By: Thomas Vickers (MMA – Journalist)

QUEEN MMA MEDIA 

MELISSA ‘Magic’ KARAGIANIS SET TO FACE SHAWNA ‘Bam Bam’ ORMSBY

WMMA Pro – ATOMWEIGHT SHOWDOWN

(Queen MMA Media) – Melissa ‘Magic’ Karagianis is scheduled to fight Shawna ‘Bam Bam’ Ormsby Saturday October 13, 2018 under the King of the Cage (KOTC) promotional banner, in what is shaping up to be a very exciting Atomweight match up.  Ormsby is a hungry atomweight out of Orlando, Florida with a 1 – 0 pro record.

Karagianis has been involved with martial arts since she was a young child.  She began with tae kwon do then in her early twenties she started to learn muay thai. Melissa competed in muay thai for a few years before deciding that MMA was for her.

 

“I thought that MMA would be well suited for my aggressive style,” Melissa explained.  “Shortly after the transition I got offered my first MMA fight and the rest was history.”

Melissa fights out of Toronto, Canada and host a 3 – 4 record as a professional.  She is a veteran of the King of the Cage promotion with considerable experience in the cage. Karagianis turned pro in 2015, making her pro debut against Andy Nguyen for the Caribbean Ultimate Fist Fighting (CUFF) catchweight (112 lbs) title, with the cage side judges awarding her the title win via a split decision.

Above Photographs – LEFT – Melissa ‘Magic’ Karagianis holding title belt while reigning as the King of the Cage Atomweight champion.  RIGHT – Karagianis dropping fist bombs from above on Andy Nguyen during CUFF title match in 2015.

The thirty year old Karagianis is looking to turn around a tough two fight losing streak.

MMA Journalist Tommy V. of Queen MMA Media caught up with Melissa for a few quick questions.

Tommy V – Winning is always important, however with that said you are coming off back to back losses, how much more important is winning to you in this fight?

Melissa Karagianis – “I always train very hard for my fights and go in there to win.  I’ve been fighting top level competition so I take those fights / losses as huge learning experiences.  I don’t feel any more extra pressure.  I’m going to go into that cage being the best version of myself.”

Tommy V. – You won the King of the Cage Atomweight title against Andy Nguyen in August of 2017 by way of unanimous decision.  You lost the title in your first defense to Jayme Hinshaw in November of 2017.  You are an established veteran in the KOTC promotion.  If you can overcome Ormsby do you see yourself going after the KOTC Atomweight title again?

Melissa Karagianis – “I definitely would love to fight for the KOTC title again.”

Tommy V. – You recently fought under the RIZIN promotional banner where you took a three round decision loss against a reputable and upper caliber opponent Kanna Asakura.  What did you gain during the experience?  Do you feel you will be returning to KOTC an improved fighter?

Melissa Karagianis – “Fighting for RIZIN was one of the most amazing experiences. Fighting the number 6th Atomweight in the world on such a huge platform will allow you to grow as a fighter in so many ways.”

The former KOTC Atomweight champion does not take any opponent lightly.  She is training hard and plans to bring her ‘A’ game and expects Ormsby to do the same. Karagianis will be looking to work her ‘Magic’ inside the cage and walk away with the ‘W’.  The atomweight fight is set to go down in Hanover, Maryland.  (For more information – http://www.kingofthecage.com)

“I guarantee this will be an exciting ding that you won’t want to miss!” finished Melissa Karagianis.

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By: Thomas Vickers (MMA – Journalist)

QUEEN MMA MEDIA

“I am a pressure fighter.  I like to keep moving forward and not give my opponent any time to think,” – VICTORIA “Fury” LEONARDO

(Queen MMA Media) – Victoria “Fury” Leonardo is set to battle Miranda Maverick September 1, 2018 at Invicta FC 31 in Kansas City, Missouri.

Victoria Leonardo is a real deal flyweight prospect.  She began fighting as an amateur in May of 2015 and went on to gain quality experience and produce a 6 – 2 – 1 amateur record.  Victoria is off to an outstanding professional start.  Her most recent fight – a win over Salina Rowland, a highly praised amateur star turned pro at Legacy Fighting Alliance 46.  Her pro debut – a victory by way of rear naked choke submission in the first round against Hailey Cowan at LFA 40.

