QUEEN MMA – MEDIA 

LINDSEY VANZANDT vs RENA KUBOTA – The REMATCH

(QUEEN MMA Media) – Lindsey VanZandt (7 – 2) and Rena Kubota (9 – 3) first collided in June of 2019 at Bellator 222 under the lights at Madison Square Garden.  The bout began with exciting stand up exchanges and ended with VanZandt taking control on the ground and putting Kubota asleep via choke.  All by the 4:04 mark of round one.  On December 31, 2019 VanZandt will travel to the other side of the world to face Kubota once more, however this time in her own backyard (Japan).

Tommy Vickers of QUEEN MMA Media got the pleasure and opportunity to chat with top atomweight Lindsey “Damsel” VanZandt leading into her upcoming MMA rematch with Japan shoot boxing sensation Rena Kubota.

Tommy V. (QUEEN MMA Media) – “In your first bout with Rena you gained an amazing victory via choke in the first round. Big congrats to you! How did the win feel?  And to top it off it was at MSG.  Most fighters can only dream of getting the opportunity to fight at Madison Square Garden, Congrats to you.”

​Lindsey VanZandt – “Getting my hand raised in the middle of MSG was a feeling words can’t do justice. Beating one of the best fighters from Japan, and getting recognized as one of the top 25 professional Atomweight’s in the world felt right. I knew going into that fight with Rena, the only ones who believed I was walking away the winner was my coaches, my family and my management. Sean Rockwell (Manager – Prime Elite Management) even predicted I would finish her in the first via submission.“

Tommy V. (QUEEN MMA Media) – “How did it feel to rumble in a venue that has become a sports icon?”

​Lindsey VanZandt – “MSG is historical for so many reasons, and to be able to compete there, with over 100 of my friends and family there, was absolutely magical.“

Tommy V. (QUEEN MMA Media) – “How are you feeling going into this fight?”​

Lindsey VanZandt – “I feel great! I have enhanced my Muay Thai thanks to Stockade Muay Thai; I have improved my Jiu Jitsu under Brian McGlaughlin and Precision MMA; My strength is at its peak thanks to Kings of Fitness. I am more ready then I ever have been.“

Tommy V. (QUEEN MMA Media) – “How do you feel about fighting for Rizin?” ​

Lindsey VanZandt – “Given the opportunity to fight in Japan and for Rizin is a surreal feeling. Some of the biggest names in the industry have fought in Japan. I grow up on older UFC and Pride VHS videos, and now I get to be a part of this legacy. The staff at Rizin has been nothing but welcoming, professional and cooperative as we prepare for this trip. Additionally, it was Shannon Knapp and Invicta FC that helped my manager setting this all up and giving their blessing for me to take this huge opportunity.“

Tommy V. (QUEEN MMA Media) – “Are you excited about going to Japan?​”

Lindsey VanZandt – “100% This will be the first time I have ever traveled internationally, and I get to go with two (2) of my coaches who are also great friends.“

Tommy V. (QUEEN MMA Media) – “It is my understanding that Rena considered the outcome of the first fight to be a fluke.  Is this the reason you agreed to the rematch?”

​Lindsey VanZandt – “My management, coaches and I all agree that Rena does not deserve a rematch, however being able to go to Japan and beat her convincingly (again) in her ring and in front of her fans will be nice. Her and her camp feeling this way is frustrating, but I am ready to make a statement. Sometimes you need to admit to yourself that you lost and just try and get better. Its stupid to lie to yourself.”

Tommy V. – “Some people may say because you won the fight the first time around you have very little to gain and more to lose a second time around.  How do you see it?”

Lindsey VanZandt – “It is true, there is more risk than reward for this rematch. With that said, this fight will bring my name and face to a whole new audience… as well as quiet the doubters who want to use, “the cage”, “jet lag”, etc. as an excuse.“

Tommy V. – “I have followed your career from your early amateur days. With a black belt tae kwon do background you have always had good striking. Today your striking in my opinion has evolved to become extremely good. Timing, movement, footwork, range, angles it all seems to be coming together for you.  I consider Rena to be a highly intelligent striker. Going into your first match up with Rena I was interested in the striking match up and how the stand up would play out. I figured you would start out early and test the stand up against Rena and then if needed or if the opportunity came up you would take it to the ground. This seems to be the way it played out in your first encounter.  Is this how you see it?” ​

Lindsey VanZandt – “I think Rena is a very dangerous opponent, especially in her striking, however, I feel I got the best of the stand up in the first bout and plan on showing my KO power in this fight.”

Tommy V. – “Did the first fight against Rena at MSG go as you had planned?” ​

Lindsey VanZandt – “Yes. Everything my coaches and manager put together in the plans went how it was written. It could not have gone more perfect.”

Tommy V. – “You delivered a strong first round finish the first time around.  Do you feel she may have taken you lightly in the first match up?”

Lindsey VanZandt – “​I am not sure if she was taking me lightly or not; I think what happened was her weakness got exposed.”

Tommy V. – “Do you feel she may have perhaps neglected doing her homework on you before the bout?”

