Women’s MMA Report: Holm-Tate set for UFC 197, Rousey’s return date TBA

Newly crowned UFC women’s bantamweight champion Holly Holm will attempt her first title defense on March 5 at “UFC 197: Dos Anjos vs. McGregor” in Las Vegas, but it won’t be against ex-champ Ronda Rousey. Instead, Holm battles former Strikeforce titleholder Miesha Tate, who fought her way back into UFC title contention with four straight victories.

Holm (10-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC), one of the most decorated female boxers in history, shocked the MMA world in November when she brutally knocked out Rousey with a second-round head kick in the UFC 193 headliner. Most had predicted Rousey would quickly submit Holm, whose first two UFC appearances had both ended in uninspiring decision wins. However, Holm dominated her fight with Rousey from start to finish before ending it in highlight-reel fashion.

Tate (17-5 MMA, 4-2 UFC) has encountered ups and downs throughout her UFC career, which kicked off in April 2013 when she was stopped by Cat Zingano at the TUF 17 Finale. After Zingano was sidelined due to an injury, Tate stepped in to challenge Rousey in a rematch from their first fight in Strikeforce, but she once again fell victim to a Rousey armbar. Since then, however, Tate has racked up four straight wins against some of the division’s top contenders.

In spite of Tate’s recent success inside the octagon, it initially appeared as if she would be passed over for a title fight when UFC President Dana White hinted that his promotion was planning to set up a rematch between Holm and Rousey at UFC 200 in July. However, after the Holm-Tate bout was confirmed this week, White announced that Rousey is unlikely to compete at UFC 200 due to ongoing movie obligations in Hollywood. A timetable for Rousey’s return has not yet been established, but she will likely be matched up against the Holm-Tate winner.

Ovchynnikova vs. Ruth added to Bellator 150 main card

Rebecca Ruth

Ukrainian striker Lena Ovchynnikova (10-3) is set to make her Bellator debut on Feb. 26 at “Bellator 150: Galvao vs. Dantas 2” in Mulvane, Kan. Ovchynnikova squares off against Missouri’s Rebecca Ruth (5-1) in a featured flyweight bout on the Spike-televised main card.

Ovchynnikova returns to MMA competition for the first time since October 2014, when she earned a third-round submission victory in her native Ukraine. She has also remained active in kickboxing, where she has captured numerous titles during the past decade. While best known for her striking, Ovchynnikova has submitted eight of her pro MMA opponents to date.

Ruth has also established herself as a proven finisher during her career, which dates back to an 18-second TKO triumph in her April 2014 pro debut. She picked up another quick TKO victory before suffering her lone career setback, via a razor-thin split decision, against current UFC fighter Jocelyn Jones-Lybarger. This past year, Ruth began her climb up the flyweight rankings by knocking out three straight foes, which caught the attention of Bellator matchmakers.

Two women’s bouts booked for UFC Fight Night 82

Marion Reneau

Following the first defeat of her UFC career in July, bantamweight contender Marion Reneau (6-2 MMA, 2-1 UFC) looks to get back on track when she steps into the octagon on Feb. 21 at “UFC Fight Night 82: Cerrone vs. Means” in Pittsburgh. Reneau meets former CFA champion Ashlee Evans-Smith (3-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC) in one of two female fights on the card.

Reneau appeared to be on the fast track to title contention after scoring upset victories over Alexis Dufresne and Jessica Andrade in her first two UFC fights early this past year, but she suffered a setback in July when she dropped a three-round decision to Holly Holm at UFC Fight Night 71. Holm subsequently went on to capture UFC title in November, and Reneau now hopes to get back into the title hunt by picking up her third UFC win next month.

Evans-Smith made headlines in October 2013 when she stopped Fallon Fox to become the inaugural CFA women’s featherweight champion. However, CFA ceased promoting events and Evans-Smith had a one-fight stint with WSOF before making her octagon debut in late 2014 at UFC 181. She engaged in a highly entertaining battle with “TUF 18” semifinalist Raquel Pennington before succumbing to a bulldog choke at the very end of Round 1. Evans-Smith was later fined and suspended after testing positive for a banned diuretic.

