QUEEN MMA Media / Women’s Bare Knuckle Flyweight Rankings (As of May 28, 2023)

Numbers within ( ) designate the number of wins via finish.

Numbers within ( ) designate the number of wins via finish.

QUEEN MMA Media / Women’s Bare Knuckle Strawweight Rankings (As of May 27, 2023)

QUEEN MMA Media
Fighter Focus
By: Thomas Vickers (Combat Sports Journalist)

SKYLER MAVERICK – YOUNG MMA AMATEUR ON THE RISE

Skyler “Havoc” Maverick is a young and upcoming amateur MMA athlete and the younger sister of UFC star Miranda Maverick.  For those of you who know their women’s MMA, you know Miranda Maverick to be a successful and very well accomplished professional MMA fighter in the UFC.  Now another Maverick has decided to jump inside the cage.  The nineteen year old Skyler Maverick fights out of Denver at Easton Training Center and Pound 4 Pond Muay Thai, represents Springfield Fight Club, and trains under the guidance of her sister Miranda.  Skyler Maverick began her amateur MMA career in June of 2022 with a dominating first round victory via rear naked choke over Amber Kinderknecht (0-0) under the promotional banner of Fight Hard MMA.  Skyler gathered up another win in September of 2022 with a one sided second round finish versus Kimberly Morales (0-1) via strikes at Synergy FC 1.  In the Morales fight Skyler demonstrated decent hands in standup exchanges and a determined calmness inside the cage.

In November of 2022 Skyler Maverick won the SFC (Synergy FC) vacant amateur flyweight championship title, a unanimous decision win over an undefeated Anjoli Fard (2-0).  It was a hard fought battle against Anjoli Fard however all three judges scored the fight 30-27 in favor of Maverick.  It was reported after the bout there was a sizable chance the Synergy FC flyweight title would not be awarded to Maverick due to her missing weight.  In March of 2023 Skyler made a run at the Peak Fighting amateur bantamweight championship title and its reigning champion, Shanna Gomez (Aberson) (4-1).  If victorious it would have kept Skyler’s undefeated career intact, however Skyler came out on the short end of a hard fought five round bout. Maverick showed toughness, grit, and heart pushing into championship rounds in what was an extremely exciting fight. Both Maverick and Gomez exchanged big standup combinations throughout all five rounds. It would have been considerably beneficial to Maverick had she got her head off the center line during many of the exchanges. The title bout delivered back and forth action that proved Maverick has a strong chin and a relentless offence. The championship match was a hard test for the young Maverick who in the end gained her first amateur loss by way of unanimous decision. 

Under the guidance and management of her sister Miranda, Skyler has put together a (3-1) record as an amateur.  Skyler is still young and she is still growing as an MMA athlete.  The amateur level is the place to make mistakes, learn, grow, and gain experience.  I look forward to watching Skyler “Havoc” Maverick continue her progress as an amateur, one step at a time.  She is surrounded with experienced and talented people.  She has a strong mindset and the ability to bloom into a very formidable opponent.  Two of Skyler’s amateur fights have come at flyweight (125 lbs) and two at bantamweight (135 lbs).  For many reasons it is common for amateur MMA competitors to move around in weight class.  Such reasons include lack of fight opportunities, a fighter trying to determine which weight class they feel more comfortable in, and so forth.  However it is not completely uncommon for a fighter to simply be able to deliver a solid performance in multiple classes.  As Skyler bounces from bantamweight (135 lbs) to flyweight (125 lbs) it will be interesting to see which weight division she eventually calls home.  I am looking forward to watching the amateur development of Skyler Maverick.  She has the right team behind her and is continuing to put more tools in her fight kit with each bout.

QUEEN MMA Media
By: Thomas Vickers (Combat Sports Journalist) 

LADY WARRIORS SET TO STEAL THE SHOW
KELLY CLAYTON vs KYLIE O’HEARN
PRO BANTAMWEIGHT BOUT / COMBAT FC 3

QUEEN MMA Media

Kylie O’Hearn and Kelly Clayton are set to collide at COMBAT FC 3 in pro bantamweight action.  COMBAT FC has elected to add an outstanding female matchup to their already super stacked February 10, 2023 fight card.

Kelly Clayton fights out of Washington State and will be traveling across the country to go head to head with Kylie O’Hearn.  Clayton produced a quality (6-3) record as an amateur and brings a pro record of (2-2) into the Combat FC cage.

She is riding a two fight winning streak but has not competed in a professional MMA bout in almost two and a half years.  This is a considerable amount of time outside the pro cage. Three of Clayton’s four pro bouts have been at bantamweight (135 LBS). 

The thirty-nine year old Clayton is coming off a giant upset win against a highly touted Hailey Cowan at FLA 91.  She administered a second round finish victory over Cowan and proved she is a bantamweight not to be under estimated. 

Kylie O’Hearn fights out of Massachusetts and is as tough as they come.  She is not afraid to take the hard fights.  O’Hearn produced a (3-1) record as an amateur inside the cage.  She turned pro in August of 2018 and currently carries a (2-2) record as a professional. 

