.”

The bout seems destined to produce performances from both competitors. This fight has all the ingredients needed to be the ‘fight of the night’.

The PREMIER FC – 26 fight card will include many exciting bouts of which include a pro featherweight match up between Jason Rine and Jeremy Reipold, an amateur middleweight title bout between Yu Ji and Anthony Benevides, as well as amateur welterweight champion Angelo Richard putting his title belt on the line against Demetres Plaza.

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HELEN PERALTA – Burning force of a future star 

By: Thomas Vickers (MMA – Journalist)

QUEEN MMA MEDIA

(QUEEN MMA – MEDIA) Helen ‘Iansa’ Peralta is coming off an impressive three round unanimous decision victory over Cheyanne Vlismas on May 4, 2018 at Invicta FC 29.

“I learn something new with every performance and my fight against Vlismas was not an exception,” explained Peralta.  “I learned that I’m a lot better on the clinch than I give myself credit for.  I learned to stick with the game plan even though I felt like changing things up during the fight.  I learned that no matter what is happening during the fight, as long as I can keep myself calm I’m in control.”  

Despite the many things learned Peralta was not one hundred percent satisfied with her performance against Cheyanne Vlismas.  “I wanted the fight to go into the third round, but the plan was to finish it instead of letting it go to the judges,” stated Peralta.

“Vlismas had said that I’m just a brawler, so, I didn’t want to win via haymakers.  I wanted to show I’m more than that,” Helen continued.  Perlata’s gain in fight plan discipline was noticeable during the match up against Vlismas, as it seemed clear on multiple occasions Helen could have lowered the boom ending the contest on a sudden note, yet opting to focus on keeping to the designed game plan.  Helen explained she had felt her right foot dragging a little at the beginning of the third round.

“Vlismas had checked a few of my low kicks throughout the fight.  I know I don’t feel much pain when I’m excited and I had no idea how bad it was.  I heard my corner say ‘one minute left’ and I thought well I had already won the fight, now I got to make sure I don’t do any more damage to my body so that I can fight again soon.  So I stopped fighting,” explained Helen pertaining to the third round of the Vlismas fight.  “This is not the first time I do something similar and that needs to change.”

Helen is currently 2 – 0 as a professional with her debut win coming by way of devastating first round TKO knockout of Jade Ripley at Invicta FC 27 in January of 2018.

Helen is a rising force in women’s professional mixed martial arts, and fast becoming a serious contender in the Invicta Fighting Championships Strawweight division.  She has proven herself to be an intelligent fighter with outstanding striking power.

Peralta is the kind of fighter who can take control of a bout with a single punch. Presently she is already a solid challenge for most Strawweights in the cage and as her skills expand and professional experience grows she will move closer to becoming the UFC caliber athlete many in the business believe she will become.  Helen demonstrates an intensity of determination every time she enters the cage.  She carries a deep hunger inside that is easily apparent when watching her in action.  The kind of desire that demands achievement and thirsts for challenge.  Many believe she holds that one piece of the fight puzzle that divides competitors from champions.

Helen Peralta carries herself with strong confidence, yet does not allow it to overshadow her willingness to learn.  Perhaps this is one of the reasons she is becoming a popular name in the WMMA community.  Many see her continuing to develop as a fighter and moving up to the UFC possibly within a year or so.  Peralta is hoping to get on the July 21, 2018 Invicta FC 30 fight card, but as of yet has not been offered the opportunity.

If the upper end of the Invicta FC Strawweight division has not already looked over their shoulder at the surging force known as Helen ‘Iansa’ Peralta at this point they most surely will be sooner rather than later.

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By:  Thomas Vickers (MMA – Journalist)

QUEEN MMA MEDIA

(QUEEN MMA MEDIA) –All too often people tend to focus on the highlighted brutal violence and trash talking of the sport of Mixed Martial Arts.  It goes so much deeper. Most who truly taste the sport quickly realize it is far more than a combative athletic competition.  It is a way of life.  Sometimes it’s about questing for a shot at a title, making the highlight videos, and winning.  However sometimes it is about becoming a better person, overcoming fears, building confidence, and achieving good health.  I found these wonderful things in the state of Maine.

“Honestly it was the weirdest feeling stepping into the cage.  You can’t hear anything besides your corner, or see anything besides your opponent.  Everything else was just a feeling.  I felt so good.” – CATIE DENNING

CATIE DENNING

Catie made her amateur debut under the reputable New England Fights promotion. Her debut was a preliminary bout as a bantamweight, where she won a three round unanimous decision over Chelsea Elizabeth in February of 2018 at NEF 32 Super Saturday in Lewiston, Maine.

