QUEEN MMA Media Combat Sports – Editorial VALENTIN vs DUTILL – A FAN FAVORITE (Will there be a part 2?)
VALENTIN VS DUTILL – A TITLE FIGHT THE FANS WILL REMEMBER AND WANT TO SEE AGAIN One thing I have learned over the many years of covering combat sports, fighters fight but when you get two fighters that put on a spectacular fight the fans do not forget it. It is what the sport is all about.
CAGE WARS 66 – VALENTIN vs DUTILL
On July 19, 2024 in front of a full crowd and under the bright lights of Rivers Casino & Resort in Schenectady, New York CAGE WARS 66 delivered what many fans are describing as the promotion’s most exciting women’s MMA bout to date. I had fight fans pull me aside after the title bout and explain to me how it was the best female fight they have seen among all the regional MMA promotions in a very long time. The fight I am referring to was for the Cage Wars strawweight title. The defending strawweight champion Alaina Dutill put her title on the line against one of the northeast’s finest, Erica Valentin at Cage Wars 66. The defending champion and the hungry top contender collided in epic fashion evoking pure electric from the packed crowd. Many regional fight fans described it as the ‘fight of the night’ and perhaps the best women’s matchup Cage Wars have ever had. Over the last six days I have received numerous emails and facebook messages from fight fans asking me if there is going to be a rematch. It is not unusual for me to get a fair amount of email pertaining to fights and combat sports topics however this time it is surprisingly far more than normal. And honestly I agree with the fans, a part two would be an absolute outstanding fight.
IT WAS A BACK AND FORTH BATTLE – DUTILL RAINING DOWN BLOWS FROM ABOVE
VALENTIN RETURNS THE FAVOR RAINING DOWN SHOTS OF HER OWN
Valentin vs Dutill energized the crowd from start to finish. “Every second of every round was intense,” a fan told me afterwards. “I did not want to blink. I thought it was going to be all over in the first with that unbelievable arm-bar attempt from Alaina in the last seconds of the round,” Explained another animated fan after the fight.
As I have said in the past I am a big supporter of both the former champion Alaina Dutill and the new champion Erica Valentin. I have a soft spot for both fighters. Yet it is fair to say with much respect to the new Cage Wars champion Valentin, had there been five or ten more seconds remaining in the first round Dutill very well may have finished the fight with an incredible armbar from the bottom. With that said the new champ clearly showed the giant dog in her and pulled out a well deserved win. There is no doubt the Alaina Dutill vs Erica Valentin bout has gained a lot of attention.
“Erica Valentin and Alaina Dutill showed everyone what a fight is. WOW!” exclaimed six fight Cage Wars veteran Richard Cloudhammer. “I absolutely want to see a rematch!”
“I think they both ‘won’ in a way” explained Cage Wars super heavyweight champion Elshaddai Vanhoesen. “I thought it was a well matched fight and a clash of styles. I’d love to see a rematch”
“I absolutely believe there should be a second fight.” Replied Mike Falvo (longtime Cage Wars Ring Announcer) when asked about the fight. “It was an absolutely amazing fight. One of the best fights I have seen in awhile.”
It would seem a lot of fight fans are craving a rematch. And from where I stand it seems not because they are arguing the outcome but simply because they loved the fight so much they want to see a part two.
“If Cage Wars ever offered me a rematch, I would be more than willing to take it,” Stated the former champion Alaina Dutill a few days after the fight.
The Erica Valentin vs Alaina Dutill matchup was not just a fantastic fight and what seems to be fast becoming a fan favorite it also creates an interesting dynamic or matrix if you will. Valentin had come up short in an attempt to win the Cage Wars strawweight championship from Tatiana Cirilo-Santos back in July of 2023 at Cage Wars 59. Dutill defeated Tatiana Cirilo-Santos in November of 2023 at Cage Wars 62 to gain the prestigious strawweight title. And now Valentin has defeated Dutill at Cage Wars 66 to claim the title. I will take a moment to commend and show respect for both Tatiana Cirilo-Santos and Alaina Dutill for doing what champions do ‘Defend the belt”.
And in response to the many fight fans that have or are planning to send me an email or facebook message asking me if there will be a rematch. All I can say is it would seem many of you the regional fight fans want it. It would seem the former champion Dutill wants it. The question remains does Erica Valentin want it? And will Cage Wars put it on the menu? With or without a part two the bottom line is both the new champion Erica Valentin and Alaina Dutill put on a rock star of a fight at Cage Wars 66.
ERICA VALENTIN EARNS THE VICTORY VIA DECISION – AND THE NEW!
Queen MMA Media Combat Sports Editorial / T. Vickers (Combat Sports Journalist) Photo Credit – Queen MMA Media
RED HOT STRAWWEIGHT TITLE FIGHT SET FOR THE NORTHEAST ALAINA DUTILL vs ERICA VALENTIN CAGE WARS 66 / JULY 19, 2024
QUEEN MMA Media
CAGE WARS 66 SET TO UNLEASH WOMEN’S TITLE FIGHT OF THE YEAR
(June 9, 2024) CAGE WARS 66 brings scorching red hot women’s MMA action July 19th to the northeast. Cage Wars is preparing to deliver one of the biggest northeast female amateur MMA matchups of the year. Alaina “The Queen” Dutill is set to defend her Cage Wars strawweight championship title against Erica Valentin.
I have covered both of these women from their start. I have had the opportunity to watch both of them develop throughout their amateur careers. These lady warriors have demonstrated they can overcome hardship and adversity inside the cage. They have proven they can come back from defeat and win championships. Alaina Dutill and Erica Valentin are two of the finest MMA amateurs in the northeast fight game.
Alaina “The Queen” Dutill returns to Rivers Casino & Resort in Schenectady, New York to defend her 115 pound Cage Wars Championship Title against Erica Valentin, one of New England’s toughest challengers. Alaina Dutill won the Cage Wars Strawweight Title back in November of 2023 at Cage Wars 62 with a dominating unanimous decision victory over Tatiana Cirilo-Santos. Dutill has a continuously growing arsenal of weapons. In her last appearance under the Cage Wars bright lights the champion Dutill showed the fans she knows how to formulate a game plan and execute it to perfection. She is a smart fighter who understands how to use range and movement. Dutill is a Cage Wars veteran who brings five big wins along with the Cage Wars title belt into the bout. Dutill fights out of Pennsylvania and trains under CFS Academy. The champ has a strong background in kickboxing and karate.