The twenty-five year old O’Hearn is coming off a unanimous decision win against Gabriella Gulfin in April of 2022 at Cage Titans 52.  She is the local fighter and will almost surely have the hometown crowd in her corner.  Three of O’Hearn’s bouts have been at flyweight (125 LBS).  This will be her first time fighting at bantamweight (135 LBS) as a pro.

Both fighters will be making their Combat FC debut.  Hat’s off to COMBAT FC matchmaker for bringing this top shelf female bout to the card.  This is a good looking fight.  Both of these lady warriors are capable of putting the crowd on the edge of their seats with monster sized action.

Kelly Clayton and Kylie O’Hearn bring one hundred percent into the cage every time.  Both are aggressive, strong, and durable.  They are hungry, and both are ready to deliver an outstanding fight.  Fight fans can expect serious electricity mixed with pure fireworks. This fight has fight of the night stamped all over it.

Tommy Vickers (Combat Sports Journalist)

RAWLINGS VS HART (The Rematch)
Who will win?

BRITAIN HART vs ROWDY BEC RAWLINGS
BKFC 26 – June 24, 2022 – Hollywood, FL

The first time these two warriors went head to head was back in August of 2018 at Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 2.  The matchup turned out to be a war that ended in a close split decision going in favor of Bec Rawlings.  Both Britain Hart Beltran and Rowdy Bec Rawlings came to fight in their first meeting and you can bet the bank they will show up ready to do the same in the second go around.

The thirty-three year old ‘Rowdy’ Bec Rawlings has toughness and has proven it over the years.  She always shows up in top shape and is always game to throw hands.  Rawlings is undefeated in bare knuckle boxing with an impressive (3-0) record.  She has real bare knuckle experience and with seventeen professional MMA bouts to her credit she is no stranger to combat sports.  Rawlings brings good footwork and smart movement.  She uses an effective tight high guard defense and knows how to catch the opponents punches with her elbows.  She is an intelligent fighter who knows how to conserve energy.  Rawlings can put together sharp straight punch combinations and is able to unload fast flurries.  She has a strong lead straight right hand and knows how to bust an opponent up.  Bec has a nice jab, acute ring awareness, and a solid presence inside the squared circle.  A possible factor some may consider is the fact that Bec Rawlings’ last bare knuckle bout was back in February of 2019, a unanimous decision victory over Cecilia Flores at BKFC 4.  She has competed twice in MMA with Bellator since her last bare knuckle fight, but it has been over two years from her last bare knuckle matchup.  Do I think this will be a big factor in the rematch?  No.  She may be a little slow coming out of the gate in round one, but I look for her to briskly try and find her comfort zone shortly after.  Look for Rawlings to use her quick hands and straight accurate punching.  If she hurts Hart early I would not be surprised if Rawlings tries to close in furiously in an attempt to end the show.  Bec Rawlings has hand speed that can produce damage.  She knows how to cut the ring off.  She is calm, calculating, and likes to stay in the pocket.  Bec has smooth pivot skills and knows how to follow the target.  Rawlings may want to consider using hard short hooks on the inside and focus on staying one step ahead of Hart.  The biggest factor Rawlings needs to consider is the fact that Britain Hart is not the same opponent she was in the first Rawlings vs Hart fight.  Rawlings had best bring her A-game on fight night or risk getting a big surprise.  With that said I am expecting Rawlings to bring her best.  Rawlings has experience, boxing skills, and fight game needed to win the rematch. If Rawlings can utilize her hand speed, accurate punching, and sharp movement it would seem she has a strong chance of pulling out another decision.  The question remains, will it be greater than the Britain Hart’s noticeable bare knuckle evolution. The thirty-two year old Britain Hart hosts a bare knuckle boxing record of (4-3) and is coming off a hard fought championship title fight unanimous decision loss February 19^th of this year to the current featherweight champion Christine Ferea.  It is important to note that many things have changed from the first Rawlings fight, Hart’s footwork has improved and her bare knuckle fight game has grown considerably.  Hart has proven her grit and toughness time and time again. 