Lindsey VanZandt – “No. I am sure as a professional, she and her team did all the homework they could. Last New Year’s Eve I was offered a fight in Japan against her and her team turned it down. Maybe she came in over confident.”

Tommy V. – “I noticed two things in the first fight and both Rena and you may disagree. The first thing I noticed was she may have surprised you a little with her accuracy and hand speed in the stand up exchanges. The second thing I noticed was she seemed surprised by your physical strength when entangled or grappling.  Is this something you noticed? Or did you see it different?”

​Lindsey VanZandt – “I wouldn’t say surprised, but she does have fast hands. Idk if she was surprised or didn’t know how to handle it. I work really hard at Kings of Fitness with my strength and conditioning coaches.”

Tommy V. – “In your first bout versus Rena you both exchanged some brief stand up striking moments early before the action went to the ground. If I may be forward with you it looked as if she may have clipped you with a right hand shot which got your attention and moved you towards seeking a take down.  Would you agree or disagree? Why?”

Lindsey VanZandt – “She did clip me with a nice cross, but that’s really it. I stuck to the game plan. Why wouldn’t I take the fight where I have an advantage?“

Tommy V. – “Were you surprised with Rena’s stand up game? Or was it pretty much what you expected?”

Lindsey VanZandt – “​I wasn’t surprised at all. I knew going into the fight that Rena is a skilled and decorated striker.”

Tommy V. – “I think you fought a smart fight the first time. I think you saw the moment, nailed it, and closed the show. You were ruthless with your efforts to secure the choke. You saw your moment and simply refused to let it slip away. It was a big win for you.  It was Rena’s first time in a cage. In my opinion I think the cage played a noticeable part in her loss.  I may be incorrect with this view and Rena and yourself may or may not agree with me, but it appeared she had little experience fighting with her back flat against a cage.  It would seem logical for her to have taken into consideration the cage and perhaps trained with a cage to prepare.  This I am not sure about.  However I do think she quickly realized her movement options had been noticeably reduced compared to the ring ropes she is accustomed to. The ropes and the cage are two very different monsters, as most fighters will agree who have had the opportunity to have experienced both. I believe Rena may not have considered the impact of the cage and how it would affect her skill set and defensive strategy.  Would you agree? Or do you see it differently and how so?”

Lindsey VanZandt – “​I don’t believe the cage played a significant advantage. I secured takedowns without the cage assistance. I also think it will be easier in a ring.”

Tommy V. – “The rematch in Japan may or may not be different. Had you pinned Rena against Rizin ring ropes the first time rather then a cage the motion of the action may have progressed in a different direction.  Fighters can push or bull an opponent and get the strong support of the cage to re-enforce their control over their opponent. The control factor is considerably weakened when holding an opponent against ring ropes. I understand you gained your final take down with Rena’s back free from the cage. There is no question your ability to scramble for position is most credible, yet it seemed to some people her game plan and focus was already shaken by the early engagements against the cage.  Have you taken into consideration how the ropes of the Rizin ring will affect your game plan? Or is this something you feel will not be a factor?” ​

Lindsey VanZandt – “I think everything is a factor, the ropes, the ring, the allowance to through knees and kicks to the head of a downed opponent. However, even with those factors in play, my game plan has been and is being developed with them in mind. I am not concerned even a little.”

Tommy V. – Do you have experience fighting in a ring with ring ropes?

Lindsey VanZandt – “I have experience in a Muay Thai stand point, and we have been training in a ring only leading up to this fight.”

Tommy V. – “And do you see it possibly forcing you into more standup exchanges?”

Lindsey VanZandt – “​I do not think the ring and the ropes will affect my game plan at all. I am excited to exchange in the standup and show my evolution as a complete MMA fighter.“

Tommy V. – “Rizin is a different jungle with different rules. Head and face stomps, knees to the head while on the ground, ring corners, and several other things are all fair game at Rizin.  Do you see this being a factor in the rematch?”

Lindsey VanZandt – “​I don’t know if these will be a factor or not, but I hope so. Being allowed to legally soccer kick is something I have always wanted… and now I am able to. It also opens up a lot of offense in which you would normally be scared because an accidental illegal fault.”

Tommy V. – “In your first bout with Rena she began implementing her standard attack mode, moving forward, backing her opponent up, and landing surprisingly quick strikes. Some may feel and I agree, a key to beating Rena is forcing her to fight while backing up. Few have been able to do this. Or perhaps set up a perfect strike. Her other weakness, some may feel, is being forced to fight on the ground. I believe you have a sizable edge if the battle goes to the ground as you proved in the first encounter.  How do you see the match up if it goes to the ground?”

Lindsey VanZandt – “To most people’s surprise to know, Rena has a good submission game. However, if this fight goes to the ground, I WILL FINISH HER.”

Tommy V. – “You did manage to land some clean shots in the early part of round one, how would you evaluate and grade your stand up in the first fight against Rena?”

Lindsey VanZandt – “​If I had to grade myself, I would give it a B-, I am the toughest critic on myself, but I think I was able to implement my plan from the opening bell, to when she passed out. Also, staying calm and confident in such a big arena. All thanks to my mental coach Rob Dawson with Mind Sport Consulting.”

