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Press Release: Women’s MMA show claims audience of over 4,000 in Las Vegas
By Zach Arnold | July 10, 2009
“Tuff Girls” Makes MMA History in Las Vegas
Vegas’ First Female MMA Card Features 10 Exciting Battles
Las Vegas, Nevada (July 10, 2009) – Proving that brains, brawn and beauty mix, “Tuff Girls” fought to a packed house at the Orleans Arena where 20 female mixed martial arts warriors battled in the amateur ranks. Promoted by Tuff-N-Uff, the nation’s premiere amateur mixed martial arts organization, “Tuff Girls” was the first all-female MMA card in Las Vegas history.
“We made history tonight with the largest attended female MMA event in Las Vegas history,” said Barry Meyer, president of Tuff-N-Uff Productions of the 4,000 plus attendees. “We provided exciting matchups that featured some of the top talent in the United States. Women have a place in MMA and have the talent to back it up.”
In the evening’s first bout Tamara Riley of Team Asylum (Phoenix, AZ) evened her record at 1-1 with an unanimous decision over Michelle Velebit (0-1) of Team Girls (Portland, OR) in the 135 lbs. weight class.
At 145 lbs., Autumn Richardson of Team Quest (Vista, CA) scored her first victory (1-0) with a TKO at 41 seconds in the third round over Holly Dixon (0-1) of Freestyle MMA (Mesa, AZ).
The 170 lbs. match featuring Brooke Guidry (1-1) Xtreme Couture (Las Vegas, NV) versus Latoya Walker (0-0) Team XFC (Austin, TX) was ruled a no contest due to referee stoppage.
During the evenings fourth bout Paige Zio of Gracie Fighter (Oakland, CA) moved her record to a perfect 2-0 with a second round TKO over Kiley Martin (0-1) of Team Girls (Portland, OR) in the 135 lbs. weight class.
At the 140 lbs. weight class, Stephanie Webber of Victory Athletics (Seattle, WA) moved her record to 3-2 with an arm bar submission of Robin Hartman (2-3) of Team Pedro Sauer (Roanake VA).
After the intermission, Amanda LaVoy (4-1) of American Karate & Kickboxing Academy (Monroe, OH) scored a unanimous decision over MaEisha Lowe (3-2) of Morse Jiu Jitsu (Henderson, KY) at the 135 lbs. weight class.
Amanda Wilcoxen (3-0) of Morgan MMA (Toledo, OH) beat Courtney Stowe (1-2) of 10TH PLANET JJ (SPRINGFIELD, MO) in a unanimous decision in 155 lbs. weight class.
In the 125 lbs. weight class, Ivana Coleman (4-2) Gladiator Academy (Slidell, LA) won a split decision over Lauren Feldman (5-2) FFADC NEW YORK, NY.
Kate McGray 1-0 Legends MMA (Los Angeles, CA) won a unanimous decision over Gabriella Lakoczky (0-1) Xtreme Couture (Las Vegas, NV) at 120 lbs. weight class.
In the main event, Moa Palmer (4-1) Team Oyama (Irvine CA) scored a first round knockout of
Patricia VanDermeer BUCKLEY MMA (Canada) (2-1) in the 145 lbs weight class.
A portion of the proceeds from this event went to help Jessica Bednark. Bednark is a professional MMA fighter who suffered a ruptured artery in her brain while training.
On August 22, Tuff-N-Uff will host “The Future Stars of MMA” featuring Ryan Couture, son of MMA legend Randy Couture, Larry Mir, cousin of former UFC champion Frank Mir, and former Playboy playmate Latasha Marzolla. Tickets may be purchased by calling 702.284.7777, online at www.orleansarena.com or in person at the Orleans Arena box office located at 4500 West Tropicana Avenue at Arville Road.
About Tuff-N-Uff:
Founded in 1994, Tuff-N-Uff Productions is the nation’s premiere amateur MMA organization. Tuff-N-Uff is a proving ground for amateur fighters providing an unparalleled outlet for up and coming fighters. Tuff-N-Uff has helped launch the MMA careers of pros such as Jon Fitch and Aaron Riley. Tuff-N-Uff strives to help the younger generation of fighters pursue their dreams of becoming professional MMA athletes through the development of individual athletic skills, work ethic, discipline, sportsmanship, self-respect and pride. For more information visit www.tuffnuff.net.
Topics: Media, MMA, Zach Arnold | 4 Comments » | Permalink | Trackback |
I wouldn’t be shocked if the event drew that many fans, especially if the tickets were really cheap.
Vegas has to be flooded with MMA fans right now. Putting on a show the day before could easily attract a lot of people who just want to watch more fighting.
This doesn’t mean the organization is successful on their own, or that women’s MMA is a viable option on it’s own. It just means piggy backing on the UFC doesn’t hurt.
Paid or papered?
Joe Rogan has some vids up from the fights. The last one seemed pretty good but the fight was very hard to see. This on the same night as the big Jewel card that saw Ishiori put up a decent fight against Mega Megu. Women’s MMA is slowly but surely going up.
No way it’s 4,000 paid, so that must include comps.