Britain Hart has an aggressive inside game.  She may find success if she can force Rawlings to fight with her back against the ropes.  It may be difficult to counter Rawlings due to her high tight guard and quick straight punching attacks.  If Hart can deliver consistent and accurate well timed heavy swarms I would not be surprised if she puts Rawlings in jeopardy.  It will be important for Hart to push hard and be the aggressor.  If Hart allows Rawlings to control the action she may find herself falling behind and coming up short.  Hart needs to get off first but not with one or two but with controlled waves.  In defense of Rawlings’ straight right hand and one-two combinations Hart needs to be mindful and keep her chin off the line and utilize intelligent head movement.  Do not let Rawlings get comfortable or find her rhythm.  If Hart can bring a relentless offense and a full gas tank I believe she has a real chance of stopping Rawlings.  I feel it will be important to not give Rawlings the time to regroup or reset.  Hart needs to put on the pressure from the start but not get reckless or wild.  Don’t let Rawlings breath.  Hart may have the advantage in the clinch and needs to take the opportunity to work the body hard.  Say hello briefly to the lower ribs, see if the inside uppercut to the chin has a home, and then find that liver and dig it out.  Rawlings backed Hart up for most of their first fight however I do not see that being the outcome in the rematch.  Hart had managed to get Rawlings attention with some big shots during the first fight despite never really being able to fire a good shot with her back foot planted solid along with clean rotation of the hips and shoulders.  I would like to see Hart incorporate that into her arsenal.  Once range is found she needs to use her jab with authority.  Hart may want to consider mixing in a little bicycle action and side to side movement if needed.  Perhaps in an attempt to create angles, or just enough to reset, recover if needed, or just enough to keep Rawlings guessing.  Hart should try and utilize her wide sweeping hooks in an effort to flank the high tight defense of Rawlings.  She needs to watch out for Rawlings elbows as they are not fist friendly.  In my opinion Britain felt Bec’s best punch in their first meeting, a short smashing right hook that dropped Hart hard to the canvas in round four despite referee Dan Miragliotta’s ruling of a slip.  None the less Hart leaped right back up to her feet looking for more.  Hart was not intimidated in the first fight and has gained sizable victories inside the squared circle since.  She has the confidence and the ability to win this rematch.    

This looks to be an exciting rematch.  The first matchup was an extremely entertaining contest and I expect the drama and action of fight 2 to be even greater.  A win by Hart would officially validate her as one of best female bare knucklers in the sport today and could possibly generate a third fight with Rawlings.  A victory by Rawlings would prove the first time around was not a mistake.  A finish by Rawlings would send a loud message to the bare knuckle community and elevate her to a perfect and unmatched (4-0) record. 

By: T. Vickers (Combat Sports Journalist)

QUEEN MMA MEDIA

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ALIBETH “Overtime” MILLIRON READY FOR NEW ENGLAND FIGHTS
On February 12, 2022 Alibeth “Overtime” Milliron will battle Glory “The Fury” Watson in pro strawweight action at New England Fights 46 – Decade of Dominance.  Alibeth “Overtime” Milliron fights out of Michigan and is (2 – 0) as a professional.  She brings a strong well rounded MMA fight game into the cage.  Milliron will be traveling to Portland, Maine to collide with Glory Watson, one of New England’s top female MMA fighters.  Glory Watson is the hometown fighter.  She is a game MMA warrior who hosts a (1-1) pro record and will be looking to gain the win in front of her home fans.   

Alibeth Milliron made her amateur MMA debut back in 2009 and produced a respectable (7 – 3) record in the amateur cage.  She made her professional debut in April of 2018 and has collected both her pro wins via knockout. She has a considerably high level of experience even though she is going into only her third bout as a professional.

Milliron is coming off a big third round knockout victory at King of the Cage in November of 2018 against Tara Graff, a fiery fighter who has seen action under the bright lights of the Bellator cage.  Despite the three plus year layoff from professional MMA competition fight fans can expect Milliron to bring it in full force.

Milliron has a formidable wrestling game and a solid standup game.  She is very capable on the mat or on her feet.  Her experience has brought her composure and presence inside the cage.  She has a tremendous work ethic, rugged endurance, and gives more than 100%.  She works harder, trains harder, and always brings extra to the fight.  With those kinds of attributes it is very easy to understand as to why she carries the nickname “Overtime”.  New England fans are in for some big time action as Alibeth “Overtime” Milliron comes to the Aura in downtown Portland, Maine riding a strong five fight winning streak and looking for number six.

By: T. Vickers (Combat Sports Journalist)

QUEEN MMA MEDIA

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A look into HART vs FEREA (the Rematch)

(Queen MMA Media – Editorial) By: T. Vickers – Combat Sports Journalist

On February 19, 2022 in Hollywood, Florida BRITAIN HART will be looking to even the score against CHRISTINE FEREA in a rematch that many in the bare knuckle community have been waiting for. Queen MMA has watched Britain Hart from day one.  Her boxing background brought her to bare knuckle back in August of 2018.  Hart’s introduction to Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship came against Bec Rawlings, a tough seasoned MMA fighter.  It was Hart’s bare knuckle debut and a fight that most fans believed would be dominated by Rawlings.  Hart battled hard in a fight that many believed she would not survive.  Hart’s determination radiated bright despite falling short to Rawlings in a close split decision.  After the Rawlings fight the fans quickly realized a clear fact, Britain has gigantic ‘heart’.  She demonstrated she possessed real rock solid grit.  The next bare knuckle match for Britain Hart would be against Christine Ferea.  Ferea had already demonstrated she was a serious force to be dealt with in the BKFC squared circle.  The Hart vs Ferea fight would be for the (125 LBS) BKFC Championship title.  Once again Hart was going up against a giant obstacle along with facing the pressures that come with a title fight.  Once again much of the bare knuckle community showered doubts on any chance of a Hart victory.  Hart met the challenge head on but lost due to a cut that provoked a doctor’s stoppage of the bout.  Despite the loss to Ferea from a cut Hart continued to gain fans. 

