On Monday, the Professional Fighters League announced via press release that their lightweight champion would feature as part of December 17’s Titan FC 66 card. There, the two-time Olympic gold medal winner will fight in a rematch against Jozette Cotton.

The pair first met at PFL 6 in 2018, with Harrison (8-0), then in her second professional fight, picking up a TKO victory in the third round.

With the PFL skipping their 2020 season due to the coronavirus pandemic, the promotion recently granted permission for Harrison to fight elsewhere. Last month, she stepped into the cage at Invicta FC 43, and absolutely decimated Courtney King in a bloody beat down.

Six of Harrison’s eight victories in the cage have come via way of a finish.

While Harrison’s Invicta FC bout came at featherweight, the first time the judoka has competed at 145lbs, her rematch with Cotton is listed as a 155lb affair. It will serve as the Titan FC 66 co-main event. The card, which will be held at the InterContinental Miami in Florida, will have a limited number of fans in attendance. A middleweight bout between Bruno Assis and Jeremiah Holloway is expected to feature as the evening’s main event.

Cotton (8-2), a.k.a. the “Head Busta,” has not competed in MMA since her 2018 loss to Harrison. The 32-year old Nebraska native did compete in a boxing bout earlier this year, however.

Titan FC 66 will air on UFC Fight Pass on Thursday, December 17, 2020.

The post Kayla Harrison to Rematch Jozette Cotton at Titan FC 66 appeared first on Cageside Press.

With the second batch of regular season fights for the welterweight and middleweight divisions, the PFL was in the process of winding down its regular season at PFL 6 on Thursday. Though one final regular season card remained (PFL 7, which would consist of fights for athletes who had their second bout of the season delayed due to injury), much of the playoff picture would be cleared up at PFL 6.

Competing on the card were names like Rick Story, Jake Shields, and John Howard, all well known from their UFC runs. Yet atop the event in the headlining spot was Ray Cooper III vs. Pavlo Kusch. Cooper had upset Shields just a few weeks back, which put him in prime position in the welterweight division.

Also on Thursday’s card, Olympic medalist Kayla Harrison was back in action, taking on the far more experienced Jozette Cotton in an excellent test of the judoka Harrison’s skills.

Check back come fight time for results and a recap of the night’s action!

In preliminary action, former TUF winner Eddie ‘Truck’ Gordon found himself eliminated from the PFL post-season, when he suffered his second defeat of the season. Gasan Umalatov captured the unanimous decision win in that card-opening out, while Bruno Santos handed John ‘Doomsday’ Howard a unanimous decision loss as well.

Another pair of UFC alums were successful on the prelims however. Jake Shields fought off a late surge by Herman Terrado to earn his own decision win, while Rick ‘The Horror’ Story continued along the comeback trail, submitting Carlton Minus.

Joao Zeferino vs. Yuri Villefort

With Jake Shields and other looking on, Zeferino and Vellefort battled through the better part of two rounds, with Zeferino looking the sharpest he had in some time. Yuri Villefort, who lost to Rick Story in his opening fight of the regular season, proved game, however, looking to neutralize his opponent with takedowns. He was moving forward more often than not. However, the pair were tiring by the end of the second, and Villefort struggled with takedowns, merely stalling along the cage, until the pair erupted in a final flurry to end the second.

The third saw Zeferino looking for a takedown, and taking the back as Villefort regained his feet. Riding his opponent like a backpack, he got a hook in, and though he looked a bit high, he got the rear-naked choke in!

Joao Zeferino def. Yuri Villefort by submission (rear-naked choke), Round 3, 1:10

Abubakar Nurmagomedov vs. Jonatan Westin

It was Westin pushing the action against the cousin of UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov early. The Dagestani fighter stayed on the outside early, but that wouldn’t last. However, just as he was pressing, Westin connected with a low blow kick. Once action was back underway, however, Nurmagomedov got the fight to the ground, and went to work improving position (and later trapping an arm) before Westin finally made it back to his feet. Standing up, however, would be short lived. Nurmagomedov would drag things back down shortly after, and end the round looking to keep the fight grounded.

