Another strong contender in the upcoming Bellator Fighting Championships 115-pound women's tournament announced herself Thursday night in Kansas City, as Lisa Ward put on a dominant display of Brazilian jiu jitsu in choking out Stephanie Frausto in the first round at Bellator 22.
Ward secured a beautiful double-leg takedown to get Frausto on the canvas, then passed her guard, took her back and sunk in the rear-naked choke. Frausto wouldn't tap out, so Ward choked her until she passed out and the referee stopped the fight two minutes, one second into the first round.
Most people consider Japan's Megumi Fujii to be not just the favorite in the Bellator tournament but also one of the best pound-for-pound female fighters in the world. Ward lost to Fujii two years ago and said after choking out Frausto that she's looking forward to getting another chance at Fujii.
"I would love another shot at Megumi," Ward said. "We have some unfinished business."
Of course, from Fujii's perspective, it would be more accurate to say that the business is already finished: Fujii beat Ward, just as she's beaten all 20 opponents in her MMA career. But Ward, who improved her record to 13-5, showed on Thursday night that she could be a threat to anyone at 115 pounds -- including Fujii.
Ward secured a beautiful double-leg takedown to get Frausto on the canvas, then passed her guard, took her back and sunk in the rear-naked choke. Frausto wouldn't tap out, so Ward choked her until she passed out and the referee stopped the fight two minutes, one second into the first round.
Most people consider Japan's Megumi Fujii to be not just the favorite in the Bellator tournament but also one of the best pound-for-pound female fighters in the world. Ward lost to Fujii two years ago and said after choking out Frausto that she's looking forward to getting another chance at Fujii.
"I would love another shot at Megumi," Ward said. "We have some unfinished business."
Of course, from Fujii's perspective, it would be more accurate to say that the business is already finished: Fujii beat Ward, just as she's beaten all 20 opponents in her MMA career. But Ward, who improved her record to 13-5, showed on Thursday night that she could be a threat to anyone at 115 pounds -- including Fujii.
Get the latest gear
