Women's MMA Response to Bellator and Strikeforce – “Actions Speak Louder than Words”

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This week, both Strikeforce (on MMA Junkie Radio) and Bellator (on the Cage Potato website) put out releases stating that they are in complete support of having women’s matches in their organizations for a long time to come. “We support female fighters,” has been the phrase of this past week. Now its time to show it.

Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney

Bellator hasn’t had a female fight since their 115 pound champion Zoila Gurgel’s un-televised match with Karina Hallinan this past March. Their next women’s fight will be on June 25, when #7 ranked 125 pounder Carla Esparza faces #6 ranked 115 pounder Jessica Aguilar. In between that time, Bellator will be hosting four more events. At this time, no other women’s matches are scheduled.

They also have yet to firmly announce that a 125 pound tournament in the women’s division will happen this fall. There isn’t a lack of competitors, as Esparza, Gurgel, and Rosi Sexton are all available; plus a growing crop of fighters in the division itching for their shot.

Strikeforce head Scott Coker

Strikeforce’s last female fight was champion Marloes Coenen defeat over Liz Carmouche on the same day as Gurgel’s match – Mar. 5.  Although they have been better coming into the new year with four female fights total (2 televised, 2 non-televised), there are several in the wings waiting to debut or re-debut.

Olympic silver medalist wrestler Sara McMann is waiting for her shot, as well as #4 ranked 135 pounder Shayna Baszler. Upcoming Glory tournament winner Romy Ruyssen is still waiting for her promised debut in the Strikeforce cage.

Sorry to say there isn’t a Strikeforce event until the June 18 return of Gina Carano, but an untelevised women’s match added to the card would be something most women’s MMA fans would like. On the bright side, Coenen and Miesha Tate did state this past week that they'll face off this summer. Strikeforce champion Cyborg Santos also needs to defend her title sooner rather than later.

Strikeforce Coenen vs. Carmouche  

As much as the thought of Zuffa eliminating the women’s division looms, the growing future of women’s MMA is in the hands of Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney, and Strikeforce head hancho Scott Coker. If they truly support women’s MMA, then they will let these fighters prove their worth in the cage. Let the female fighters' actions speak for themeselves.

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