Kaitlin Young: A year of no wins but great performances

By Al Stover
Esther Lin-Invicta FC

Sometimes in mixed martial arts, it’s not whether or not you win a fight, but rather how you performed.

Earlier this month I published a list of “Top 20 Women Fighters in 2012” and while I will stick with my choices, there was one fighter who I wanted to include on the list but didn’t because there were just too many other fighters who had found some success. Still Minnesota fighter Kaitlin Young is a fighter who had a memorable 2012, despite going 0-2-1.

Young spent 2012 in a two-fight series with Leslie “The Peacemaker” Smith. The first fight, ended in a split-draw and was nominated for “Fight of the Year” while the second match ended with Smith scoring a TKO in round two.

In between her fights with the Peacemaker, Young fought Liz “Girl-Rilla” Carmouche at Invicta FC 2.

Although Young was able to connect with some punches and keep Carmouche pressed up against the cage for the majority of the first round, the Girl-rilla used her power to take Young to the mat and then locked in a rear naked choke and won the fight.

While 2012 may not have been great for Young in terms of her win-loss record, she has shown that she still has what it takes to stand with the top fighters of today. Fighters like Japanese superstar Yoshihiro Akiyama and former Pride champion Wanderlei Silva are known for having exciting fights, whether they win or lose.

Putting this part year’s fights aside, 2013 could hold some memorable matchups for Young. She still has a trilogy to finish with the Peacemaker. There is also the possibility of a fight with former Strikeforce champion Sarah Kaufman that would make for a great stand-up battle.

The next year will be a clean slate for Young, who will no doubt work her way back up the ladder and create some more memories that will leave fans on the edge of their seat.

Who would you like to see Young fight in 2013? Answer with a comment below or get on Twitter and send a tweet to @alstover with the hashtag #RantMMA.

Share On FacebookShare StumbleUpon

You May Also Like