Resisting the tide - The History and Future of DCF

Donners · December 29, 2014

Hello and welcome to the tale of the trials and tribulations of Donners' Championship Fighting (DCF), a female-focused (Bantamweight and Featherweight) MMA company which opened in Texas in 2001.

Although I wrote some infamously long Championship/Football Manager diaries (four totalling close to 700,000 words) a decade ago, some of which still survive online, this is my first attempt at a WMMA diary, so feedback and suggestions are very much welcome!

The "live" portion of this diary, with considerably more detail, will start from 2009, since DCF is about to enter a very challenging, and hopefully interesting, phase. The first four posts will each recap two years, setting out how the company developed over time before launching into a full overview as at January 2009.

Again, welcome and I hope you enjoy reading!

[and please excuse the ugly tables - HTML coding is not my strong suit...]

Donners · December 29, 2014

2001

DCF's tale began in January 2001, an unrecognised and unfashionable company in the heart of Texas. The immediate task was clear – get some fighters!

With the fledgling company limited to recruiting talent from the US, Canada and Mexico, most of the recognisable fighters were shared with the more established Canadian women’s company WEFF, which caused distinct issues with booking them and building them up.

Boxer Rachel McGuiness (10-1) established herself as an early leader in the Featherweight division, stopping opponents in both of her main events for the year. Among the Bantamweights, the imposing figure of Hester MacLean (11-1) naturally loomed large, but she only fought once for DCF in 2001 due to WEFF commitments.

As the pecking order was still being established, the belts remained vacant. The company bled money and attracted small crowds, but word of DCF’s emergence was starting to spread…

Shows

|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|[color="Red"]# |Mth | Main Event                        |Crit|Com |Att  |Pop   | Profit [/color]   |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|1 |Mar | Rachel McGuiness d Anna Thompson  |89% |32% |252  |+1.2% |-$15,032   |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|2 |Jun | Leona Deschanel d Daniela Saddora |87% |33% |270  |+1.4% |-$5,949    |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|3 |Sep | Rachel McGuiness d Laura Adair    |74% |41% |307  |+2.0% |-$8,015    |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|4 |Dec | Jessica Herbig d Leona Deschanel  |80% |37% |331  |+1.2% |-$1,243    |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

Featherweight division

|------------------------------------------------------------|
|[color="Red"]# |Fighter         | Age |Career |DCF |World ranking [/color]       |
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|1 |Rachel McGuiness| 31  |10-1   |2-0 |#2 Feather, #3 Pound |
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|2 |Hope Lehane     | 30  |7-0    |0-0 |#3 Feather, #6 Pound |
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|3 |Haley Croft     | 31  |9-2    |1-0 |#4 Feather, #7 Pound |
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|4 |Alisha Wood     | 31  |5-1    |0-0 |#5 Feather, #8 Pound |
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|5 |Laura Adair     | 29  |7-1    |1-1 |#12 Feather          |
|------------------------------------------------------------|

Bantamweight division

|------------------------------------------------------------|
|[color="Red"]# |Fighter         | Age |Career |DCF |World ranking        [/color]|
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|1 |Hester MacLean  | 32  |11-1   |1-0 |#2 Bantam, #4 Pound  |
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|2 |Vicki Summers   | 30  |9-2    |0-0 |#3 Bantam, #9 Pound  |
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|3 |Daniella Saddora| 26  |6-2    |0-1 |#2 Fly, #15 Pound    |
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|4 |Jessica Herbig  | 24  |7-0    |1-0 |#9 Bantam, #19 Pound |
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|5 |Marion Reynolds | 32  |8-1    |2-0 |#11 Bantam, #23 Pound|
|------------------------------------------------------------|

2002

DCF’s second year began with a bang – two consecutive shows seeing the inaugural champions of each division crowned. Hester MacLean (12-2) took the Bantamweight title with a TKO over Vicki Summers (9-3) in March, followed by Hope Lehane (8-0) forcing Rachel McGuiness (10-2) to submit for the Featherweight title in June.

Regrettably, McGuiness retired after her loss, and Marion Reynolds also announced her snap retirement, depriving us of two of our few “name” fighters.

A few others rose to take their place, though, with Piper Evergood (10-3) taking her DCF record to 3-0 and Clare Peyton (9-0) rising sharply with two impressive wins.

The year ended with an extraordinary show – still the most critically acclaimed in the world six years later. Gianna Russo’s (9-1) third-round KO of Letya Turner (1-1) and Piper Evergood’s five-round epic against Channel Taylor (3-1), ending with a TKO in the final minutes, both reached the coveted “Excellent” standard.

Less pleasingly, MacLean lost some momentum with a defeat in WEFF. Sharing a roster, though a necessity given our size, has considerable downsides.

If only more people than the 548 in attendance could have seen it – although events were now turning a small profit, the company was still financially weak. Still, DCF ended the year with plenty of momentum.

Shows

|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|[color="Red"]# |Mth | Main Event                        |Crit|Com |Att  |Pop   | Profit    [/color]|
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|5 |Mar | [b]Hester MacLean d Vicki Summers[/b]    |67% |41% |444  |+1.1% |-$970      |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|6 |Jun | [b]Hope Lehane d Rachel McGuiness [/b]   |79% |37% |424  |+1.0% |$3,762     |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|7 |Sep | Rain Richards d Jessica Herbig    |70% |44% |569  |+1.4% |$24,063    |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|8 |Nov | Piper Evergood d Chanell Taylor   |93% |35% |548  |+0.7% |$17,371    |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

Featherweight division

|------------------------------------------------------------|
|[color="Red"]# |Fighter         | Age |Career |DCF |World ranking        [/color]|
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|1 |[b]Hope Lehane[/b]     | 31  |8-0    |1-0 |#2 Feather, #3 Pound |^ (#2)
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|2 |Alisha Wood     | 32  |9-1    |1-0 |#4 Feather, #8 Pound |^ (#4)
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|3 |Piper Evergood  | 27  |10-3   |3-0 |#6 Feather, #12 Pound|NEW
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|4 |Alyson Arroway  | 30  |8-2    |1-0 |#9 Feather, #17 Pound|NEW
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|5 |Haley Croft     | 32  |10-3   |2-1 |#10 Feather, 20 Pound|v (#3)
|------------------------------------------------------------|

Bantamweight division

|------------------------------------------------------------|
|[color="Red"]# |Fighter         | Age |Career |DCF |World ranking        [/color]|
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|1 |[b]Hester MacLean[/b]  | 33  |12-2   |2-0 |#2 Bantam, #4 Pound  |
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|2 |Rain Richards   | 27  |13-1   |2-1 |#5 Bantam, #16 Pound |NEW
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|3 |Vicki Summers   | 31  |9-3    |0-1 |#6 Bantam, #19 Pound |v (#2)
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|4 |Gianna Russo    | 24  |9-1    |3-1 |#8 Bantam, #22 Pound |NEW
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|5 |Clare Peyton    | 28  |9-0    |2-0 |#9 Bantam, #23 Pound |NEW
|------------------------------------------------------------|

Donners · December 29, 2014

2003

2003 saw DCF take considerable strides forward.