“A lot of people counted me out in those two fights,” explained Leonardo.  “Especially the first one.  I wasn’t surprised, though I knew I could win both of those fights.“

Victoria believes her stand up is better than what she has demonstrated in her first two pro fights.  Noting how she dealt with a considerable reach disadvantage in both matches.  “I still have a lot I feel like I haven’t shown in the cage but am very capable of doing,” Leonardo continued.

“I am a pressure fighter.  I like to keep moving forward and not give my opponent any time to think,” explained Victoria.

Leonardo fights out of Brent Mason’s Elite Combat Academy located in Shreveport, Louisiana.  Victoria owns and operates Elite Combat Academy alongside her husband Brent Mason who is an accomplished Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner.  Victoria has fought consistently between 125 lbs – 135 lbs both as an amateur and a pro.  “I believe flyweight is the place for me.  It is perfect for the weight I walk at,” explained Victoria.

 

 

VICTORIA ‘Fury’ LEONARDO – “I really pull inspiration from many different fighters and places.  My husband and I are always watching fights with a studious mindset.  He constantly points out things that he thinks I could use or do better at.  I like to look at fighters that have similar builds  and reach as me.  I watch a lot of different fighters from all weight classes looking for things I can use.  For example when I watched the Daniel Cormier – Stipe fight, I was inspired by his dirty boxing knock-out.  When Stipe went for the under hook in the pummel, DC let him so he could collar tie and throw hooks on the other side, which led to the knock-out.  The next time I went to the gym I immediately started training that technique. While I didn’t get the knock-out my last fight, there is a moment in the last half of the third round where I have Salina on the cage and I felt her get that under hook and I collar tied to the head and landed an uppercut and a hook on the other side.  I was really proud when I went back and watched that because its something I got from watching DC and was able to implement the very next time I fought.”

Tommy V. – Do you anticipate Miranda Maverick being your biggest test to date in the cage?

VICTORIA ‘Fury’ LEONARDO – “This is definitely the biggest opportunity to date for me.  In some respects I think Maverick is my biggest test against someone who fights similar to the way I do.  I really haven’t faced a lot of opponents that are grappling minded.  However she isn’t the biggest or strongest opponent I’ve faced and I don’t see her being as technical a striker as my last opponent.“

With each match Leonardo is becoming more and more relaxed.  She is progressing at a strong rate and her fight game continues to evolve.

The twenty-one year old Maverick enters the cage with a 3 – 1 pro record.  She is looking to bounce back from a split decision loss to Brogan Sanchez in July of 2018 at Invicta FC 30.  Maverick fights out of Missouri and has fought all four of her professional bouts under the Invicta FC banner.  She has gained victories over notable fighters such as Gabby Romero and hard charging Kal Schwartz.

This is a great match up.  If you are wondering which of these two warriors will walk away with the ‘W’, the answer is simple the one who wants it the most.  The one with the greatest hunger, and Victoria ‘Fury’ Leonardo is a very hungry fighter.  There is little doubt that this flyweight bout will be hard fought and laced with serious excitement.  Leonardo vs Maverick is just one of many spectacular bouts set for the September 1, 2018 Invicta FC 31 card.  Do not miss this card!

“I’d like to thank the Lord for his many blessings and opportunities he has put in my path.  I would like to thank my amazing sponsors; Mike Tilton’s Plumping, Denny Brown’s Dent repair and Downhome Sausage.  They are more than just sponsors they are big fans of mine too.  My coaches are awesome because they always tell me like it is and are pushing me to get better, especially my husband (heart).

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By: Thomas Vickers (MMA – Journalist)

QUEEN MMA MEDIA

MMA journalist Tommy V. caught up with Shino VanHoose, an exciting atomweight, for a quick one on one interview.  VanHoose has produced a 6 – 5 professional record facing such big names in the sport as Seo Hee Ham, Amber Brown, and Kikuyo Ishikawa.  VanHoose has tremendous experience for a twenty-three year old atomweight having fought under the promotional banners of Jewels, Pancrase, Road FC, Intense Championship Fighting, Real Fighting Championships, Front Street Fights, and Invicta Fighting Championship.

Tommy V – Can you share some of your martial arts combat sports background?

SHINO – “I started out doing jiu jitsu when I was about six or seven years old.  My parents have always been martial arts fans so they threw me and my brothers in at a young age.  As we got older we started finding other martial arts like judo and muay thai.  Before you know it we started putting everything together and our MMA journey began.”