Tommy V. – “You are a confident and determined fighter and I know you enjoy stand up action. I am sure you will be gunning for a KO. Often fighters can get caught up into seeking the stand up battle and forget or willingly ignore the ground game in an effort to show the world they can out strike a striker. You have become a smart fighter and have shown on numerous occasions your alertness and ability to find the weak link in an opponent.  Are you going to take the win when it shows itself? Or do you see yourself looking to try and win a striking battle?”

​Lindsey VanZandt – “I plan on taking the fight and win however it goes. I am not looking for a submission, I am not looking for a KO, I believe they come and I will get the finish.”

Tommy V. – “What can the fans expect to see from you in the rematch​?”

Lindsey VanZandt – “FIRE… There will NOT be a judge’s decision in this fight, there will be a finish.“

Tommy V. – “How do you see the fight playing out?”

​Lindsey VanZandt – “I see this fight going similar as to the first fight, I will dictate where this fight goes, when it goes there and how it gets there. I see me standing in the middle of the Rizin ring getting my hand raised and gaining the respect of the entire crowd.”

There is no question VanZandt is confident and ready to put on a show in front of the large Saitama Super Arena crowd.  This is going to be an exciting fight.  Lindsey VanZandt is an amazing fighter and in my opinion has proven herself to be one of the top atomweights in the pro MMA fight game.

By: T. Vickers (MMA – Journalist)

QUEEN MMA MEDIA

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QUEEN MMA MEDIA ANNOUNCES TOP NOMINEES

QUEEN MMA ANNOUNCES NOMINEES FOR 2019

PROFESSIONAL ATHLETE OF THE YEAR AWARD

This will be QUEEN MMA MEDIA’S third annual Professional Athlete of the Year award.  In 2017 Lindsey VanZandt was selected professional of the year.  In 2018 Kathryn Paprocki was voted professional of the year.  In early November Queen MMA Media began accepting nominations for professional of the year (2019).  We invited our fans and followers to nominate the fighter they felt should be Queen MMA Professional Athlete of the Year (2019).  The deadline for nominations was December 1, 2019.  Queen MMA is proud to present the 2019 Professional Athlete of the Year Nominees.

Queen MMA Media received sixteen nominees for the Professional of the Year award this year.  This list was narrowed down to those who received the most nominations.  Included with the nominees name is a brief quote taken from one of the nominations sent in.  The official top ten nominees for Queen MMA Media Professional of the Year (2019) are as follows:

OLIVIA “Phoenix” PARKER – Liv fights out of Tennessee and trains under Knoxville Martial Arts Academy.  The thirty-seven year old lightweight produced an undefeated (5-0) amateur career.  She turned pro in 2019 and has generated a (3-0) record winning all three of her professional bouts.

“I nominate Liv Parker.  Her story of victory is a huge inspiration to many folks.  A wife, a mother of two kids, a school teacher, a track coach, and still managed to compile an (5-0) amateur record and a (3-0) pro record.”

LEAH “The Curse” McCOURT – Leah fights out of Northern Ireland and trains under Straight Blast Gym Charlestown.  She went (2-0) in 2019 with both victories coming by way of first round finish under the Bellator promotional banner.  The twenty-seven year old featherweight is fast developing into a top level professional.

“We love Leah.  She has made us so proud.  She deserves your award.  She deserves the best.”

MARISA “Spider Monkey” BELENCHIA – Marisa fights out of Connecticut and trains under Ultimate MMA CT.  Marisa had a productive 2019, capturing multiple victories as an atomweight in MMA and gaining a win in the sport of boxing.  She is a well rounded fighter with a ton of grit.

“Marisa is a fighter.  She is as tough as it gets.  Marisa always brings it.  I nominate Marisa for you pro award.”

“Hurricane” HOPE CHASE – Hope fights out of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and trains under Indio Dojo and White Viper Martial Arts.  The twenty-one year old went (2-0) in 2019 finishing both victories in the first round.

“Hope is unbelievable.  She is going to be in the UFC someday!  I nominate Hope Chase for professional of the year.”

HILARIE ROSE – Hilarie fights out of Massachusetts.  She is on a four fight winning streak and went (2-0) in 2019.  Hilarie has fought all of her pro bouts under the CES promotional banner and continues to evolve in a positive direction as a professional.

“I would like to nominate Hilarie Rose for professional athlete of the year.  She has won her last four fights plus she gives so much to others in the sport.  Thank you Queen MMA for what you have done to help women’s MMA.”

JENNY SAVAGE – Jenny fights out of Tennessee and is riding a two fight winning streak in 2019.  She is a fierce pro level competitor who always gives one hundred percent.

“I nominate Jenny!  She fights the hardest and looks the hottest.  Her fights are always the most exciting.”

KATIE “Maquina Asesina” PEREZ – Katie fights out of North Carolina and trains under Team Phoenix.  She climbed to the top of the amateurs with a solid (4-1) record before turning professional in November of 2019.  Look for this twenty-six year old atomweight to continue sharpening her skills into 2020.  Katie is a promising new professional.

