Post by Diamondhead Media Group on May 10, 2009 14:03:43 GMT -6
SPIRIT FC 4: FIGHT! 2 (Samurai! TV)
WEIGH-INS
Chiyoko Maki(161lbs)* vs. Kyoko Saito(160lbs)
* - Mako first weighed in at 163, but cut two pounds in an hour to make weight.
Rosalina Pereira(125lbs)* vs. Temiko Shirai(131lbs)**
* - Pereira put on three pounds for this fight.
** - Normally billed at 133, Shirai came in two pounds lighter to make weight for this Featherweight fight.
Kimiko Hamasaki(139lbs)* vs. Shizuka Komatsu(139lbs)in at 139 pounds.
* Hamasaki weighed in two pounds over her normal weight, matching up with Komatsu's normal weight.
Achika Akatani(148lbs) vs. Sora Kawaii(147lbs)*
* Kawaii came in three pounds heavier, making her fight with Akatani a bit closer in comparison.
Sonya Benedict(133lbs) vs. Rachel Reece(124)
UNDER CARD
Sadie Morales -VS- Kokoro Tachibana
WINNER: Sadie "Mayhem" Morales at 1:03 of Round 1 via KO (Punches)
Azumi Tanaka -VS- Sonya Takeda
WINNER: Azumi Tanaka at 7:32 of Round 1 via TKO (Strikes)
Chinatsu Kawaguchi -VS- Kaede Maki
WINNER: Chinatsu Kawaguchi after 3:25 of Round 2 via Submission (Kimura)
MAIN CARD
Chiyoko Maki -VS- Kyoko Saito
Chiyoko: I predict a first round victory. Saito won't stand a chance on her feet.
Kyoko: Her standup may be very good, but it won't do her any good when I take her down and submit her?
CHIYOKO "MAKO" MAKI
Origin: JPN
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 161 lbs
Record: 0-0-0
Strength: Well-Rounded Striking/Takedown Defense
KYOKO SAITO
Origin: JPN
Height: 5'6"
Weight: 160 lbs
Record: 0-0-0
Strength: Judo/Wrestling
ROUND ONE: The two touched gloves, and then Maki came out swinging for the fences, landing one-two combo after one-two combo. Kyoko clinched up to stop the assault - using her superior strength to force Chiyoko against the cage. However, "Mako" managed to create some distance between them, and started throwing devastating knees. After two of those, Saito again overpowered her, going for the takedown. She nearly got it, catching Maki by surprise. But Chiyoko defended it well and the two separated. Maki went back to her combos, but Kyoko expected this time, and ducked under, securing a double leg and scoring the takedown. Chiyoko tried to close her guard and immobalize Saito, but Kyoko was just too quick, But she couldn't get anything further going before the round ended.
ROUND TWO: Saito rushed across the cage to start the second round, immediately going for another takedown. Maki sprawled, fighting it off, before landing a big knee that dropped Saito. But rather than try to capitalize on the situation, Chiyoko wisely opted to take some shots from her feet. Kyoko's best bet was to cover up and wait for an opening. Her legs took a beating as a result, and Maki made sure to land some big shots to her face as well. But after throwing Saito's legs aside for a fourth shot, Saito caught her, and worked for the advantage, trying to lock in a triangle choke. Maki managed to pull out of it just before the bell though.
ROUND THREE: Maki was determined to stay on her feet in the third round, being very conservative with her kicks, and circling Saito as much as possible while pounding on her with punches. Saito remained aggressive, trying to shoot in for takedown attempts, which lead to Chiyoko attempting a flying knee. Kyoko caught the leg though, and powered Maki down to the ground. Chiyoko rolled to get back to her feet, but Saito kept up her offensive, mounting the "Mako's" back and locking her in a body scissors. Trapped and with little in the way of defense, Maki was forced to tap out to a rear naked choke.
WINNER: Kyoko Saito at 3:51 of Round 3 via Submission (Rear Naked Choke)
Rosalina Pereira -VS- Temiko Shirai
Rosalina: Shirai has knockout power, but I'm the more well rounded striker. This is going to be a war.
TemikoMake no mistake about it, the two of us are going to put on a show. It may go the distance, or may end in the first round. But this is a fight you won't soon forget.
