After 15 minutes of leg hunting, Alexis Davis finally bagged a “Girl-Rilla” at UFC Fight for the Troops 3.
The 29-year-old Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt utilized her vastly underrated Muay Thai to earn a unanimous decision over top women’s bantamweight contender Liz Carmouche.
From the opening bell, Davis charged forward like a bull, persistent on chopping away at Carmouche’s rear inside leg with kicks. Carmouche, who is known for her strength and aggression, backpedaled most of the fight after being hobbled by Davis’ relentless leg kicks.
Despite being on the receiving end of the brunt of the punishment, Carmouche stood her ground in the pocket and managed to open up a huge gash over Davis’ left eye with an overhand right. But all the color red did was fuel Davis, who continued to push forward like a robot and out-land Carmouche.
At the end of the fight, all three judges scored the fight for Davis.
In this fight, people should really take away the importance of leg kicks. Davis was methodical throughout the bout, ripping away at the inside of Carmouche’s leg. This strategy made it difficult for Carmouche, a power puncher, to generate any real power from her shots.
People are often enamored by punches or kicks to the head, but true devastation comes from taking away the source of a fighter’s power. If you cut at the roots, the tree dies. It was a flawless strategy that helped Davis cruise to victory.
With the win, Davis inches her way closer to a UFC title shot. The win also shows the world the depth of the women’s bantamweight division. Carmouche has only had three fights in the Octagon, but people already look at her as a UFC veteran.
Along with Ronda Rousey, she was the first woman to ever compete in the UFC. There are so many talented women competing at 135 pounds. It’s easy for some of the talent to get lost in the shuffle behind names like Rousey, Miesha Tate, Carmouche, Cat Zingano, Sarah Kaufman and Sara McMann.
With the win, Davis separates herself from the herd and joins the growing list of world class contenders at 135-pounds, which should put a big smile on Rousey’s face.
Things were starting to look stale for the champ.
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