Erica Valentin brings determination and an expanding toolkit of skills. Valentin carries five victories into the bout, has a stout muay thai and grappling background, and is riding a two fight winning streak. She has evolved into a well known New England MMA athlete with considerable talent. Valentin is no stranger to championship title belts having gained the Reality Fighting Amateur flyweight title back in January of this year as well as the Dead Serious MMA 122 pound Amateur catchweight title in December of 2022. In past bouts Valentin has shown the fight fans she has the dog inside her and is ready to push it to the next level. On July 19th she will have her sights on the northeast’s prestigious Cage Wars Strawweight championship title. Valentin is a Cage Wars veteran of four bouts with two of them being strawweight title matchups. This will be her third time gunning for the Cage Wars strawweight title.
July 19, 2024 Cage Wars champion Alaina “The Queen” Dutill will put her Cage Wars title belt on the line against an extremely formidable challenger in Erica Valentin.
Both of these fighters are capable of delivering big action. They are standout amateurs who are always ready willing and able to make war inside the cage. Dutill and Valentin have evolved into quality MMA amateurs. The standup action in this fight should be electric and it will be extremely interesting to see how the ground war plays out. Both of these ladies have skilled hands and can produce an effective standup game. The defending champion can generate quick accurate striking. Erica Valentin has the ability to deliver heavy hands. Both of these northeast fighters are fiery competitors which makes this title fight that much more engaging. Alaina Dutill and Erica Valentin have what it takes to walk away the winner. Both are considered by many within the MMA community to be ranked pound for pound on the high end among the northeast women. The challenger Valentin is ranked 8th pound for pound among females in the State of New York as well as being ranked in the top ten pound for pound in New England. Like I said earlier, I have followed and covered both of these ladies throughout their entire journey in combat sports. I have seen them encounter highs and lows. I have seen how hard they work and train. I am aware of how much they have sacrificed to become some of the top females in northeast MMA. I have enjoyed watching both of them gain success inside the cage. I have stood in silent support in both corners throughout their careers. This is a fight where I wish there could be two winners however we all know that is not the goal in combat sports. Bravo to both of these lady warriors and may the best fighter be victorious. Dutill versus Valentin looks to be an amazing matchup with the winner of the bout not only claiming the Cage Wars Strawweight Title but sending a strong message to regional fight fans as to who stands at the top of the Strawweight mountain in the northeast. Northeast fight fans will regret it if they miss this Championship Bout.
QUEEN MMA Media By: Combat Sports Journalist – Tommy Vickers
On May 11, 2024 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC 61) will make its New England debut. The growing sport of bare knuckle boxing is set to ignite the Mohegan Sun arena in Uncasville, Connecticut with a full card of professional bare knuckle violence. Topping the fight card as the featured main event will be an explosive women’s matchup for the QUEEN of VIOLENCE Championship Title Belt between boxing legend Heather “The Heat” Hardy and Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship superstar Christine “Misfit” Ferea.
QUEEN MMA Media
CHRISTINE FEREA READY TO PROVE TO THE WORLD SHE IS NUMBER ONE IN WOMEN’S COMBAT SPORTS
“Can’t wait. Training hard to put on a spectacular show!” – Christine “Misfit” Ferea
CHRISTINE “Misfit” FEREA Christine Ferea fights out of Las Vegas, Nevada and began an amateur mixed martial arts career in April of 2012. She generated a stout (3 – 1) record as an amateur. She made her professional MMA debut under the prestigious all women’s promotional banner of Invicta FC back in January of 2017. Ferea delivered a violent ground and pound first round finish against Rachael Ostovich to gain a dominating MMA debut victory. She went on to produce a (1 – 2) pro record inside the MMA cage against heavy competition that included Muay Thai – Kickboxing juggernaut Tiffany “Timebomb” Van Soest before making her cross over to bare knuckle. It was in the sport of bare knuckle boxing Ferea began to shine. She is a true fighter who trains hard and comes to win. She is a fighter who always brings an aggressive offense and Bare Knuckle Boxing swiftly became her flavor of choice.
Christine made her transition to bare knuckle boxing in October of 2018 when she debuted against a tough Jennifer Tate at Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 3. Ferea exploded onto the bare knuckle world with a big first round TKO stoppage against Jennifer Tate. It was at that moment many eyebrows were raised and the fans of the growing sport of bare knuckle realized she had what it takes. Six months later Ferea was scheduled to face Britain Hart for the BKFC 126 LBS Championship Title at BKFC 5 in Biloxi, Mississippi. Ferea defeated Hart in the 2nd round due to a doctor stoppage to become the BKFC 126 pound female champion. Just four months after gaining the BKFC 126 lbs women’s title Ferea was scheduled to defend it against a fierce Helen Peralta at BKFC 7. The Ferea versus Peralta championship fight became one of the most exciting and popular bare knuckle matchups BKFC had ever generated. It was a fight that brought the fans to their feet. It was a fight bare knuckle fans would not forget. To this day the bout is considered by many bare knuckle fans to be one of BKFC’s all time best. It was a hard fought battle but in the end Ferea came up short via unanimous decision. Setbacks do not seem to discourage Ferea, nor do they seem to slow her down. A rematch was set for March of 2020 against the newly crowned champion Peralta. It was a rematch the bare knuckle fans wanted badly. It was a rematch that had to happen. Yet despite fan disappointment the bout never came to fruition due to the panic of the coronavirus pandemic, Helen Peralta vacating the title and not securing a contract agreement with BKFC.
In September of 2020 at BKFC 12 in Daytona Beach, Florida Ferea bounced back with authority stopping a seasoned combat sports warrior in Calie Cutler by way of a brutal TKO in the second round. In October of 2021 Ferea finished accomplished boxer Calista Silgado at BKFC Fight Night in Billings, Montana via third round TKO. In February of 2022 at BKFC Knuckle Mania 2 Ferea collided with Britain Hart for the vacant 126 pound championship title. It would be the second time Ferea and Hart would meet inside the squared circle. Ferea fought her way to a solid unanimous decision victory and was crowned the BKFC 126 pound women’s champion. Six months later in August of 2022 the new champion made her first title defense at BKFC 28. The opponent was an undefeated popular up and coming Taylor Starling. It was there under the bright lights of the Rio Rancho Event Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico Christine Ferea solidified her persona as the most dominating female combatant in the sport of bare knuckle. Ferea humbled and crushed the challenger Starling via TKO and verbal submission less then 40 seconds into the first round. Few if any could dispute Ferea’s increasing dominance.