Tommy V – How would you describe yourself as a fighter?

SHINO – “I would describe myself as a risk.  I’m young in the game but I’ve also had a lot of experience for my age.  I think a lot of people sometimes look at me as an easy fight because my record is almost even, but if you really look at those losses they were all to top ranked fighters at the time and I was a teenager for most of those fights with a lot to still learn.  I think I’m finally starting to figure my own fight style out and becoming more and more dangerous.”

Tommy V – What made you decide to become a WMMA fighter?

SHINO – “Like I said earlier, I’ve been doing martial arts since I was a young girl, so being twenty-three now I’ve spent almost seventeen years on the mats and it is what I’ve put the most time into.  So when WMMA started coming up and girls like Gina Carano, Cris Cyborg, Ronda Rousey and Miesha Tate were becoming popular, I knew I owed it to myself and my parents for all the time and money we’ve put into it already to really see how far I can take this.”

Tommy V – You are an amazing athlete.  You turned pro back in 2011 and now at the age of twenty-three years you have compiled twelve pro WMMA fights, what has been the highest moment of your professional career in the cage?  Why?

SHINO – “For me, the highest moment of my pro career was probably my first win in the biggest WMMA promotion in the world.  I turned pro at sixteen back in 2011, that was before Invicta FC was even a promotion.  Once they established Invicta, I knew it was where I wanted to be because I could tell they were going to have the highest female talents.  So when my dream since I was seventeen became reality, and I got my first win in Invicta it became so real to me that I’m actually capable of becoming a champion and making this a career.”

Tommy V – Who has been your toughest opponent to date as a pro?  Why?

SHINO – “This is an interesting question for me because I’ve fought so many top ranked people but it was actually the fight with Jenny Silverio in Florida that made me realize how much I needed to work on my mental game and confidence.  My family had just moved across the world for the military and it was the first camp I had without them telling me what I needed to do, how much I needed to train, what I needed to eat, that I put so much pressure on myself to “Not lose” and forgot to tell myself I was capable of winning.  It was a mentally challenging fight but it helped me realize I needed to grow up and start figuring things out on my own.”

Tommy V – The bout between Alesha Zappitella and you had been cancelled, it was my understanding you had pulled out with a reported injury.  Could you clarify as to why the Invicta FC match up had been scrapped?

SHINO – “I had to pull out of the fight with Alesha because I had suffered a complete ACL tear.  Surgery and physical therapy are the next steps for me to recovery.”

Tommy V – I am guessing you saw the Invicta FC fight between Zappitella and DeCoursey.  Jillian DeCoursey stepping up on short notice to fill in.  Was the outcome of that fight what you expected?

SHINO – “Yes I definitely tuned in for that fight.  I honestly didn’t know how it was going to go but I knew that Alesha was going to be very prepared and DeCoursey was going to be making her work.  It was a great fight.”

Tommy V – You are coming off a big win at Invicta Fighting Championship 25 back in August of 2017 a year ago.  A split decision victory over a then 3 – 0 Alyse Anderson, an extremely challenging and notable opponent who recently just defeated Stephanie Alba.  Were you surprised by Anderson’s win over Alba?  Do you expect considerable cage rust next time you step into the cage?

SHINO – “I knew she was going to be hungry for a win after our fight so I didn’t have doubt she would come out on top.  She definitely looked ready and super happy for her!  How she won with that flying triangle was for sure surprising!  Haha very impressive.  As for ring rust, I don’t think it’ll be there.  I’m trying to take this time to work on myself better than I ever have so I can be physically and mentally the strongest I’ve ever been so I’ll be brand new, like I never left.”

Tommy V – Many in the fight industry feel the Atomweights are growing in talent and number.  I myself am among them.  Atomweights seem to be slowly battling their way on to the main stage.  Do you agree?  Why?  And do you see the UFC creating an Atomweight division in the future?

SHINO – “Oh of course I agree.  It used to be so hard to find opponents and that’s why I’ve fought so many top ranked people at a young age.  There was nobody else!  Now I’m fighting and getting matched up with girls my own age so it’s exciting to be part of that growth.  I also feel like the UFC will have no choice but to bring the Atomweights in.  They’ve already brought so many Atomweights up to the 115 lbs division.  They can’t bring all of us up.  I think finally crowning an Atomweight champion will help with that decision.”

Tommy V – What is on your horizon?  Do you have a fight in the works?