ROSALINA PEREIRA
Origin: BRA
Height: 5'5"
Weight: 125 lbs
Record: 0-0-0
Strength: Muay Thai
"THE BAKUDAN" TEMIKO SHIRAI
Origin: JPN
Height: 5'4"
Weight: 131 lbs
Record: 0-0-0
Strength: Knockout Artist/Ground Defense
ROUND ONE: They promised a war, and they delivered a war. The two circled eachother in the center of the cage, with Shirai throwing punches as hard as she could, while Pereira used her jab and leg kicks to find her range. But then the two engaged in a massive flurry of combos, before backing off momentarily. Temiko then pushed for the advantage, still throwing all her weight into every shot, and forcing Rosalina to duck whenever possible. Pereira fought back though, clinching up and doing her best to find the range with her knees - specifically targeting Shirai's head. Temiko kept up with her though, using toe stomps and dirty boxing to separate the two. Moments later she dropped Rosalina with a right hand, and immediately followed up with knees to the head. But Pereira was still in the fight, as she blocked most of those knees as the round ended.
ROUND TWO: Pereira came out of her corner this time pushing the advantage, as she backed Shirai into the cage with several massive punch combos, and a couple punch-kick combos. One particular high kick to the side of the head rocked Temiko, knocking her backwards against the cage. But she quickly rebounded, and landed a big combo of her own. As the two went back to their jab, looking for openings, Rosalina landed a superman punch that dropped Shirai. She immediately pounced on her, unloading with devastating ground and pound. Shirai showed great cage awareness though, backing herself up against it to minimize the ground and pound, before working her way back to her feet. Pereira was right on top of her with another clinch, but Temiko caught her with a nasty uppercut that dropped her cold.
WINNER: "The Bakudan" Temiko Shirai at 4:51 of Round 2 via KO (Dirty Boxing)
Kimiko Hamasaki -VS- Shizuka Komatsu
Kimiko: Shizuka knows I'm a good kickboxer. What she doesn't know is I'm an even better grappler. That will work to my advantage.
Shizuka: I'm going to pound Kimiko out. It doesn't matter whether we're standing, or on the ground, I'm going to smash her face in.
KIMIKO "HOTARU" HAMASAKI
Origin: JPN
Height: 5'7"
Weight: 139 lbs
Record: 0-0-0
Strength: Wrestling
SHIZUKA KOMATSU
Origin: JPN
Height: 5'6"
Weight: 139 lbs
Record: 0-1-0
Strength: Muay Thai/Wrestling
ROUND ONE: After touching gloves, the more aggressive Komatsu started things off with her leg kicks, before clinching up with Hamasaki. Kimiko tried to create separation from her, preferring to stand and box. But Shizuka's clinch was very tight, as she forced Hamasaki up against the cage. Kimiko defended herself well, but still took a knee or two to the legs, before turning Komatsu against the cage herself, and breaking the clinch. But just as soon as she did so, Kimiko threw a massive right hook that caused Shizuka's knees to buckle, and Hamasaki followed up with a flying knee that knocked her to the ground. But as she dropped down to continue her attack, the bell rang ending the round.
ROUND TWO: Kimiko came out slightly more aggressive in the second round, landing several one-two combos in succession. Komatsu was clearly uncomfortable using her fists, and was forced to simply block as many of Hamasaki's punches as she could. But an especially hard inside leg kick caused Kimiko to step back, which then created the distance Shizuka needed to throw a nasty headkick. However, "Hotaru" blocked the majority of it with her arm, which ultimately proved to be a mistake, as it possibly injured the arm. Nevertheless, the referee allowed the fight to continue. It was at this point that Kimiko switched to Southpaw, and used her other arm to jab and keep Komatsu at bay. Shizuka did a commendable job dodging her blows though, while continuing to work the legs, mixing in the odd body shot. As Hamasaki circled for a better angle, Shizuka shot in on her for a takedown. But before she could get it, the ref pulled the two apart, the round having ended.
ROUND THREE: Once again the two fighters touched gloves to start the third round. The blood seemed to be returning to Hamasaki's damaged arm, as she was throwing it a bit more again. But Komatsu was intent on continuing where she left off in the last round, shooting in for another takedown. Hamasaki once again had excellent sprawl though, and used it to turn the tables on her opponent. Shizuka tried to et back up, but Hamasaki simply pushed her onto her back and tried to mount her. Shizuka kept her in half guard though, while scoring points with elbows to the head. At the same time, she was pushing them towards the cage, and started sitting up against it. Kimiko almost caught her with a big knee to the head, but it narrowly missed - hitting the cage instead. Komatsu continued to stand back up, but as she did so, Hamasaki slipped on a guillotine choke, and brought her back down to the mat. Unfortunately, the round ended at that point.