FEREA STOPS CUTLER IN 2nd ROUND
FEREA DEFEATS HART VIA UNANIMOUS DECISION
In April of 2023 Ferea was scheduled to defend her championship title against Rowdy Bec Rawlings. A matchup many fans had been hoping to see. Rawlings had already established herself as one of the more formidable women bare knucklers. Bec Rawlings was an MMA UFC veteran and a highly recognized name in the combat sports community. She had captured the BKFC 122 pound championship belt in February of 2019 before relinquishing the title to make the shift back to pro MMA. In April of 2023 Rawlings made her return back to BKFC and was set to challenge Christine Ferea for the 125 pound BKFC championship. Rawlings was (3 – 1) as a bare knuckle boxer heading into the bout. She had proven her worth as a notable contender for the title. The Ferea – Rawlings bout was set to take place at BKFC 41. It was a competitive bout early however Ferea turned up the fire and eventually closed the show via doctor stoppage in round two. The victory over Rawlings sent a loud message to any who considered doubting Ferea’s reign as BKFC champion. Bec Rawlings would make another challenge for the title in December of 2023 at BKFC 56. Ferea refused to be dethroned in the rematch, delivering a convincing unanimous decision win over Rawlings to retain the title.
CHRISTINE “Misfit” FEREA AND ROWDY BEC RAWLINGS GO NOSE TO NOSE BEFORE BKFC 56
On May 11, 2024 BKFC champion Christine “Misfit” Ferea will collide with Heather “The Heat” Hardy for what BKFC has labeled the ‘Queen of Violence’ title. A belt drafted by BKFC for what many have concluded to be the result of Hardy not being able to agree to a 125 pound BKFC title fight. The “Queen of Violence” title bout will be set at 130 lbs. None the less the May 11th headline fight is almost guaranteed to electrify the crowd. Many believe if Ferea can defeat Hardy there very well may be a possible Cris Cyborg fight on the horizon. Rumor or no rumor a Ferea – Cyborg bare knuckle bout would surely gain the attention of the entire combat sports world. The question may remain – is Cyborg up for the challenge? Or will she simply avoid the showdown? Christine “Misfit” Ferea has evolved over the years to become an extremely dominating competitor. Her combat sports career continues to become more and more impressive with every bout and her development into perhaps the best female to ever throw bare knuckles is as real as steel. With an (8 – 1) record in bare knuckle boxing Christine Ferea has reigned over the women’s BKFC roster like a true queen and on May 11th under the spotlight of BKFC 61 she will take the stage as the main event. It will be her time to prove beyond all doubt she is the most feared, most respected, and most dominating woman in the world of bare knuckle and perhaps all of female combat sports. We have already witnessed that most all female warriors do not want any of Ferea’s smoke. Very few if any seem willing to step up and contest Ferea’s greatness.
DECORATED BOXER HEATHER “The Heat” HARDY READY TO MAKE BARE KNUCKLE DEBUT AT BKFC 61 HEATHER “The Heat” HARDY
Heather Hardy is well known in the boxing world. She fights and trains out of Brooklyn, NY and began boxing as a professional back in 2010. She produced an outstanding (24 – 3) record inside the pro boxing ring and held the WBO featherweight title from 2018-2019. Hardy quickly became known for her incredible tenacity and her iron determination. She is as tough as they come. In June of 2017 Hardy shifted her combat sports ventures from boxing over to mixed martial arts. She delivered a big win with a third round TKO against Alice Yauger at Bellator 180 in her MMA debut before a massive crowd at Madison Square Garden in New York. Hardy generated a respectable (2 – 2) record inside the MMA cage between 2017 and 2019. During those years she also continued with her boxing career inside the ring. Heather “The Heat” Hardy has an impressive combat sports resume. Her boxing accolades are numerous and include; winning the UBF International Super Bantamweight title, wining the WBC International Super Bantamweight title, winning the NABF featherweight title, and winning the WBO featherweight title. To many within the sports world Heather “The Heat” Hardy is considered epic among female boxers.
HEATHER “The Heat” HARDY DELIVERS A SNAPPING LEFT JAB
“The HEAT” MAKING HER WALK TO THE CAGE – BELLATOR MMA
Fight fans are curious if Hardy will be able to handle the combat sports monster known as bare knuckle. Some wonder if she will be able to endure the bloody cut producing fray of the sport. Others question if she will be able to withstand the fury of BKFC’s G.O.A.T., Christine Ferea. A win for Ferea will cement her as perhaps one of the top female combat sports athletes to ever grace the standup fight game. A win for Hardy would rock the BKFC community and remind the fight fans that she is truly a legend. Will Ferea destroy another opponent on May 11th or will Hardy pull off an enormous upset?
QUEEN MMA Media Combat Sports journalist-reporter Tommy Vickers caught up with Christine “Misfit” Ferea to ask a few questions leading into the upcoming May 11, 2024 BKFC 61 main event.
QUEEN MMA Media (Tommy V) –“How do you rate Heather Hardy as a challenger inside the squared circle, when compared to your past BKFC opponents? Such as Bec Rawlings, Brit Hart, and others?”
CHRISTINE FEREA – “I believe they all bring their unique challenges to a fight. I can’t compare them this is a whole different game. My past opponent Hart is a world champion after I beat her in another weight class. Bec Rawlings is on a rough patch right now in her career. This sport is so new. Calista Silgado was one my past opponents I finished and Hardy took to a decision. Sooo, apples to oranges at this point. Everyone is tough here. Anyone can get clipped here. I admire her accolades and love the level of competition she brings and I’m ready for a war. I know she will be tough to put down!”
QUEEN MMA Media (Tommy V) –“Hardy is no doubt a heavily experienced boxer however it is my understanding that Hardy has never competed in bare knuckle. Do you think she will be ready for introduction to the sport or do you feel it may be a little more than she is prepared for? “
CHRISTINE FEREA – “I believe Heather is smart, she’s an Aquarius (Wink). She has things up her sleeve and is doing her research! I expect her to be ready and informed. I believe she’s a true fighter, and to go back to question one, not all I have fought were all in. I believe she’s fighting for a purpose and when someone fights for something they are very dangerous! She’s a warrior she will be ready!”
QUEEN MMA Media (Tommy V) – “Hardy is a well known and well accomplished boxer. Her skills are legit. Do you feel she will be able to match your hand speed and BKFC experience?”
CHRISTINE FEREA – “Nobody on this planet is ready for what I bring on any level in any way.”