Fight fans began to see and appreciate the determination Hart brought into every fight.  Like her or hate her, people agreed – she had guts and her skill set was getting growing.  Hart returned to the BKFC squared circle in November of 2020 with a win over a debuting Randine Eckholm only to find herself a few months later up against another MMA veteran who carried a ton of popularity.  This big money MMA star was Paige VanZant.  Once more said experts and fight fans began to count Hart out. They gave her little chance if any of winning.  It was a seemingly odd lead up to the VanZant vs Hart matchup, for whatever reason the BKFC promotion seemed to cater to the newly arrived MMA star and almost completely forget the fact that Britain Hart had been a sizable part of putting BKFC on the map.  It was VanZant’s bare knuckle debut and she was already being considered the promotional favorite. 

Hart has carried an enormous part of the women’s side to BKFC on her back.  She has played a vital role in bringing attention to BKFC and in the eyes of many bare knuckle fans has become the center of the women’s world at BKFC.  At BKFC KunckleMania Hart delivered.  Hart not only held her own against the heavily praised MMA star, she won the fight convincingly.   Hart went on to face Jenny Clausius back in July of 2021 at BKFC 19.  Hart finished Clausius in the third round.  In November of 2021 Hart went up against Pearl Gonzalez, another promotional pick from the MMA world.  Gonzalez had produced an impressive MMA career and was ready to make a loud statement in bare knuckle.  Once again Britain battled her way to a solid unanimous decision win over an opponent who many did not expect her to defeat.  It is impossible to deny Britain Hart the recognition she deserves.  She has continued to improve across the board.  I have watched her get better and better with every challenge.  A win over Christine Ferea would give Hart major league satisfaction.  Once again it would be a classic story of how she overcame enormous odds.  It would send a tremendous message to the bare knuckle fans.  One they would never forget. 

Christine ‘Misfit’ Ferea entered bare knuckle boxing with a Muay Thai background and a three fight run with the MMA promotion Invicta FC.  Ferea debuted in bare knuckle boxing back in October of 2018 at BKFC 3.  Ferea blasted through her first opponent via first round knockout.  She moved on to defeat Britain Hart in their first meeting via doctor stoppage due to cut.  Ferea was fast becoming the leader of the BKFC female pack.  In August of 2019 Ferea ran into Helen Peralta at BKFC 7 in what was in my opinion the most exciting fight BKFC has produced to date.  Ferea came out on the short end of the encounter by way of unanimous decision.  ‘The Misfit’ quickly returned to the squared circle with a crushing KO finish of Calie Cutler at BKFC 12.  She delivered another smashing knockout finish over Calista Silgado at BKFC Fight Night.  Christine is a top notch bare knuckle boxer.  She has improved with each bout inside the squared circle.  Bare knuckle fans understand full well she brings big time heat. 

Christine Ferea’s biggest weapons are her fast hands, excellent footwork, and crisp boxing style.  Ferea has fast hands.  She can put together destructive combinations and unleash brutal flurries.  She has power and knows how to drop it on her opponents.  Ferea is a real force in the bare knuckle world.  She understands movement, distance, and timing.  She is a confident fighter who knows what she is capable of and knows how to deal it out inside the squared circle. 

Britain Hart’s biggest weapons are her determination, her seemingly awkward style, and her relentless offense.  Hart’s determination has shown time and time again.  She is a real warrior who will not back down.  Her punching style and movement can be awkward for opponents to deal with at times.  This has been to her advantage on numerous occasions.  Her continuous desire to push the action and stand in the pocket and trade with anyone has earned her serious respect from the bare knuckle community, if they wish to admit it or not. 

Possible Keys to Victory
Christine Ferea must fight her fight.  She needs to use her speed and movement to control the action.  Get off first.  She needs to back Hart up from the start.  Ferea needs to make Hart respect her early.  Do not get sloppy or careless with over confidence.  Try and stay focused and finish the fight fast and hard.  Ferea needs to overpower Hart with her speed and violent combinations. 

Britain Hart needs to hurt Ferea early.  Work hard on the inside.  Dig deep with bodywork and unload uppercuts on the inside.  Hart needs to smother Ferea’s flurries with strong clinching and high level dirty boxing.  Hart needs to focus on head movement and effectively countering with heavy shots.  Once range is found she needs to use her jab with authority.  Find those odd angles. With the right level of dirty boxing and working a particular target zone the fight could be won the same way she lost the first encounter, via doctor stoppage due to cut.   

Aggressive, fast, and hard offense generally wins the bare knuckle chess game.  Yet this is not always the case.  As in any fight a well executed plan or superior technique can be the answer.  The questions remain can Hart stand up against Ferea’s fast fists of fury?  Will Ferea’s overwhelming offensive attack swallow up Hart or will Hart’s iron determination hold the line.  On the other hand we must also ask ourselves is Ferea taking Hart serious enough?  Will Ferea’s mountain tall confidence produce critical mistakes?  Ferea’s hands are small but fast.  They have been known to injury in the past.  What if Ferea injured one of her hands during the bout?  Will she be able to battle successfully through such a situation?  Ferea is always in top shape and always expanding her skill, but what if she underestimates Hart’s evolution from the last time they fought?    