Round two started with another Nurmagomedov takedown, and while Westin defended with a guillotine, that appeared futile. Later he’d try for a triangle, but Nurmagomedov pulled free. The entire round, however, would see Nurmagomedov working from the top, and no amount of triangle attempts or hammerfists from the bottom would get Westin anywhere, frankly.

Round three started in nearly identical fashion, with Westin again looking to throw up a triangle from the bottom. He’d get closer with an arm-bar this time out, and make it back to his feet with just under a minute in the round. Yet positional dominance/top control from Abubakar Nurmagomedov was the story, as he rode out the clock for a unanimous decision win.

Abubakar Nurmagomedov def. Jonatan Westin by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Kayla Harrison vs. Jozette Cotton

Olympic gold medalist Kayla Harrison got back in the cage on Thursday at PFL 6. Flashing her jab and throwing a leg kick early, she maanged to stun Cotton inside the first minute. Harrison threw a high kick, and was able to move in and out effectively without taking any damage. However, when the time came, Harrison had no trouble pulling the trigger on a big double leg takedown, moving straight to side control. Cotton worked to tie her up, as Harrison tried to capture an arm. The Olympian then took the back briefly, then moved to mount. Then came the ground and pound, measured. Harrison would transition to an arm-bar, but Cotton held on to make it to the end of the round.

I don’t even know what to think of this fight…. 🤷🏻‍♀️ https://t.co/YJESSKTYKl

— Pamela Sorenson (@PamBam_Sorenson) August 17, 2018

A bit of a slip didn’t help Jozette Cotton any in round two, as she was planted on her back early. This time it was Harrison working from within her opponent’s guard. Posturing up she began landing hammer fists and going to the body. Pushing to her feet still in Cotton’s guard she landed some big shots from the top, but wasn’t frenzied enough to get the stoppage. Cotton appeared to connect with an illegal upkick late in the round, and Harrison moved to side control, dropping some knees to the body.

A double leg takedown saw Cotton on her back early in round three. Cotton briefly though guillotine, but Harrison pulled free. She moved right into mount, but Cotton scrambled, only to wind up mounted anyway. Cotton would escape only to have Harrison trap her and begin unleashing some more ground n’ pound. The ref waved it off, saving a bloodied Jozette Cotton from more damage.

Kayla Harrison def. Jozette Cotton by TKO, Round 3, 1:24

Magomed Magomedkerimov vs. Bojan Velickovic

Magomedkerimov caught a kick early in the PFL 6 co-main event, and got Bojan Velickovic to the ground. He wouldn’t stay down long, after threatening with kicks off his back. However, Belickovic then landed a kick full force to the groin, bringing about a pause to the action. Back underway they’d go to the ground and Magomedkerimov threatened with a choke from the top. Velickovic escaped, and they made it back up. Magomedkerimov found himself reversed against the cage. They’d battle it out for a bit, but in the final minute it was Magomedkerimov with a low blow, returning the favor from earlier. Velickovic would land a solid knee in the final thirty seconds, while Magomedkerimov scored one last takedown.

Round two started with Magomedkerimov jumping into a guillotine. It looked scary, and Magomedkerimov managed to pull Velikovic to the canvas. However, he slipped free, and was in control. They scrambled and Magomedkerimov jumped into a guillotine again. On the feet, Magomedkerimov would press the action, only to be pushed back by Velikovic, and controlled on the ground a little. A close round in the end, and round three would be critical.

Magomedkerimov would use his jab to keep Velikovic on the outside early in round three. Bojan would launch a flying knee that came up just short in the second minute. They’d clinch moments later, and Velikovic would look to shoot; no dice. Magomedkerimov fired off a kick. They’d go to the ground with Magomedkerimov working from guard. A key takedown for Magomedkerimov. Velikovic fired punches from the bottom, but was unable to get back to his feet. Magomedkerimov moved to mount in the dying seconds, landing some hammer fists and possibly stealing the round.