QUEEN MMA Media (Tommy V) –“As you are aware I have followed your BKFC career from its start. I will say you continue to impress fight fans with every fight. You continue to get better and better. You have proven yourself to be the most dominating women’s bare knuckle boxer in BKFC. Let us say you beat Hardy on May 11th at Mohegan Sun, what is next for the champ? A Jade Masson Wong perhaps? Is there a Cris Cyborg on the horizon?”
CHRISTINE FEREA – “I will be ready for whoever they put in front of me. I have called out Chris Cyborg she declined. I have told Jade Wong to fight for about a year she has declined. I’m waiting for these girls to step up and prove themselves to the best in the world. Or they can go back to only fans. Fights are here to be made so hopefully the girls just want to do their job. I’m a fighter and I want tough opponents with a following and accomplishments that work hard in this sport.”
QUEEN MMA Media (Tommy V) – “How do you see this fight ending?”
CHRISTINE FEREA – “Right hand left hook – zzzzzzzzzzzz third round”
On May 11, 2024 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC 61) will make its New England debut. The growing sport of bare knuckle boxing is set to ignite the Mohegan Sun arena in Uncasville, Connecticut with a full card of professional bare knuckle violence. Topping the fight card as the featured main event will be an explosive women’s matchup for the QUEEN of VIOLENCE Championship Title Belt between boxing legend Heather “The Heat” Hardy and Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship superstar Christine “Misfit” Ferea.
QUEEN MMA Media
CHRISTINE FEREA READY TO PROVE TO THE WORLD SHE IS NUMBER ONE IN WOMEN’S COMBAT SPORTS
“Can’t wait. Training hard to put on a spectacular show!” – Christine “Misfit” Ferea
CHRISTINE “Misfit” FEREA Christine Ferea fights out of Las Vegas, Nevada and began an amateur mixed martial arts career in April of 2012. She generated a stout (3 – 1) record as an amateur. She made her professional MMA debut under the prestigious all women’s promotional banner of Invicta FC back in January of 2017. Ferea delivered a violent ground and pound first round finish against Rachael Ostovich to gain a dominating MMA debut victory. She went on to produce a (1 – 2) pro record inside the MMA cage against heavy competition that included Muay Thai – Kickboxing juggernaut Tiffany “Timebomb” Van Soest before making her cross over to bare knuckle. It was in the sport of bare knuckle boxing Ferea began to shine. She is a true fighter who trains hard and comes to win. She is a fighter who always brings an aggressive offense and Bare Knuckle Boxing swiftly became her flavor of choice.
Christine made her transition to bare knuckle boxing in October of 2018 when she debuted against a tough Jennifer Tate at Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 3. Ferea exploded onto the bare knuckle world with a big first round TKO stoppage against Jennifer Tate. It was at that moment many eyebrows were raised and the fans of the growing sport of bare knuckle realized she had what it takes. Six months later Ferea was scheduled to face Britain Hart for the BKFC 126 LBS Championship Title at BKFC 5 in Biloxi, Mississippi. Ferea defeated Hart in the 2nd round due to a doctor stoppage to become the BKFC 126 pound female champion. Just four months after gaining the BKFC 126 lbs women’s title Ferea was scheduled to defend it against a fierce Helen Peralta at BKFC 7. The Ferea versus Peralta championship fight became one of the most exciting and popular bare knuckle matchups BKFC had ever generated. It was a fight that brought the fans to their feet. It was a fight bare knuckle fans would not forget. To this day the bout is considered by many bare knuckle fans to be one of BKFC’s all time best. It was a hard fought battle but in the end Ferea came up short via unanimous decision. Setbacks do not seem to discourage Ferea, nor do they seem to slow her down. A rematch was set for March of 2020 against the newly crowned champion Peralta. It was a rematch the bare knuckle fans wanted badly. It was a rematch that had to happen. Yet despite fan disappointment the bout never came to fruition due to the panic of the coronavirus pandemic, Helen Peralta vacating the title and not securing a contract agreement with BKFC.
In September of 2020 at BKFC 12 in Daytona Beach, Florida Ferea bounced back with authority stopping a seasoned combat sports warrior in Calie Cutler by way of a brutal TKO in the second round. In October of 2021 Ferea finished accomplished boxer Calista Silgado at BKFC Fight Night in Billings, Montana via third round TKO. In February of 2022 at BKFC Knuckle Mania 2 Ferea collided with Britain Hart for the vacant 126 pound championship title. It would be the second time Ferea and Hart would meet inside the squared circle. Ferea fought her way to a solid unanimous decision victory and was crowned the BKFC 126 pound women’s champion. Six months later in August of 2022 the new champion made her first title defense at BKFC 28. The opponent was an undefeated popular up and coming Taylor Starling. It was there under the bright lights of the Rio Rancho Event Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico Christine Ferea solidified her persona as the most dominating female combatant in the sport of bare knuckle. Ferea humbled and crushed the challenger Starling via TKO and verbal submission less then 40 seconds into the first round. Few if any could dispute Ferea’s increasing dominance.
FEREA STOPS CUTLER IN 2nd ROUND
FEREA DEFEATS HART VIA UNANIMOUS DECISION
In April of 2023 Ferea was scheduled to defend her championship title against Rowdy Bec Rawlings. A matchup many fans had been hoping to see. Rawlings had already established herself as one of the more formidable women bare knucklers. Bec Rawlings was an MMA UFC veteran and a highly recognized name in the combat sports community. She had captured the BKFC 122 pound championship belt in February of 2019 before relinquishing the title to make the shift back to pro MMA. In April of 2023 Rawlings made her return back to BKFC and was set to challenge Christine Ferea for the 125 pound BKFC championship. Rawlings was (3 – 1) as a bare knuckle boxer heading into the bout. She had proven her worth as a notable contender for the title. The Ferea – Rawlings bout was set to take place at BKFC 41. It was a competitive bout early however Ferea turned up the fire and eventually closed the show via doctor stoppage in round two. The victory over Rawlings sent a loud message to any who considered doubting Ferea’s reign as BKFC champion. Bec Rawlings would make another challenge for the title in December of 2023 at BKFC 56. Ferea refused to be dethroned in the rematch, delivering a convincing unanimous decision win over Rawlings to retain the title.