Also confirmed for the UFC Fight Night 82 preliminary card is a bout between former Invicta FC bantamweight champion Lauren Murphy (8-2 MMA, 0-2 UFC) and “TUF 18” semifinalist Sarah Moras (4-2 MMA, 1-1 UFC). Murphy opened her career with eight straight victories, and she captured Invicta FC title gold in December 2013. Her first two UFC fights both ended in controversial decision losses and she looks to make a fresh start in 2016. Moras made a successful UFC debut in mid-2014, but she also seeks redemption after dropping a clear-cut decision to Jessica Andrade in her most recent fight at UFC Fight Night 71.

Tomimatsu set to face Ishioka at Deep Jewels 11

Two of the top stars on the Deep Jewels roster are set to collide in an atomweight contenders’ bout on March 6 at Deep Jewels 11 in Tokyo. Former Deep Jewels interim strawweight champ Emi Tomimatsu (10-10) looks for her third straight win when she takes on Saori Ishioka (13-8), who returns to action for the first time since her November 2014 Deep Jewels atomweight title fight against current UFC fighter Seo Hee Ham.

Tomimatsu dropped down to 105 pounds this past year and won two of her three fights for Deep Jewels, with the lone defeat coming in the form of a close split-decision loss to highly touted prospect Mina Kurobe. Ishioka earned a title shot against Ham by defeating Satomi Takano in a 2014 “Fight of the Year” candidate at Deep Jewels 4, but she came up short in the pair’s title fight and fell victim to a second-round armbar. Ham then signed with the UFC and vacated her Deep Jewels title, which was claimed this past year by Mei Yamaguchi.

Kish edges Ansaroff at UFC 195

Justin Kish

“TUF 20” cast member Justine Kish made a successful return to action in her long-awaited octagon debut on Jan. 2 at “UFC 195: Lawler vs. Condit” in Las Vegas. Kish (5-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC) kept her perfect professional record intact with a controversial unanimous-decision victory over Nina Ansaroff (6-5 MMA, 0-2 UFC) in a featured strawweight bout.

Kish was very aggressive throughout the first two rounds, but she was repeatedly tagged by crisp counterpunches from Ansaroff, who appeared to get the better of the striking exchanges and also threatened with a standing arm-triangle choke. Kish was rocked by a head kick in Round 2, but she took Ansaroff down and kept her pinned on the mat until the bell.

Seemingly down on the scorecards, Kish looked for a finish on the ground in Round 3 after Ansaroff secured a takedown. Kish tried for an armbar and landed punches from back control late in the round. In spite of Kish’s late rally, Ansaroff looked to have won the fight. The cageside judges disagreed, however, and returned scores of 29-28 and 30-27 twice for Kish, who eked out a contentious decision win in her UFC debut. Ansaroff, who showcased solid boxing skills in the opening 10 minutes, remains winless in her UFC career.

Kubota, Garcia win MMA debuts at Rizin FF 2

Four-time Shoot Boxing Girls S-Cup winner and current SB women’s flyweight champion Rena Kubota(1-0) capped off 2015 with a sensational victory in her pro MMA debut on New Year’s Eve at Rizin Fighting Federation 2 in Saitama, Japan. Kubota finished Jleana Valentino (0-1) with a beautiful flying armbar in the second round of a 51-kilogram (112-pound) matchup.

Kubota, who sports a combined 31-5-1 record in shoot boxing and kickboxing, is one of the biggest female combat sports stars in Japan today. Making her MMA debut on a grand stage for Rizin, Kubota faced a solid test in fellow striker Valentino, who landed a series of hard left hands in the opening stanza. Kubota countered with kick-punch combos and takedown attempts in each of the first two rounds. The fight returned to the feet and Kubota was instructed to “fly” by coach and cornerman Hiroyuki Abe. She responded by jumping into a slick flying armbar that forced Valentino to tap out at the 3:31 mark of Round 2.