“I seen her win the Ogitchidaa Fight Promotion (OFP) Atomweight title.  I have been a fan ever since.  She is one tough girl.  I nominate Katie!”

GENIA GOODIN – Genia fights out of Kentucky.  She compiled an amazing (8-0) record as an amateur.  In June of 2019 she gained her professional debut victory under the Invicta Fighting Championship promotional banner.  Genia is an outstanding strawweight who many believe will have a spectacular pro career.

“Genia Goodin!  She was the best strawweight in the amateurs and she will be the best in the pros.”

“All Hail” HAILEY COWAN – Hailey fights out of Texas.  She went (2-0) in 2019 and is riding a four fight win streak.  Hailey has spent her professional career under the Legacy Fighting Alliance promotional banner and is fast becoming a name among flyweights.

“Hailey has proven herself at LFA.  The crowd loves her.  Hailey is a great flyweight.  I nominate Hailey Cowan for the Queen MMA pro award.”

JILLIAN “LionHeart” DeCOURSEY – Jillian fights out of Queens, New York and is always a game opponent.  She is a top quality professional atomweight who has experienced the ups and downs of the pros.  Her desire to never quit continues to shine bright.  In November of 2019 Jillian gained a convincing victory putting her back on the road to the top of the mountain.

“I have known Jillian for a long time.  I know a lot of female fighters and Jillian has the heart of a lion just like her nickname says.  Put Jillian DeCoursey down as a nominee.”  

Queen MMA Media extends a BIG congratulations to the nominees! Keep your eyes open for these ten Professional Athlete of the Year (2019) nominees as they will be posted on the QUEEN MMA MEDIA facebook page for open voting to determine Professional Athlete of the Year 2019 – very soon!

QUEEN MMA MEDIA

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QUEEN MMA MEDIA ANNOUNCES TOP NOMINEES

QUEEN MMA ANNOUNCES NOMINEES FOR 2019

AMATEUR ATHLETE OF THE YEAR AWARD

This will be QUEEN MMA MEDIA’S third annual Amateur Athlete of the Year award.  In 2017 Helen Peralta was selected amateur of the year.  In 2018 Andrea Howland was voted amateur of the year.  In early November Queen MMA Media began accepting nominations for amateur of the year (2019).  We invited our fans and followers to nominate the fighter they felt should be Queen MMA Amateur Athlete of the Year (2019).  The deadline for nominations was December 1, 2019.  Queen MMA is proud to present the 2019 Amateur Athlete of the Year Nominees.

Queen MMA Media received twenty-eight nominees for the Amateur of the Year award this year.  This sizable list was narrowed down to those who received the most nominations.  Included with the nominees name is a brief quote taken from one of the nominations sent in.  The official top eight nominees for Queen MMA Media Amateur of the Year (2019) are as follows:

SAMANTHA SEFF – Samantha “Wolf Queen” Seff fights out of North Carolina and trains under Schell Schock BJJ.  She is an accomplished atomweight mix martial artist who is always striving to be the best she can be.

“I nominate Sam because she is the toughest person I know.  Her dedication speaks for itself.”

GLORY WATSON – Glory “The Fury” Watson fights out of Maine and trains under Young’s MMA.  Watson produced an extremely positive year in the cage gathering four wins in 2019 as well as the New England Fights Amateur Flyweight Championship Title.  

“I have been beside Glory for her entire eighteen month fight career and you would be hard pressed to find someone with more heart and dedication to this sport than her.”

ALANA DELVA – Alana Delva is out of Florida and has proven herself to be an outstanding combat sports athlete.   She is currently state champion for Pankration MMA under the USFL, National Pankration MMA champion, Panda Cup Pankration MMA champ, 3-time ISKA sport MMA world champion, and the only athlete to earn double gold at the IMMAF world championship in Rome (2019).  All at the age of twelve years old.  

“At a young age Alana has become one of the most talked about and known MMA athletes in the state of Florida.  She has become a positive role model for the youth.”

MEGAN ROSADO – Megan Rosado is a bright bantamweight prospect who fights out of Maine and trains under Evolution Athletix.  She went (4-0) in 2019.

“I would like to nominate Megan Rosado.  She has become one of my favorite New England amateur fighters.  I enjoy watching her get better with every fight.” 

KENDAL HOLOWELL – Kendal Holowell fights out of Arkansas and trains under Without Limits MMA.  She put together an impressive (3-0) record in 2019 against top quality opponents.

“I nominate Kendal Holowell.  She is (6-1) as an amateur.  She went undefeated in 2019 and captured the Pyramid Fights amateur Strawweight title.”

CHELSEA TUCKER – Chelsea Tucker fights out of Maine and trains under First Class Fitness & MMA.  She went (2-0) in 2019.

“I would like to nominate Chelsea for Queen MMA amateur fighter of the year.  I have been following amateur MMA for many years and I have never seen an amateur fighter turn the direction of their career around so dramatically.  In my opinion through commitment and grit Chelsea is becoming a serious MMA fighter.” 

