Tag: Liz Carmouche

The Extremely Important Invicta FC 1 Watching Party

No way I’m not using this picture again.

What up, Potato Nation, it’s your boy ReX13 here at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall in Kansas City, ready to watch some ladies fight. I realize some of you have dirty-ass opinions about women’s MMA, and to you assholes I say this: I think there’s an NBA game on or something. Is the NFL draft still on? How’d my Carolina Panthers do? Actually, don’t answer that, just exit stage left. For the rest of you, let’s party: we got a badass card to watch.

Since the whole thing is streaming for free right here, I’m going to forego an actual play-by-play and just drop observations as the night goes on. I’m also ready to grab snapshots and video of the things you can’t see, so expect butt shots of Natasha Wicks. I’m all for girl power, but I also know what my Nation likes.

One more note: they are trying to disable the media with a light show and deafening dubstep. Pray for me.

Come on in, the show starts at 8pm ET. Until then, feel free to tweet your best #BadPickUpLinesAtInvictaFC at me, because I’m immature.

No way I’m not using this picture again.

What up, Potato Nation, it’s your boy ReX13 here at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall in Kansas City, ready to watch some ladies fight.  I realize some of you have dirty-ass opinions about women’s MMA, and to you assholes I say this: I think there’s an NBA game on or something.  Is the NFL draft still on? How’d my Carolina Panthers do?  Actually, don’t answer that, just exit stage left.  For the rest of you, let’s party: we got a badass card to watch.

Since the whole thing is streaming for free right here, I’m going to forego an actual play-by-play and just drop observations as the night goes on. I’m also ready to grab snapshots and video of the things you can’t see, so expect butt shots of Natasha Wicks.  I’m all for girl power, but I also know what my Nation likes.

One more note:  they are trying to disable the media with a light show and deafening dubstep.  Pray for me.

Come on in, the show starts at 8pm ET.  Until then, feel free to tweet your best #BadPickUpLinesAtInvictaFC at me, because I’m immature.

“Sassy” Cassie Rodish vs Meghan “The Babe” Wright

Getting started with some undercard action at 105 pounds, a class we call “atomweight”.  I think atomweight sounds pretty damn cool.

No glove touch, they mean business.  A few hooks thrown but Rodish wades in for a front headlock and ragdolls Wright to the ground, up against the cage.  It takes all of thirty-sex seconds for Cassie Rodish to secure a guillotine and get the tap.

 Ashley “Smashley” Cummins vs Sofia Bagherdai

Bagherdai was unable to make weight yesterday, and she’s visibly larger and stronger today.  Smashley ain’t care; she’s got my favorite mean mug since ever and she’s got the tenacity of a pit bull.  Bagherdai has reach and strength, but Cummins just doesn’t stop, uh, comin’.  Bagherdai’s accuracy leaves something to be desired, and I have a feeling no one really hits her hard in the gym.  Cummins stays in her face through three, working for takedowns and returning fire with four and five-punch combos.  I’ve got Smashley for all three rounds, but I’m still partially blind and deaf from the light show and club music.  The judges mostly agree with me though:  Cummins takes a unanimous decision.

 Randi Miller vs  “Miss” Mollie Estes

Pay attention, Nation: this is an Olympic athlete making her debut.  Miller has postponed her first match a few times, but she’s here to frate train some local talent.  If she does well, we’ll try to figure out a nickname.

Ok, maybe I sold Estes short — the fight doesn’t end as soon as the fighters clinch.  Estes does a fantastic job of staying on her feet, working short elbows and a series of knees in the clinch.  Meanwhile, Miller tries to finish a takedown, and she looks like she should just roll over her like a tank.  She manages to get the fight to the canvas in the second, but she’s unable to finish Estes, who manages to neutralize much of Miller’s offense until the last thirty seconds of the round.  Miller finishes to round in full mount on Estes, but can’t finish.  Round three starts with two exhausted fighters going on heart.  Estes has turned bright red, and Miller eventually manages to secure the takedown, and rains down some hammerfists.  Estes is wiped out, and the ref has seen enough.  Randi Miller wins her debut at 3:24 of the third via TKO (referee’s stoppage due to strikes).