Both divisions saw new champions crowned. Hope Lehane (9-1) made her first defence against Alisha Wood, grounding out a five-round decision, but lost her undefeated record and title when she became the fourth consecutive victim of Piper Evergood (12-3) later in the year. In the Bantamweight division, Vicki Summers (11-3) avenged her defeat in the inaugural title match, forcing Hester MacLean (12-3) to submit in a matter of minutes.

Although we again lost a few notable fighters, including Alicia Wood (9-2) and Charlotte DiSerra (8-3), but the continued rise of younger fighters like Clare Peyton (11-0), Rain Richards (15-1) and Emma Birch (11-4) offered hope for the future. Summers in particular looked like a vulnerable champion, with a host of challengers nipping at her heels.

I brought in a few recognised names such as Alison Beattie (9-4) and April Watson (7-4), but focused on unknown youth. The most promising of those, Featherweight Sherry Clean (1-0), began with a TKO over Laura Adair.

A deal with SportsTube saw the company gain exposure around the world through the last two shows of the year, with DCF rising to mid-regional level at the end of 2003.

Shows

|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|[color="Red"]# |Mth | Main Event |Crt|Com |Att |Pop | Profit [/color]|
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|9 |Jan | Darcelle Bergeron d Isabeli Martins|65%|43% |740 |+0.7% |-$970 |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|10|Mar | [b]Hope Lehane d Alicia Wood[/b] |72%|46% |634 |+0.9% |$3,762 |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|11|May | Rain Richards d Gianna Russo |67%|41% |626 |+1.6% |$24,063 |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|12|Aug | [b]Vicki Summers d Hester MacLean[/b] |84%|41% |610 |+0.8% |$17,371 |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|13|Oct | [b]Piper Evergood d Hope Lehane[/b] |65%|50% |731 |+2.9% |$17,371 |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|14|Dec | Rain Richards d Daniela Saddora |77%|41% |670 |+2.3% |$17,371 |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

Featherweight division

|------------------------------------------------------------|
|[color="Red"]# |Fighter         | Age |Career |DCF |World ranking        [/color]|
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|1 |[b]Piper Evergood[/b]  | 28  |12-3   |4-0 |#1 Feather, #5 Pound |^ (#3)
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|2 |Hope Lehane     | 32  |9-1    |2-1 |#3 Feather, #7 Pound |v (#2)
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|3 |Alyson Arroway  | 31  |10-2   |1-0 |#6 Feather, #16 Pound|^ (#4)
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|4 |Haley Croft     | 33  |10-3   |2-1 |#10 Feather, 20 Pound|^ (#4)
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|5 |Kelly Andrews   | 29  |9-2    |3-1 |#15 Feather          |NEW
|------------------------------------------------------------|

Bantamweight division

|------------------------------------------------------------|
|[color="Red"]# |Fighter         | Age |Career |DCF |World ranking        [/color]|
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|1 |[b]Vicki Summers[/b]   | 32  |11-3    |2-1 |#3 Bantam, #8 Pound  |^ (#3)
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|2 |Clare Peyton    | 29  |11-0   |4-0 |#4 Bantam, #10 Pound |^ (#5)
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|3 |Rain Richards   | 28  |15-1   |4-1 |#5 Bantam, #11 Pound |v (#2)
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|4 |Hester MacLean  | 34  |12-3   |2-1 |#6 Bantam, #15 Pound |v (#1)
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|5 |Emma Birch      | 29  |11-4   |4-1 |#17 Bantam           |NEW
|------------------------------------------------------------|

2004

Despite the continued rise of DCF, 2004 was a troubled year for the fledgling company.

Clare Peyton (13-0) began the year brightly – at least in terms of the result, rather than the spectacle – grinding out a five-round decision against fellow wrestler Jessica Herbig (8-4).

When Vicki Summers (11-4) announced her retirement after a WEFF loss, and Hester MacLean (12-4) retired after losing to Leona Deschanel (8-3), Peyton was the obvious contender for the now-vacant title. I put her up against taekwondo fighter Rain Richards (15-2), and held out some hope that the more exciting Richards would win. It wasn’t to be. Peyton smothered Richards in an ugly five-round match, winning by split decision to become DCF’s third Bantamweight champion – and its least popular.

The Featherweight division also had its challenges. Piper Evergood (16-4) lost a match in WEFF, robbing her of momentum despite a successful defence against Alyson Arroway (11-3). Former champion Hope Lehane(9-1-1NC) defeated Laura Adair (9-5-1NC), only to be suspended for a year after a positive drug test.

Nonetheless, with a TV deal in place, we finally started turning a profit. Shows alternated between internet and TV, offering a balance between exposure and income. The other bright side was the rise of young fighters like Sherry Clean (3-0), Bernadea Caron (6-0) and D’Arcy Fortin (7-0). It was a tough year, but we did enough to set up what would be an amazing, game-changing 2005.

Shows

|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|[color="Red"]# |Mth | Main Event                         |Crt|Com |Att  |Pop   | Profit    [/color]|
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|15|Mar | Clare Peyton d Jessica Herbig      |77%|43% |793  |+2.6% |$49,454    |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|16|May | Alison Beattie d Simone King       |80%|36% |767  |+0.8% |$135,264   |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|17|Jul | Clare Peyton d Rain Richards       |82%|54% |1113 |+3.4% |$82,289    |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|18|Oct | Piper Evergood d Alyson Arroway    |80%|39% |926  |+1.5% |$193,809   |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|19|Dec | Emma Birch d Alison Beattie        |73%|43% |1051 |+2.3% |$81,442    |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

Featherweight division

|------------------------------------------------------------|
|[color="Red"]# |Fighter         | Age |Career |DCF |World ranking       [/color] |
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|1 |[b]Piper Evergood[/b]  | 29  |13-4   |5-0 |#2 Feather, #6 Pound |
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|2 |Hope Lehane     | 33  |9-1-1NC|2-1 |#4 Feather, #9 Pound |
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|3 |Kelly Andrews   | 30  |12-2   |3-1 |#7 Feather, #18 Pound|^ (#5)
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|4 |Alyson Arroway  | 32  |11-3   |2-1 |#8 Feather           |v (#4)
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|5 |Sherry Clean    | 24  |3-0    |3-0 |#16 Feather          |NEW
|------------------------------------------------------------|

Bantamweight division

|------------------------------------------------------------|
|[color="Red"]# |Fighter         | Age |Career |DCF |World ranking        [/color]|
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|1 |[b]Clare Peyton[/b]    | 30  |13-0   |6-0 |#3 Bantam, #7 Pound  |^ (#2)
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|2 |Bernadea Caron  | 25  |6-0    |5-0 |#4 Bantam, #13 Pound |NEW
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|3 |Rain Richards   | 29  |15-2   |4-2 |#5 Bantam, #15 Pound |
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|4 |Emma Birch      | 30  |13-4   |5-1 |#6 Bantam, #16 Pound |^ (#4)
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|5 |D'Arcy Fortin   | 24  |7-0    |5-0 |#7 Bantam, #20 Pound |NEW
|------------------------------------------------------------|

Donners · December 30, 2014

2005

2005 was a year which significantly shaped DCF. It began with big news – Bantamweight champion Clare Peyton had signed with ALPHA. It was inevitable that our increased profile would result in attention from other companies, and our undefeated champion was an obvious target.

