Instead of Touching Gloves (Again), Sheila Gaff Knocked Out Jennifer Maia: Fan Reaction (Yahoo! Contributor Network)

Female fighters are in the news—stealing the show—again. Jennifer Maia faced Sheila "the German Tank" Gaff in a controversial MMA match which streamed live on MMAjunkie.com as part of the Cage Warriors Fight Night 4 event in the United Arab Emirates on March 16.

Fight Night 4 - Jennifer Maia-Sheila Gaff KO video

At the opening bell, Sheila Gaff came out fighting. Jennifer approached her opponent with her left arm extended. Was her arm extended to "touch gloves" or was that a defensive posture designed to measure distance?

Only Jennifer knows…but she might not remember because she got knocked out within 10 seconds of the round starting.

Controversy surrounds this match as fans weigh in on whether Sheila was unsportsmanlike by not acknowledging that a second "touch gloves" was being offered. The first touch of the gloves in front of the referee was straightforward and recognizable. From my point of view, the fighters were done with displaying respect—let the fight begin.

Protect yourself at all times

A key point to consider in deciding whether Sheila took advantage of her opponent is the admonition to "protect yourself at all times". The bell had rung. The match was on. Extending your left arm—your jab—could mean many things.

Don't do that in front of Ronda Rousey

Sticking your jab hand out in front of you—and holding it steady—is not just an indication that you want to "touch gloves" again. Ronda Rousey would have jumped on that arm and added it to her collection within seconds of seeing such a beautiful opportunity offered.

No, I don't think Sheila took advantage of Jennifer. Jennifer is the one who decided to stick her arm out straight in front of her and then walk straight towards her opponent. Then, after she started to get pummeled, instead of applying the quickness to her feet to get away from the barrage of punches, she stayed in the pocket and got knocked out.

I bet Sheila won't make that mistake again. Lesson learned for next time.

The Cage Warriors Fight Night tournament's second semi-final match-up at 125, pits Irish fighter, Aisling Daly against top British fighter, Rosi Sexton, takes place in May. The winner of that fight facess Gaff later this year in a title fight. source

Source: Twitter, Sherdog

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Cheryl Ragsdale started out boxing and has added kicks and BJJ so she can practice MMA. She trains with Keith Florian and UFC Fighter Kenny Florian at Florian Martial Arts - follow @thatgirlisfunny

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