Sarah “The KO Kid” Maloy vs Michele “Diablita” Gutierrez

These women want to throw leather — from Missouri. (It’s across the river.) Lot of fighting at looooooong range through the first two rounds, while my laptop says “fuckitall” and starts looking up computer porn or something.  I have a 10-10 first and a Maloy second.  Third round is fought a little closer, but mostly they seem hesitant to engage.  They wait for the ten-second warning, then start scrapping.  For reals?  Probably Maloy by a hair, but I think they shouldn’t keep fighting until one of these ladies gets hit.  Judges see it unanimously for Sarah “The KO Kid” Maloy, and I hate the DJ SO HARD.  Music just got stupid loud for no apparent reason, and I’m going to dropkick the speaker array next to press row.

Nicdali “The Night Queen” Rivera-Calanoc vs  Amy “Little Dynamite” Davis

These two took that cute “just a couple of BFFs” weigh-in picture, but they waste no time getting to business.  Davis threatens with a triangle early, but can’t finish.  She’s got some good boxing, but nothing big happens outside of messing up Rivera-Calanoc’s hair.   They continue the grappling contest in the second, and the end starts with Rivera-Calanoc hitting a takedown against the cage.  Davis manages to snare her opponent in a crucifix and throw some punches, loses it, and notices an arm just hanging out there.  With Rivera-Calanoc’s elbows so far from her body, it’s easy work for Davis to get wrist control and torque out for a kimura, getting the tap.  Amy Davis defeats Nicdali Rivera-Calanoc via submission (which the announcer calls a kimura choke — awesome?) at 3:47 of round 2.

“Slick” Sally Krumdiack vs  Sarah “The White Tiger” Schneider

Schneider comes out to a song she wrote and performed herself, so keep your comments to yourself, ALF.  Wow.  Schneider was motivated to fight in her hometwon, and she never gave Krumdiack a chance.  Schneider popped her right off the bat, and pulled guard after a bit of clinchwork in the Krumdiack corner.  Schneider throws a beautiful triangle-armbar combo, and Krumdiack has no choice but to tap.  That is a Tiger not to fuck with.  Sarah “The White Tiger” Schneider defeats “Slick” Sally Krumdiack via submission (armbar) at 3:01 of the first round.

Sarah “The Monster” D’Alelio vs Vanessa Mariscal

Fuck yes Vanessa Mariscal is coming out to “The Shortest Straw”, and while I’m supposed to be neutral, I hope she rips off D’Alelio’s head off and shits down her neck.  Then I change my mind because TOOL YOU GUYS HOLY FUCK THESE CHICKS ARE BADASS.  Insiders think this one will be bananas.  First round is a lot of D’Alelio on Mariscal’s back.  Mariscal, a short-notice injury replacement, stays cool and plays defense, and lasts out the round.  Round two starts with some stand and wang, but D’Alelio gets Mariscal’s back again, looking for a way to put the fight away.  She looks for an RNC, but decides just ground and pound will do.  The ref agrees, apparently, stopping the fight — perhaps a bit early, but Mariscal doesn’t seem too upset with the stoppage.  Sarah “The Monster” D’Alelio defeats Vanessa Mariscal via TKO (referee’s stoppage due to strikes) at 3:19 of round 2.

Kaitlin Young vs Leslie “The Peacemaker” Smith

It’s two rounds of kickboxing so far, and these women are throwing ten-piece combos like they’re KFC.  Yes, i’m getting lazy. Whatever, I wasn’t supposed to be doing a play by play anyway. (five minutes later…) That was three rounds of throwdown, ladies and gentlemen, now somebody tell me how chicks are boring again.  Amazing showing by both fighters.  Wish they could both win, but Kaitlin Young vs Leslie “Peacemaker” Smith is declared a SPLIT DRAW.  I had Smith winning, but I guess I can watch it again to decide later.  What say you, Nation?