The good news was that she had already been booked for a fight in the first show of the year – a showdown with D’Arcy Fortin, who had also racked up an undefeated record from eight fights. That set up a massive show in February 2005 – the tedious yet effective smothering wresting of the departing Peyton against the kung fu of the 24-year-old Fortin which had stopped four of five DCF opponents.

The fight went down to the wire, but Fortin did it in front of a record crowd of 1,462 – a fourth-round TKO sent Peyton packing with a blemished 13-1 record, while Fortin moved to 9-0.

Unfortunately, the celebration didn’t last long. Quite logically, ALPHA decided to snap up the person who had just beaten their new signing, and Fortin left without even defending her title.

Things were much more stable in the Featherweight division. Indeed, the top five fighters only shuffled their order around a bit, with the dominant Evergood remaining in top and the suspended Hope Lehane stuck in second, compared to four new members of the Bantamweight top five. Alice Wright fought her way to a title shot with five straight wins, but had her undefeated record ended by the rampaging Piper Evergood (16-4), who only defended once due to WEFF commitments.

There was significant turnover of the roster, with nine fighters leaving. Aside from the aforementioned ALPHA poachings, none were really a loss. In turn, none of their replacements showed much promise either. In particular, world #1 Lightweight Caress Nadeau (13-1) lost her first DCF match in a quite dismal showing. Admittedly, there are few Lightweight women – it seems her record was grossly inflated by the lack of competition.

The company made great progress in 2005, with the February and December shows being particularly successful. DCF rose to High Regional level late in the year and made a substantial profit. Still, there are concerns – the Bantamweight title remains vacant, and we are now at considerable risk of having our best fighters snatched away.

Shows

|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
[color="Red"]|# |Mth | Main Event |Crt|Com |Att |Pop | Profit[/color] |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|20|Feb | [b]D'Arcy Fortin d Clare Peyton[/b] |79%|68% |1462 |+3.5% |$346,601 |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|21|Apr | Alice Wright d Kelly Andrews |78%|44% |1012 |+2.3% |$76,385 |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|22|Jun | Sherry Clean d Judy Phillips |74%|42% |1093 |+1.8% |$232,958 |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|23|Aug | Gianna Russo d Alicia Fothergill |77%|52% |1057 |+3.2% |$80,399 |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|24|Oct | Daniella Saddora d Virginia Ryland |76%|47% |1186 |+1.8% |$257,875 |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|25|Dec | [b]Piper Evergood d Alice Wright[/b] |75%|47% |1103 |+1.8% |$118,051 |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

Featherweight division

|------------------------------------------------------------|
[color="Red"]|# |Fighter         | Age |Career |DCF |World ranking        [/color]|
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|1 |[b]Piper Evergood[/b]  | 30  |16-4   |6-0 |#1 Feather, #3 Pound |
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|2 |Hope Lehane     | 34  |9-1-1NC|3-1 |#3 Feather, #7 Pound |
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|3 |Alyson Arroway  | 33  |13-3   |3-1 |#4 Feather, #10 Pound|^ (#4)
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|4 |Sherry Clean    | 25  |5-0    |4-0 |#5 Feather, #17 Pound|^ (#5)
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|5 |Kelly Andrews   | 31  |12-4   |3-3 |#16 Feather          |v (#3)
|------------------------------------------------------------|

Bantamweight division

|------------------------------------------------------------|
[color="Red"]|# |Fighter         | Age |Career |DCF |World ranking       [/color] |
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|1 |Bernadea Caron  | 26  |7-1    |6-0 |#3 Bantam, #9 Pound  |^ (#2)
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|2 |Gianna Russo    | 27  |12-3   |6-2 |#4 Bantam, #11 Pound |NEW
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|3 |Daniela Saddora | 30  |12-4   |3-3 |#5 Bantam, #12 Pound |NEW
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|4 |Rain Richards   | 30  |16-3   |5-3 |#15 Bantam           |NEW
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|5 |Shannon Palmer  | 29  |12-1   |1-0 |#9 Bantam, #25 Pound |NEW
|------------------------------------------------------------|

2006

2006 opened with the Bantamweight division gaining a bit of stability, as Gianna Russo (13-5) captured the vacant title by eking out a five-round split decision win over fellow jiu jitsu fighter Shannon Palmer (13-3). It was a great result for Russo, who featured on our very first show in March 2001. However, it looked like she would have a tough task holding on to it in 2007, with Bernadea Caron (9-0) winning her eighth straight DCF match – particularly with Russo losing two WEFF matches in a row during 2006.

After being so stable last year, the Featherweight division was shaken by a major injury suffered in training to champion Piper Evergood. With Evergood out for a year, I stripped her of the title. With the retirements of Hayley Croft (14-4) and Alyson Arroway (14-4), the contenders were rather limited. Sherry Clean (6-0) took full advantage of the opportunity, forcing Hope Lehane (9-3-1NC), who had returned from her suspension, to submit in the first round, claiming the vacant title.

With the Featherweight division looking a little thin, I recruited some of the few Lightweight women around. Tina O’Brien (22-2) and Marcia Huerta (23-5) looked the pick of the bunch, but records can be deceiving – as Caress Naidu (13-3) showed as she made her DCF record 0-3.

Only one fighter was stolen by ALPHA this year, and Alison Beattie (12-6) was not that much of a loss. Next year would be a different story…

Shows

|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
[color="Red"]|# |Mth | Main Event                         |Crt|Com |Att  |Pop   | Profit [/color]   |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|26|Feb | [b]Gianna Russo d Shannon Palmer[/b]      |77%|59% |1339 |+2.4% |$321,791   |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|27|Apr | Bernadea Caron d Daniela Saddora   |76%|49% |1185 |+1.8% |$129,380   |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|28|Jun | [b]Sherry Clean d Hope Lehane[/b]         |76%|54% |1253 |+2.3% |$130,605   |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|29|Aug | Bernadea Caron d Irene Liaudin     |76%|56% |1230 |+2.3% |$126,827   |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|30|Oct | Andrea Jones d Ramona Stivic       |73%|49% |1120 |+1.6% |$301,339   |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|31|Dec | Katie-Jane Paulson d Shannon Palmer|78%|50% |1147 |+1.8% |$381,162   |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

Featherweight division

|------------------------------------------------------------|
[color="Red"]|# |Fighter         | Age |Career |DCF |World ranking      [/color]  |
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|1 |[b]Sherry Clean[/b]    | 25  |6-0    |5-0 |#2 Feather, #8 Pound |^ (#4)
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|2 |Piper Evergood  | 31  |16-4   |6-0 |#1 Feather, #3 Pound |v (#1)
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|3 |Nancy Vidal     | 22  |7-2    |5-0 |#15 Feather          |NEW
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|4 |Alice Wright    | 28  |6-1    |6-1 |#6 Feather           |NEW
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|5 |Hope Lehane     | 34  |9-3-1NC|3-3 |#4 Feather, #13 Pound|v (#2)
|------------------------------------------------------------|