Magomed Magomedkerimov def. Bojan Velickovic by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Ray Cooper III vs. Pavlo Kusch

Cooper held center early, backing Kusch up, and dropping him early! He moved in for some follow-up blows, and as Kusch was moving back to his feet, Cooper connected again! A short right, the first blow seemed to hit the body, but Cooper’s every punch was simply loaded!

Ray Cooper III def. Pavlo Kusch by knockout, Round 1, 0:18

PFL 6 Results:

Ray Cooper III def. Pavlo Kusch by knockout, Round 1, 0:18
Magomed Magomedkerimov def. Bojan Velickovic by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Kayla Harrison def. Jozette Cotton by TKO, Round 3, 1:24
Abubakar Nurmagomedov def. Jonatan Westin by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Joao Zeferino def. Yuri Villefort by submission (rear-naked choke), Round 3, 1:10

Preliminary Card Results:

Rick Story def. Carlton Minus by submission (rear-naked choke), Round 2, 2:55
Jake Shields def. Herman Terrado by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Bruno Santos def. John Howard by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Abus Magomedov def. Anderson Goncalves by TKO, Round 1, 1:27
Shamil Gamzatov def. Rex Harris by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Louis Taylor def. Andre Lobato by unanimous decision (30-37, 30-37, 30-26)
Gasan Umalatov def. Eddie Gordon by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

The post PFL 6: Cooper vs. Kusch Results and Recap appeared first on Cageside Press.

Kayla Harrison’s next trip to the PFL cage is set. Just a week after PFL execs Carlos Silva and Ray Sefo told Cageside Press they’d have news on the Olympic medalist’s next fight soon, it appears the bout is booked. As first reported by ESPN, Harrison will return at PFL 6 on August 16 in Atlantic City, NJ. There, she’ll face Jozette Cotton, who has fought as high as welterweight, but will obviously be meeting Harrison at lightweight.

Harrison (1-0) made her promotional and professional debut at PFL 2 in June in Chicago, IL. There, she got the better of Brittney Elkin, submitting the more experienced fighter via arm-bar in the very first round. A two-time Olympic gold medalist in judo and former training partner of Ronda Rousey, plenty of expectations have been placed on Harrison, who is now in her prime at 28 years old.

All eyes will be on her again as she takes on Cotton (8-1), a vastly more experienced fighter who last competed in December at DCS 38. Cotton has never been submitted, with her lone loss going to the scorecards. She turned pro back in 2012, giving her years more experience in MMA than the judoka.

In short — the PFL isn’t giving Harrison any gimmies, but that’s really how it should be. Harrison’s Olympic pedigree should still give her an edge, and this battle will be one to watch.

The post Kayla Harrison Returns at PFL 6 Against Jozette Cotton appeared first on Cageside Press.

Jozette Cotton is currently considered the best female MMA lightweight fighter today. Holding a record of 7-1, including wins over the likes of Sarah Patterson and Jessica Halverson, she’s a force to be reckoned with. One of the few standouts fighting north of 145lbs on the women’s side, she will be taking on Jennifer Leigh Norris at DSC 38. There, she hopes to conquer Norris for the DSC featherweight title. Ahead of that championship bout she took time out to answer a few questions

PAARTH PANDE:  How did your journey as an athlete begin? Was there someone who influenced or inspired you? When you look behind and realize that this is how far you have made it, how does it feel? What according to you is your greatest achievement?

Jozette Cotton: My journey as an athlete came with trying to compete as a boxer and never getting the chance!! Then I saw ladies competing in spike and was totally turned on, thinking they look weak I could do that!!

As far as when I came into the game I feel Anderson Silva was my biggest influence, his style his attitude and accuracy turned me into to trying to be the woman spider.

It has been a long journey when I look back. I say I’m still the same person, I just got a whole new mindset and I think that will make me the Best fighter in the world. I feel better and wiser and ready for anyone put in front of me!!

My greatest achievements are yet to come I have just began this journey!!