KELSEY HILDAL – Kelsey Hildal fights out of Mississippi and gained five victories during the 2019 year.  In August of 2019 she captured the Premier MMA Championships Amateur Strawweight title via unanimous decision.

“I love watching Kelsey fight.  She trains hard and fights hard.  I nominate Kelsey for the Queen MMA amateur award.”

AMY GOLDING – Amy Golding fights out of New York.  In November of 2019 she won the Cage Wars Amateur Atomweight championship title by way of unanimous decision after taking the fight on extremely short notice. 

“Amy will take any challenge anytime.  She is an amazing athlete who works hard and never quits.  She inspires more people than she realizes.”

Queen MMA Media extends a BIG congratulations to the nominees!  Keep your eyes open for these eight Amateur Athlete of the Year (2019) nominees as they will be posted on the QUEEN MMA MEDIA facebook page for open voting to determine Amateur Athlete of the Year 2019 – very soon!

QUEEN MMA MEDIA

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HOWLAND AND ROSADO SET TO DELIVER HEAVY JOLT OF EXCITEMENT AT NEF 41

QUEEN MMA MEDIA

(October 22, 2019) – New England Fights continues to bring exciting women’s mixed martial arts to New England.  Andrea Howland and Megan Rosado are set to collide November 9, 2019 in bantamweight action at NEF 41 “Collision Course.”  Andrea “Renegade” Howland has a (2-1) record, fights out of Michigan and trains under the guidance of Michigan Top Team.  The “Renegade” does not shy away from a challenge, always looks for the tough fights, and is ready to get busy in the cage.  This will not be Andrea’s first time traveling to Maine as she battled for the NEF amateur bantamweight title back in April of this year against Taylor “T-Storm” Thompson.  Howland came up short in that title fight but will no doubt be looking to get a win under the NEF promotional banner the second time around.  Howland made her amateur debut in April of 2018 and has continued to evolve as a fighter in a positive direction.

Megan Rosado (3-1) is tough, aggressive, and riding a three fight winning streak.  Rosado fights out of Maine and will have the hometown crowd on her side.  She trains under Evolution Athletix in Saco, Maine and made her amateur debut in December of 2018.  Rosado is ready and on a dominating roll having gained her last two victories via finish.

Andrea Howland and Megan Rosado are both growing amateurs who demonstrate dedication to the sport.  Be prepared on November 9, 2019 for these scrappy bantamweights to drop a heavy jolt of thunder into the cage.

T. Vickers of Queen MMA Media was able to catch up with Megan Rosado for a few quick words about her up coming bout against Andrea Howland at NEF 41.

T. VICKERS – “You are riding a three fight win streak and looking good.  Do you feel ready for the match up? and why?”

MEGAN ROSADO – “I feel more then ready.  I have trained hard and am confident coming into the fight.  I have an amazing group of coaches and training partners whom push me through and past my breaking points!  I am incredibly thankful to them all and proud to have them be a huge part in my journey and in my life.”

T. VICKERS – “How is fight camp going so far?”

MEGAN ROSADO – “Fight camp thus far has been great.  I feel stronger and more skillful each and everyday.  We’re less then a month out so now we amp up.”

T. VICKERS – “Pardon my jumping ahead as we all know fighters must and do focus on one fight at a time.  With that said a victory over Howland could very well put you in a position for a possible New England Fights amateur bantamweight championship fight on the horizon.  The current NEF bantamweight champ is Taylor Thompson who captured the vacant belt earlier this year at the Aura in Portland, Maine.  Is that something you are aiming for or would like to see play out if you come up victorious November 9th?”

MEGAN ROSADO – “As far as a title shot, like I say in all my interviews, my coaches handle that portion of my journey and I fully trust them in my climb to the top.”

Megan explained she has her eyes on both the New England Fights bantamweight title and the amateur bantamweight title of another promotion based out of Massachusetts, of which Taylor Thompson holds both bantamweight title belts.

MEGAN ROSADO – “Interestingly enough if it comes down to it I may have to fight her twice unless someone else does it before me.  November 9th will be my fifth fight in a year’s span each time with me improving which is one of my biggest goals.”

T. VICKERS – “What can the NEF fans expect from you on November 9th?”

MEGAN ROSADO – “I’m striving to be a well rounded fighter in the amateur ranks so that when I go pro I can fight so well that I get noticed by the bigger venues quickly and with ease.  I have no doubt that if I keep that focus and train hard enough I will have more than just titles, medals, and trophy’s in my path.  Keep following me and my journey to the top.  We are going places.  Let’s put on a hella of a fight Andrea!!!”

T. Vickers of Queen MMA Media caught up with the Michigan bantamweight Andrea Howland for some quick words about the upcoming fight at NEF 41.

T. VICKERS – “How is fight camp going so far?”

ANDREA HOWLAND – “Fight camp has been a great experience so far.  Life always serves up new challenges and I’ve found participating in a fight camp on top of normal life stress can make you grow and develop more endurance.  You learn to stay positive and focused because there is a mission you’ve accepted.  I am enjoying that process this time around.”