Denning trains at Young’s MMA in Bangor, Maine.  She has been a part of Young’s for many years.  It all began with MMA fitness classes during the summer of 2014, she explained.

“When I started I was finishing up my last semester of college, and had gained quite a bit of weight over four years,” Denning continued.  Catie was getting down on herself. She hated how she felt.  The fitness classes turned out to be a positive beginning point for Catie.  She reached her weight goal and realized she moved pretty good and hit hard.  Her confidence grew and she moved to beginner MMA classes in November of 2014.

“Young’s MMA is my home.  My teammates are like my brothers and sisters, and I respect head coach Chris Young very much,” explained Catie.  She is quick to note that she has benefited both physically and mentally under the instruction of Chris Young.  “Before the gym I was very shy.  I’ve grown so much and have come out of my shell.”

Catie did not have any formal martial arts training prior to Young’s MMA, other than three months of karate when she was ten years old.

“Honestly it was the weirdest feeling stepping into the cage.  You can’t hear anything besides your corner, or see anything besides your opponent.  Everything else was just a feeling.  I felt so good,” reflected Catie on her amateur debut.  Her goal was to have one cage fight.  Before she competed, Catie couldn’t answer the question if she would do it again.  She wanted to see what happened before she made any decision of continuing forward with an amateur career.  “Just stepping into the cage once is such a huge accomplishment for me, and I respect anyone who is brave enough to do that,” she added.  “Everything from here on out is just bonus success for me.  I plan on continuing to fight until I decide not to.  When that is?  I am not sure.”

Catie Denning has always been an athlete.  She grew up playing soccer, basketball, and softball.  Part of her motivation comes from the urge to compete she explained. “The other part comes from the slightly rebellious side of me.  I love doing things people tell me I can’t or shouldn’t do.  I find society’s standards of what it means to be a woman ridiculous, and that you can be feminine and strong at the same time.

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“I think of how many others out there who have been told they can’t do it or they’re not strong enough. I’ve been told those things all my life.  Guess what? We can do it.  We will do it.” – BJ GARCEAU

BJ GARCEAU

BJ Garceau made her amateur WMMA debut in February of this year as a strawweight at NEF 32 Super Saturday in Lewiston, Maine with a three round split decision victory over a game opponent in Sarah Ziehm.  “My win honestly was unexpected,” laughs BJ.  “There’s actually a video clip of me shaking Sarah Ziehm’s hand congratulating her cause I thought she had won.  Sarah’s a great friend and a tough lady, so I knew it would be a hell of a fight,” she continued.

BJ trains at Young’s MMA located in Bangor, Maine.  June of this year will mark her third year with Young’s MMA.  “It’s been an amazing experience,” she explained.  BJ’s road to the amateur cage began with several months of MMA fitness.

“Young’s is my second family,” BJ stated with a laugh. “Often I consider my team and coaches my first family.  We all support each other no matter what and I absolutely love Young’s for that.  No judgment, just making people the best versions of themselves.”  BJ feels her experience with Young’s MMA has made her mentally and physically the best she has ever been.

“Coach Chris Young (owner and head coach at Young’s MMA) uses a fighter’s strengths to their advantage.  He doesn’t try to make you fight his way but coaches you to use your skills the best way possible,” she continued.

BJ will be entering her second Brazilian Jujitsu tournament in April of this year in an effort to continue her ground work skills.  She realizes the importance of continued training and like all true martial artists understands one must pursue and learn if they are to move closer to the best they can be.

BJ finds her inspiration in the little girl she once was, a young child who was first diagnosed in 1993 with diabetes and asthma.  A little girl who was told she would never be able to realistically participate on a competitive level in sports let alone mixed martial arts.

“I think of how many others out there who have been told they can’t do it or they’re not strong enough,” explained BJ.  “I’ve been told those things all my life.  Guess what?  We can do it.  We will do it.”  When BJ first began mixed martial arts she was dealing with depression over the loss of a few close family members who passed away within months of each other.  “I’m a type 1 diabetic and my health was horrible, so my doctor immediately put me on an insulin pump with a glucose monitoring system and I had to make a choice, die in a few years or get healthy,” explained BJ.  BJ got healthy.  She began running, weight lifting, and mixed martial arts fitness.

