In breaking news this week, the mixed martial arts world was informed that Women’s MMA would be making its way to the sports largest stage inside the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s (UFC) octagon. With premier women’s prize fighter Ronda Rousey leading the surge, the talent pool for the WMMA will be put on high alert. With notable names like Meisha Tate, Sarah Kaufman and Sarah McMann already on a short list, New Mexico boasts an incredible list of females ready and waiting to go to the big show.
Jackson-Winklejohn fighter Julie Kedzie has already made a name for herself after a three round epic war with former Strikeforce Champion Tate this year, Michelle Waterson made a statement and a claim for a shot at Invicta FC’s atomweight title with an impressive decision victory last month and up and comer Emily Kagan is making a memorable 2012 with a perfect 3-0 record. Needless to say, the talent pool in our state is bountiful.
What this also means is that match ups between out woman competitors becomes more meaningful and wins become that much more precious. While Invicta FC and Strikeforce have very crisp grasps on the top women fighters, New Mexico has provided so many exciting match ups between the premier women stars. Earlier this year, Michelle Waterson and Diana Rael faced off in what could have been at the time one of the premier match ups to make in their respective weight class.
With so much attention now focused their way, the WMMA scene is ready to explode and what better way is there to help that happen but to match up two of New Mexico’s most notable names together in a match that is guaranteed to bring the excitement. Why not pair up two of New Mexico’s most talented young fighters?
Why not gift the regional fans here to Angelica Chavez vs. Jodie Esquibel?
Esquibel is a Jackson-Winklejohn product that last saw MMA action at Jackson’s MMA Series 7 when she won a very tough decision against Amy Riehle way back in January. The converted professional boxer Esquibel would showcase her technical prowess as speed and movement would lead her to the win. The win would improve her record to 2-0 as a professional.
Angelica Chavez is a product of the Chavez Dojo and one of the more talked about names in the states regional scene. With a record of 4-2 as a professional, Chavez is currently looking to shake off a two fight losing streak after beginning her career with four straight wins. Impressively, Chavez has won all four victories by submission and her two losses both by very tough judge’s decisions. She was last seen fighting for Invicta FC fighting tough in a losing effort.
The fight would be a match up that is tailor made for fight fans as Chavez is a very hard nosed kickboxer who is game to stand in the pocket to exchange punches and kicks. Esquibel, a converted boxer has very crisp combinations and is extremely quick in delivery. The two would be matched up to put on a striking exhibition and the alternative may see Chavez work her impressive ground game that has awarded her four submission victories.
The fight may be difficult to sell to both women mainly due to weight differences. Chavez competes at her atomweight weight class of 105-pounds while Esquibel in her last bout fought at a catch weight of 109-pounds. However, if the fight could be made it would be one of those fights that New Mexico fight fans could truly get excited for as both women with a win could propel herself up the proverbial ladder in WMMA.
While the fight may not be happening, as fans we can all anticipate this match up and many others that could be possible down the horizon.