T. VICKERS – “Do you feel you have grown as a fighter coming off your last fight with NEF in Portland back in April of this year?  If so in what ways? How?”

ANDREA HOWLAND – “Every training camp produces growth in a fighter or at least it should.  That’s truly my goal in every camp – to produce a new version of myself not only with technique but also with mental strength and development.  I absolutely believe I have evolved and that’s what makes these next few weeks so exciting.  I am eager to show a more focused and efficient fighter.  A fighter with specific objectives.  We’re going to test my ability to execute and I am grateful.”

T. VICKERS – “This will be your second time traveling to Maine and fighting under the NEF banner.  You gained some NEF fans on your last visit to Portland.  With that said what can the NEF fans expect from you the second time around?”

ANDREA HOWLAND – “Maine was such an awesome experience!  The people were great and in a lot of ways reminded me of my friends and communities back home.  I hope to continue to build a name for myself in that region of the country and put on a show for the fans at the Aura.  I am coming to bring some noise and compete with girls with the same goals in mind.  They are in for a treat I am sure.”

T. VICKERS – “Do you feel ready for November 9th?  Why?”

ANDREA HOWLAND – “I am ready to be tested and therefore I am “ready.”  I am ever evolving and ever improving so the moment of readiness is nearly unidentifiable unless you consider other factors.  To me, the moment I recognize my hunger to get in that cage and fight for my life is the moment where I can honestly acknowledge I am ready to rock.  I am looking forward to November 9th to say the least.”

T. VICKERS – “Please pardon my jumping ahead as we all know fighters must and do focus on one fight at a time.  With that said a victory over Rosado could very well put you in a position for another shot at the NEF amateur bantamweight title.  Currently the NEF bantamweight champion is Taylor “T-Storm” Thompson.  Is that something you would welcome – a rematch title bout against Thompson?  A chance to even the score.”

ANDREA HOWLAND – “In all honesty, I actually developed a bond with Taylor following our fight.  We communicate often and have shown a tremendous amount of support for one another.  I believe she intends to be there in Portland for the match up.  I am grateful to have met her on my martial arts journey as she is an incredible human.  In regards to a rematch, first I will say that I think match ups are hard to determine or fathom when you have another opponent in front of you that deserves all your focus.  However I can understand your intrigue in the concept.  I would honestly prefer a long line of activity in the NEF division before the rematch would make sense.  I want to be part of an organization that wants to embrace and develop female divisions.  In other words, I would only want a rematch for a title if it developed organically and I genuinely earned it.  In the meantime I want to see a division materialize before my eyes and I want to be a part of building it whether the title in on the line or not.”

T. Vickers of Queen MMA Media was able to reach Matt Peterson, owner of New England Fights pertaining to the NEF match up – Megan Rosado versus Andrea Howland and a closer look at the future of the NEF amateur bantamweight title.

T. VICKERS – “Howland is returning to Portland and New England Fights to face Rosado.  It is my understanding Taylor Thompson is the current NEF amateur bantamweight title holder.  Can the NEF fans look forward to the winner of Howland versus Rosado possibly facing Thompson in the not so far future?  A Rosado – Thompson match up if Rosado pulls out the win or perhaps a Howland – Thompson rematch if Howland comes up with the victory?  Both look like excellent fights.”

MATT PETERSON – “Taylor is still the 135 pound champion.  We would have liked to have featured Megan Rosado versus Taylor Thompson for the title on this card, but Taylor is still injured from her last bout and was unable to compete on this card.  It would seem logical that the winner of Rosado vs Howland would face Taylor for the title, but anything can happen and nothing is certain at this point.  We need to see what Taylor’s timeline and plans for return are first – and we need to see how this fight with Andrea and Megan plays out.”

New England Fights has shown a strong commitment to bringing entertaining women’s MMA match ups to the northeast and has produced some of the best female action in New England.  NEF has presented numerous WMMA fights over the years under the leadership of Matt Peterson.  In the past Queen MMA has had the privilege to deliver female match-ups in conjunction with NEF and enjoyed the experience.

The NEF 41 card is fully loaded and will not only serve up the Howland – Rosado bout, but will also include Maine sensation Glory “The Fury” Watson (6-0) versus Cara Greenwell (9-4) for the NEF vacant amateur strawweight title.

By: T. Vickers (MMA – Journalist)

QUEEN MMA MEDIA

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SHOTZIE DORAN vs The MOLOTOV KIDD

SHOTZIE DORAN SET TO UNLOAD AT CAGE WARS 43

On September 13, 2019 Cage Wars and Queen MMA Media presents red hot women’s kickboxing excitement as Shotzie Doran (1-2) meets Pria Sinha (1-3) in a 130 lbs catch-weight match up at Rivers Casino & Resort in Schenectady, New York.

“I’m very fresh to the sport,” – Shotzie Doran.

She may be fresh to the sport but her hunger is growing every day.  Doran took her first kickboxing fight only three months into her training.  She fights out of New York and trains under Victor MMA located in Victor, New York.