Kubota remains primarily focused on her career in shoot boxing, and she is currently recovering from a hand injury that was aggravated very early in the bout with Valentino, but she has not ruled out a return to MMA in the future and was pleased with her highlight-reel victory.

Also on the Rizin FF 2 card, multi-time Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion Gabi Garcia (1-0) survived an early scare and knocked out pro wrestler Seini Draughn (0-1) in the first round of an open-weight bout that was originally scheduled to take place at 205 pounds.

Draughn, who is better known by her ring name “Lei’D Tapa,” floored Garcia with a left hook early in the contest. Garcia got back to her feet and engaged in a wild slugfest with Draughn that saw both women land huge shots. Finally, a standing backfist strike from Garcia sent Draughn crashing to the canvas and Garcia finished her off with hammerfist strikes. The knockout came at the 2:36 mark of Round 1. Garcia is expected to compete again at the next Rizin FF event, which takes place on April 17 in Nagoya, Aichi, Japan.

Kowalkiewicz, Shevchenko shine at UFC on FOX 17

The UFC concluded 2015 with an entertaining fight card on Dec. 19 at “UFC on FOX 17: Dos Anjos vs. Cerrone” in Orlando, Fla. The event featured the octagon debuts of undefeated former KSW titleholder Karolina Kowalkiewicz and decorated kickboxing champion Valentina Shevchenko, who were both victorious against formidable opposition.

In a FOX-televised strawweight bout, Kowalkiewicz (8-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC) took a clear-cut unanimous-decision win over “TUF 20” semifinalist Randa Markos (5-3 MMA, 1-2 UFC) after three entertaining rounds. Kowalkiewicz countered Markos’ aggression by landing quick counterpunches throughout Round 1, but Markos took her back in the second stanza and worked for a rear-naked choke until the bell. In Round 3, Kowalkiewicz landed a hard spinning backfist and she reversed a takedown into mount, which allowed her to drop punches and elbows to the face of Markos until she finally scrambled back up in the final seconds.

Scores were 30-27 and 29-28 twice for Kowalkiewicz, who kept her unbeaten record intact. The Polish standout is one of the fastest rising contenders at 115 pounds.

Earlier on the card, Shevchenko (13-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC) mixed things up with punches, body kicks and well-timed takedowns en route to a split-decision victory over former Strikeforce women’s bantamweight champion Sarah Kaufman (17-4 MMA, 1-2 UFC).

Shevchenko scored with quick flurries of punches and powerful kicks to the body throughout the first 10 minutes as Kaufman struggled to get anything going. Shevchenko landed knees in close and she easily escaped from a Kaufman heel hook attempt. Kaufman refused to give up, however, and she dominated Round 3 by landing ground and pound and attacking with keylock attempts after taking Shevchenko down early on.

Judge Barry Luxenberg returned an absurd 29-28 scorecard for Kaufman. He was overruled by judges Don Balas and Hector Gomez, who both scored the fight 29-28 in Shevchenko’s favor. Born in Kyrgyzstan, and now residing in Peru, the talented Shevchenko has racked up five straight wins. Her performance against Kaufman established her as a future contender at 135.

December quick results

Flyweight – Brogan Walker (3-0) def. Emiko Raika (2-3) via unanimous decision at Pacific Xtreme Combat 50 on Dec. 4 in Mangilao, Guam.

Flyweight title – Andrea Lee (4-1) def. Ariel Beck (3-2) via submission (armbar) at the 4:22 mark of Round 3 at Legacy Fighting Championship 49 on Dec. 4 in Bossier City, La.

Atomweight – Also on the Legacy FC 49 card, Stephanie Alba (3-0) def. Andy Nguyen (1-2) via unanimous decision.

Atomweight – Jeet Toshi (3-2) def. Tharoth Sam (2-2) via unanimous decision at “ONE Championship 35: Kingdom of Khmer” on Dec. 5 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Atomweight – Also on the ONE Championship 35 card, Vy Srey Chai (2-1) def. Ehpriyanut Phouthong (0-1) via unanimous decision.