PAARTH PANDE:  An opinion which comes out again and again is that MMA isn’t meant for women. As someone who practices MMA and has many fans, what are your thoughts on the thoughts of people who refuse to accept that women too can fight?  

Jozette Cotton: I think that people know woman are fighters and just have a hard time being able to cope with the fact they could get whooped on by a woman!!!

PAARTH PANDE:  You have been a part of MMA for some time. What are your thoughts on the evolution of women’s MMA? Do you think that female MMA fighters have cemented their spot in the main stream media?

Jozette Cotton: I think the evolution of woman’s sport has finally broken thru, and we defiantly made head way. I feel we will eventually have weights class that range from 105lbs to 175lbs. Or maybe that’s just wishful thinking coming from a woman that competing in the higher weight classes.

We defiantly made a statement to main stream media and are here to stay!!

PAARTH PANDE:  Whom do you think are the top 5 greatest female MMA fighters of all time, women who have not only given exemplary performances in their fights but have also helped in the growth of the sport and have made it possible for women to have their place in some of the biggest MMA promotions? Why?

Jozette Cotton: Gina Carano vs. Cyborg, ’cause that was a great fight and I feel like they opened eyes with that one fighting in Strikeforce. My favorite of all time was ‘Cupcake’ Tate, she just went in there striking with no care in the world about how beautiful she was, she came to hurt someone!! Ronda Rousey, her confidence and get in and out fights always pissed me off but made it so much more interesting to see: is there anyone that won’t get the arm bar??!! Holly Holm, her transfer over from boxing to MMA was so successful and plus I’m a striking fan, she never disappoints and gives her all.

PAARTH PANDE:  In your next fight you face Jennifer Leigh Norris. How does it feel facing her? What are your thoughts on her as an opponent? How do you see this fight going?

Jozette Cotton: I am happy she is coming and blessed to share the octagon with her. I FEEL GREAT COMPETING against her, being we are both well rounded I know the fans will not be disappointed! I feel this will be a standup fight, it isn’t known who will get the best of who, but if it goes to the ground I plan to finish her!

PAARTH PANDE:  The featherweight division has been labeled as a division without any depth. What are your thoughts on this?

Jozette Cotton: Only ’cause they never gave it a chance in the UFC. In Invicta they didn’t have a problem, the 145 division in it had plenty of women.

PAARTH PANDE:  Two of the largest MMA promotions today, Bellator and UFC, have a featherweight division. Which division do you think has more credibility? Why?

Jozette Cotton: Either of the promotions are awesome, each giving you giving their own benefits, and I think that all depends on each individual person. For me I need UFC gold, not many girls in Bellator of can even compete with me. I feel like I would spark a lot of women in Bellator, like their champ Julia Budd’s easy work!!

PAARTH PANDE:  You recently called out Cris Cyborg. She is the UFC featherweight champion. Do you think you’ll be able to beat her?

Jozette Cotton: I will put nothing but hands on Chris and she knows that, she don’t want a real opponent in there, it wouldn’t make her look as dominant as she looks. I would break her

PAARTH PANDE:  What are your plans after the fight?

Jozette Cotton: I plan to get a contract with the UFC after this and hopefully talk my boss into opening up the lightweight just for me and other promising lightweights. I plan to be a three-time ACTIVE Bantamweight, Featherweight, and lightweight CHAMP!

PAARTH PANDE:  One of the most discussed topics in MMA today is fighter pay. What are your thoughts on the pay made by an average MMA fighter? What are your thoughts on a fighter’s union? Will you join the union if given a chance?

Jozette Cotton: I think with what we put into training, gas to all the gyms we need to get to, we are defiantly underpaid and lose money in the end if you don’t eventually get to the Bellator or UFC for a real pay check!! Haven’t heard much on the union, but if it’s like most job unions then I’m definitely in!!

PAARTH PANDE:  A message for your fans

Jozette Cotton:  Thanks for the continued support, and I hope I never let you all down when I’m in there competing to become the best in the world!!

The post In conversation with DSC 38’s Jozette Cotton, Who’s Looking to the UFC Next appeared first on Cageside Press.