Liz “The Girl-Rilla” Carmouche vs Ashleigh Curry

Bell rings, and it looks like Carmouche sticks Curry with a long straight punch before cramming her against the cage and taking her down.  It doesn’t take long for Carmouche to work to mount, and lays down the ground and pound.  Curry is completely lost on the ground, and the ref cuts the fight shortly after.  Liz “The Girl-Rilla” Carmouche defeats Ashleigh Curry via TKO (referee’s stoppage due to strike) at 1:58 of the first round. 

Side note:  Ran into Cris Cyborg during the intermission.  He’s really nice when he’s not roiding his tits off.

Jessica Penne vs Lisa Ellis

This is a fight that should have happened in Bellator, but Zoila Frausto fucked it all up.  Should be good.  Winner here makes a good argument for a top spot at 105.  Penne has skills, but she seems lacking in killer instinct.  She is the only person I’ve seen secure a crucifix from the bottom like that, though.  My god, this back and forth.  As they start the third, it’s an even fight until  Ellis catches a knee on the nose coming out of a clinch, and blood starts pouring like a faucet.  Ellis does her best to fight, but the blood is affecting her vision, plus I bet that hurts like a bitch.  Once Penne gets a superior position, it’s pretty much over.  Jessica Penne defeats Lisa Ellis via TKO (referee’s stoppage due to strikes) at  2:48 of the third round.

Now being announced:  Shayna Baszler vs Sarah McMann at the next Invicta card.  That’s some good matchmaking, kids.

Side note:  I’m ready to burn down this DJ’s house, with her and her cats in it. 

Time for the main event!

Marloes “Rumina” Coenen vs Romy Ruyssen

Coenen is hyped and ready to fight coming into the cage.  These two appear to dislike one another a bit.  They start with a little rangefinding, and clinch against the fence for some knees.  Referee stops the action to dock Ruyssen a point for grabbing the cage (?).  Ruyssen seems angry and willing to scrap, but I’m not seeing her as the high-level competition that Coenen deserves.  I say that, but after three rounds Coenen has been unable to put her opponent away, so what the fuck do I know?  Certainly, Ruyssen’s standup leaves much to be desired.  We’ll go top the judges for a decision:  Marloes “Rumina” Coenen defeats Romy Ruyssen via unanimous decision.  Who’s next for the default 145 champ?

Ok, Nation, I’m off to get some interviews (hopefully) and whatever kind of post-fight presser I can find.   Thanks for coming up, ya’ll, I’ll holler.

[RX]

Notes From the Invicta Weigh-Ins

 I don’t know how you have a staredown with a French accent, but I’m pretty sure Romy Ruyssen (right) is doing it.

So let’s get this out of the way:  I live in Kansas.

No, I don’t know what the hell a jayhawk is.  I’m not actually from here.

Anyways, Invicta Fighting Championships is going down just a short drive away in Kansas City, so I was quick to accept when I was offered a chance to be a member of the fight media for the inaugural Invicta FC card.

There were a few hiccups at the weigh-ins:  for some reason, they did not set up a raised platform for me to set up upon. As a result my pictures and video were of decidedly low quality. (As a recompense, please enjoy a few pictures courtesy of Invicta’s own photographer, Esther Lin.)

 I don’t know how you have a staredown with a French accent, but I’m pretty sure Romy Ruyssen (right) is doing it.

 

So let’s get this out of the way:  I live in Kansas.

No, I don’t know what the hell a jayhawk is.  I’m not actually from here.

Anyways, Invicta Fighting Championships is going down just a short drive away in Kansas City, so I was quick to accept when I was offered a chance to be a member of the fight media for the inaugural Invicta FC card.

