The Super Bowl,The World Series, The Stanley Cup, or in the world we here at WV Fight Sports Radio love GSP VS Anderson Silva. All these things have something in common. Whats that you say well if you love any of these sports you just don't miss the big shows,so if you are a fan of local MMA in KY,VA,OH,or WV You just can't miss the Spartan Fighting Championship 16 Night of Champions this Saturd\ay December 1st. Why you ask because 2 of the best 145 amateurs around are fighting it out for Spartans Featherweight Championship.Do not miss this absolute war in MT.Sterling KY.Spartan put's on a great show and it will be well worth your cash for this fight alone.So be there or just miss out it will be your loss
I Want to Be Like?
by Gina Begley
Edited and revised by Jessamyn Duke and Mable Duke
With my very first experience of cutting weight under my belt, I stood standing in line to weigh in for my first ever kickboxing match. I still had no idea if I would even have an opponent for this particular Muay Thai tournament, which made my state of dehydration less than desirable to say the least. Trying to take my mind off my discomfort, I stood staring at an old newspaper clipping framed on the wall. The article was about a female kick boxer and it listed some of her accomplishments. I read the article with little enthusiasm and can't even recall the specifics of what was written now because I was so preoccupied with wanting to inhale the small jug of strawberry pedialyte I was holding while anxiously waiting for my turn on the scale. My coach, Scott Elliott noticed me looking at the article and came over to ask how I felt. Once assured that I was as fine (as fine as anyone can be after drastically limiting their intake of food and drink for what felt to me by this time like an eternity) he went on to tell me that he had met the woman in the article and that she was a great kick boxer and interesting person. He said if after this fight I found that I loved this sport and wanted to continue, I should take time to find out more about her.
Well, I did in fact decide that I love the sport and I did take time to find out who the article was talking about. The woman was Kathy Long. In her 19 professional kickboxing matches she had experienced only one loss. She's held five world titles and has earned black belts in several styles of martial arts. She's also an accomplished stunt woman and actress. Not only has she had a successful career as an active martial artist, she now owns her own successful school. On top of all of her other accomplishments she's also been awarded several prestigious Hall of Fame recognitions, including the Black Belt Magazines Full Contact Fighter of the Year in 1992 which included candidates both male and female.
Long is a prime example of a woman with a successful career as a martial artist, particularly since she was making her mark in the sport long before it seemed reasonable or popular. It's important in any sport to choose your role models wisely and my coaches have taken the time to follow the sport and point me in the direction of women such as Kathy Long. History teaches us what works and what doesn't, so looking up to and emulating the right people can be invaluable to your own career. Kathy Long has enjoyed a long and successful career and has been an inspiration to women around the world. I feel very fortunate to have discovered her so early in my own martial arts journey.
Long, and has not only continued her training, she has even expanded her martial arts resume to include MMA. Although her first experience in the sport came as a commentator for UFC 1, it wasn't until 2009 that she fought her first professional bout in MMA. Her opponent was Avery Vilche and Long took claimed the victory by unanimous decision. Most athletes in combat sports are ready to call it quits by the time they've reach their late 30’s. Now at the age of 48, Long still feels that desire to put it all on the line and compete. With the rising popularity of females fighting in MMA, several major promotions have started signing females to their ranks and some even exclusively feature female athletes. Hopefully one of these promotions will take notice of Kathy Long's warrior spirit, notable achievements, and continued desire to fight and give her the opportunity to showcase the accumulation of her skills of her remarkable martial arts career.
Invicta FC 3 Coverage
If you missed the Invicta FC 3 card, you missed out!
It started off with the preliminary card and, as the night went on, it certainly didn't disappoint.
It was started off by Ediane Gomes who defeated Katalina Malungahu with a rear naked choke during round 1. It continued with the Tiny Tornado (Tecia Torres) securing a unanimous decision win over Kaiyana Rain after a grueling three rounds. Jessamyn Duke continued the exciting night by submitting her opponent, Marciea Allen, via armbar during the first round. First round finishes were continued with Stephanie Frausto when she finished Amy Davis via guillotine during the first minute. Through a brutal knee to the body, Ashley Cummins lost to Joanne Calderwood in a first round TKO. Topping off the preliminary card, Carla Esparza defeats Lynn Alvarez by TKO (strikes) during the first round.
The excitement continued on through the night with a fantastic main card!
It started off with Julia Budd defeating Danielle West with a series of brutal strikes to the head during the first round. Michelle Waterson continued the show by defeating Lacey Shuckman after 3 rounds in a very close split decision match. Next Cat Zingano protected her undefeated MMA record against Raquel Pennington by submitting her during round 2 by rear naked choke. For the next bout the ladies came into the match with plenty of ring experience but Vanessa Porto came out victorious with a unanimous decision win over Tara Larosa. With another unanimous decision win Barb Honchak went on to defeat Aisling Daly in a match that was full of good footwork and plenty of groundwork. Finally the much anticipated rematch between Leslie Smith and Kaitlin Young was upon us. Both the ladies were looking to finally finish this fight, in the end, Leslie Smith was victorious over Kaitlin Young through a series of strikes to the face. The fight before the title fight always comes with high expectations and both these ladies delivered. Shayna Baszler defeated Sarah D'Alelio by a very quick rear naked choke during the second round.
Finally, the much anticipated title fight. Jessica Penne defeats Naho Sugiyama with a triangle during the second round, making history by becoming the first Invicta Champion!
It was a fantastic night! it was a night full of great fights and great fighters.The females really showcased a lot of talent, skill, technique, and entertainment. In doing so, these talented fighters, gave us a glimpse into the ever changing world of women's MMA.
Article by: Alejandra Lopez
About the Author Alejandra Lopez CO-Host of female MMA segment. Currently in Journalism school, trains out of AFS Academy in Richmond, KY, and is looking to make her MMA debut soon