Bantamweight division

|------------------------------------------------------------|
[color="Red"]|# |Fighter         | Age |Career |DCF |World ranking        [/color]|
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|1 |[b]Gianna Russo[/b]    | 28  |13-5   |7-2 |#8 Bantam, #19 Pound |^ (#2)
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|2 |Bernadea Caron  | 27  |9-1    |8-0 |#2 Bantam, #4 Pound  |v (#1)
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|3 |Rain Richards   | 31  |17-3   |6-3 |#4 Bantam, #10 Pound |^ (#4)
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|4 |Letya Turner    | 26  |7-3    |4-3 |#6 Fly, #16 Pound    |NEW
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|5 |Michelle Addams | 33  |14-7   |4-3 |#7 Bantam, #17 Pound |NEW
|------------------------------------------------------------|

Donners · January 1, 2015

2007

Our roster sharing with WEFF had hurt us, with Bantamweight champion Gianna Russo losing her last two matches there. As such, she was such a weak draw that I had to have her title match against Letya Turner (7-5) as the co-main event to the Featherweight battle between Sherry Clean and Tina O’Brien. Both Russo (14-5) and Clean (7-0) retained, with O’Brien (22-3) retiring. Russo main evented later in the year, defending against Michelle Addams (15-8), who retired after the loss. Russo was fortunate to avoid world #1 Bernadea Caron (10-2) due to scheduling conflicts.

The middle of the year brought mixed news. Piper Evergood (17-4) returned, and got straight back into form by knocking out Chanell Taylor (7-6) in the first round.

However, that was tempered by the news that XCC – the fastest-rising company in the world – had opened up women’s Bantamweight and Flyweight divisions. They immediately began poaching our fighters on exclusive contracts, with April Watson (11-6), Shannon Palmer (14-3), Ramona Stivic (15-3), Violet Benes (10-5), Alicia Koscheck (5-7) and Rain Richards (19-3) all snatched away.

With Hope Lehane (9-3-1NC), Marcia Huerta (24-6) and Tabitha Cameron (12-7) joining O’Brien and Addams in retirement, our roster had suddenly been decimated – particularly among our rather thin stocks of “name” fighters.

This was particularly worrying after a flat patch of shows early in the year – the only two in our history where we failed to gain popularity.

Younger fighters like Courtney Backland (4-0) and Constance Joslin (5-2) were thrust into co-main events to plug the gaps, but I did at least have one big match to end the year.

With Evergood back, it was inevitable that she should fight to regain the title which she only lost through injury. I signed a host of TV deals, plus PPV in South America, for this epic showdown which closed out the year. As it turned out, it wasn’t epic at all – Evergood (18-4) ended Sherry Clean’s (7-1) perfect record with a first-round KO. Still, the profit of over a million dollars more than made up for the abrupt end, and a challenging year ended with the unstoppable Evergood back on top.

Shows

|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
[color="Red"]|# |Mth | Main Event                         |Crt|Com |Att  |Pop   | Profit    [/color]|
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|32|Feb | [b]Sherry Clean d Tina O'Brien[/b]        |76%|56% |1141 |+2.3% |$107,347   |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|33|Apr | Rain Richards d Andrea Jones       |77%|42% |806  |-0.2% |$293,469   |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|34|Jun | Piper Evergood d Chanell Taylor    |77%|45% |896  |+0.0% |$76,556    |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|35|Aug | [b]Gianna Russo d Michelle Addams[/b]     |72%|50% |874 |+1.6% |$337,966    |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|36|Oct | Alice Wright d Marcia Huerta       |75%|55% |965  |+2.1% |$87,335    |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|37|Dec | [b]Piper Evergood d Sherry Clean[/b]      |78%|74% |1156 |+2.8% |$1,346,638 |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

Featherweight division

|------------------------------------------------------------|
[color="Red"]|# |Fighter         | Age |Career |DCF |World ranking        [/color]|
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|1 |[b]Piper Evergood[/b]  | 32  |18-4   |8-0 |#1 Feather, #2 Pound |^ (#2)
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|2 |Sherry Clean    | 27  |7-1    |6-1 |#2 Feather, #5 Pound |v (#1)
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|3 |Nicole Henderson| 29  |8-3    |7-3 |#4 Feather, #19 Pound|NEW
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|4 |Alice Wright    | 29  |8-1    |8-1 |#5 Feather, #21 Pound|
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|5 |Nancy Vidal     | 23  |8-3    |6-1 |#6 Feather, #23 Pound|v (#3)
|------------------------------------------------------------|

Bantamweight division

|------------------------------------------------------------|
[color="Red"]|# |Fighter          |Age |Career |DCF |World ranking       [/color] |
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|1 |[b]Gianna Russo[/b]     |29  |15-5   |9-2 |#3 Bantam, #8 Pound  |
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|2 |Bernadea Caron   |28  |10-2   |8-0 |#1 Bantam, #6 Pound  |v (#1)
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|3 |Brittany Garofalo|31  |6-2    |4-2 |#4 Bantam, #13 Pound |NEW
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|4 |Letya Turner     |27  |7-5    |4-5 |#7 Fly, #15 Pound    |NEW
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|5 |Suzanne Elder    |31  |13-3   |3-1 |#5 Bantam, #20 Pound |NEW
|------------------------------------------------------------|

2008

2008 would be another shaky year for DCF, but savvy media deals and promising youngsters kept us afloat.

The year began with Gianna Russo dropping the Bantamweight title to Brittany Garofalo (7-2) via a fourth-round TKO. Garofalo’s reign was a short one – she promptly left for XCC and was joined by the promising Irene Liaudin (6-2), Jessica Herbig (11-6) and Letya Turner (7-5). Worst of all, world #1 Bernadea Caron (11-2), who had only missed out on title shots due to scheduling conflicts, also went off to XCC.

With all of XCC’s acquisitions coming from our Bantamweight division, the Featherweights took over the main events. Kelly Andrews (14-7) became the latest first-round victim of Piper Evergood (20-4) and promptly retired. Sherry Clean (9-1) won two main events – including a much-anticipated battle against Alice Wright (10-2) – to put herself right back in the frame for a rematch next year.

With the Bantamweight ranks thinned out, Gianna Russo (16-6) got the chance to recover the title, and did so by Daniela Sadorra (14-8). The weakened state of the division is obvious by the table of top ranked fighters below – aside from Russo, the top five consists of veterans who have jumped several rungs on the ladder merely by virtue of the departures (perhaps aside from Katie-Jane Paulson, who is in form).

The final show of the year saw DCF rise to National level. This presents a huge dilemma for 2009 – on the one hand, I’m not sure that we have the roster to put on shows at that level, but on the other the ability to sign fighters from around the world is an extremely appealing one. I’ve still not decided, and your input, dear reader, would be most welcome.