WINNER: Kimiko "Hotaru" Hamasaki after 5:00 of Round 3 via Split Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE: Achika Akatani[c] -VS- Sora Kawaii
Achika: Kawaii doesn't deserve a rematch, but it doesn't matter. Our first fight nearly went to decision. I won't let that happen again. This time, Kawaii will tap much sooner.
Sora: I didn't expect a rematch so soon, but I won't look a gift horse in the mouth. She is very dangerous on the ground, so I need to keep this fight standing. If I can succeed in that, I can knock her out with one big punch.
"KURO NEKO" ACHIKA AKATANI
Origin: JPN
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 148 lbs
Record: 3-0-0
Strength: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/Wrestling
"NIGHTSHADE" SORA KAWAII
Origin: JPN
Height: 5'8"
Weight: 147 lbs
Record: 2-1-0
Strength: Muay Thai
ROUND ONE: There was no touch of gloves to start the fight. As Achika moved in, Kawaii caught her by surprise, coming right out of the gate with a superman punch that floored the champion. But she wasn't out of the fight yet, and Sora didn't follow up with her devastating ground and pound. Instead she backed off, allowing Akatani to return to her feet. "The Nightshade" relied heavily on her punches from there, clearly keeping her knees and kicks on a tight leesh to reduce the possibility of being taken down. Akatani still went for the takedown though, but Kawaii showed an improved sprawl. Akatani was persistent, but it cost her as Sora got the upper hand from the takedown, and took a few free shots with elbows to the side of the head before backing off once again. Once Achika stood up, Sora came at her again, hitting one-two combos and working in body shots to the ribs - one in particular causing Achika to wince. While she was mostly defending herself in the stand-up, Achika did land a few shots of her own as well. But when Sora threw went for her one punch knockout, Achika ducked it, and took Kawaii down with ease. Sora kept her close though, landing elbows to the top of the head as the round ended.
ROUND TWO: Sora came out swinging for the fences once again, but Akatani kept circling, looking for an opening. When she found it, Achika went for a single leg. But again Kawaii sprawled, this time bringing Achika up into a Muay Thai clinch. That proved to be a mistake though. Akatani ate the first knee to her head, but then caught the second aimed at her stomach. Kawaii did her best to stay on her feet, but Achika's power got the better of her, and Achika picked her up before slamming her to the ground for a big takedown. With time left in the round, Kawaii tried rolling to get out of the predicament, which almost allowed Akatani to take her back. Sora then surprised everybody though, turning the tables on "Kuro Neko" and raining down bombs on her. Achika was stunned at first, and the ref was in perfect position, but Akatani quickly recovered despite a cut under her right eye. Nevertheless, Sora kept up the attack, pushing Achika against the cage. But Achika pushed off the cage to gain a better position, pulling Kawaii down closer to her. Sora managed to posture up again though, but Achika surprised her, grabbing her arm on an incoming punch, and cinching in a triangle. "The Nightshade" tried to pull her arm out, but she was forced to tap.
WINNER: "Kuro Neko" Achika Akatani at 4:37 of Round 2 via Submission (Triangle Armlock)
FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE: Sonya Benedict[c] -VS- Rachel Reece
Rachel: Looking back at our last fight, I underestimated Benedict. I knew she was a world-class striker, but I wasn't prepared to deal with how well she defended herself from ground attacks. Now that's all changed. Tonight, she better not underestimate me.
Sonya: I have all the respect in the world for Rachel. She made the transition from wrestling to MMA seem effortless. Her ground game is phenominal, and she's got good stand-up to go along with it. But despite all that, she's not taking this title from me.
