Hollywood Insider: A Review from Kayo MMA Rush, Watford

By Bret 'Hollywood' Freeman

(12.12.11) Last night I once again had the privilege to announce the fights for KAYO MMA in Watford. This was a big night of fights with no less than 15 on the card including an interim FW title fight. KAYO always puts on a great show and I think one of key ingredients is their support of women’s MMA. Sunday’s card was no different with two women’s bouts on the card. I absolutely love women’s MMA! The fast pace and skill level of most women’s fights is way beyond many men’s fights… In fact I always say I would rather fight 3 guys than 1 girl and Sunday’s KAYO event did not disappoint!

First up was a semi-professional 60kg catchweight bout between an undefeated (1-0) Laura Clarke of New Wave Academy in South London and Rachel McMillian also undefeated (3-0) of First Generation in Eastbourne. Clarke was totally in the moment, grinning ear to ear as she entered the cage. I could tell as I was announcing her that she was enjoying every minute of this fight. I love it when fighters get into their intros, and Laura was definitely into it! Rachel on the other hand came out very focused, and as she entered the cage I could tell by the look on her face that she only had one thing on her mind! Both of these women had heavy hitters in their corners with UFC vet Nick Osipczak behind Clarke, and undefeated rising star Tolly Plested coaching McMillian.

It was clear from the opening bell that these girls came to fight! Mcmillian was on the attack, immediately going for the take down. Clarke defended well but eventually, found herself on her back. McMillian shoed great top control keeping her opponent against the fence until final Clarke manage to get back to her feet. Clarke definitely wanted to keep this fight standing while McMillian was happy to take it to the floor. Rachel took Clarke down again about mid-way through the first round and this time as Clarke was on her way up, she got caught with an unintentional illegal knee which cost McMillian 1 point. Once the ref restarted the action, it was just a matter of seconds until Clarke found herself on her back once again and this time, McMillian got the mount and was able to finish the fight with a big ground and pound attack. Referee Andy Sledge called a stop to the action at 3:29 in the first round declaring Rachel McMillian the winner by TKO taking her record to 4-0.

At the top of the card was a professional women’s MMA fight that saw a highly skilled Anna “Red Mist” Zucchelli from KO Gym face off against a tough as nails Helena Martin of Combat Company. I was really looking forward to this fight as I have seen both of these fighters before and know what they are capable of. The opening bell saw both fighters rush to the centre of the cage. They began looking for their range. Zucchelli using her long jab to keep Martin out of range and Martin looking for the takedown. At about 20 seconds in Martin went for the take down and immediately drove Zucchelli back against the fence. Zucchelli did well to defend the take down. Zucchelli controlled Martin well in the clinch and utilized her long legs to connect with some high knees to Martin’s ribs. Martin did well to connect with several shots each time she broke from the clinch. Zucchelli then controlled the cage utilising her range and closing the distance when she wanted. Martin always looking to take the fight to the ground went for another takedown and ended up in the clinch again with Zucchelli’s back to the cage. From close range, Zucchelli landed a few shots and managed to raise a nice mouse over Martins left eye. Finally near the end of the first round, Redmist landed a nice short elbow and managed to cut Helena. The bell sounded and the doctor was called in. This was the end of the fight for Martin as Anna “Red Mist” Zucchelli won the fight via Doctor Stoppage end of round one. This fight did not disappoint, and although ended in a Doctor Stoppage, it was a good finish by Zucchelli. People always say they hate to see a fight end that way, but it is in fact part of the game. If one fighter can manage to inflict enough damage on another to ensure that they cannot continue then I think it is a good win! Both of these women are brilliant fighters and I am looking forward to the next time I see both of them. For Helena, she is always improving and unfortunately for her, she just couldn’t get the fight to the ground where she really shines. For Zucchelli, she is an intelligent fighter, and managed to keep things where she is comfortable. While I would have liked to see this fight go another round, as I said it was a solid win for Zucchelli.

Both of these fights were entertaining and showcased what I love about MMA. No backwards movement, fast pace and very technical. KAYO is one of the few promotions that showcase women’s MMA and I for one am glad that they do. I would love to see someone do a women’s fight night somewhere where there were just women on the card…and even better I would love to MC such an event! I think we are a long way off from that though so for now I will just have to be content with the occasional fight on the occasional promotion and keep on supporting women’s MMA.

Bret “Hollywood” Freeman

Website: www.bretfreeman.com

Email: Bret@Bretfreeman.com

Twitter: @BretFreeman

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