CHRISTINE “Misfit” FEREA AND ROWDY BEC RAWLINGS GO NOSE TO NOSE BEFORE BKFC 56
On May 11, 2024 BKFC champion Christine “Misfit” Ferea will collide with Heather “The Heat” Hardy for what BKFC has labeled the ‘Queen of Violence’ title. A belt drafted by BKFC for what many have concluded to be the result of Hardy not being able to agree to a 125 pound BKFC title fight. The “Queen of Violence” title bout will be set at 130 lbs. None the less the May 11th headline fight is almost guaranteed to electrify the crowd. Many believe if Ferea can defeat Hardy there very well may be a possible Cris Cyborg fight on the horizon. Rumor or no rumor a Ferea – Cyborg bare knuckle bout would surely gain the attention of the entire combat sports world. The question may remain – is Cyborg up for the challenge? Or will she simply avoid the showdown? Christine “Misfit” Ferea has evolved over the years to become an extremely dominating competitor. Her combat sports career continues to become more and more impressive with every bout and her development into perhaps the best female to ever throw bare knuckles is as real as steel. With an (8 – 1) record in bare knuckle boxing Christine Ferea has reigned over the women’s BKFC roster like a true queen and on May 11th under the spotlight of BKFC 61 she will take the stage as the main event. It will be her time to prove beyond all doubt she is the most feared, most respected, and most dominating woman in the world of bare knuckle and perhaps all of female combat sports. We have already witnessed that most all female warriors do not want any of Ferea’s smoke. Very few if any seem willing to step up and contest Ferea’s greatness.
DECORATED BOXER HEATHER “The Heat” HARDY READY TO MAKE BARE KNUCKLE DEBUT AT BKFC 61 HEATHER “The Heat” HARDY
Heather Hardy is well known in the boxing world. She fights and trains out of Brooklyn, NY and began boxing as a professional back in 2010. She produced an outstanding (24 – 3) record inside the pro boxing ring and held the WBO featherweight title from 2018-2019. Hardy quickly became known for her incredible tenacity and her iron determination. She is as tough as they come. In June of 2017 Hardy shifted her combat sports ventures from boxing over to mixed martial arts. She delivered a big win with a third round TKO against Alice Yauger at Bellator 180 in her MMA debut before a massive crowd at Madison Square Garden in New York. Hardy generated a respectable (2 – 2) record inside the MMA cage between 2017 and 2019. During those years she also continued with her boxing career inside the ring. Heather “The Heat” Hardy has an impressive combat sports resume. Her boxing accolades are numerous and include; winning the UBF International Super Bantamweight title, wining the WBC International Super Bantamweight title, winning the NABF featherweight title, and winning the WBO featherweight title. To many within the sports world Heather “The Heat” Hardy is considered epic among female boxers.
HEATHER “The Heat” HARDY DELIVERS A SNAPPING LEFT JAB
“The HEAT” MAKING HER WALK TO THE CAGE – BELLATOR MMA
Fight fans are curious if Hardy will be able to handle the combat sports monster known as bare knuckle. Some wonder if she will be able to endure the bloody cut producing fray of the sport. Others question if she will be able to withstand the fury of BKFC’s G.O.A.T., Christine Ferea. A win for Ferea will cement her as perhaps one of the top female combat sports athletes to ever grace the standup fight game. A win for Hardy would rock the BKFC community and remind the fight fans that she is truly a legend. Will Ferea destroy another opponent on May 11th or will Hardy pull off an enormous upset?
QUEEN MMA Media Combat Sports journalist-reporter Tommy Vickers caught up with Christine “Misfit” Ferea to ask a few questions leading into the upcoming May 11, 2024 BKFC 61 main event.
QUEEN MMA Media (Tommy V) –“How do you rate Heather Hardy as a challenger inside the squared circle, when compared to your past BKFC opponents? Such as Bec Rawlings, Brit Hart, and others?”
CHRISTINE FEREA – “I believe they all bring their unique challenges to a fight. I can’t compare them this is a whole different game. My past opponent Hart is a world champion after I beat her in another weight class. Bec Rawlings is on a rough patch right now in her career. This sport is so new. Calista Silgado was one my past opponents I finished and Hardy took to a decision. Sooo, apples to oranges at this point. Everyone is tough here. Anyone can get clipped here. I admire her accolades and love the level of competition she brings and I’m ready for a war. I know she will be tough to put down!”
QUEEN MMA Media (Tommy V) –“Hardy is no doubt a heavily experienced boxer however it is my understanding that Hardy has never competed in bare knuckle. Do you think she will be ready for introduction to the sport or do you feel it may be a little more than she is prepared for? “
CHRISTINE FEREA – “I believe Heather is smart, she’s an Aquarius (Wink). She has things up her sleeve and is doing her research! I expect her to be ready and informed. I believe she’s a true fighter, and to go back to question one, not all I have fought were all in. I believe she’s fighting for a purpose and when someone fights for something they are very dangerous! She’s a warrior she will be ready!”
QUEEN MMA Media (Tommy V) – “Hardy is a well known and well accomplished boxer. Her skills are legit. Do you feel she will be able to match your hand speed and BKFC experience?”
CHRISTINE FEREA – “Nobody on this planet is ready for what I bring on any level in any way.”
QUEEN MMA Media (Tommy V) –“As you are aware I have followed your BKFC career from its start. I will say you continue to impress fight fans with every fight. You continue to get better and better. You have proven yourself to be the most dominating women’s bare knuckle boxer in BKFC. Let us say you beat Hardy on May 11th at Mohegan Sun, what is next for the champ? A Jade Masson Wong perhaps? Is there a Cris Cyborg on the horizon?”
CHRISTINE FEREA – “I will be ready for whoever they put in front of me. I have called out Chris Cyborg she declined. I have told Jade Wong to fight for about a year she has declined. I’m waiting for these girls to step up and prove themselves to the best in the world. Or they can go back to only fans. Fights are here to be made so hopefully the girls just want to do their job. I’m a fighter and I want tough opponents with a following and accomplishments that work hard in this sport.”
QUEEN MMA Media (Tommy V) – “How do you see this fight ending?”
CHRISTINE FEREA – “Right hand left hook – zzzzzzzzzzzz third round”
PHAIDRA KNIGHT VS KYRA LEE – MAIN EVENT – CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE BOUT – CAGE WARS 65
CAGE WARS continues to serve up some of the best women’s MMA action in the region. On April 5, 2024 CAGE WARS 65 will showcase PHAIDRA KNIGHT versus KYRA LEE as the main event for a super stacked fight card at Rivers Casino & Resort. These two exciting female MMA combatants are ready to battle it out for the Cage Wars bantamweight championship title.
PHAIDRA KNIGHT READY TO DEFEND CAGE WARS BANTAMWEIGHT TITLE Knight is an explosive athlete with an undefeated (5 – 0) record. She fights out of New York and brings strength, aggression, and the ability to finish a fight quickly.