"TWILIGHT ANGEL" SONYA BENEDICT
Origin: USA
Height: 5'6"
Weight: 133 lbs
Record: 3-0-0
Strength: Muay Thai/Ground Defense
"MOONSPELL" RACHEL REECE
Origin: USA
Height: 5'7"
Weight: 124 lbs
Record: 2-1-0
Strength: Wrestling/Submissions
ROUND ONE: The two touched gloves to start the fight. From that point on, the more aggressive Benedict pushed the advantage, working her jab and mixing in plenty of combos. Reece tried to take her down early, but Sonya's sprawl was excellent, and she countered with a huge knee to the face that rocked Rachel. Sonya then pushed for the advantage with a massive head kick - looking for the early knockout, but Reece managed to recover and get out of its way just in time. But with Benedict off balance, Rachel again tried for the takedown. Sonya did her best to fight it off, but Reece powered through, lifting her up and slamming her near the cage wall. From there she used shots to the ribs while Sonya held her down, landing elbows to the head as well. "Moonspell" was eventually able to posture up though, and started throwing bombs to the face. Benedict did a commendable job covering up though, as the round came to an end.
ROUND TWO: Once again the two touched gloves to start the round off. Benedict was still aggressive, but Reece did her best to keep the champion at bay with inside leg kicks and one-two combos. Sonya kept coming at her though, causing Rachel to circle around the outer edge of the cage, before hitting a one-two followed immediately by another leg kick. Sonya soon got past her defenses though and clinched up, working her dirty boxing and knees to the abdomen. Reece didn't let that go on for very long though, as she was determined to get the takedown. Powering Sonya against the cage, she continuously tried to score the takedown with a single leg. "The Twilight Angel" fought against it well though, while hopping on one foot. In the end, the ref separated them and told them to fight on. With seconds left in the round, Sonya landed a big kick to the ribs that caused Reece to wince in pain.
ROUND THREE: After the usual show of respect, the two picked right up where they left off. Both seemed to be fatiguing a little bit, but kept looking to finish eachother off. Benedict was looking for the knockout with every punch and kick, while Reece kept a watchful eye for an opening to get the takedown. She eventually got it by catching another kick to the body, driving Benedict back towards the cage, before powering her down. But rather than try for more ground and pound, she instead opted to utilize her wrestling and submissions background. Sonya did her best ;to keep Rachel under control, but she was clearly outmatched. "Moonspell" had little trouble transitioning into side control, where she went to work with elbows to the face and massive knees to the body. Sonya tried to defend herself, but Reece just kept trapping her free arm. With Benedict softened up, Reece went for a kimura. Benedict wouldn't allow it though, so Rachel had to go back to the knees and elbows as the round expired.
WINNER: Rachel Reece after 5:00 of Round 3 via Split Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
WEIGH-INS
Chiyoko Maki(161lbs)* vs. Kyoko Saito(160lbs)
* - Mako first weighed in at 163, but cut two pounds in an hour to make weight.
Rosalina Pereira(125lbs)* vs. Temiko Shirai(131lbs)**
* - Pereira put on three pounds for this fight.
** - Normally billed at 133, Shirai came in two pounds lighter to make weight for this Featherweight fight.
Kimiko Hamasaki(139lbs)* vs. Shizuka Komatsu(139lbs)in at 139 pounds.
* Hamasaki weighed in two pounds over her normal weight, matching up with Komatsu's normal weight.
Achika Akatani(148lbs) vs. Sora Kawaii(147lbs)*
* Kawaii came in three pounds heavier, making her fight with Akatani a bit closer in comparison.
Sonya Benedict(133lbs) vs. Rachel Reece(124)
UNDER CARD
Sadie Morales -VS- Kokoro Tachibana
WINNER: Sadie "Mayhem" Morales at 1:03 of Round 1 via KO (Punches)
Azumi Tanaka -VS- Sonya Takeda
WINNER: Azumi Tanaka at 7:32 of Round 1 via TKO (Strikes)
Chinatsu Kawaguchi -VS- Kaede Maki
WINNER: Chinatsu Kawaguchi after 3:25 of Round 2 via Submission (Kimura)
MAIN CARD
Chiyoko Maki -VS- Kyoko Saito
Chiyoko: I predict a first round victory. Saito won't stand a chance on her feet.
Kyoko: Her standup may be very good, but it won't do her any good when I take her down and submit her?
CHIYOKO "MAKO" MAKI
Origin: JPN
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 161 lbs
Record: 0-0-0
Strength: Well-Rounded Striking/Takedown Defense
KYOKO SAITO
Origin: JPN
Height: 5'6"
Weight: 160 lbs
Record: 0-0-0
Strength: Judo/Wrestling
ROUND ONE: The two touched gloves, and then Maki came out swinging for the fences, landing one-two combo after one-two combo. Kyoko clinched up to stop the assault - using her superior strength to force Chiyoko against the cage. However, "Mako" managed to create some distance between them, and started throwing devastating knees. After two of those, Saito again overpowered her, going for the takedown. She nearly got it, catching Maki by surprise. But Chiyoko defended it well and the two separated. Maki went back to her combos, but Kyoko expected this time, and ducked under, securing a double leg and scoring the takedown. Chiyoko tried to close her guard and immobalize Saito, but Kyoko was just too quick, But she couldn't get anything further going before the round ended.
