Tag: marloes coenen

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.

Crazy Story of the Day: Marloes Coenen Cast in Dutch Version of ‘Survivor’


(Fact: Coenen has 150 kilowatts of sextricity surging within her at all times.)

We haven’t heard much from former Strikeforce women’s bantamweight champion Marloes Coenen since that whole Golden Glory debacle saw her get axed from the Zuffa banner along with John Olav Einemo and the Overeem brothers. And while Einemo and Alistair were quickly brought back to the promotion, Coenen opted to sign a three fight deal with North Carolina based BlackEye Promotions instead, a move that she might be kicking herself over in light of current circumstances.

In either case, it seems that the reason we have heard so little from Coenen since her fallout was not due to any legal issues or bitter resentment, but was rather more primitive in nature. (See what I did there? Triple entendre. Suck it.) Turns out, Marloes was cast alongside twelve of the Netherlands’ biggest celebrities, whoever the hell they are, as part of a Survivor type reality show called “De Schat van De Oranje” (The Treasure of Orange). According to some research that I most certainly did not do, the show dropped these hapless celebs out of a helicopter onto a remote island off the coast of Thailand, then pitted them against one another in a (death) race to find, you guessed it, hidden treasure. Being that it was shot in Thailand, the celebrities faced opposition in the form of crooked cops, gang fights, and transsexual prostitutes.

We’re not going to put our judgmental faces on, because honestly, on the scale of “Weird Things MMA Fighters Have Done For Money/Fame,” this is definitely closer to the Kimbo Slice: SpikeTV Host end of the spectrum than it is the Aaron Brink/Dick Delaware end, so we’re all for it. Get that bread, Marloes.

Join us after the jump for a sneak peak at the show, courtesy of IronForgesIron. 


(Fact: Coenen has 150 kilowatts of sextricity surging within her at all times.)

We haven’t heard much from former Strikeforce women’s bantamweight champion Marloes Coenen since that whole Golden Glory debacle saw her get axed from the Zuffa banner along with John Olav Einemo and the Overeem brothers. And while Einemo and Alistair were quickly brought back to the promotion, Coenen opted to sign a three fight deal with North Carolina based BlackEye Promotions instead, a move that she might be kicking herself over in light of current circumstances.

In either case, it seems that the reason we have heard so little from Coenen since her fallout was not due to any legal issues or bitter resentment, but was rather more primitive in nature. (See what I did there? Triple entendre. Suck it.) Turns out, Marloes was cast alongside twelve of the Netherlands’ biggest celebrities, whoever the hell they are, as part of a Survivor type reality show called “De Schat van De Oranje” (The Treasure of Orange). According to some research that I most certainly did not do, the show dropped these hapless celebs out of a helicopter onto a remote island off the coast of Thailand, then pitted them against one another in a (death) race to find, you guessed it, hidden treasure. Being that it was shot in Thailand, the celebrities faced opposition in the form of crooked cops, gang fights, and transsexual prostitutes.

We’re not going to put our judgmental faces on, because honestly, on the scale of “Weird Things MMA Fighters Have Done For Money/Fame,” this is definitely closer to the Kimbo Slice: SpikeTV Host end of the spectrum than it is the Aaron Brink/Dick Delaware end, so we’re all for it. Get that bread, Marloes.

Check out a video preview of the upcoming show below.

We don’t know if there are any Dutch speaking members of the Potato Nation, but if anyone can inform us as to what the hell anyone is actually talking about, we’d truly appreciate it. Because as of now, all we are aware of is that the Dutch apparently don’t have phrases to substitute for such English classics as “That bitch,” “Oh my God,” or “Fuck you up.” The more you know.

“The Treasure of Orange” is set to debut on March 30th from an unbeknownst Netherlands based channel that none of you get. We’ll try to hijack the episodes as they are broadcast for your viewing pleasure.

Coenen, on the other hand, will be looking to rebound from her title losing effort to Meisha Tate back in July of 2011 when she faces 5-1 Romy Ruyssen at the main event of Invicta FC 1, which goes down from the Memorial Hall in Kansas City, Kansas on April 28th.