Flyweight – Petra Castkova (2-0) def. Anna Mikrut (1-1) via unanimous decision at Knockout Art 3 on Dec. 5 in Sroda Wielkopolska, Poland.

Catchweight (140) – Anna Urbanowicz (2-1) def. Agnieszka Sobczyk (2-2) via TKO (punches) at the 4:55 mark of Round 1 at “Runda 5: Sibinski vs. Lewon” on Dec. 5 in Bialogard, Poland.

Bantamweight – Mara Romero Borella (5-4) def. Lucrezia Ria (0-1) via submission (armbar) at the 3:45 mark of Round 2 at “Kombat League: Colosseum 3” on Dec. 5 in Sassari, Sardinia, Italy.

Featherweight – Gisele Barbosa (1-0) def. Alexandra Blauth (1-1) via TKO (punches) at the 4:32 mark of Round 2 at Upper Sport Combat 4 on Dec. 5 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Flyweight – Paula Vieira da Silva (4-3) def. Rafaela Andrade (0-1) via TKO (punches) in Round 1 at MMA Sanda Combat 5 on Dec. 5 in Apucarana, Parana, Brazil.

Flyweight – Kalindra Faria (17-5-1) def. Tamires Souza (1-1) via submission (armbar) at the 1:10 mark of Round 1 at Battle of Kings on Dec. 5 in Ilheus, Bahia, Brazil.

Strawweight – Debora Dias Nascimento (2-1) def. Adriana Del Vigna (1-2) via submission (brabo choke) at the 3:36 mark of Round 1 at Jungle Fight 84 on Dec. 5 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Strawweight – Also on the Jungle Fight 84 card, Marcia Oliveira (2-0) def. Natasha Frazao (0-2) via TKO (punches) at the 48-second mark of Round 3.

Strawweight – Montserrat Ruiz (3-0) def. Pamela Gonzalez (0-2) via submission (armbar) in Round 2 at MMA Madness 6 on Dec. 5 in Mexico City, Mexico.

Strawweight – Kali Robbins (3-0) def. Kyna Sisson (2-1) via KO (punch) at the eight-second mark of Round 1 at “King of the Cage: Bitter Enemies” on Dec. 5 in Keshena, Wis.

Catchweight (130) – Mariah Prussia (5-1) def. Susy Watson (3-4) via unanimous decision at “Dakota FC/Ultimate Productions: Winter Brawl” on Dec. 5 in Fargo, N.D.

Bantamweight title – Juliana Velasquez (3-0) def. Rosy Duarte (8-4) via TKO (doctor stoppage) at the 4:07 mark of Round 5 at “1st Round Combat: Cachorrao vs. Orgulho” on Dec. 6 in Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil.

Strawweight – Hannah Cifers (3-1) def. Ronni Lawrence (0-2) via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27) at Fight Lab 52 on Dec. 10 in Charlotte, N.C.

Flyweight – Irina Mazepa (2-0) def. Ana Julaton (2-2) via unanimous decision at “ONE Championship 36: Spirit of Champions” on Dec. 11 in Pasay, Manila, Philippines.

Strawweight – Also on the ONE Championship 36 card, Angela Lee (4-0) def. Lena Tkhorevska (3-2) via submission (rear-naked choke) at the 3:26 mark of Round 2.

Strawweight – Bianca Reis (5-5) def. Ana Claudia Fatia (1-3) via submission (rear-naked choke) at the 1:04 mark of Round 1 at Predador Fight Championship 30 on Dec. 11 in Marilia, Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Strawweight – Alyssa Krahn (3-1) def. Jessica Maruszczak (0-2) via submission (armbar) at the 4:00 mark of Round 1 at “Xcessive Force Fighting Championship 8: Festival of Fists” on Dec. 11 in Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada.