She is coming off a hard fought majority decision win against Rosie DeMatteo back in April of 2023. Knight is a remarkable athlete. Not only has she produced an undefeated WMMA amateur career she is a world Rugby Hall of Fame inductee. Knight has serious determination and knows how to win. This will be her second time competing under the bright lights of the Cage Wars promotional banner. Knight always delivers big energy for the fans with four of the New Yorker’s five victories having come via finish. On April 5, 2024 Phaidra Knight will put her CAGE WARS title on the line against a young and hungry Kyra Lee. A win for the champion would up her record to (6 – 0) and demonstrate another example of her dominance in women’s amateur MMA.
KYRA LEE READY TO CHALLENGE CAGE WARS CHAMPION KYRA LEE was born in Canada and fights out of Vermont. In her last bout (September 23, 2023) she delivered a unanimous decision win over Amanda Jo Basturk to capture the MAK Promotion amateur featherweight championship title. Lee hosts a solid (3 – 1) MMA record and brings Muay Thai experience inside the cage.
KYRA LEE with the MAK Promotional Amateur featherweight title around her waist looking to add the CAGE WARS Amateur bantamweight title April 5, 2024.
Lee is scheduled to headline the card as a formidable challenger gunning for the CAGE WARS title in the main event. She is coming into the fight a sizable underdog. This would only magnify the electricity if she walked away with the CAGE WARS bantamweight title belt. A victory against Phaidra Knight, one of the northeast’s top ranked women’s bantamweights would raise Lee’s amateur MMA stock tremendously.
QUEEN MMA Media – Combat Sports Journalist – Tommy Vickers
JENNY SAVAGE AND TAYLOR STARLING READY TO COLLIDE IN CO-MAIN EVENT AT BKFC PROSPECT SERIES
(January 6, 2024) Taylor Starling versus Jenny Savage is gearing up to be a highly explosive bare knuckle fight. This has been a fight the fans have been eager to see come to life. These two warriors make for a true even matchup. On January 27, 2024 in Albuquerque, New Mexico Taylor “Killa Bee” Starling will clash with Jenny “The Tennessee Gangster” Savage in a 115 pound strawweight co-main event bare knuckle boxing fight. The action will be under the bright lights of the Revel Arena. This co-main event looks to be the best fight on the card. It has the potential to deliver serious fireworks. Savage and Starling make for a quality co-main event but for BARE KNUCKLE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP to put them on a ‘Prospect Series’ fight card seems off target. Could this be BKFC’s way of down grading the two strawweights? I would hope not. Most bare knuckle fight fans would agree Starling and Savage are not prospects. Both of these lady warriors are veterans in the BKFC organization having mustered five bare knuckle bouts each. These two hotties can throw the heat.
JENNY SAVAGE – TAYLOR STARLING: The Rivalry
Starling and Savage collided inside the MMA hexagon back in October of 2019 at Road to M-1USA 3. It was a strawweight bout in which Jenny Savage came into the fight with a professional MMA record of (2-3). Taylor Starling entered the fight making her MMA pro debut. It was a tough back and forth battle with both ladies putting on a great show. Taylor fought through what appeared to be a nasty broken nose but in the third round came up short in what M-1 USA commentator Sean Wheelock described as turning her back and physically surrendering due to strikes. There is a strong rivalry between the ‘Killa Bee’ and the ‘Tennessee Gangster’.
TAYLOR STARLING Taylor “Killa Bee” Starling brings a professional bare knuckle boxing record of (3-2) into the BKFC bout, with wins over Charisa Sigala, Cassie Robb, and Hannah Guy. She will need to focus on using her range advantage and implementing smart footwork. Taylor is four inches taller and may have a slight edge in hand speed over Savage. She will need to use the outside effectively and gain respect early in the fight. The “Killa Bee” is coming off a unanimous decision BKFC loss to Jade Masson-Wong back in May of 2023. Before that Starling challenged Christine Ferea for her 125 pound BKFC title but lost via first round finish. It was a fight that generated considerable disappointment among many bare knuckle fans, do to what many fans seen as “Taylor turning her back and quitting”. There is no doubt Starling will be looking to get back on the winning path, silence the critics, and end her two fight losing streak in the BKFC squared circle. The Savage fight could turn out to be a pivotal moment in Taylor Starling’s BKFC career. The fight could be seen as a critical challenge in Starling’s bare knuckle career. If Taylor can deliver a dominating victory it could very easily push her back into the spotlight. If she suffers a dominating loss it would surly push her towards the sidelines.
JENNY SAVAGE Jenny “The Tennessee Gangster” Savage brings a professional bare knuckle boxing record of (3-2) into the squared circle, with wins over Sheena Brandenburg, Delaney Bailey, and Nekah Dmitriyeva. She may have the heavier hands going into the matchup against Starling. Savage will need to find a way to step in and unload. Savage is aggressive and possesses some intelligent boxing skills. She is a natural southpaw and is not afraid to step into the pocket and trade punches. Savage may find success in going to the body early in the clinch. Do not expect Savage to turn away in the heat of the battle. There is zero doubt she will push forward into the fire no matter how intense the flames grow. It will be important for Savage to avoid letting the action take place at Starling range. In the bare knuckle world ‘The Tennessee Gangster’ is as tough and scrappy as they come at 115 pounds.
WHO WILL WALK AWAY WITH THE WIN? The fight could simply come down to who works the hardest inside in the clinch and who is able to effectively utilize their jab and put their punches together. It may come down to who can close the show when they have their opponent in trouble. It will most likely be a battle of determination. If it becomes a war the question may be who has the gas to finish hard. Savage has the grit to bring the blasting offense and Starling has the ability to deliver a blast in reply. It will be interesting to see who is able to establish control and dictate the action. This could be the key to a victorious outcome. It is doubtful that bare knuckle fans will be surprised if the fight erupts into back and forth exchanges for all five rounds. At best we can all only hope the bout does not end due to a crazy cut or eye poke.
Taylor has seemingly struggled in her last two bare knuckle bouts. A win over Savage would not just even out the rivalry between them, it would demonstrate Starling’s desire to overcome and rise above. A win against Savage would give Starling a well needed boost in the world of pro bare knuckle boxing.
Jenny is coming off a unanimous decision loss against BKFC strawweight champion Britain Hart back in March of 2023. Savage has proven herself to be a formidable BKFC strawweight. She has gained two of her three wins via finish and with her losses coming at the hands of the champion Hart it would seem hard to take anything away from ‘The Tennessee Gangster’.