This looks to be an exciting bare knuckle boxing bout.  It may end fast and furious or it just may push deep into the later rounds.  It would seem Ferea would surely be the expected favorite considering she came out on top in the first fight.  With that said, do not underestimate the grit of Britain Hart. 

By: T. Vickers (Combat Sports Journalist)

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QUEEN MMA Media

Queen MMA Media appreciates the brave, bold, and skillful women of bare knuckle boxing. As usual the female warriors always find their way to the top of the action.

QUEEN MMA Media – Women’s P4P BARE KNUCKLE BOXING RANKINGS as of February 24, 2021

The below rankings where composited by QUEEN MMA Media and are the official women’s bare knuckle boxing rankings of QUEEN MMA Media. These rankings are not regulated by and are not considered to be the official representation of any bare knuckle promotion or organization.

1 CHRISTINE STANLEY 2 – 0 (2 KO)

SHEENA BRANDENBURG      Win KO/TKO Round 1 of 5           135lbs BYB Extreme 3

LATOYA BURTON                    Win KO/TKO Round 2 of 5          145lbs BYB Extreme 2

2 HELEN PERALTA 2 – 0 (1 KO)

M. KAHAUNAELE-STEVENSON Win KO/TKO Round 1 of 5 115lbs BKFC 9

CHRISTINE FEREA Win Unanimous Decision 5 Rounds 126lbs BKFC 7

3 CHRISTINE FEREA 3 – 1 (3 KO)

CALIE CUTLER Win KO/TKO Round 2 of 5 128lbs BKFC 12

HELEN PERALTA Loss Unanimous Decision 5 Rounds 126lbs BKFC 7

BRITAIN HART Win Dr. Stoppage Round 2 of 5 126lbs BKFC 5

JENNIFER TATE Win KO/TKO Round 1 of 5 135lbs BKFC 3

4 BEC RAWLINGS 3 – 0 (1 KO)

CECILIA ULLOA FLORES         Win Unanimous Decision 5 Rounds  120lbs  BKFC 4

BRITAIN HART                         Win Split Decision 5 Rounds               135lbs  BKFC 2

ALMA GARCIA                         Win Dr. Stoppage Round 2 of 5            135lbs            BKFC 1

5 BRITAIN HART 2 – 2 (1 KO)

PAIGE VANZANT                      Win Unanimous Decision 5 Rounds    145lbs  BKFC 15

RANDINE ELKHOLM                Win KO/TKO Round 4 of 5                  BKFC 14

CHRISTINE FEREA                    Loss Dr. Stoppage Round 2 of 5          126lbs  BKFC 5

BEC RAWLINGS                       Loss Split Decision 5 Rounds               135lbs  BKFC 2

6 TAYLOR JENKINS 1 – 0

CHARISA SIGALA                     Win Unanimous Decision 5 Rounds    135lbs BKFC Knucklemania

7 JENNY CLAUSIUS 1 – 0 (1 KO)

SHEENA BRANDENBURG        Win KO/TKO Round 2 of 5      BKFC 15

8 DELANEY BAILEY – OWEN 1 – 0 (1 KO)

SHEENA BRANDENBURG          Win KO/TKO Round 1 of 5     115lbs   BKFC 8

9 PAIGE VANZANT 0 – 1

BRITAIN HART     Loss Unanimous Decision 5 Rounds     145lbs   BKFC Knucklemania

10 SHEENA BRANDENBURG 1 – 3 (1 KO)

JENNY CLAUSIUS                     Loss Dr Stoppage Round 2 of 5     BKFC 15

CHRISTINE STANLEY               Loss KO/TKO Round 1 of 5     135lbs   BYB Extreme 3

DELANEY BAILEY – OWEN      Loss KO/TKO Round 1 of 5     115lbs   BKFC 8

IVANA COLEMAN                     Win KO/TKO Round 2 of 5     125lbs   BKFC 5

11 CECILIA ULLOA FLORES     0 – 1

BEC RAWLINGS     Loss Unanimous Decision 5 Rounds     120lbs   BKFC 4

12 LATOYA BURTON 0 – 1

CHRISTINE STANLEY     Loss  KO/TKO Round 2 of 5   145lbs     BYB Extreme 2

13 CHARISA SIGALA 0 – 1

TAYLOR STARLING JENKINS     Loss Unanimous Decision 5 Rounds     BKFC Knucklemania