Shows

|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
[color="Red"]|# |Mth | Main Event                         |Crt|Com |Att  |Pop   | Profit    [/color]|
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|38|Feb | [b]Brittany Garofalo d Gianna Russo[/b]   |78%|64% |1389 |+2.4% |$1,039,600 |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|39|Apr | Paula Sanz d Brittany Gibson       |80%|56% |1110 |+1.8% |$753,544   |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|40|Jun | [b]Piper Evergood d Kelly Andrews[/b]     |72%|60% |1188 |+2.3% |$888,690   |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|41|Aug | Sherry Clean d Nicole Henderson    |74%|43% |974  |-0.8% |$1,193,696 |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|42|Oct | [b]Gianna Russo d Daniela Sadorra[/b]     |75%|63% |1709 |+2.6% |$1,519,334 |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|43|Dec | Sherry Clean d Alice Wright        |81%|64% |1626 |+2.6% |$8,316,572 |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

Featherweight division

2008
|------------------------------------------------------------|
[color="Red"]|# |Fighter         | Age |Career |DCF |World ranking        [/color]|
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|1 |[b]Piper Evergood[/b]  | 33  |20-4   |9-0 |#1 Feather, #1 Pound |
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|2 |Sherry Clean    | 28  |9-1    |8-1 |#2 Feather, #6 Pound |
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|3 |Alice Wright    | 30  |10-2   |10-2|#4 Feather, #24 Pound|^ (#4)
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|4 |Maureen Chase   | 28  |10-2   |4-1 |#5 Feather           |NEW
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|5 |Nicole Henderson| 30  |9-4    |7-4 |#6 Feather           |v (#3)
|------------------------------------------------------------|

Bantamweight division

|------------------------------------------------------------|
[color="Red"]|# |Fighter           |Age|Career |DCF |World ranking        [/color]|
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|1 |[b]Gianna Russo[/b]      |30 |16-6   |10-3|#5 Bantam, #11 Pound  |
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|2 |Monica Masters    |35 |15-6   |4-3 |#4 Bantam, #10  Pound| NEW
-------------------------------------------------------------|
|3 |Katie-Jane Paulson|31 |15-3   |5-1 |#6 Bantam, #21 Pound |NEW
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|4 |Carmen Routhwaite |32 |12-5   |5-5 |#8 Bantam            |NEW
|------------------------------------------------------------|
|5 |Daniela Sadorra   |33 |14-8   |4-6 |#19 Fly, #17 Bantam  |NEW
|------------------------------------------------------------|

Coming up next - fighter profiles and the first card of 2009.

Donners · January 2, 2015

2009

The DCF Roster

Featherweight division

Total: 34 fighters

Rank	Name			Age	W	L
1	Piper Evergood		33	20	4
2	Sherry Clean		28	9	1
3	Alice Wright		30	10	2
4	Maureen Chase		28	10	2
5	Nicole Henderson	30	9	4
6	Victoria Death		27	23	0
7	Lorin Poirier		28	7	6
8	Chanell Taylor		30	9	7
9	Claudia Fraser		27	10	2
10	Nancey Vidal		24	8	5
11	Kirsten Page		34	13	8
12	Judith Hughes		27	8	7
13	Floriana Parent		26	6	3
14	Courtney Backlund	21	5	1
15	Karen Hinkle		23	1	0
16	Francena Dube		28	6	4
17	Nellie Lashley		26	15	7
18	Paula Sanz		21	4	2
19	Pascala Grenier		27	12	8
20	Coletta Tremblay	27	8	6
21	Lauren Turcotte		26	2	0
22	Zuria Cote		27	8	9
23	Aubina Levesque		26	4	6
24	Dana Kowalski		26	8	3
25	Brittany Gibson		28	3	5
-	Arlene Baroni		32	18	12
-	Flori Dube		21	1	1
-	Jill Horn		19	1	1
-	Julie Dillon		30	3	5
-	Megan Foster		23	0	1
-	Serra Clementi		29	5	2
-	Susan Gilbert		24	5	2
-	Terri Frehley		24	5	1
-	Virginia Robinson	28	6	1

Fighter profiles – the top 10:

#1: Piper Evergood

From: Canada

Style: Sprawl & Brawl

World Rank: #1 Featherweight, #1 Pound for Pound

Joined DCF: 2001

Main Events: 7

DCF record: 9 Wins (3 KO, 6 TKO), 0 Losses

Despite coming into DCF on a two-match losing streak from WEFF, Evergood has crushed all her opponents since – undefeated since a split-decision loss in WEFF against the now-retired Kelly Andrews in 2004. With five first-round KOs in her last six fights, just getting to the second round against her is an achievement.

#2: Sherry Clean

From: USA

Style: Kung Fu

World Rank: #2 Featherweight, #6 Pound for Pound

Joined DCF: 2003

Main Events: 6

DCF record: 8 Wins (2 KO, 3 TKO, 3 Sub), 1 Loss

Her devastatingly powerful punches and kicks are dangerous enough, but Clean also has three submission wins by Guillotine. With her recent form, a rematch against Evergood – the only person to beat her – can’t be far away.

#3: Alice Wright

From: USA

Style: Amateur Wrestling

World Rank: #4 Featherweight, #24 Pound for Pound

Joined DCF: 2001

Main Events: 4

DCF record: 10 Wins (1 TKO), 2 Losses

Unlike the top two, Wright rarely finishes an opponent. Instead, she just keeps the fight on the ground and drags it out to a decision. It has worked for most of her career, but Clean managed to KO her in the third round of their fight to end 2008.

#4: Maureen Chase

From: Canada

Style: Grappling

World Rank: #5 Featherweight

Joined DCF: 2004

Main Events: 0

DCF record: 4 Wins (1 KO, 1 TKO, 1 Sub), 1 Loss

Unlike Wright, Chase is a grappler who can finish fights. However, despite her lofty ranking, she is yet to have a noteworthy win.

#5: Nicole Henderson

From: USA

Style: Greco-Roman Wrestling

World Rank: #6 Featherweight

Joined DCF: 2001

Main Events: 1

DCF record: 7 Wins (1 KO, 2 TKO, 1 Sub), 4 Losses

Another fairly mediocre wrestler, Henderson has the advantage of some powerful fists to bring a match to a quick end. A loss to Clean last year ended a six-fight winning streak.

#6 Victoria Death

From: England

Style: Taekwondo

World Rank: #4 Lightweight

Joined DCF: 2008

Main Events: 0

DCF record: 1 Win (1 TKO), 0 Losses

The English Lightweight is a newcomer to DCF, and has the skills to back up her impressive record. She could be a star, but her weakness against wrestlers will likely prevent her from rising too far.

#7 Lorin Poirier

From: Canada

Style: Hybrid Fighting

World Rank: -

Joined DCF: 2002

Main Events: 0

DCF record: 4 Wins (3 Sub), 3 Losses

A well-rounded fighter, but her chequered record suggests she is the classic jack of all trades but master of none.

#8 Chanell Taylor

From: Canada

Style: Wrestling

World Rank: -

Joined DCF: 2001

Main Events: 2

DCF record: 3 Wins (1 KO, 1 TKO), 6 Losses

A very mediocre fighter who will not stay in the top-10 for long.

#9 Claudia Fraser

From: USA

Style: Amateur Wrestling

World Rank: -

Joined DCF: 2004

Main Events: 0

DCF record: 4 Wins (1 TKO, 2 Sub), 2 Losses

Coming off three straight wins, Fraser is an average wrestler who will act as a gatekeeper at best.

#10 Nancey Vidal

From: Canada

Style: Taekwondo

World Rank: –

Joined DCF: 2003

Main Events: 0

DCF record: 6 Wins (3 KO, 2 TKO), 2 Losses

Three straight losses, two in DCF and one in WEFF, have sent the promising Vidal down the rankings. She has the skills to be a dangerous fighter, but is badly out of form at the moment.