KEYS TO VICTORY TAYLOR STARLING will need to keep control of the range throughout the fight. She seems most effective when she is able to keep her opponent at the end of her straight punches. Don’t let Savage close the distance and get inside. Starling needs to deliver and establish a hard accurate jab early. She needs to focus on her footwork, movement, and distance. Don’t be afraid to unload combinations. Be ready for Savage coming in. Setup and time big shots when Savage pushes forward. Unload hard combinations and separate quickly, circle away and reset. When in the clinch and unable to land use height advantage and push Savage’s head down. Let her carry and feel the weight. It will be important for Starling to overcome hesitation. It will be vital for Starling to be aware and use the real estate of the squared circle to her advantage. Smart footwork and movement mixed with sharp accurate striking could very well give Starling a solid decision win. It will be extremely important for Starling to win the mind battle before the fight. It is necessary for Starling to find rock solid confidence and be ready to impose her will with authority. Starling has the skills to win. If she fights a smart fight she could walk away with a strong unanimous decision.
TAYLOR ‘Killa Bee’ STARLING – READY FOR BUSINESS
JENNY SAVAGE has the toughness required to win the fight. She has stopped Starling in MMA back in 2019 and she knows she can do it again in bare knuckle. Savage needs to use her confidence and focus on implementing her fight game. She needs to take control of the fight early. She needs to keep the pressure on Starling from the start. Be ready to explode with heavy combinations. She needs to hurt Starling with body shot while in the clinch. Stay low and keep the chin down. Look to close in with bursts of heavy shots. Take advantage of being the shorter slugger in the fight and look for the homerun spot with the hook. Keep your head off the line. Do not get caught standing around. Dip, bob, and weave your way inside. Look to set up the big shot on the end of a combination. As a southpaw use a solid right jab mix it up with a double jab at times to set up stepping in with the left hook upstairs. Savage has the tools to put a hurt on Starling. When Savage senses Starling wilting she needs to intensify the offense. If Savage can maintain strong pressure land solid shots she has what it takes to end the fight.
JENNY ‘The TENNESSEE GANGSTER’ SAVAGE – READY FOR WAR
Bare Knuckle fans can anticipate hard exchanges and serious action between these two women. Do not be surprised if the fight produces a brutal bloody battle that ends in a close decision. Such an outcome could very easily develop into a big Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship rematch.
QUEEN MMA Media By: Tommy Vickers (Combat Sports Journalist)
WILLIAMS AND BEGLEY BATTLE TO SPLIT DECISION IN INVICTA FC FLYWEIGHT MATCHUP
KRISTINA “Warhorse” WILLIAMS BATTLES HER WAY TO EXCITING SPLIT DECISION VICTORY AT IFC 54
(October 27, 2023) BOSTON – On October 27, 2023 at Invicta Fighting Championships 54 Kristina Williams and Dee Begley collided in what was an action packed flyweight matchup. It was a nonstop back and forth war from the start. Kristina Williams used her experience, stamina, and skill to edge out Dee Begley for a close split decision victory. Williams ups her record to (7-4) with the win while Begley falls to (4-3) with the loss.
KRISTINA WILLIAMS vs DEE BEGLEY Play-By-Play Fight Recap Round – One Kristina Williams began round one by taking the center of the cage with Dee Begley working from the outside. The two entangled in a few fast striking exchanges. Begley throwing punches while Williams looking to establish an offensive mix of punches and kicks. Begley circled from the outside looking to figure out a pathway to overcome the reach and height advantage of Williams. Both fighters seemed composed, Begley searching to find a home for her overhand right while Williams attempts to try and push the action by firing glancing head kicks. Williams continued with pressure keeping Begley along the edge of the cage. Begley fired a head kick of her own only to be rewarded with a head kick in return from Williams. Begley continued to work from the outside bursting in with brief combinations. Williams used her kicking game to drive Begley back. Begley bulled in driving Williams to the cage wall. Kristina battled free and brought the action back to the center of the cage. Williams returned back to controlling the fight from the center of the cage with her long range kicking attacks. Williams seemed to be showing confidence. Begley seemed content to circle around the outside looking for the opening. Begley searched for a way to close the distance, looking for a chance to fire heavy punches upstairs. With a little over a minute remaining Begley surprised Williams with a solid front kick to the face. Moments later Begley landed a hard right hand alongside Williams jaw line. As the round closed Begley seemed to gain steam. Begley seemed to have got Williams attention with her punching. Begley managed to hold her position in the center of the cage and shortly after pushed Williams to the cage wall. The two entangle until the bell sounds the end of round one.
Round – Two Williams started round two by taking the center of the cage, a veteran move by Williams. They trade kicks, with Williams landing a hard body kick leaving Begley seemingly hurt. The “Warhorse” closed in looking to unload more offense. Begley recovered and they both circle looking for distance and testing range. The two warriors battle back and forth in the center of the cage. Williams peppered Begley’s legs with low kicks. Begley answered with a clean right cross. The action worked its way to the cage wall. Begley kept Williams back against the cage. They pull apart and bring the fight back to the center of the cage. Begley seemed to be gaining confidence. Begley finds the mark with a thudding right to Williams jaw. Williams fired back with a lunging high kick. Moments later, Williams ripped another deep kick into Begley’s midsection. Once again Begley appeared to be hurt. Williams was unable to capitalize and Begley was able to recover and battle back. They took the fight to the cage wall and wrestled to the ground where Williams managed to work her way in and take Begley’s back. Williams attempted to secure a rear naked choke but ran out of time as round two came to an end.
Round – Three The two met in the center of the cage to begin round three. Begley landed first with a right hand to the side of William’s head. They look for range. Begley landed another right hand. Williams came back with a kick to Begley’s body. Begley bulled forward with a flurry and managed to land a left hand upstairs while driving Williams back to the cage. They clinched along the cage wall. Williams began digging short inside punches to Begley’s head in close. They grappled about for position and ended up back in the center of the cage where Begley was able to pull Williams down to the mat. Begley battled her way into top position on the ground. Begley found herself in the close guard of Williams. Begley tried to position herself to rain down punches from above while Williams used her legs to climb into high guard. Begley stacked Williams from the top. Begley held top position for almost two minutes but was unable to do any real damage. Williams managed to regain her feet with two minutes and ten seconds remaining in the bout. They composed themselves and engaged in the center of the cage. Begley landed a solid looping overhand right then bulldozed Williams back up against the cage. Begley struggled for a single leg takedown. Begley searched for a trip on Williams. Williams showed strong defense. Begley continued to smoother Williams against the cage. Begley kept hunting for a trip takedown. Begley backed away and the two found themselves back in the center of the cage. Williams landed a slapping leg kick along the inside of Begley’s lower left leg. Again Williams landed another lower leg kick. The two exchanged right hands. Williams targeted the lower leg of Begley with another hard kick. Begley came back with a hard right with close to half a minute remaining. Begley missed with a big overhand right but landed a clean follow up head kick to the right side of Williams head. The two traded strikes. Williams unloaded a flurious combination driving Begley back into the cage. Begley clinched in an effort to contain the assault. They separated and moved back to the center of the cage. Williams landed a sharp straight right. Begley attempted to fire a few knees into Williams midsection at the close of the final round.