There were a few hiccups at the weigh-ins:  for some reason, they did not set up a raised platform for me to set up upon. As a result my pictures and video were of decidedly low quality. (As a recompense, please enjoy a few pictures courtesy of Invicta’s own guest  photographer, Esther Lin.)

 

 

Nicdali Rivera-Calanoc and Amy Davis are going to the death, bro.

 

Four of twenty-two fighters missed weight, despite the emphasis Invicta co-founders Shannon Knapp and Janet Martin have have placed on establishing weight classes and staying away from catchweights.  Notably, Romy Ruyssen had a brutal cut, weighing in first at 150.4 pounds for her featherweight bout with Marloes Coenen.

Randi Miller, an Olympic wrestling medalist making her debut, also missed weight, also coming in five pounds (4.8, whatever) for a 145 pound bout.  For full results, check out my boy Rob Sargent at MMARising.com.

Hopefully, with a little stability in weight classes the women will be able to stop yo-yoing their body weights in order to get fights, and reliably make weight.

 

 

  Liz “The Girl-Rilla” Carmouche vs vs Ashleigh Curry, photobomb by  Manolo Hernandez, coach of Team Hurricane Awesome.  

During the weigh-ins, Hernandez Tweets:

“is watching an all lady Weigh-in Hot?” Yes if you’re the type to get a holocaust boner.

There, now you’re going to Hell, too.

 

 


Now, maybe Sarah “Big Monster” D’Alelio had a calculated makeover to make her appear more likely to sting you with a left jab and punt you in the neck — but it’s kinda working.  

 

Best #BadPickUpLinesAtInvictaFC (so far):

@12ozCurls:  You look really good after you’ve cut all that weight, can I buy you a glass of water?

@Jay_Spaceman: You’ve got great hands. I bet they make a mean sandwich.

 

Looks like a fun night of fights tomorrow.  Make sure you tune-in; I might do something crazy and wind up in the broadcast.

[RX]

Video Hype: Esther Lin Shoots the Ladies of Invicta Fighting Championships

(Props: YouTube.com/allelbows)

Invicta Fighting Championships‘ all-female debut event is going down Saturday night in Kansas City, KS, and our own Doug “Rex13” Richardson will be in attendance, trying his hardest to get kneed in the balls. Check out this video package from Esther Lin/allelbows and get to know the talent that will be competing. It’s awesome to see Kaitlin Young back in action, and every Marloes Coenen fight is required viewing for fans of women’s MMA. The show will also feature Jessica Pene, Liz Carmouche, Lisa Ellis-Ward, and Nicdali Rivera-Calanoc, best known as one-half of the greatest MMA face-off of all time. A live stream of the event will be aired on InvictaFC.com starting tomorrow evening at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT. Be there.


(Props: YouTube.com/allelbows)

Invicta Fighting Championships‘ all-female debut event is going down Saturday night in Kansas City, KS, and our own Doug “Rex13″ Richardson will be in attendance, trying his hardest to get kneed in the balls. Check out this video package from Esther Lin/allelbows and get to know the talent that will be competing. It’s awesome to see Kaitlin Young back in action, and every Marloes Coenen fight is required viewing for fans of women’s MMA. The show will also feature Jessica Pene, Liz Carmouche, Lisa Ellis-Ward, and Nicdali Rivera-Calanoc, best known as one-half of the greatest MMA face-off of all time. A live stream of the event will be aired on InvictaFC.com starting tomorrow evening at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT. Be there.

All-Female Fight League Invicta FC’s Inaugural Event Apr. 28 to Feature Coenen, Carmouche, D’Alelio and Penne


(Date, time and location of ring card boy auditions TBA)

Women’s MMA will have a new home starting on April 28 when Invicta Fighting Championships holds its inaugural event in Kansas City.