Bantamweight division

Total: 33 fighters

Rank	Name			Age	W	L
1	Gianna Russo		30	16	6
2	Monica Masters		35	15	6
3	Katy-Jane Paulson	31	15	3
4	Carmen Routhwaite	32	12	5
5	Daniela Sadorra		33	14	8
6	Cheryl Bergeron		31	11	3
7	Suzanne Elder		32	14	5
8	Emma Birch		34	17	9
9	Virginia Ryland		26	11	6
10	Darcelle Bergeron	30	7	4
11	Andrea Jones		33	10	6
12	Faun Vidal		32	6	6
13	Ana Marcos		29	8	0
14	Diana Robert		27	9	6
15	Dorothy Gale		32	12	6
16	Fawnia Mercier		29	6	8
17	Simone King		36	11	8
18	Constance Joslin	29	6	3
19	Ambre Martin		26	9	4
20	Stella Hall		25	4	3
21	Phyllis Chase		26	13	3
22	Ethel Punk		30	4	4
23	Carla Hart		27	3	2
25	Lillian Kyle		26	4	1
-	Charlene Eilers		25	1	2
-	Claudia Bailey		25	8	6
-	Debra Cavanagh		31	6	1
-	Delmare Vidal		28	2	9
-	Elsie Ryan		26	2	4
-	Francena Lapointe	29	4	11
-	Lynn Stevenson		24	2	3
-	Patricia Horn		23	0	1
-	Victorina David		22	3	5

Fighter profiles – the top 10:

#1 Gianna Russo

From: Canada

Style: Jiu Jitsu

World Rank: #5 Bantamweight, #11 Pound for Pound

Joined DCF: 2001

Main Events: 6

DCF record: 10 Wins (2 KO, 5 Sub), 3 Losses

An extremely talented fighter who has perhaps not lived up to her ability. Still, she’s the current champion, in her second reign, and is vitally important given our recent losses.

#2 Monica Masters

From: England

Style: Striking

World Rank: #4 Bantamweight, #10 Pound for Pound

Joined DCF: 2002

Main Events: 0

DCF record: 4 Wins (2 KO, 2 TKO), 3 Losses

Despite fading with age, Monica is still performing well – knocking out her last two WEFF opponents and taking their Bantamweight title in December 2008. She probably doesn’t have many more fights in her, and WEFF will no doubt book her where possible.

#3 Katy-Jayne Paulson

From: USA

Style: Jiu Jitsu

World Rank: #6 Bantamweight, #21 Pound for Pound

Joined DCF: 2003

Main Events: 1

DCF record: 5 Wins (1 Sub), 1 Loss

Despite having all the attributes of a quality fighter, Paulson has dragged all but one of her wins into decisions rather than finishing off an opponent with her submission skills. Ugly though it may be, it has certainly been effective.

#4 Carmen Routhwaite

From: USA

Style: Kick Boxing

World Rank: #8 Bantamweight

Joined DCF: 2001

Main Events: 0

DCF record: 5 Wins (1 KO, 2 TKO), 5 Losses

Routhwaite is an average striker and is poor on the ground, but she is able to take a beating. Her high position in our rankings demonstrates our weak Bantamweight division.

#5 Daniela Sadorra

From: Mexico

Style: Kick Boxing

World Rank: #17 Bantamweight, #19 Flyweight

Joined DCF: 2001

Main Events: 5

DCF record: 4 Wins (2 KO, 2 TKO), 6 Losses

Having won just two of her last six fights, Sadorra is probably nearing the end of her career. She is still a powerful kick boxer and could pose a threat to anyone who underestimates her.

#6 Cheryl Bergeron

From: Canada

Style: Kung Fu

World Rank: -

Joined DCF: 2002

Main Events: 0

DCF record: 6 Wins (1 KO, 1 Sub), 2 Losses

Although a weak chin will probably hold Bergeron back from the top of the division, she has the skills to pick up a few wins.

#7 Suzanne Elder

From: USA

Style: Wrestling

World Rank: -

Joined DCF: 2005

Main Events: 0

DCF record: 3 Wins (1 Sub), 1 Loss

Another of our smothering wrestlers, Elder uses her remarkable strength to compensate for her limited skill. She is coming off two straight losses in WEFF, but has had some good wins in DCF including a decision victory over Sadorra.

#8 Emma Birch

From: USA

Style: Wrestling

World Rank: -

Joined DCF: 2001

Main Events: 1

DCF record: 6 Wins (2 KO, 1 TKO), 3 Losses

A defensive fighter, Birch grinds down her opponents before going for a quick submission or KO. She’s close to the end of her career, and will likely not rise further.

#9 Virginia Ryland

From: Canada

Style: MMA

World Rank: -

Joined DCF: 2001

Main Events: 1

DCF record: 7 Wins (3 Sub), 3 Losses

An extremely talented wrestler, Ryland could prove to be a very important member of our Bantamweight division with a bit more experience under her belt.

#10 Darcelle Bergeron

From: Canada

Style: MMA/Kick Boxing

World Rank: -

Joined DCF: 2002

Main Events: 1

DCF record: 5 Wins (1 KO, 1 TKO), 4 Losses

A well-rounded fighter, Bergeron is a solid member of the roster without looking like a title contender.

Donners · January 3, 2015

Preview – DCF 44: Death v Parent

Date: Monday Week 4, February 2009

At: Texas

Broadcast by: EuroNet, Los Deporte Hoy, Net-A, OLHAR Network, The Pop! Network, UK Choice, All-Japan TV, SportsTube

This is a very weak card, with the likes of Gianna Russo, Katy-Jane Paulson, Carmen Routhwaite and Nicole Henderson booked by WEFF, and others still recovering from DCF 43.

Main event

Victoria Death (#6, 23-0, 1-0 DCF) v Floriana Parent (#13, 6-3, 6-3 DCF)

Two powerful fighters face off to kick-start DCF’s year. The match should be exciting, but are these two popular enough? Has Death’s aura been inflated by weak opponents, or is she really that good?

Co-main event

Kirsten Page (#11, 13-8, 2-5 DCF) v Francena Dube (#16, 6-4, 5-3 DCF)

Dube is coming off a loss, but beat Page back at DCF 14. Page’s weak chin means the result may be repeated here. This is a weak co-main – we could lose some fans with this show.

Undercard

Lorin Poirier (#7, 7-6, 4-3 DCF) v Nicole Henderson (#5, 9-4, 7-4 DCF)

Don’t let their rankings fool you – these two have lost a bit recently and have minimal drawing power.