14 RANDINE ELKHOLM 0 – 1

BRITAIN HART          Loss KO/TKO Round 4 of 5     BKFC 14

15 ALMA GARCIA 0 – 1

BEC RAWLINGS          Loss Dr. Stoppage Round 2 of 5     135lbs   BKFC 1

16  CALIE CUTLER 0 – 1

CHRISTINE FEREA          Loss KO/TKO Round 2 of 5     128lbs   BKFC 12

17 JENNIFER TATE 0 – 1

CHRISTINE FEREA          Loss KO/TKO Round 1 of 5     135lbs   BKFC 3

18 IVANA COLEMAN 0 – 1

SHEENA BRANDENBURG          Loss KO/TKO Round 2 of 5  125lbs    BKFC 5

19 M. KAHAUNAELE – STEVENSON 0 – 1

HELEN PERALTA          Loss KO/TKO Round 1 of 5                  115lbs   BKFC 9

QUEEN MMA MEDIA

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BRITAIN HART’S HARD WORK AND DEDICATION SHINES BRIGHT

QUEEN MMA Media – BKFC Edition

BRITAIN HART GAINS DECISIVE DECISION WIN OVER PAIGE VANZANT AT BKFC KNUCKLEMANIA

QUEEN MMA Media takes a look at the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships KNUCKLEMANIA main event (Britain Hart versus Paige Vanzant) of February 5, 2021. A sizable amount of hype went into the buildup of this fight and it lived up to every punch.  At the weigh ins the day before the bout an eruption of aggression was released on stage between Hart and Vanzant.  Hart walking up boldly and putting her face into the face of Vanzant.  Vanzant quickly reacting with a choke grab to Hart’s throat followed with a shove.  Loud and heavy words were exchanged, mainly from Hart as BKFC promoter David Feldman struggled to gain control of the situation. News of the pre fight scuffle ran wild across social media as fans began to eagerly anticipate the upcoming fight. 

QUEEN MMA Media – Round-by-Round, punch stats, and unofficial scoring

Before the bell for round one Vanzant seemed relaxed but had the look of being in unchartered waters.  Hart looked focused but had a look that said this could be her biggest challenge.

ROUND – ONE

The first twenty seconds of round one showed Hart pawing with a left jab in what seemed to be an early feeling out process.  Vanzant circled about looking tentative.  At the 1:42 mark of round one they engaged in the center of the circle.  Quickly the action became an inside battle with Hart demonstrating her clinch and strike experience.  Hart drove Vanzant to the ring ropes.  The two grappled and clinched until referee Dan Miragliotta pulled them apart.  Hart and Vanzant returned to the center of the ring and began circling one another with faints, looking for an opportunity.  Both fighters used their footwork and jab measuring for range.  Hart launched an attack landing a solid right hand upstairs but Vanzant pushed back landing a hard combo of her own to the head.  Hart battled back using the jab to push Vanzant backwards but was unable to find the target.  The last ten seconds delivered Vanzant and Hart standing in the middle of the ring searching for openings with Hart landing a hard three punch combination followed with a big right to Vanzant’s jaw.

BRITAIN HART –

Jabs Thrown – 22                      Jabs Landed – 3

Head Punches Thrown – 16      Head Punches Landed – 11

Body Punches Thrown – 9         Body Punches Landed – 9

PAIGE VANZANT –

Jabs Thrown – 5                           Jabs Landed – 1

Head Punches Thrown – 17         Head Punches Landed – 8

Body Punches Thrown – 0            Body Punches Landed – 0

QUEEN MMA Media – Round One Scoring – HART 10 / VANZANT 9

ROUND – TWO

Hart and Vanzant traded jabs at the start, looking and fainting.  Vanzant attacked first alluding Hart’s jabs and landing some clean shots.  Vanzant showed good head movement appearing a little more comfortable inside the squared circle.  The two exchanged blows with Vanzant moving in hard only to be driven back by Hart.  Hart followed Vanzant around the ring.  Near the midway point of the round Hart landed a smashing right hand but Vanzant bulled forward and fired right back.  Both entangled in the middle of the ring.  Hart began driving deep shots to the body of Vanzant.  Hart looked sharp on the inside controlling the clinch and slamming away at Vanzant’s midsection.  Both clinched and traded short shots in close.  Referee Dan Miragliotta separated them with 0:42 seconds remaining in round two.  Hart circled Vanzant with footwork and poked with her left jab.  Hart closed in landing downstairs and up top.  Hart displayed crisp boxing skills finding a home for her straight left.  Hart drove Vanzant’s back towards the ropes with a flurry of rights and lefts at the bell.

BRITAIN HART –

Jabs Thrown – 27                                 Jabs Landed – 10

Head Punches Thrown – 19                 Head Punches Landed – 9

Body Punches Thrown – 12                  Body Punches Landed – 11

PAIGE VANZANT –

Jabs Thrown – 9                                      Jabs Landed – 3

Head Punches Thrown – 21                    Head Punches Landed – 7

Body Punches Thrown – 4                       Body Punches Landed – 2

QUEEN MMA Media – Round Two Scoring – HART 10 / VANZANT 9

ROUND – THREE

Vanzant comes out aggressive pushing Hart back from the opening of the round.  The two begin to land in a heated exchange of head shots.  Vanzant pushes in with a burst of punches.  Hart pushes Vanzant back with body shots and inside hooks.  Vanzant responds by picking up the action landing some hard right hands at about the midpoint of the round.  The two clinch and battle inside.  Hart drives body shots into the ribs of Vanzant but Vanzant does not wilt away and throws right back in reply.  Referee Dan Miragliotta pulls them apart.  Vanzant moves in pushing the action.  Hart launches back landing three heavy punches to the head of Vanzant.  The two warriors stand and trade punches.  Hart presses Vanzant against the ropes and unloads big body work.  The two fighters clinch in the center of the circle with 0:25 seconds remaining in round three.  They swap hard jabs and close the round locked in a clinch. 