SHINO – “As of now all I’m focusing on is healing up and having a smooth recovery.  You guys will see me back.  Thank you.  I loved those questions!!”

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By: Thomas Vickers (MMA – Journalist)

QUEEN MMA MEDIA

“I have plans in this sport, and I’m preparing to not let anyone get in my way,” – JULIE RUSSELL

(QUEEN MMA MEDIA) – August 15, 2018 –  Julie Russell and Chantel Coates are scheduled to collide in an amateur flyweight battle September 22, 2018 at Kansas City Fighting Alliance 30.

Two amateur champions will meet at KCFA 30.  Julie Russell is the current Ogitchidaa promotion amateur strawweight champion and Chantel Coates is the current Blue Corner promotions amateur bantamweight champion.  The KCFA flyweight battle will not be for a championship despite both fighters holding a title belt in other promotions.

Chantel Coates is coming down from bantamweight 135 lbs for the fight.  Coates fights out of Missouri and brings a 2 – 0 amateur MMA record into the cage.  She is an experienced kick boxer and will be hunting for her third victory.

Julie Russell is going up in weight from strawweight 115 lbs for the bout.  “Going up in weight is awesome because I can eat more,” explained Russell with a laugh.  “But it takes away my size advantage,” she added.  “I’m a big strawweight.“

Julie is 6 – 2 as an amateur mixed martial artist.  She is a fierce competitor who brings the heat with four of her six amateur wins coming by way of KO/TKO.  Her only losses coming to notable WMMA fighter now pro Linsey “Wonder Woman” Williams back in March of 2016 and Miranda Maverick in December of 2015.  Miranda Maverick has gone on to produce an outstanding 3 – 1 professional record under the Invicta Fighting Championship promotional banner.

“Going into the fight I’m training all I can.  Whether it being my regular MMA classes or strength conditioning, or even one on one coaching sessions with my coach.  I love to fight.  MMA is one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself,” explained Julie.  “In that cage is when I feel the most alive.“

“Chantel is a good fighter,” expressed Russell.  “She may have only two MMA fights but she’s had plenty of kick boxing fights.”  Russell believes it will be a good match up and a tough fight.  She feels she has come a long way as a fighter since her last fight as a flyweight.  “I have plans in this sport, and I’m preparing to not let anyone get in my way,” finished Russell.

This flyweight match up looks to be a close competitive war.

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“I am ready for it.  I have no choice, and that’s what makes me dangerous,” – BRITAIN HART

MMA journalist and entrepreneur Thomas Vickers caught up with the attractive and hard hitting BRITAIN HART for a quick interview before her upcoming bare knuckle fight.  Hart is scheduled to face off against tough as iron “Rowdy” BEC RAWLINGS at Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 2 in Biloxi, Mississippi on August 25, 2018.

By: Thomas Vickers (MMA – Journalist)

QUEEN MMA MEDIA

BRITAIN HART  vs  “Rowdy” BEC RAWLINGS

I generally only do media coverage on Woman’s Mixed Martial Arts for Queen MMA Media however this fight grabbed my attention.  What gained my interest even more than the fight was Britain Hart.

Britain Hart will be toeing the line as they say in the sport of bare knuckle against “Rowdy” Bec Rawlings an Australian mixed martial artist and bare knuckle boxer. Rawlings defeated Alma Garcia at the first Bare Knuckle FC event held June 2, 2018. Battered and bloody Alma was unable to answer the bell for round two.  Rawlings is a UFC and Invicta FC veteran who always brings heavy slugging fireworks and a no back down attitude to a fight.

Tommy V. – What made you decide to take the Bare Knuckle 2 fight against Bec Rawlings?

BRITAIN HART – “I was asked about Bare Knuckle and I said I really wanted to focus on just perfecting boxing so I kept it in my back pocket.  I had some new things going on like a fight in New Jersey.”

(On February 6th of 2018 Hart had battled Sacred Downing in a professional boxing match held at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey.)

BRITAIN HART – “Well the opportunity kept presenting itself and was almost like it was a sign and timing was perfect.  I finally decided to take it when I realized who I was and that I would be denying my person the characteristics that make me Britain.”  

Tommy V. – I am guessing that you are aware of your said opponent Bec Rawlings’ experience in MMA as well as her win at Bare Knuckle One.  How do you see yourself matching up?