-J. Jones

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

‘Cyborg’ Santos’ Positive Steroid Test Not Surprising, But Not All Bad, Either

Filed under: StrikeforceNews that Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos tested positive for steroids following her last Strikeforce 145-pound title defense provoked a wide range of responses last week, but shock wasn’t one of them. Some reacted with bitter disappo…

Filed under:

Cyborg SantosNews that Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos tested positive for steroids following her last Strikeforce 145-pound title defense provoked a wide range of responses last week, but shock wasn’t one of them. Some reacted with bitter disappointment, others with cynical detachment, but no one who’s ever so much as seen a picture of the Brazilian fighter can say that they haven’t at least considered the possibility that her biceps might have gotten that way via some not-so-natural processes.

For as long as she’s been in the spotlight, that’s kind of been Santos’ thing. She’s the woman with the muscles, the female fighter who looks every bit as terrifying as she fights. The positive steroid test just confirmed what most fans already suspected: there’s a reason you don’t see more women like “Cyborg” running around.

Maybe that’s what’s so disappointing about this whole story. It just seems so obvious. It reminds us once again that the MMA world isn’t some magical, mystical place. Instead, it’s just like the rest of the world. When you suspect someone is a cheater, you eventually find out that you were right. Then you wonder why you ever gave them the benefit of the doubt to begin with.

That’s the real problem for Santos here. When Tim Sylvia popped positive and explained that he just wanted to look good with his shirt off, you could believe him. You took one look at his soggy, pasty torso and thought, yeah, if I had to go topless on TV I might be tempted to do something about that too.

But because Santos has long been known as the heavily muscled, über-aggressive women’s champ, one failed drug test provides an all-too convenient explanation for her exceptionalism and, rightly or wrongly, taints everything she’s ever done. It makes it seem as if this is merely the first time she’s been caught, but far from the first time she’s ever used.

Not that she’s admitted to pumping herself up with stanozolol, of course. Instead she blamed it on an unnamed “dietary supplement” and copped to nothing more serious than a failure to fully investigate the banned substances list. If she were Roy Nelson, that explanation might fly. But Cyborg is Cyborg. When you look like she does, even the mere hint of guilt is more than enough to convict you in the court of public opinion.

Naturally, people will wonder what this means for the future of the women’s division. They wonder the same thing whenever anything interesting happens to a female fighter, and sometimes even when nothing happens at all. For now, Santos has been stripped of the title and the 145-pound division put on hold. And honestly? That’s probably a good thing.

For the past couple years, Santos wasn’t just the champ in that division — she was the division. How can you tell? For starters, it’s a division that might as well not exist while she’s suspended, as UFC president Dana White more or less admitted. Think about it: how many times have you watched a women’s 145-pound bout in Strikeforce that wasn’t a title fight? There aren’t enough women at that weight to have a real division. It’s just Santos beating up one fresh victim after another, many of whom have been cajoled into gaining weight just to get their faces smashed on TV.

The real action in the women’s division is at 135 pounds. Between Miesha Tate, Ronda Rousey, Sarah Kaufman, and Marloes Coenen (among others), there’s a wealth of existing talent with more coming up all the time. Santos might have had a certain circus appeal — again, probably for the very same reasons she now finds herself suspended — but the competition is in the 135-pound class, where the fighters sport credible physiques and the interest isn’t limited to one dominant champ.

White loves to brag that he never gave in to the siren’s song of freak show fights, even when his company was struggling. And while matching Santos up against one undersized opponent after another isn’t exactly a freak show, neither is it indicative of a genuine interest in women’s MMA. It’s a sideshow. It’s the scary lady with the muscles against whichever brave soul would take the fight. Now that that option has been eliminated, at least for the time being, White and his crew would be smart to move the spotlight further down the scale, where there’s an actual division taking shape.

Santos’ current predicament is still disappointing, even if it’s not surprising, but it doesn’t have to be a negative for MMA. If the absence of Santos means a bigger share of the pie for the women who are (hopefully) competing clean against opponents their own size, it might just be the best thing that could have happened.

And who knows, maybe Santos can use the forced vacation time to slim down and join her colleagues at a lower weight class. Tossing that “dietary supplement” in the trash might be a good way to start.

 

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