The judges at cage side scored the bout (29-28) Begley, (29-28) Williams, and (29-28) Williams, giving Kristina “Warhorse” Williams the split decision victory.
Despite the decision from the judges Dee Begley demonstrated she has the grit to hold her own in the Invicta FC flyweight division. The “Warhorse” Williams delivered the hard work and gathered up another win inside the cage.
Queen MMA Media unofficially scored the bout (29-28) in favor of Begley and considered the exciting matchup to be “Fight of the Night” material.
Follow QUEEN MMA Media on FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM Photo Credit – Queen MMA Media
QUEEN MMA Media / By: Tommy Vickers (Combat Sports Journalist)
ANDREA AMARO GETS QUICK FINISH AT IFC 54 BOSTON HILARIE ROSE vs ANDREA AMARO FIGHT RECAP
QUEEN MMA Media / By: T. Vickers
(October 27, 2023) BOSTON – ANDREA AMARO takes the ‘W’ with a strong first round submission in pro strawweight action against Massachusetts veteran Hilarie Rose at Invicta Fighting Championships 54 in Boston.
Hilarie Rose entered the Invicta FC cage to loud cheers from her hometown crowd. She quickly took control of the center of the cage. Both combatants traded some sharp punch exchanges early. Both seemed calm and focused. Rose began opening up with some kicks to the body. At about the 3:50 mark of the first round Rose stepped into a knee that found its spot on the chin. Moments later Amaro landed a sparking right hand that sent Rose to the deck. Rose instantly regained her feet. The momentum seemed to be shifting in Amaro’s favor as she forced the action to the edge of the cage. Amaro held Rose’s back against the cage inflicting foot stomps. Rose managed to spin out from the cage and bring the action back to the center. Rose began putting her punches together. Amaro drove Rose back against the cage once more. Seconds later Amaro brought Rose down to the mat with a trip and battled her way into top position. Rose struggled to scramble out but was unsuccessful. Amaro began to rain down hammer fists and takes control of Rose’s back. Seconds later Amaro sunk in a deep rear naked choke submission with forty-one seconds remaining in round one.
Andrea Amaro moves to (4-2) as a pro with the win while Hilarie Rose drops to (6-7) with the loss.
Follow QUEEN MMA Media on FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM
QUEEN MMA Media / By: Tommy Vickers (Combat Sports Journalist)
RILEY MARTINEZ FINISHES JULIA DORNY IN FIRST ROUND AT IFC 54
QUEEN MMA Media / By: T. Vickers
(October 27, 2023) BOSTON – Invicta Fighting Championships made its east coast debut at the Citizens House of Blues in Boston, Massachusetts. In the second fight of the night Riley Martinez delivered an impressive win versus Julia Dorny in featherweight action at Invicta FC 54. Martinez made a strong impact in her first bout under the Invicta FC promotional banner.
RILEY MARTINEZ found a home for her right hand early unloading hard straight right hands from the opening bell of the first round. The Idaho warrior quickly began imposing a relentless assault of strikes. Before Julia Dorny was able to find her bearings Martinez pushed Dorny against the cage. Moments later Martinez delivered a hard takedown on Dorny. Martinez swiftly took the back of Dorny. After a brief struggle Martinez gained full control from the back of Dorny and began dropping numerous smashing right hands to the side of Dorny’s head. Martinez secured the back once more sinking in the rear choke with crushing success to deliver a tap out submission from Dorny less than two minutes into the fight for the victory.
Riley Martinez produced a dominating win with her first round finish of Julia Dorny, making a loud statement in the Invicta FC 145 division. Martinez raises her pro record to (3-0) while Julia Dorny drops to (2-2).
Follow QUEEN MMA Media on FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM Photo Credit – QUEEN MMA Media
QUEEN MMA Media / By: Tommy Vickers (Combat Sports Journalist)
MARIA DJUKIC USES REACH TO GAIN CONVINCING UNANIMOUS DECISION AT IFC 54
QUEEN MMA Media / By: T. Vickers
(October 27, 2023) BOSTON – Invicta Fighting Championships delivered a full card of excitement at Citizens House of Blues in Boston, Massachusetts. In the first bout of the night MARIA DJUKIC upped her professional MMA record to (3-1) with a decisive unanimous decision victory in bantamweight action over a tough FERNANDA ARAUJO at Invicta FC 54.
DJUKIC vs ARAUJO / ROUND-BY-ROUND RECAP ROUND – ONE The match began as a tactical standup contest with both fighters feeling one another out. Maria Djukic used her reach advantage and jab to set up her striking game early in the fight. Djukic was able to stick and move from the outside. Fernanda Araujo started to find the target toward the end of the round landing some heavy right hands upstairs. Djukic started to focus on attacking Araujo’s lead leg with steady leg kicks. Araujo struggled to close the distance. Djukic used her considerable height and reach advantage to control the round.
ROUND – TWO The standup battle continued into the second round. Djukic continued to land strikes while Araujo continued to find her range. Araujo found her target at about the midway point of the round landing some clean shots upstairs. Djukic used her jab and footwork to continue to control the tempo of the fight. Araujo began looking for the takedown towards the end of the round but found no success.
ROUND – THREE Standup exchanges continued into round three. Djukic stayed in control and began mixing up more kicks in her offense. A still dangerous Araujo attempted to push the pace but was unable to put punches together and ran out of time. The cage side judges scored the bout (30-27) (29-28) (29-28) all in favor of Maria Djukic. Fernanda Araujo falls to (2-4) as a professional inside the cage. Queen MMA Media’s unofficial scorecard had the bout (30-28) in favor of Djukic.
Follow QUEEN MMA Media on FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM QUEEN MMA Media / By: Tommy Vickers (Combat Sports Journalist)
V-Metro Multimedia 