ROUND TWO: Saito rushed across the cage to start the second round, immediately going for another takedown. Maki sprawled, fighting it off, before landing a big knee that dropped Saito. But rather than try to capitalize on the situation, Chiyoko wisely opted to take some shots from her feet. Kyoko's best bet was to cover up and wait for an opening. Her legs took a beating as a result, and Maki made sure to land some big shots to her face as well. But after throwing Saito's legs aside for a fourth shot, Saito caught her, and worked for the advantage, trying to lock in a triangle choke. Maki managed to pull out of it just before the bell though.
ROUND THREE: Maki was determined to stay on her feet in the third round, being very conservative with her kicks, and circling Saito as much as possible while pounding on her with punches. Saito remained aggressive, trying to shoot in for takedown attempts, which lead to Chiyoko attempting a flying knee. Kyoko caught the leg though, and powered Maki down to the ground. Chiyoko rolled to get back to her feet, but Saito kept up her offensive, mounting the "Mako's" back and locking her in a body scissors. Trapped and with little in the way of defense, Maki was forced to tap out to a rear naked choke.
WINNER: Kyoko Saito at 3:51 of Round 3 via Submission (Rear Naked Choke)
Rosalina Pereira -VS- Temiko Shirai
Rosalina: Shirai has knockout power, but I'm the more well rounded striker. This is going to be a war.
TemikoMake no mistake about it, the two of us are going to put on a show. It may go the distance, or may end in the first round. But this is a fight you won't soon forget.
ROSALINA PEREIRA
Origin: BRA
Height: 5'5"
Weight: 125 lbs
Record: 0-0-0
Strength: Muay Thai
"THE BAKUDAN" TEMIKO SHIRAI
Origin: JPN
Height: 5'4"
Weight: 131 lbs
Record: 0-0-0
Strength: Knockout Artist/Ground Defense
ROUND ONE: They promised a war, and they delivered a war. The two circled eachother in the center of the cage, with Shirai throwing punches as hard as she could, while Pereira used her jab and leg kicks to find her range. But then the two engaged in a massive flurry of combos, before backing off momentarily. Temiko then pushed for the advantage, still throwing all her weight into every shot, and forcing Rosalina to duck whenever possible. Pereira fought back though, clinching up and doing her best to find the range with her knees - specifically targeting Shirai's head. Temiko kept up with her though, using toe stomps and dirty boxing to separate the two. Moments later she dropped Rosalina with a right hand, and immediately followed up with knees to the head. But Pereira was still in the fight, as she blocked most of those knees as the round ended.
ROUND TWO: Pereira came out of her corner this time pushing the advantage, as she backed Shirai into the cage with several massive punch combos, and a couple punch-kick combos. One particular high kick to the side of the head rocked Temiko, knocking her backwards against the cage. But she quickly rebounded, and landed a big combo of her own. As the two went back to their jab, looking for openings, Rosalina landed a superman punch that dropped Shirai. She immediately pounced on her, unloading with devastating ground and pound. Shirai showed great cage awareness though, backing herself up against it to minimize the ground and pound, before working her way back to her feet. Pereira was right on top of her with another clinch, but Temiko caught her with a nasty uppercut that dropped her cold.
WINNER: "The Bakudan" Temiko Shirai at 4:51 of Round 2 via KO (Dirty Boxing)
Kimiko Hamasaki -VS- Shizuka Komatsu
Kimiko: Shizuka knows I'm a good kickboxer. What she doesn't know is I'm an even better grappler. That will work to my advantage.
Shizuka: I'm going to pound Kimiko out. It doesn't matter whether we're standing, or on the ground, I'm going to smash her face in.