BRITAIN HART –

Jabs Thrown – 22                                       Jabs Landed – 7

Head Punches Thrown – 19                       Head Punches Landed – 9

Body Punches Thrown – 12                       Body Punches Landed – 12

PAIGE VANZANT –

Jabs Thrown – 10                                         Jabs Landed – 4

Head Punches Thrown – 26                         Head Punches Landed – 11

Body Punches Thrown – 1                            Body Punches Landed – 1

QUEEN MMA Media – Round Three Scoring – HART 10 / VANZANT 9

ROUND – FOUR

Vanzant comes out the aggressor in round four backing Hart up with a flurry of punches.  Hart charges right back.  Vanzant is beginning to let her hands go.  Perhaps feeling as if she may be behind in points after three rounds.  Vanzant holds her ground and delivers a big right hand before clinching up with Hart at the 1:36 mark of the round.  Vanzant muscles Hart into the ropes before Referee Dan Miragliotta forces a separation.  Back to the center of the squared circle they go.  They trade jabs.  Hart unleashes a hard right uppercut that gets Vanzant’s attention.  Vanzant tries to tangle up with Hart in an effort to stop the punches.  Hart pushes free and moves the action back to the center of the ring.  Vanzant pursues Hart.  Blood streams from Hart’s nose.  Vanzant begins to show movement, shifting up on her toes and circling Hart.  Hart moves in trying to cut off the ring.  Vanzant dances side to side while Hart hunts in pursuit.  Vanzant unloads a fast flurry.  Hart blasts back with a flurry of her own.  Vanzant surges in to clinch in an attempt to stop the barrage.  The two end up locked in a clinch, pushing and pulling one another until referee Dan Miragliotta steps in to divide them.  Vanzant becomes the aggressor moving forward as Hart is backed towards the ropes.  Hart unloads a cracking right hand to Vanzant’s jaw.  Vanzant is game and stands in the pocket ready for more.  Hart lands several more shots upstairs using her reach to get off first just before the bell ends round four.

BRITAIN HART –

Jabs Thrown – 16                                                Jabs Landed – 4

Head Punches Thrown – 13                                Head Punches Landed – 6

Body Punches Thrown – 4                                   Body Punches Landed – 2

PAIGE VANZANT –

Jabs Thrown – 11                                                  Jabs Landed – 3

Head Punches Thrown – 18                                 Head Punches Landed – 6

Body Punches Thrown – 1                                    Body Punches Landed – 1

QUEEN MMA Media – Round Four Scoring – HART 10 / VANZANT 10 (EVEN)

ROUND – FIVE

The final round.  Both fighters look tattered but seemingly ready and eager to continue the action.  The two open the fifth round on their toes and throwing heat.  Both land effective combinations battling back and forth.  Vanzant circles Hart from the outside then bursts forward with a big overhand left off the side of Hart’s head.  The two clinch and Hart continues work on the body.  Hart holds tight while digging solid hooks downstairs.  Vanzant seems to be feeling the body shots from Hart but comes back with a jolting right uppercut and a hard left hook to Hart’s chin.  Hart back peddles.  Vanzant chases Hart to the ropes with one minute remaining in the final round.  Vanzant digs hard body shots into Hart’s midsection and lands combinations up top.  Perhaps feeling she needs a knockout to win Vanzant keeps blasting forward with numerous punches to the head of Hart.  Hart tries to cover up and then fires back.  The two go toe-to-toe with Vanzant seeming to gain the edge in the exchange.  Vanzant begins to turn it on landing a booming three punch combo to Hart’s jaw.  Blood begins to flow heavy from Hart’s mouth.  Vanzant lands a left hook, a right hook, and another left hook.  Hart eats the punches and finds the stamina to answer with a crunching left and a hard right.  The two finish the last twenty second of the bout firing toe-to-toe. 

BRITAIN HART –

Jabs Thrown – 19                                             Jabs Landed – 2

Head Punches Thrown – 26                             Head Punches Landed – 11

Body Punches Thrown – 28                              Body Punches Landed – 18

PAIGE VANZANT –

Jabs Thrown – 5                                                Jabs Landed – 2

Head Punches Thrown – 45                              Head Punches Landed – 22

Body Punches Thrown – 4                                 Body Punches Landed – 3

QUEEN MMA Media – Round Five Scoring – VANZANT 10 / HART 9

BRITAIN HART – 49     VANZANT – 47

Hart and Vanzant put on an exciting bare knuckle main event that lived up to the hype.  Paige Vanzant proved she is as tough as they come, never once fading from the action, and seemed to begin to turn the tide of the fight halfway through the fourth round.  Bare Knuckle is a different kind of beast and Vanzant showed she has what it takes.  I would not be surprised to see her take this debut experience and return with a vengeance if she elects to continue in the sport of bare knuckle.  Vanzant displayed serious power, good head movement, and did fairly well in the clinch exchanges considering it was her first time in the BKFC circle.  She come up short in the fight but she delivered a tall BKFC debut performance. A quick look at the BKFC rooster and the question becomes – who is next for Vanzant?  Randine Willoughby? Sheena Starr?  Charisa Sigala? Jenny Savage?  Taylor Starling?