The upstart all female fight league, which will be promoted by IFC co-owner and VP Shannon Knapp who has worked for the IFL, UFC and Strikeforce in different capacities including matchmaker and fighter relations, announced the event and its existence on Sunday. A press release sent out by the promotion also stated that it has signed several of the sport’s top female talents (a few of whom are regular CP readers), including Strikeforce standouts Marloes Coenen, Sarah D’Aleo and Liz Carmouche, Dutch submission specialist Romy Ruyssen and former Bellator tournament competitors Jessica Penne and Lisa Ellis-Ward.

“The time has come for a platform dedicated exclusively to building the growing women’s division in our great sport,” said Knapp. “Invicta is committed to increasing the depth of the women’s field and building female superstars by providing women athletes with the opportunity to compete and hone their skills on a consistent basis throughout the year.”

The April show will feature former Strikeforce bantamweight champ, Coenen’s return to featherweight where she will rematch Ruyssen in the main event of the night.


(Date, time and location of ring card boy auditions TBA)

Women’s MMA will have a new home starting on April 28 when Invicta Fighting Championships holds its inaugural event in Kansas City.

The upstart all female fight league, which will be promoted by IFC co-owner and VP Shannon Knapp who has worked for the IFL, UFC and Strikeforce in different capacities including matchmaker and fighter relations, announced the event and its existence on Sunday. A press release sent out by the promotion also stated that it has signed several of the sport’s top female talents (a few of whom are regular CP readers), including Strikeforce standouts Marloes Coenen, Sarah D’Aleo and Liz Carmouche, Dutch submission specialist Romy Ruyssen and former Bellator tournament competitors Jessica Penne and Lisa Ellis-Ward.

“The time has come for a platform dedicated exclusively to building the growing women’s division in our great sport,” said Knapp. “Invicta is committed to increasing the depth of the women’s field and building female superstars by providing women athletes with the opportunity to compete and hone their skills on a consistent basis throughout the year.”

The April show will feature former Strikeforce bantamweight champ, Coenen’s return to featherweight where she will rematch Ruyssen in the main event of the night.

Like several of her Golden Glory stablemates, Coenen found herself unceremoniously dropped by Strikeforce following a disagreement between then-teammate Alistair Overeem and Zuffa. Although the issue has since been cleared up and some of her fellow Golden Glory-affiliated fighters have been re-signed to UFC and Strikeforce deals, “Rumina” was never brought back into the fold of Strikeforce’s stacked female 135-pound class. Instead, the promotion gifted Olympic judo bronze medalist Ronda Rousey with a shot at current bantamweight titleholder Miesha Tate in spite of the fact that she has never competed at 135. It looks like Invicta will have plenty of potential match-ups for Coenen, though, including her bout with Ruyssen, whom she handed the sole loss of her MMA career back in 2008 via rear-naked choke.

“I am honored to headline Invicta’s first fight card and I am looking forward to earning another win over Romy,”Coenen said.

Since the loss to Coenen, the team GDSI fighter has rattled off four first-round submission wins and has been vocal about avenging the blemish on her record.

“My first fight with Marloes is the only loss of my career so far, and I intend to avenge that loss on April 28,” said Ruyssen. “Marloes is a great fighter, but she doesn’t quite have the ground game that I have. I am going to take her down and finish her.”

In the co-main event, Ellis-Ward will drop down to paperweight (105) to meet Penne, while Carmouche will lock horns with D’Alelio in the third-last bout of the evening.

———-

Invicta MMA 1
April 28, 2012
Kansas City, KS

Marloes Coenen vs. Romy Royssen
Jessica Penne vs. Lisa Ellis-Ward
Liz Carmouche vs.Sarah D’Alelio
Nicdali Rivera-Calanoc vs. Amy Davis
Sarah Maloy vs. Michele Gutierrez
Mollie Estes vs. Randi Miller
Ashley Cummins vs. Sofia Bagherdai
Jessica Philippus vs. Meghan Wright

Cage Potato Salute: MMA’s Veterans, In Their Own Words

The Marines, enjoying someone fighting for them for a change. (Photo: MMAOnTap.com)

There is no shortage of military metaphors in the world of MMA. “War Diaz.” “War Penn.” Our athletes don’t just compete, they go to battle. Even that shirt you claim not to own is ‘an expression of combat known worldwide’.