“I love every aspect of the sport from training to fighting,” she explained.  Doran feels at home with her training team.  “I consider them my family,” – Shotzie Doran.

Doran trains in kickboxing, boxing, and jiujitsu.  “Honestly I fell into the sport by chance.  I used to train fitness for awhile.  I got really bored with the monotonous everyday same training stuff.”  The day came when Shotzie asked the instructor she was training with to show her a few punches.  Shotzie wanted more.

“I truly found a place where I felt I fit in.  It lit the flame for me,” – Shotzie Doran.

Shotzie Duran has long training days and a deep desire, absorbing every crumb of knowledge along the way.  Doran trains to get better every day.  The New York kickboxer is excited and thankful for the opportunity to make her Cage Wars debut.  Shotzie’s fire is real.  She brings serious intensity with her having gained ‘Fight of the Night’ honors in her last bout.

‘MOLOTOV KIDD’ LOOKING TO MAKE BIG BOOM AT CAGE WARS 43

Pria Sinha fights out of Albany, New York.  She competes in Muay Thai, has a long history of training Muay Thai, and enjoys following the sport of kickboxing.  Pria Sinha also known as ‘the Molotov Kidd’ is expected to have the local crowd in her corner at Cage Wars 43.  She is primed and ready to put on a show for the hometown crowd.

“Getting to do my damn thing in my hometown is awesome,” – Pria Sinha (The Molotov Kidd).

These two lady warriors are eager to rock the Cage Wars fans with hard hitting female kickboxing.

CAGE WARS and QUEEN MMA MEDIA are pleased to showcase Shotzie Doran vs The Molotov Kidd in a 130 lbs catchweight kickboxing bout.  Come and get some of this explosive excitement found only at Cage Wars 43.  A full fight card of war within the cage will be under the spotlights September 13, 2019 at Rivers Casino & Resort, Schenectady, New York. Experience the eruption!

By: T. Vickers (MMA – Journalist)

QUEEN MMA MEDIA

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QUEEN MMA MEDIA

“I’m prepared for anything,” – MEGAN OWEN

Megan Owen fights out of Windsor, Ontario.  The Canadian mixed martial artist is scheduled to face Jonna Wood in a featured strawweight battle at Cage Wars 43 on September 13, 2019.  Owen made her amateur MMA debut in November of 2016 with a dominating round one arm bar submission of Cassandra Hopkins.  She brings a solid (2-2) amateur record into the cage.  Megan is capable of delivering strong striking in stand up engagements.  She trains at Central Combat Sports in Windsor, Ontario.  She appreciates the sport and has great respect for the athletes and the disciplines.  Owen knows how to apply pressure on an opponent and can maintain a vigorous pace.  She is aggressive and possesses excellent scrambling instincts on the ground.  The Cage Wars fans will quickly learn Owen is an exciting ball of fire to watch in action.

Owen will be dropping down from flyweight (125 lbs) to meet Jonna Wood in a strawweight (115 lbs) contest.  Megan explained she generally walks around at 127 lbs between fights.  She admits she feels very comfortable at flyweight.  She has never dropped to strawweight for a match before, but adds she is up for the challenge of 115 lbs.  Being able to transform to neighboring weight classes can often provide a valuable dimension to a fighter’s options and opportunities.

Owen is coming off a win by way of second round arm bar submission of Amanda Labo in March of 2018.  It has been over a year since her last amateur MMA bout.  She has experienced considerable set backs in the cage with injuries and cancelled bouts and is eager to show how she has evolved.  Megan explained that she has been expanding her fight game by traveling to Miami, Florida to get coaching and training at MMA Masters.

Megan believes  she has gained better flow in the cage.  She feels her striking has become crisper and more precise.  She is a positive minded athlete who is prepared to go at it standing or on the ground.  “I consider myself a well rounded fighter,” she explained.  She is looking forward to the fight.  She understands anything can happen in the cage, but is confident things will go in her favor.  Megan is eager to show what she has learned and has acquired in her fight game since her last match back in 2018.  The Canadian warrior works hard and fights hard.  Owen feels ready to put in the work needed to make it to the big stage.

In an effort to deliver explosive, exciting, and entertaining women’s mixed martial arts action Queen MMA Media in conjunction with Cage Wars, New York’s premier amateur MMA promotion is pleased to present Megan Owen versus Jonna Wood in an international strawweight Canada vs America amateur match up.  Do not miss out on this heavy dose of female fury – CAGE WARS 43 September 13, 2019 at Rivers Casino & Resort, Schenectady, New York.

By: T. Vickers (MMA – Journalist)

Photo Credit: Mark Ruddick Photography

QUEEN MMA MEDIA

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“You’re gonna feel something when you watch me fight,” – JONNA WOOD

Jonna Wood will collide with Megan Owen in a strawweight war on September 13, 2019 at Cage Wars 43.  Wood fights out of Waldorf, Maryland and brings a potent mixed martial arts arsenal with her into the cage.

“First time I watched Joanna Jedryejczyk fight I thought to myself ‘I want to do that’ so I started looking for fights,” stated Wood.