Featherweight – Maja Britvic (0-0-1) and Cristiana Stancu (0-0-1) fought to a majority draw at “Superkombat Fighting Championship: Special Edition” on Dec. 12 in Turin, Italy.

Flyweight – Minerva Montero (2-1) def. Macicilia Benkhettache (1-2) via TKO (punches) at the 3:42 mark of Round 1 at “Ansgar Fighting League 6: Canarias” on Dec. 12 in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain.

Bantamweight – Marta Souza (3-8-1) def. Deise Lee Rocha (5-6-1) via unanimous decision at Striker’s House Cup 57 on Dec. 12 in Curitiba, Parana, Brazil.

Strawweight – Cris Macfer (2-0) def. Elaineleal Cris (2-1) via submission (guillotine choke) at the 3:18 mark of Round 1 at BH Sparta 7 on Dec. 12 in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Strawweight title – Amy Cadwell Montenegro (7-2) def. Glena Avila (5-4) via split decision (49-47, 48-47, 47-48) at “Super Fight League 45: America 7” on Dec. 12 in Tacoma, Wash.

Bantamweight – Jennifer Maia (12-4-1) def. Dayana Silva (6-3) via majority decision at “Imortal Fight Championship 2: Kamikaze” on Dec. 13 in Sao Jose dos Pinhais, Parana, Brazil.

Strawweight – Also on the Imortal FC 2 card, Nicolle Angelica Caliari (1-0) def. Morgana de Cassia Silva (0-1) via TKO (punches) in Round 1, and Istela Nunes (3-0) def. Caroline Silva (0-3) via KO (punches) in Round 1.

Flyweight – Cristina Stanciu (5-0) def. Renata Cseh-Lantos (2-3) via submission (armbar) at the 3:13 mark of Round 1 at “Romanian Xtreme Fighting 21: MMA All Stars 2” on Dec. 14 in Bucharest, Romania.

Catchweight (108) – Kyra Batara (4-3) def. Liz McCarthy (2-4) via TKO (punches) at the 2:38 mark of Round 3 at Combate Americas 2 on Dec. 16 in Los Angeles.

Bantamweight – Ketlen Vieira (4-0) def. Jessica Maciel (0-1) via TKO (punches) at the 3:20 mark of Round 1 at Mr. Cage 20 on Dec. 17 in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil.

In other action on the Mr. Cage 20 card, Davina Maciel (4-1) def. Gilsely Perea (0-2) via unanimous decision at strawweight, and Estefani Rodrigues (1-0) def. Franciele Nascimento (0-1) via unanimous decision in a bantamweight matchup.

Strawweight – Sylwia Juskiewicz (5-4) def. Alice Ardelean (1-3) via unanimous decision at Ladies Fight Night 1 on Dec. 18 in Lodz, Poland.

In other action on the LFN 1 card, Anna Urbanowicz (2-1) def. Paulina Borkowska (0-3) via TKO (punches) in Round 1 of a featherweight bout, and Weronika Zygmunt (1-2) def. Joanna Styslo (0-1) via submission (guillotine choke) in Round 1 of a strawweight matchup.

Flyweight title – Sarah Alpar (6-3) def. Jaymee Jones (5-2) via split decision (49-46, 48-47, 47-48) at “Xtreme Fighting League: Xtreme Fight Night 26 – Final Fury” on Dec. 18 in Tulsa, Okla.

Atomweight – Audreylaura Boniface Raphael (1-0) def. Nita Dea (0-1) via submission (rear-naked choke) at the 1:02 mark of Round 1 at “OneSilat Championship: Rise of Champions” on Dec. 25 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Strawweight – Xiaonan Yan (7-1) def. Ye Hyun Nam (0-1) via unanimous decision at Road Fighting Championship 27 on Dec. 26 in Shanghai, China.

MMAjunkie publishes the Women’s MMA Report every few weeks. Its author, Robert Sargent, is a veteran MMA journalist who also runs MMARising.com. Feel free to email us at news [AT] mmajunkie.com with any questions, news tips or suggestions.