BRITAIN HART – “I am aware of her and she went two rounds with her opponent and protected the clinch.  Opponent didn’t know what to do.  I do.  We are both aggressive pressure fighters.  Should be exactly what the people want.”  

Tommy V. – It is my understanding you have some boxing experience, can you share in more depth?

BRITAIN HART – “I am a pro boxer.  Currently 2 – 3 but don’t let that fool you.  It’s just experience.  First two were KO’s at 120 lbs.  My manager made me take a third fight that I did not want to on three day notice.  It was at 135 lbs against a world champ and coached and cornered by none the less Roy Jones Jr. I lost in decision.  If I would have trained and have known… the outcome would have been different.  Two weeks later yet again I was made to fight a world champ and at 130 lbs.  I walk around at 125 lbs.  I do not want to make excuses but I had some pretty horrible circumstances at the time that made me go in completely alone and mindset… Well I learned how important a clear and healthy mind means.  Finally my fifth fight was against a very seasoned and amazing amateur.  Sacred Downing was optimal though because she was my weight 122 lbs, at about a month notice.  After numerous cancelled fights and tough time trying to find female fighters I decided I fight for more than a record, life, or money.  I fight to see where I’m at in my own life.  I fight for something bigger than me… to show them anyone can become and overcome anything.  I’ll never do that beating someone who is less or under me.  I will do it by beating someone who is better and above me because to be a champion you have to beat one.”

Tommy V. – What do you think of bare knuckle as an organized sport?  Do you see it becoming popular? And why?

BRITAIN HART – “I think BK fighting is the root of organized sport in America.  As a sport management degree holder I have a strong passion and love for sports.  When the colonists first came to America they organized these fights and it helped set a precedent of what people find common grounds and entertainment in.  I think BK will be the next big thing and look for it to truly grow and dominate the sport entertainment industry.”

Tommy V. – BK is a much different beast then MMA and boxing.  The forehead is perhaps the hardest bone in the human body.  Many hands have been destroyed on such things.  Would you agree bare knuckle is considerably different and are you ready for it?

BRITAIN HART – “I would agree that it’s different to a point.  Damage is damage.  A kick and elbow hurt too.  A street or bar fight usually involves bare fists… but being a strategic fighter is where it’s not different.  You learn to overcome it.  Don’t hit the forehead.  Dually noted.”

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

BRITAIN HART – “I am ready for it.  I have no choice, and that’s what makes me dangerous.  I am a survivor.  A true survivor.  We all fall and get pushed up on ropes, but the choice to rise and overcome it is only one step.  You have to still keep going.  I used to think I have nothing to lose on this fight coming in to fight a well seasoned and known UFC fighter but now it’s been made bigger than me.  Well I have so much to gain, and to prove to the world.  I truly want to change the world for the better.  To show that greatness is in the shape of hard work, equality, and light and love and not in shape of money, social status, and in dark and evil.  I will do more than survive this. And that’s my last statement.”

Britain stands before a challenge the size of a mountain.  I admire her courage and spirit.  She has the grit and can throw a punch.  If she pulls off a victory it would truly be a win heard round the world.

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By: Thomas Vickers (MMA – Journalist)

QUEEN MMA MEDIA

(QUEEN MMA MEDIA) – Samantha Seff and Crystal Van Wyk are set to clash at 864 Fighting Championships Fight V on July 21, 2018 in Greenville, South Carolina.

Samantha “Wolf Queen” Seff

Samantha “Wolf Queen” Seff is an aggressive amateur with a record of 3 – 1.  She has been accumulating experience since entering the amateur cage in August of 2016 where she won her debut by way of first round finish over Nina Goode.  Samantha is coming off a three round unanimous decision win against Carma Radford back in January of 2018.  The “Wolf Queen” trains in kickboxing, muay thai, wrestling, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.  “I come from a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu school run by a world champion,” stated Seff.

Samantha is a purple belt in BJJ and hosts several instructor certifications.  She fights out of North Carolina and has fought under the promotional banners of Virgina Cage FC, XFP, and USFFC.  She describes herself as an aggressive and relentless fighter who is goal driven.

“Fighting has been a lifelong dream,” explained Samantha.  She looks towards her family, teammates, and from deep within for inspiration.  “I am definitely getting better with each progression,” she continued.  Seff is happy with how she has been moving along but is quick to add she will never be satisfied, “There is always room for improvement.”