Jonna made her amateur debut in September of 2017, a fight she won via first round guillotine choke over Trisha Shay.  The twenty-nine year old Jonna is a caring mother of two children outside the cage and a fierce competitor inside the cage.

“When I’m in there I’m aggressive,” explained Wood.

She is scrappy, durable, and always comes to fight.  The amateurs is a place where fighters develop, advance their skills, and gain valuable experience.  Often an amateur record can be very deceiving on paper.  Despite having a (1-3) record, Jonna is a formidable grappler who wields dangerous jiujitsu.  She is focused and has worked hard the past year evolving and expanding her fight game.  Jonna trains at American Martial Arts Gym and has been practicing jiujitsu for four years.  Since getting her purple belt she has competed for Fight2Win promotion three times and won her most recent match in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Jonna acknowledges that she only got her start four years ago and understands she is still growing in the sport.  She is not shy about her desire to win and is a threatening opponent for most amateur strawweights in the sport.  Fight fans can expect to experience a lot of action when Wood meets Owen at Cage Wars 43.

“You’re gonna feel something when you watch me fight,” explained Wood.  “I’m not a boring person and I’m not a boring fighter so fans will get a show.”

Jonna gains her inspiration from her children and is on a mission to fight for the all professional women’s promotion Invicta Fighting Championships someday.

QUEEN MMA MEDIA in conjunction with Cage Wars is pleased to present Jonna Wood versus Megan Owen.  CAGE WARS 43 – Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady, New York.

“I want to thank God first, then my kids, my Coaches James Hardeman and Tenyeh Dixon, American Martial Arts Gym, my sponsors Life Care Chiropractics and Wellness Center, Hypnotique Ink, Blue Dyer Distillery, Spin Juice House, Vital Hydro Water, Smith A. Auto.” – JONNA WOOD

By: T. Vickers (MMA – Journalist)

QUEEN MMA MEDIA

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QUEEN MMA MEDIA

GLORY WATSON READY TO FIGHT FOR NEW ENGLAND FIGHTS AMATEUR FLYWEIGHT TITLE

Glory Watson is set to battle Caree Hill (4 – 1) on June 22, 2019 in Lewiston, Maine at New England Fights 39 ‘All American’.  She has compiled an undefeated (4 – 0) record as an amateur and has gained the nickname “The Fury”.  Glory Watson fights out of Maine and trains under Young’s MMA.  She is aggressive and has demonstrated heavy hands in the cage.  Two of Watson’s four wins have come by way of submission finish.

GLORY WATSON READY FOR QUEEN MMA Fighting Championships AMATEUR FLYWEIGHT TITLE

Glory made her amateur MMA debut in June of 2018 with a first round finish victory over Chelsea Tucker via arm-bar triangle submission.  One year later Glory “The Fury” Watson is set to fight for the NEF amateur flyweight title and the QUEEN MMA Fighting Championships amateur flyweight title.  The twenty-four year old has put in a lot of hard work in just one short year.  She has become popular on the local level and will have the hometown crowd in her corner.  It is a fighter’s dream to fight for a title in front of the hometown fans and on June 22nd Glory will have the opportunity to fight for two belts.

Photo Credit: Monty Rand Photography (Photo on Left)

QUEEN MMA Media caught up with amateur flyweight Glory Watson before her upcoming title match against Caree Hill.

QUEEN MMA MEDIA – Do you see the upcoming match up against Hill as possibly being the biggest challenge of your amateur career?  If so why?

GLORY WATSON – “This fight is going to be a challenge, but each and every one of my opponents has presented a challenge of their own.  I can’t say if it is going to be more of a challenge than my other fights because I have yet to see what Caree is bringing to the table.  I look forward to seeing her style and analyzing the challenge she will present.”  

QUEEN MMA MEDIA – “How is fight camp going?”

GLORY WATSON – “Fight camp is going very well.  This camp has been my most challenging to date.  We have brought in a team of really great people to help me with different aspects of my fight game.  I have had amazing training partners, a phenomenal coaching staff, and some incredible supporting friends and family.”

QUEEN MMA MEDIA – “Do you see this match up being settled on the feet or on the ground?”

GLORY WATSON – “With a skilled opponent like Caree Hill, there is no telling where the fight is going to go.  The name of the game is being able to read your opponent in the moment and use the skills you have acquired to dictate where the fight will go.  If we stand or hit the ground, there will be an opportunity to grow as a fighter.”

QUEEN MMA MEDIA – “There will be two titles on the line.  How do you think you will feel walking away with two title belts – The NEF amateur flyweight title and the Queen MMA Fighting Championships title?

GLORY WATSON – “Winning two belts would be a great accomplishment, but as a fighter, all I can ask for is a good performance and growth in my sport.  Win or lose, I will showcase what all of my time and energy has been working toward.”

QUEEN MMA MEDIA – “How do you see the fight playing out?”

GLORY WATSON – “It is always hard to know which direction a fight will go.  Each of us step into the cage wanting to be better than we were yesterday.  Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose.  Either way the fight turns I plan to get better every fight!

QUEEN MMA MEDIA

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