KIMIKO "HOTARU" HAMASAKI
Origin: JPN
Height: 5'7"
Weight: 139 lbs
Record: 0-0-0
Strength: Wrestling
SHIZUKA KOMATSU
Origin: JPN
Height: 5'6"
Weight: 139 lbs
Record: 0-1-0
Strength: Muay Thai/Wrestling
ROUND ONE: After touching gloves, the more aggressive Komatsu started things off with her leg kicks, before clinching up with Hamasaki. Kimiko tried to create separation from her, preferring to stand and box. But Shizuka's clinch was very tight, as she forced Hamasaki up against the cage. Kimiko defended herself well, but still took a knee or two to the legs, before turning Komatsu against the cage herself, and breaking the clinch. But just as soon as she did so, Kimiko threw a massive right hook that caused Shizuka's knees to buckle, and Hamasaki followed up with a flying knee that knocked her to the ground. But as she dropped down to continue her attack, the bell rang ending the round.
ROUND TWO: Kimiko came out slightly more aggressive in the second round, landing several one-two combos in succession. Komatsu was clearly uncomfortable using her fists, and was forced to simply block as many of Hamasaki's punches as she could. But an especially hard inside leg kick caused Kimiko to step back, which then created the distance Shizuka needed to throw a nasty headkick. However, "Hotaru" blocked the majority of it with her arm, which ultimately proved to be a mistake, as it possibly injured the arm. Nevertheless, the referee allowed the fight to continue. It was at this point that Kimiko switched to Southpaw, and used her other arm to jab and keep Komatsu at bay. Shizuka did a commendable job dodging her blows though, while continuing to work the legs, mixing in the odd body shot. As Hamasaki circled for a better angle, Shizuka shot in on her for a takedown. But before she could get it, the ref pulled the two apart, the round having ended.
ROUND THREE: Once again the two fighters touched gloves to start the third round. The blood seemed to be returning to Hamasaki's damaged arm, as she was throwing it a bit more again. But Komatsu was intent on continuing where she left off in the last round, shooting in for another takedown. Hamasaki once again had excellent sprawl though, and used it to turn the tables on her opponent. Shizuka tried to et back up, but Hamasaki simply pushed her onto her back and tried to mount her. Shizuka kept her in half guard though, while scoring points with elbows to the head. At the same time, she was pushing them towards the cage, and started sitting up against it. Kimiko almost caught her with a big knee to the head, but it narrowly missed - hitting the cage instead. Komatsu continued to stand back up, but as she did so, Hamasaki slipped on a guillotine choke, and brought her back down to the mat. Unfortunately, the round ended at that point.
WINNER: Kimiko "Hotaru" Hamasaki after 5:00 of Round 3 via Split Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE: Achika Akatani[c] -VS- Sora Kawaii
Achika: Kawaii doesn't deserve a rematch, but it doesn't matter. Our first fight nearly went to decision. I won't let that happen again. This time, Kawaii will tap much sooner.
Sora: I didn't expect a rematch so soon, but I won't look a gift horse in the mouth. She is very dangerous on the ground, so I need to keep this fight standing. If I can succeed in that, I can knock her out with one big punch.
"KURO NEKO" ACHIKA AKATANI
Origin: JPN
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 148 lbs
Record: 3-0-0
Strength: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/Wrestling
"NIGHTSHADE" SORA KAWAII
Origin: JPN
Height: 5'8"
Weight: 147 lbs
Record: 2-1-0
Strength: Muay Thai
ROUND ONE: There was no touch of gloves to start the fight. As Achika moved in, Kawaii caught her by surprise, coming right out of the gate with a superman punch that floored the champion. But she wasn't out of the fight yet, and Sora didn't follow up with her devastating ground and pound. Instead she backed off, allowing Akatani to return to her feet. "The Nightshade" relied heavily on her punches from there, clearly keeping her knees and kicks on a tight leesh to reduce the possibility of being taken down. Akatani still went for the takedown though, but Kawaii showed an improved sprawl. Akatani was persistent, but it cost her as Sora got the upper hand from the takedown, and took a few free shots with elbows to the side of the head before backing off once again. Once Achika stood up, Sora came at her again, hitting one-two combos and working in body shots to the ribs - one in particular causing Achika to wince. While she was mostly defending herself in the stand-up, Achika did land a few shots of her own as well. But when Sora threw went for her one punch knockout, Achika ducked it, and took Kawaii down with ease. Sora kept her close though, landing elbows to the top of the head as the round ended.