Coletta Tremblay (#20, 8-6, 3-3 DCF) v Aubina Levesque (#23, 4-6, 2-3 DCF)

Darcelle Bergeron (#10, 7-4, 5-4 DCF) v Suzanne Elder (#7, 14-5, 3-1 DCF)

Lynn Stevenson ( -, 2-3, 2-3 DCF) v Claudia Bailey (-, 8-6, 1-4 DCF)

Karen Hinkle (#15, 1-0, 1-0 DCF) v Megan Foster (-, 0-1, 0-1 DCF)

Lillian Kyle (#25, 4-1-1NC, 1-1 DCF) v Francena Lapointe (-, 4-11, 3-7 DCF)

Donners · January 4, 2015

DCF 44 – Death v Parent

Colour code: Bantamweight Featherweight

Undercard

Lillian Kyle (5-1-1NC) d Francena Lapointe (4-12) – Unanimous Decision, R3, Good

Karen Hinkle (2-0) d Megan Foster (0-2) – KO, R1, Great

Lynn Stevenson (3-3) d Claudia Bailey (8-7) – Sub, R3, Decent

Darcelle Bergeron (8-4) d Suzanne Elder (14-6) – TKO, R3, Fantastic

Coletta Tremblay (9-6) d Aubina Levesque (4-7) – TKO, R3, Good

Lorin Poirier (8-7) d Nicole Henderson (9-5) – KO, R1, Great

I expected this result to be the other way around, but they both have weak chins. Henderson will likely tumble down the rankings, but hopefully Poirier will have the name to at least co-main later this year.

Co-main event

Francena Dube (7-4) d Kirsten Page (13-9) – KO, R1, Good

Just as predicted, Dube repeated her defeat of Page at DCF 14, exploiting Page’s weak chin. Page retired after the fight.

Main event

Victoria Death (24-0) v Floriana Parent (6-4) – KO, R1, Great

This didn’t last long at all. After an early exchange of strikes, Death rocked Parent with a straight right and then floored her with a kick. Death may well be the real deal.

Show overview

Critical: 79%

Commercial: 54%

Attendance: 1,351

Profit: $1,205,080

Not as commercially weak as I expected, though it helps that I held us down at Regional level. Death could well be a title contender in the near future. It’s a shame to lose Page, but at least the Featherweight division is in a better state than the Bantamweights.

Having had a lot of trouble booking DCF 45, I brought in Featherweight Irene McFly (11-0) and Bantamweights Destan Bartlett (5-1), Lucy Sims (4-3) and Diana Marr (15-9) – the latter two in their second DCF stint – to boost our numbers.

At WEFF 65, held in early April, DCF fighters Diana Robert (10-6), Channell Taylor (10-7) and Ambre Martin (10-4) had wins, while Destan Bartlett (5/2) lost.

Preview – DCF 45: Evergood v Clean II

Date: Wednesday Week 4, April 2009

At: Texas

Broadcast by: EuroNet, Los Deporte Hoy, Net-A, OLHAR Network, The Pop! Network, UK Choice, All-Japan TV

It had to happen – a re-match between the two unstoppable stars of our Featherweight division. The Featherweights are providing the bulk of our best matches lately, including the main and co-main here, thanks to the gutting of the Bantamweights. I’m still weighing up whether or not to use this to launch to National level – the numerous quality Asia-based women are very tempting signings…

Main event

Piper Evergood © (#1, 20-4, 9-0 DCF) v Sherry Clean (#2, 9-1, 8-1 DCF) - DCF Featherweight Title match

Clean has the chance to avenge the only loss of her career, but can she overcome the juggernaut that is Piper Evergood? Either one of these two could knock the other out, so it may be a matter of who gets the first big shot in.

Co-main event

Ana Marcos (#13, 8-0, 1-0 DCF) v Lucy Sims (#23, 4-3, 2-3 DCF)

Marcos only recently joined DCF, and Sims has just returned after being cut following her unsuccessful first stint. Sims is a decent wrestler but Marcos has good defence. This will likely go to a decision.

Undercard

Maureen Chase (#5, 10-2, 4-1 DCF) v Nancey Vidal (#10, 8-5, 6-2 DCF)

Both have good records but have suffered recent defeats. A victory here will put the winner back on track, but what will it mean for the loser? Chase is the favourite, but don’t underestimate Vidal’s striking ability.

Daniela Sadorra (#4, 14-8, 4-6 DCF) v Emma Birch (#8, 17-9, 6-3 DCF)

Two veterans face off, with no clear favourite. The loser will likely retire.

Monica Masters (#2, 15-6, 4-3 DCF) v Virginia Ryland (#9, 11-6, 7-3 DCF)

A veteran against a rising star. Masters won their last battle, way back at DCF 10.

Carla Hart (-, 3-2, 3-2 DCF) v Fawnia Mercia (#17, 6-8, 3-4 DCF)

Serra Clementi (-, 5-2, 0-2 DCF) v Terri Frehley (-, 5-1, 1-1 DCF)

Ethel Punk (#25, 4-4, 4-4 DCF) v Delmare Vidal (-, 2-9, 2-9 DCF)

Donners · January 6, 2015

DCF 45 – Evergood v Clean II

Colour code: Bantamweight Featherweight

Undercard

Ethel Punk (5-4) d Delmare Vidal (2-10) – Unanimous Decision, R3, Average

Serra Clementi (6-2) v Terri Frehley (5-2) – TKO, R1, Great

Fawnia Mercia (7-8) d Carla Hart (3-3) – Submission, R3, Decent

Virginia Ryland (12-6) d Monica Masters (15-7) – Unanimous Decision, R3, Average

Daniela Sadorra (15-8) d Emma Birch (17-10) – Unanimous Decision, R3, Average

Maureen Chase (11-2) d Nancey Vidal (8-6) – Submission, R1, Great

A dominant win for Chase, who will now rise into title contention

Co-main event

Lucy Sims (5-3) d Ana Marcos (8-1) – Unanimous Decision, R3, Decent

Marcos looked the better fighter early, but was held back by a hand injury suffered in the first round. Sims may have a better run this time around, with more experience under her belt.

Main event

Sherry Clean (9-1) d Piper Evergood (20-5) to win the DCF Featherweight Title – TKO, R2, Great

Clean definitely had the better of the first round, landing several big hits. Evergood never really looked in the fight, and a big kick from Clean finished her off with moments left in the second round.

Show overview

Critical: 79%

Commercial: 82%

Attendance: 1,592

US Popularity: +3%

Profit: $13,380,910

Have a look at that commercial rating and profit! Unlike the previous show, I didn’t air this on SportsTube, and the PPV revenue certainly came through.

I used this as the launching pad to take us to National level – if only we could continue to have shows of this quality! It was all about the main event, and Clean delivered, taking the title for the second time.

As expected, Emma Birch retired after her loss. However, that was insignificant now that DCF’s hiring range now covered the globe. My first signing was actually an internal one – Bantamweight champion Gianna Russo was signed to an exclusive contract, ensuring WEFF bookings will no longer be a problem.

The next step was a quite exciting one, scouring the world for new talent to add to DCF.

Meet the newest members of our roster…

Featherweights

Lee Chang (21-0)

From: Philippines

World Rank: #15 Featherweight

Style: MMA

Looks like being a very powerful striker. Her weakness is that she’s unfamiliar with cages.

Grace Jang (24-0) age 29

From: Philippines

World Rank: #20 Featherweight

Style: MMA/Judo

An average fighter but very marketable. That should be very handy as she tries to establish a fanbase in a new region.

Kishi Matsukata (3-0) age 23

From: Japan

World Rank: -

Style: Muay Thai

A powerful striker and fan favourite, though poor on the ground.

Evelina Mikhailov (4-0) age 26

From: Czech Republic

World Rank: -

Style: MMA/Akido

A well-rounded fighter with youth on her side.

