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A women’s UFC bantamweight fight was featured at UFC 159 between Sarah McMann and Sheila Gaff. From the very beginning, McMann was able to display her Olympic caliber of wrestling, taking Gaff down from the opening bell. McMann would land some good shots, but the ref ultimately stood them right back up. McMann would secure another key take down right into side control.
From there, McMann would secure a crucifix position and landed some great punches, forcing the bout to be stopped by the ref. This was a sterling performance from McMann and she sent a serious message to the rest of the bantamweight division; mainly current champ Ronda Rousey. McMann is now 7-0 in her fighting career, and has improved her game each outing inside the cage.
Even more impressive was how McMann shined on the biggest stage in the sport, and she will more than likely get a top contender. Currently, Rousey is set to face Cat Zingano, which will happen after they coach against each other on TUF Season 18. It wouldn’t be shocking if McMann faces the winner of that bout, as she proved tonight she is a serious contender in the division.
It also doesn’t hurt when you have gone to the Olympics in wrestling and got silver, which is exactly what McMann has done. She is arguably the best wrestler in women’s fighting, and it will be a true honor to watch her compete with whoever the UFC matches her up against next.