Britain Hart came in a slight betting underdog despite being a veteran of bare knuckle and having professional boxing experience.  Once again she delivered a gritty, high octane fight.  Hart displayed spectacular determination and executed an impressive victory.  Hart has been silencing critics from the start of her career.  She continues to overcome challenges while winning the hearts of fans.  Hart’s skills are noticeably improving as she continues to demonstrate how hard work pays off. She gets better every time she steps into the ring.  Her hard work and dedication shined bright against Vanzant. What is next for Britain Hart?  A possible title shot?

By: T. Vickers (MMA – Journalist)

QUEEN MMA MEDIA

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QUEEN MMA Media / Thomas Vickers

“KILLA BEE” SET TO DEBUT AT
BARE KNUCKLE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP – KNUCKLE MANIA

Taylor Starling is no stranger to combat sports. She made her amateur MMA debut back in January of 2015. As an amateur Starling went on to gather up a four fight career; fighting under the established King of the Cage promotions on two occasions, and finishing with a shot at the vacant NLFC (Next Level Fight Club) flyweight championship title. Over the past few years the “Killa Bee” has been collecting a mix of tools to add to her fight game, making her professional kickboxing debut in July of 2019 and her pro boxing debut in October of 2020. Starling made her pro MMA debut in October of 2019 at Road to M-1 USA 3 and has went on to produce a (1-1) pro record with her victory coming by way of first round (TKO) verbal surrender. The twenty-four year old trains out of Modern Warrior in Rock Hill, South Carolina and brings real toughness and a genuine desire to throw hands. On February 5, 2021 Taylor “Killa Bee” Starling will make her appearance in bare knuckle boxing, set to debut on what many believe to be Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship’s most hyped card since its launch back in June of 2018.

Starling has always had a desire to pursue boxing. She is a lady who simply enjoys striking and what a perfect place to find it, Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. With the support of family and friends behind her Starling will be looking to make a big impression come fight night. Starling is set to face Charisa Sigala at KnuckleMania. The thirty-six year old Sigala fights out of California and has produced a solid (4-2) record as a pro in MMA.

Bare Knuckle brings a raw edge to the combat sports world along with a fragrance of yore and the grit of ancient days. It is fast paced and the action is electrifying.  Under the guidance of David Feldman the BKFC promotion and the sport of bare knuckle is growing rapidly in popularity among fight fans.

QUEEN MMA Media caught up with TAYLOR “Killa Bee” STARLING for a quick Q & A

QUEEN MMA Media (T. Vickers) – “I understand you have gained both pro boxing and pro kickboxing experience. I also am guessing you like to strike. With that said what was the main reason you decided to jump into bare knuckle?”

TAYLOR STARLING – “The main reason I decided to jump to bare knuckle is because my fighting style is very knitty, gritty, in your face brawler so BKFC seemed like a match made in heaven for me.”

 QUEEN MMA Media (T. Vickers) – “Sigala, your upcoming opponent seems to like to throw hands as well. It appears you will have perhaps a 3 inch height edge and most likely a noticeable reach advantage against Sigala. Do you feel this will work to your favor?”

TAYLOR STARLING – “I believe it’ll work in my favor because I am very good with my range and I love using it to my advantage.”

QUEEN MMA Media (T. Vickers) – “Is there anything different that you have added to your fight camp for bare knuckle that you normally do not have in your MMA, boxing, or kickboxing fight camp?”

TAYLOR STARLING – “I have done a lot of conditioning on my knuckles and done a lot of different things preparing for the rule set in BKFC and really getting that feel for not having anything on my hands and my approaches with defense and offense.”

Bare Knuckle is not like other combat sports.  Many variables come into play with bare knuckle. Cuts come easy and can quickly end a fight.  The forehead is perhaps the hardest bone in the human body and is several times harder than the fist.  Things can change for a fighter the first time they eat a bare knuckle fist.  Like other sports it is a game of inches and a game of timing.  A bare knuckle fighter must use strategy not just to formulate an attack plan or perfect a full proof defense but take into consideration controlling the power and accuracy of their punches in an effort of preservation.  Both Starling and Sigala will be making their bare knuckle debuts at KnuckleMania.  The outcome may easily be determined by who will not wilt away from the action.  Odds are the fists will fly and the blood will follow.  Expect primetime fury from both Starling and Sigala.  Be prepared for every fight on the KNUCKLE MANIA card to deliver non stop excitement covered in carnage.  A true fight fans dream. 

STARLING vs SIGALA will be part of a colossal card headlined by celebrity UFC star Paige VanZant who has made the transition to make her bare knuckle debut against one of BKFC’s veteran sluggers Britain Hart. The event will be compliant to social distancing guidelines with advanced tickets being $55. For ticket information (1-888-397-0100) online www.rpfundingcenter.com. For more info – www.bareknuckle.tv

By: T. Vickers (MMA – Journalist)

QUEEN MMA MEDIA

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