ROUND TWO: Sora came out swinging for the fences once again, but Akatani kept circling, looking for an opening. When she found it, Achika went for a single leg. But again Kawaii sprawled, this time bringing Achika up into a Muay Thai clinch. That proved to be a mistake though. Akatani ate the first knee to her head, but then caught the second aimed at her stomach. Kawaii did her best to stay on her feet, but Achika's power got the better of her, and Achika picked her up before slamming her to the ground for a big takedown. With time left in the round, Kawaii tried rolling to get out of the predicament, which almost allowed Akatani to take her back. Sora then surprised everybody though, turning the tables on "Kuro Neko" and raining down bombs on her. Achika was stunned at first, and the ref was in perfect position, but Akatani quickly recovered despite a cut under her right eye. Nevertheless, Sora kept up the attack, pushing Achika against the cage. But Achika pushed off the cage to gain a better position, pulling Kawaii down closer to her. Sora managed to posture up again though, but Achika surprised her, grabbing her arm on an incoming punch, and cinching in a triangle. "The Nightshade" tried to pull her arm out, but she was forced to tap.
WINNER: "Kuro Neko" Achika Akatani at 4:37 of Round 2 via Submission (Triangle Armlock)
FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE: Sonya Benedict[c] -VS- Rachel Reece
Rachel: Looking back at our last fight, I underestimated Benedict. I knew she was a world-class striker, but I wasn't prepared to deal with how well she defended herself from ground attacks. Now that's all changed. Tonight, she better not underestimate me.
Sonya: I have all the respect in the world for Rachel. She made the transition from wrestling to MMA seem effortless. Her ground game is phenominal, and she's got good stand-up to go along with it. But despite all that, she's not taking this title from me.
"TWILIGHT ANGEL" SONYA BENEDICT
Origin: USA
Height: 5'6"
Weight: 133 lbs
Record: 3-0-0
Strength: Muay Thai/Ground Defense
"MOONSPELL" RACHEL REECE
Origin: USA
Height: 5'7"
Weight: 124 lbs
Record: 2-1-0
Strength: Wrestling/Submissions
ROUND ONE: The two touched gloves to start the fight. From that point on, the more aggressive Benedict pushed the advantage, working her jab and mixing in plenty of combos. Reece tried to take her down early, but Sonya's sprawl was excellent, and she countered with a huge knee to the face that rocked Rachel. Sonya then pushed for the advantage with a massive head kick - looking for the early knockout, but Reece managed to recover and get out of its way just in time. But with Benedict off balance, Rachel again tried for the takedown. Sonya did her best to fight it off, but Reece powered through, lifting her up and slamming her near the cage wall. From there she used shots to the ribs while Sonya held her down, landing elbows to the head as well. "Moonspell" was eventually able to posture up though, and started throwing bombs to the face. Benedict did a commendable job covering up though, as the round came to an end.
ROUND TWO: Once again the two touched gloves to start the round off. Benedict was still aggressive, but Reece did her best to keep the champion at bay with inside leg kicks and one-two combos. Sonya kept coming at her though, causing Rachel to circle around the outer edge of the cage, before hitting a one-two followed immediately by another leg kick. Sonya soon got past her defenses though and clinched up, working her dirty boxing and knees to the abdomen. Reece didn't let that go on for very long though, as she was determined to get the takedown. Powering Sonya against the cage, she continuously tried to score the takedown with a single leg. "The Twilight Angel" fought against it well though, while hopping on one foot. In the end, the ref separated them and told them to fight on. With seconds left in the round, Sonya landed a big kick to the ribs that caused Reece to wince in pain.
ROUND THREE: After the usual show of respect, the two picked right up where they left off. Both seemed to be fatiguing a little bit, but kept looking to finish eachother off. Benedict was looking for the knockout with every punch and kick, while Reece kept a watchful eye for an opening to get the takedown. She eventually got it by catching another kick to the body, driving Benedict back towards the cage, before powering her down. But rather than try for more ground and pound, she instead opted to utilize her wrestling and submissions background. Sonya did her best ;to keep Rachel under control, but she was clearly outmatched. "Moonspell" had little trouble transitioning into side control, where she went to work with elbows to the face and massive knees to the body. Sonya tried to defend herself, but Reece just kept trapping her free arm. With Benedict softened up, Reece went for a kimura. Benedict wouldn't allow it though, so Rachel had to go back to the knees and elbows as the round expired.
WINNER: Rachel Reece after 5:00 of Round 3 via Split Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)