She had been walking around at 150 lbs, however today she fights between 115 – 125 lbs.  BJ is quick to explain how Young’s MMA and control of her diabetes literally saved her life.  BJ was determined to be the first type 1 diabetic to enter the cage in New England. She wanted to show those suffering from the disease that they can get in there and succeed.  “I wanted my first amateur fight to bring awareness and help empower others struggling with the same issues.”  BJ does not see herself turning professional. At thirty-five years of age she works full-time and is a continuous advocate for type 1 diabetes.  “Now if I would have started and been as healthy as I am now ten years ago, I feel MMA would have been my career.  I absolutely love it,” she explained.  BJ hopes that in the future as more females become involved in the sport of WMMA she will be able to take more of a mentor or coach role and encourage others.

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“I feel I am a humble fighter and I hope to stay that way.  I’m not a shit talker.  I have the utmost respect for all of my opponents, however inside the cage it’s go time.  And I will do whatever I can to get my hand raised,” – LISA ‘Insane’ BLAINE

By:  Thomas Vickers (MMA – Journalist)

QUEEN MMA MEDIA

(QUEEN MMA MEDIA) – Lisa “Insane” Blaine is set to Collide with Destiny “The Caged Cutie” Quinones Saturday, March 10, 2018 at Premier FC 25.

“I have been training MMA for five years now,” explained Blaine.  After being in a couple of other schools, Blaine found and currently trains at Ultimate MMA in North Haven, Connecticut.  “I have been with Ultimate MMA for about a year and a half now,” she continued.  Blaine is a blue belt in jiu jitsu and elaborated as to how Ultimate MMA is widening her fight arsenal.  “We train boxing, Muay Thai, wrestling, and jiu jitsu.”

Lisa “Insane” Blaine produced a 3 – 2 record as an amateur and is currently 2 – 0 as a professional.  All of her bouts both amateur and professional have been at flyweight (125 lbs weight class), however on March 10, 2018 Lisa will be dropping down to face Quinones in a strawweight (115 lbs weight class) match up.  Blaine is not sure how the ten pound drop in weight will affect her performance in the cage, if at all.

As a professional Blaine has fought under the promotional banners of Premier FC and Bellator.  She made her pro debut June 10, 2017 with a second round lightning strike knockout over Tammy Worrick at Premier FC 23.  Lisa’s most recent fight was a split decision win against Ana Julaton October 20, 2017 at Bellator 185.

Destiny “The Caged Cutie” Quinones fights out of New York, New York.  Hosting an amateur record of 5 – 11 Destiny brings with her a notable amount of cage experience. “The Caged Cutie” will be making her professional debut at Premier FC 25.

Blaine is respectful of Quinones’s experience however she is also confident in her own growing abilities and the training she has accumulated under Andrew Calandrelli, her head coach.   “I am confident in my head coach’s choices and the training he provides.  All I have to do is follow his plan and train hard,” Blaine stated.  “My confidence is secure being under him.”

Blaine fights out of North Haven, Connecticut and will be seeking to protect her perfect undefeated record as a professional.  She will be looking to use her height and reach advantage against Quinones.

QUEEN MMA MEDIA – At thirty-eight years of age I am sure you realize you entered the sport relatively later than most other MMA athletes generally do, However I know of many athletes much older who still compete and successfully reach beyond yesterdays accomplishments.  With that said do you feel your age will be a factor in your WMMA dreams, goals, and career?

LISA BLAINE – “My age most definitely plays a factor!  Time is not on my hands.  I feel I only have a few years left in me.  I’m in great shape and I feel phenomenal to continue fighting right now.  However I can’t fight age.  I will listen to my body and will go as far as my body will take me.”

Despite the late start in the sport Lisa has shown a real desire to excel.  She continues to progress with every bout.  A victory over Quinones will keep Blaine on the road towards becoming a serious up and coming prospect.

“As far as a shout out, I’d like to give a shout out to my girlfriend Lori who has seen me at my low and is still with me as I climb this MMA ladder,” – LISA ‘Insane’ BLAINE

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By:  Thomas Vickers (MMA – Journalist)

QUEEN MMA MEDIA

(QUEEN MMA MEDIA) – Hilarie Rose is set to make her WMMA professional debut Friday, February 2, 2018 against Linsey ‘Wonder Woman’ Williams at CES 48.

The anticipation is over.  Hilarie Rose is ready to begin her journey towards a promising career in professional woman’s mixed martial arts.  Not all amateur athletes feel they have reached the level of talent, skill, and dedication needed to make the courageous move to the professional realm.  Hilarie has proven herself to be a viable prospect and the moment has arrived for her to step up and engage the expectations.

Rose fights out of USMMA located in Bellingham, Massachusetts.  “The school is run by Tom Hafer, the head coach there, as well as Matt Martin.  Both are my head coaches,” explained Hilarie.   “Tom has been my coach since I was fourteen. I’ve grown up absorbing all his knowledge.  Matt is the head MMA coach, he runs all the practices, conditioning, and pad sessions.  I wouldn’t consider them just coaches, they’re family,” she continued.