But these are mere words. For a select few of the sport’s elite, the challenges they encounter inside of the cage are nothing compared to the trials they signed up for by enlisting in the armed forces. It turns out the reasons MMA fighters serve their country, and their experiences in the military, are as varied as anyone else’s. As we celebrate Veteran’s Day, check out a quick glimpse of their lives in uniform.

Thanks to the folks at Ranger Up for making their crew available.

The Marines, enjoying someone fighting for them for a change. (Photo: MMAOnTap.com)

There is no shortage of military metaphors in the world of MMA. “War Diaz.” “War Penn.” Our athletes don’t just compete, they go to battle. Even that shirt you claim not to own is ‘an expression of combat known worldwide’.

But these are mere words. For a select few of the sport’s elite, the challenges they encounter inside of the cage are nothing compared to the trials they signed up for by enlisting in the armed forces. It turns out the reasons MMA fighters serve their country, and their experiences in the military, are as varied as anyone else’s. As we celebrate Veteran’s Day, check out a quick glimpse of their lives in uniform.

Thanks to the folks at Ranger Up for making their crew available.

Liz Carmouche

Sergeant, United States Marine Corps (5 years), three tours to Iraq

What drew you to enlist in the armed forces?

I was drawn to the military because I love a challenge and I love to travel, two things I thought the marine corps could offer me. I was going to school full time and working full time and I couldn’t afford college anymore. I had done my research and knew that I could get the gi bill which would pay for school. All the stories I heard about missions and boot camp sounded amazing. Everything just seemed to add up that the military was my best option.

On a typical day in service you’d find me… 

A typical day in the military consisted of little sleep and sacrificing that little to sleep to lift weights and run. In Iraq after my workout I’d walk to work with my weapon and gear.  As a unit we’d do morning fod walk then work off the aircraft maintenance in our shift. While I was working and waiting for equipment to test I’d usually do pushups, squats, lunges, and curls with the tools I had. After my 12-16 hour workday I’d do my long walk home. It was chill time alone to relax and mellow out from the workday. By the time I got back to the can or hut I lived in I would just shower then listen to music or try and watch a movie on a friends working laptop.

What has your time in the military meant to you?

My time in the military was opportunity. I met people I never would have met and saw things I never would have seen. It also opened up doors that previously weren’t even possible. College, something previously taken off the shelf was made possible again. I met people that introduced me to sports I had always been interested in like snowboarding and skydiving. My time in the military represented a lot growth for me.

 

Tim Kennedy

(Photo: MMADieHards.com & Ranger Up)

Ranger Qualified Special Forces Sniper (2003-Present), Bronze Star recipient

What drew you to enlist in the armed forces?

9-11 had a really big impact on me in the sense that it gave me an opportunity to look at my life and I thought it was a very pointless, pathetic, narcesis, ethnocentric existence. I wanted to do something important, so I enlisted to change my life.

On a typical day in service you’d find me… 

My unit, we’re shooters.  So we spend three days of the week at the range. So Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, we’re at the range, and Monday we’re getting ready for the range and Friday cleaning up after the range.

What has your time in the military meant to you?

Having the honor to defend our country is something that every single person should do in their life.  I’m not saying everybody has to be a shooter, but it changed me in every way. A shit head in 2002 to a hard working, productive member of society within two years. It changed my life in every way. So now when people are using their constitutional first amendment right—even if it’s things that make my blood boil—when it happens I know I’ve done my job because I’ve fought for the constitution and to defend this country and now they’re using that right that I’ve defended. So I love seeing people do things that I’ve fought for.

 

 Jorge Rivera

(Photo: MMAJunkie.com)

Private First Class (E-3), U.S Army (1990-1992) Montgomery G.I. Bill

What drew you to enlist in the armed forces?