Seff’s only loss as an amateur came by way of a decision in October of 2017 against Sydney Smith for the then vacant Virginia Cage FC strawweight amateur title belt.

“I have wanted to fight since my early teens,” explained Seff.  “Figured not many people are lucky enough to pursue their dreams so I will chase mine as hard as I can or die trying.  I don’t half ass anything, so I will keep pushing towards the top fully assed and ready to persevere.  I won’t work this hard to come up short or give up on myself.  I owe everyone much more than that,” explained Seff.

Seff plans to turn professional someday.  “I plan on taking on more opponents and challenging myself to improve as a fighter and as a person.  No one said it would be easy, but it will be well worth it,”  she explained.

In close, I asked Samantha if she had any shout outs or thanks she wanted to give. “I couldn’t do it without my school Schell Shock BJJ run by Professor John Schell and under my team Rubao Carioca who I have the utmost respect for, my stand up coach Josh Robinson has propelled my game to the next level by a significant amount, all my teammates who force me to do better everyday, my sponsors Karhn Strength & Conditioning, Kontenders Poker, Pro Jitsu, Clirty Eats, Warrior Wellness Solutions, Jimmy’s Auto, Patterson Enterprises and Cageside & Toro BJJ, lastly and most important is how hard I will work to set an example for my boyfriend’s two kids Jacob and Aaliyah making them proud means the world to me.“

“The Lovely” CRYSTAL VAN WYK 

Crystal Van Wyk fights out of North Carolina and trains in South Carolina.  She has produced an amateur record of 1 – 2 and is coming off a KO/TKO win over Juli Levine in December of 2017.  Van Wyk considers herself to be a well rounded fighter who likes to keep the fight striking.   Crystal had been a qualified group fitness instructor before moving to the United States from South Africa.

“My husband inspired me to do MMA,” explained Van Wyk.  She then asked her husband who was teaching MMA to help her learn.  “I moved to the United States and was not allowed to teach so I went to train at the UFC gym and my husband Hentie Van Wyk trained me up from scratch and that is how it all started.”

“I started my mixed martial arts journey knowing only grappling,” stated Van Wyk.  “I was in an only jiu jitsu school for a long time and competed in several competitions before transitioning to a mixed martial arts school.” Crystal feels she is improving everyday she is in the gym.  “There is so much to learn when you work hard and put time and effort into one thing,” Van Wyk explained.

Crystal Van Wyk believes she has noticed definite growth in her fight game since making the transition over to Modern Warrior, where she currently trains.  “It was the best decision I ever made going to an all MMA school.  Keith Richardson is a very skilled and experienced fighter and coach.  He has taught me so much,” continued Van Wyk. Crystal is not shy in the cage.  She is quick to engage her opponent and a good scrambler on the ground.  Van Wyk is a scrappy adversary who would is capable of being a challenge for any amateur atomweight in the sport.

Van Wyk wants to turn professional in the future when she feels she has gained enough experience.  In close Crystal would like to send a thank you to her coaches Keith Richardson, Duke Reeves and Hentie Van Wyk.  “I would not be where I am if they didn’t believe in me,” Crystal finished.

Fight fans should expect to see a good match up on July 21, 2018 at 864 Fighting Championships between Crystal Van Wyk and Sami Seff.  Both of these amateurs are pushing towards improvement and eager to prove themselves in the cage.

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HANNAH “Queen of Sparta” GOLDY  VS  LISA “Insane” BLAINE

PREMIER FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP 26
FIGHT of the NIGHT: Told in Photographs

QUEEN MMA MEDIA  

(Queen MMA Media) – On June 16, 2018 at the Sheraton Hotel Monarch Place in Springfield, Massachusetts Hannah “Queen of Sparta” Goldy and Lisa “Insane” Blaine matched up in an action packed professional Women’s Mixed Martial Arts flyweight bout in what became the “Fight of the Night” at PREMIER FC 26.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hannah “Queen of Sparta” won an impressive 30-27 30-27 30-25 unanimous decision over a tough Lisa “Insane” Blaine at PREMIER FC 26

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By:  Thomas Vickers (MMA – Journalist)

QUEEN MMA MEDIA

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

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

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

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

 

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By:  Thomas Vickers (MMA – Journalist)

QUEEN MMA MEDIA

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

 

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

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

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

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By: Thomas Vickers (MMA – Journalist)

QUEEN MMA MEDIA

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

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

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

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

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