“After eight amateur fights it was definitely time to make the decision to go pro. My coaches wanted me to turn pro before my last fight, but I wanted one more and to fight for a belt,” explained Hilarie Rose.

Hilarie began competing as an amateur MMA athlete in 2014.  Rose has fought under promotional banners such as New England Fights, NYFE, Cage Titans, and CFX.   With three of her amateur wins by way of KO/TKO, she has demonstrated her ability to stop an opponent.  She possesses the skills to deploy well timed single and double leg take downs.  Rose has shown she can hold her own in stand up exchanges and has displayed the ability to remain composed when in trouble.

“To be successful in this sport you must learn striking, grappling, wrestling, etc…” Hilarie explained.  “I think most people see my fights and consider me a striker, but I believe my jujitsu is just as great if not better than my striking,” she continued.

Hilarie Rose will be bringing  a three fight winning streak with her into the cage at the Twin River Casino in Lincoln, Rhode Island.

QUEEN MMA MEDIA – Could you share with our readers your highest point during your amateur career?

HILARIE ROSE – “My two biggest achievements are becoming the NEF Strawweight Champion this past November and earning my purple belt mid last year.”

 

In November Hilarie captured the New England Fights amateur Strawweight title belt with an impressive first round KO/TKO victory over Alex Walker at NEF 31.  Rose dominated Walker in a quick one sided performance.  During her amateur years Rose has squared off against some upper end talent.  Such notable opponents include Jillian DeCoursey.  DeCoursey is an outstanding WMMA athlete with enormous potential who in August of 2017 pro debuted under the Invicta FC promotion with a hard fought victory.

QUEEN MMA MEDIA – I understand a real fighter focuses on one fight at a time, however do you have any long term goals as a pro?

HILARIE ROSE – “I absolutely have long term goals.  I believe any fighter who goes pro has the ultimate goal to reach the top – UFC and that’s my goal. Anyone who knows me knows I’ve dedicated my whole self to this sport and to be the best.”

Linsey “Wonder Woman” Williams

Linsey ‘Wonder Woman’ Williams produced an outstanding 6 – 0 record as an amateur,  winning three of her six amateur victories by way of submission.  The twenty-eight year old Williams fights out of Minnesota and brings a boxing and jujitsu background with her into the cage.  Linsey has struggled as a professional, her most recent fight being a hard loss against an up and coming 3 – 0 Sabina Mazo Isaza by way of KO/TKO.  Williams was holding her own against Isaza in what looked to be a very competitive match up until stepping into a devastating head kick.  Despite the slow pro start, Linsey is a formidable opponent and a serious challenge for any WMMA athlete entering the professional level.  Williams comes into the fight with a 1 – 2 record as a pro and will be looking to get her career back on track with a win over the local favorite Rose.

QUEEN MMA MEDIA – How do you see your pro debut playing out?

HILARIE ROSE – “Williams is a great wrestler and jujitsu chick.  She looks long and tall.  I noticed she used to fight as an orthodox, but now fights as an southpaw. How I see this fight playing out is Williams definitely trying to get the fight to the ground.  I believe I can out strike her on the feet and confident I can do the same on the bottom.”

“Shout out to my teammates, my coaches Matt and Tom for believing in me and putting in the same dedication I do.  To my USMMA teammates especially Nick, Sarah, and Dave as well as my friends, boyfriend, and family!  Shout out to my sponsors and of course a shout out to CES for the great opportunity!” – HILARIE ROSE

Rose and Williams look to be an even match up.  Be prepared for an action packed bout that could very well end up being CES 48’s best fight of the night.

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“I don’t know how the fight is going to go, but I think there will be a lot of fireworks,” – TAYLOR THOMPSON

By:  Thomas Vickers (MMA – Journalist)

QUEEN MMA MEDIA

(QUEEN MMA MEDIA) – Taylor Thompson and Kylie O’Hearn are set to collide Saturday January 27, 2018 at Memorial Hall in Plymouth, Massachusetts for the vacant amateur Cage Titans Fighting Championship Bantamweight title at Cage Titans 37.

With a current record of 1 – 0 Thompson will be looking for her second win as an amateur.  Taylor made her amateur debut back in August of 2017 at Cage Titans FC 35, a second round KO/TKO over a tough Stephanie McTighe.  Both Thompson and McTighe made their amateur debuts against each other in what was an action packed bout.  The two combatants electrified the crowd with nonstop toe to toe stand up. Taylor Thompson pushed forward with relentless punching, landing two for every one she received.  She demonstrated a durable chin against the swinging McTighe. Thompson orchestrated an aggressive stand up attack, using her reach advantage to unload volumes of punches on McTighe.  Thompson was awarded “Fight of the Night” for her amateur debut performance.