I enlisted in the army because I was coming out of high school with no real plans and had gotten my girlfriend pregnant so I had to do something to provide.

On a typical day in service you’d find me… 

On a typical day you would find me in the motor pool working on our M-1 tank.

What has your time in the military meant to you?

I’ve found that it’s helped with life in general. I’ve also found a much deeper appreciation for my country as well.

—————-

Today is about more than bitching that you can’t go to the bank and the ability to speed through school zones. If you see a man or woman in uniform, let them know that they are appreciated.

 

– Chris Colemon (@ChrisColemon)

 

Miesha Tate: Marloes Coenen Got ‘Exposed’ in Her Last Fight

Filed under: StrikeforceBy the time Miesha Tate steps in the cage to challenge for Marloes Coenen’s Strikeforce women’s welterweight title on July 30, it will have been nearly a year since her last fight.

For most fighters, that’s about the point whe…

Filed under:

By the time Miesha Tate steps in the cage to challenge for Marloes Coenen‘s Strikeforce women’s welterweight title on July 30, it will have been nearly a year since her last fight.

For most fighters, that’s about the point where the dreaded ring rust starts to be an issue. But in this case, at least according to Tate, inactivity might prove to be a virtue.

“I’ve had a lot of opportunity to study her and see where her game is at,” Tate said of Coenen. “This time, since I haven’t fought for a year, I think it will benefit me because she’ll be expecting and game-planning and preparing for the fighter I was a year ago. I switched camps, I’ve been training in Sacramento with Urijah Faber and Chad Mendes and Brian [Caraway] and all the guys at Team Alpha Male, and the amount of growth I’ve had in this past year, I’m just a completely different fighter.”

It also helps that Tate got a chance to see Coenen fight as recently as March, and in a contest where she struggled early on. That was supposed to be Tate’s title shot until an injury forced her to withdraw. Instead, Strikeforce slotted the relatively inexperienced Liz Carmouche in against the 135-pound champion, and for the better part of three rounds Carmouche roughed Coenen up with superior wrestling and ground-and-pound skills.

The fight served as something of a scouting report, Tate said, and even though Coenen pulled out the win via a fourth-round triangle choke, the challenger was encouraged by what she saw that night.

“I think Liz is a somewhat greener version of me,” Tate said. “What happened to [Coenen] in that fight, that was what I’d already suspected of Marloes. She kind of got exposed in that fight as far as some of her weaknesses.”

The problem for Tate, and for Coenen, is that while Zuffa seems interested in continuing the women’s division under the Strikeforce banner for now, there’s no telling what might happen once Strikeforce’s contract with Showtime runs out and Zuffa is forced to make some decisions about the future of the organization.

That’s why there’s more pressure than ever on the female fighters to show that they are a viable draw, Tate said — though they get precious few opportunities to make that point.

“The thing about this, as with any fight card, for the men there’s going to be exciting fights and boring fights,” said Tate. “Just like [Strikeforce: Overeem vs. Werdum], there were exciting fights and boring fights. But the women only get one shot. We usually only get one [women’s] fight per fight card. Sometimes it might be boring, just like the men, but then all of women’s MMA gets judged on that one fight. So yeah, there’s a little more pressure on that one fight to really shine, so that not everyone goes away with a bad taste about women’s MMA overall.”

That pressure to perform — along with the anxiety about long-term job security for female fighters under the Zuffa banner — makes this title fight an even bigger deal for Tate. Not only does she have to worry about making the most out of her long-awaited crack at the belt, she also has to put on enough of a show to make the powers that be appreciate her value.

It isn’t an easy burden to bear, Tate admitted, but it’s not as if she has much choice.

“I know we’ll probably be around at least as long as the Strikeforce and Showtime contract is still in motion. After that, I don’t know. I really want to go out there and put on a spectacular performance against Marloes just to show that we’re really talented athletes and we bring it every fight. We’re entertaining, and we can sell tickets. Bottom line, that’s what it comes down to.”

 

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