“I didn’t expect to earn an award for my debut fight,” explained Thompson.  “”I was honored that the crowd and the promotion were as happy with my fight as I was.  Stephanie and I both gave it our all in there and I was glad that it was enough to win us ‘Fight of the Night’.”

Taylor Thompson trains at BST MMA and Fitness in Mendon, Massachusetts and Worcester MMA in Worcester, Massachusetts.  She has been training in grappling for a little over two years.  She began training in striking about a year ago, primarily focusing on kickboxing and recently started training in jujitsu.  “My main coach is Julio Colon, but I also train under Dan Simmler from Worcester MMA and Rolando Griffith from BST,” explained Taylor.

Kylie O’Hearn will be a big test for Thompson.  O’Hearn host a 3 – 1 amateur record in the cage and is coming off a second round KO/TKO win over LaNeisha Vinson at Cage Titans 33 for the vacant Cage Titans FC amateur Flyweight title.

Cage Titans FC amateur Flyweight Champion Kylie O’Hearn is hungry for a second title belt.  Kylie is an experienced competitor and has come up in weight to challenge Thompson in an effort to capture the vacant CTFC amateur Bantamweight title.

QUEEN MMA MEDIA – What brought you to compete in amateur WMMA?

TAYLOR THOMPSON – “I started training as something to keep myself active while in school, and decided to compete in a grappling tournament on a whim.  I fell in love with competing and decided to keep pushing myself to see how well I would do.  After a while I started to train striking to see if I liked it as much as grappling.  I was hooked right away.  I decided that if I enjoy training and competing so much I should see how far a career in MMA can take me.”

QUEEN MMA MEDIA – How do you see the match up against Kylie O’Hearn playing out?

TAYLOR THOMPSON – “I think that Kylie is going to come in strong and want to brawl, like she has done in her previous fights.  I am going to stick to my game plan and try to use her forward aggression to my advantage.  I don’t know how the fight is going to go, but I think there will be a lot of fireworks.  Anything can happen in a fight, but the one thing that is certain is that it will be exciting.  Both Kylie and I are known for putting on a great fight that the fans love.”

 

(QUEEN MMA MEDIA)

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QUEEN MMA MEDIA 2017 AMATEUR – WMMA ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

(QUEEN MMA MEDIA) – Queen MMA Media is proud to present the QUEEN MMA MEDIA 2017 WMMA Amateur Athlete of the Year Award to Helen “Iansa” Peralta.  Peralta was selected due to her amazing success and performance in 2017.  Helen competed in six amateur bouts during the year of 2017 and went undefeated winning all six fights.

She began the year with a unanimous decision win at LFA 2 against Bri Brassaw in January of 2017.  She continued with a first round KO/TKO victory over Jordan Nickelatti at Mecca 9 on March 4, 2017.  On April 15, 2017 Peralta won a unanimous decision over Alondra Romero at Extreme Challenge.  On May 6, 2017 only a few weeks later she defeated Izzie Robinson at True Revelation MMA 32 for the True Revelation Flyweight Title.  In October of 2017 Helen continued her impressive winning streak with a second round KO/TKO win against Cynthia Tarango at True Revelation 34 for the True Revelation MMA Strawweight Title.  Helen finished off the year in dominating style with a unanimous decision versus Destiny McCubbin at Tuff-N-Uff for the Tuff-N-Uff Strawweight Title.   Helen has achieved a tremendous level of success in 2017.  She has demonstrated a relentless pace in the cage taking four fights in a five month period, and finishing the year with a remarkable six total bouts.  Helen has proven herself to be a major force as an amateur in 2017, going 6 – 0 and winning three amateur title belts.

QUEEN MMA MEDIA – What were the high points of your 2017 year?
HELEN PERALTA – “Meeting Sergio Cunha, my head coach and moving to strawweight and collecting two amateur strawweight titles within four weeks.”

Helen “Iansa” Peralta has produced an impressive 9 – 1 amateur career and is set to make her WMMA professional debut on January 13, 2018 at Invicta FC 27 as a Strawweight.  Congratulations to Helen “Iansa” Peralta!

The process of selecting the award recipient is not done via a popularity rating or fan supported votes.  Award recipients are selected based on performance, achievement, success, sportsmanship, dedication, courage, character, and heart.  Selections are decided by a panel of experienced individuals from within the industry and sport.

(QUEEN MMA MEDIA)

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