Khryssa Tau (14-2) age 23

From: Nigeria

World Rank: -

Style: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

I’m so excited about Khryssa that I signed her to an exclusive contract. She looks like being a very capable submission fighter, but my scouting may be a bit off.

Noel Wang (5-0) age 23

From: Indonesia

World Rank: #2 Welterweight

Style: Kung Fu

As her weight ranking indicates, Wang normally fights a fair bit heavier than she will at DCF. If she can cut weight effectively, she could be a beast.

Bantamweights

Denyse Blais (11-6) age 26

From: Canada

World Rank: -

Style: Submission Wrestling

Has had a mixed record in WEFF but is a fan favourite and looks to have some strong wrestling ability.

Rohais Gauthier (6-5) age 29

From: Canada

World Rank: -

Style: Kick Boxing

While searching worldwide, I found someone much closer to home. Her record is mixed, but Gauthier seems to have some talent.

Domnika Fyodorov (17-0) age 32

From: Serbia

World Rank: #16 Bantamweight

Style: Wrestling

Solid defensively but a smothering style of fighter who will aim for decision wins.

Saya Ikegami (22-5-1NC) age 30

From: Japan

World Rank: -

Style: Karate

A very dangerous striker, though poor on the ground.

Mutsuko Kurofuji (6-0) age 25

From: Japan

World Rank: -

Style: Kung Fu

My scouting of Mutsuko is limited, but she’s reported to be a very dangerous striker.

Emi Nagano (26-1) age 31

From: Japan

World Rank: #17 Bantamweight

Style: Wrestling

Has won a series of fights against “names” in large local shows, and comes into DCF with plenty of momentum.

Eiko Shiokawa (10-3) age 36

From: Japan

World Rank: -

Style: Jiu Jitsu

Older than I’d normally sign, but looks to be a very solid submission wrestler.

Sybylla Van Der Capellen (6-0) age 27

From: Netherlands

World Rank: -

Style: Akido

A good grappler/striker.

Donners · January 8, 2015

Preview – DCF 46: Paulson v Russo

Date: Saturday Week 4, June 2009

At: Texas

Broadcast by: EuroNet, Los Deporte Hoy, Net-A, OLHAR Network, The Pop! Network, UK Choice, All-Japan TV

This looks like a solid card, but the main event will be a tense affair.

Main event

Katy-Jane Paulson (#2, 16-3, 5-1 DCF) v Gianna Russo(#1, 16-3, 5-1 DCF) – Bantamweight Title

This match has taken a nasty turn. It will be Paulson’s last match, having signed with XCC. I considered cancelling the match altogether, or at least not having the title on the line, but if Russo should happen to lose then I don’t mind having a battle for the vacant title down the track. It should be an even, if unspectacular, fight.

Co-main event

Karen Hinkle (#12, 2-0, 2-0 DCF) v Claudia Fraser (#9, 10-2, 4-2 DCF)

Another even match which probably won’t be a great spectacle, given that both fighters are smothering wrestlers. A decision result is almost guaranteed.

Undercard

Dianna Marr (#9, 15-9, 3-6 DCF) v Phyllis Chase (#23, 13-3, 1-2 DCF)

Chase is probably a better fighter than the fading Marr, but Marr has the better recent record

Lauren Turcotte (#21, 2-0, 1-0 DCF) v Irene McFly (#25, 11-0)

The DCF debut for McFly. Not much is known about either fighter, but Turcotte has shown better early signs.

Jill Horn (-, 1-1, 0-1 DCF) v Arlene Baroni (-, 18-12, 1-3 DCF)

A vast gap in experience, but Baroni is a poor fighter.

Lynn Stevenson (-, 3-3, 3-3 DCF) v Patricia Horn (-, 0-1, 0-1 DCF)

Stella Hall (#20, 4-3, 4-2 DCF) v Simone King (#17, 11-8, 5-3 DCF)

Virginia Robinson (-, 6-1, 1-1 DCF) v Zuria Cote (#23, 8-9, 4-7 DCF)

At WEFF 66, held in May, the DCF winners were Nellie Lashley (16-7), Rohais Gauthier (7-5) and Charlene Eilers (3-2), while Francena Dube (7-5) and Elsie Ryan (3-5) lost.

Donners · January 9, 2015

DCF 46: Paulson v Russo

Colour code: Bantamweight Featherweight

Undercard

Zuria Cote (9-9) d Virginia Robinson (6-2) – Submission, R2, Fantastic

Simone King (11-9) v Stella Hall (4-4) – KO, R1, Good

Quite an upset – Hall went in with a -940 betting line

Lynn Stevenson (3-4) d Patricia Horn (0-2) – TKO, R1, Good

Arlene Baroni (19-12) d Jill Horn (1-2) – Split Decision, R3, Good

Lauren Turcotte (3-0) d Irene McFly (11-2) – Unanimous Decision, R3, Great

Phyllis Chase (13-3) d Dianna Marr (15-10) – KO, R3, Great

A dominant win for Chase, who will now rise into title contention

Co-main event

Karen Hinkle (3-0) d Claudia Fraser (10-3) – Unanimous Decision, R3, Poor

As expected, an ugly fight which went the duration.

Main event

Gianna Russo (17-3) d Katy-Jane Paulson (16-4) to retain the DCF Bantamweight Title – Unanimous Decision, R5, Very Poor

Even uglier than the co-main, but at least the departing Paulson lost. Paulson got in plenty of jabs, but Russo was dominant on the ground and did enough to keep her title.

Show overview

Critical: 77%

Commercial: 65%

Attendance: 1,724

US Popularity: +2.4%

Profit: $9,019,329

Another successful show, and a fortunate result in the main event. Paulson is a loss, but our host of new signings will have the chance to push up to fill her spot. Fydorov and Nagano are already in the top 10.

Thanks to our bigger roster, I will now restrict each show to a single division, alternating divisions. The next show in our schedule, August 2009, will solely feature Featherweights. To assist with this, I snapped up the WEFF Flyweight champion, 30-year-old wrestler Jill Peak (15-5), to bolster our Bantamweights.

Donners · January 10, 2015

Preview – DCF 47: Death v Poirier

Date: Monday Week 4, August 2009

At: Texas

Broadcast by: EuroNet, Los Deporte Hoy, Net-A, OLHAR Network, The Pop! Network, UK Choice, All-Japan TV

Our first Featherweight-only card is led by two fighters on hot streaks. The rest of the card is pretty weak, but I think our promising young fighters will carry us to another commercial success.

Main event

Victoria Death (#5, 24-0, 2-0 DCF) v Lorin Poirier (#6, 8-6, 5-3 DCF)

This could well determine the next title contender, with both fighters among the best at the company. Poirier probably has the advantage, with similar striking ability to Death but the added string to her bow of very solid wrestling ability.

Co-main event

Lee Chang (#7, 21-0) v Chanell Taylor (#9, 10-7, 3-5 DCF)

Chang is one of the best of our new signings, a powerful striker with plenty of KOs in Asia. Taylor, on the other hand, is a mediocre wrestler with a poor record in DCF. You can guess how this one is likely to go.

Undercard

Courtney Backlund (#17, 5-1, 3-1 DCF) v Susan Gilbert (-, 5-2, 0-2 DCF)

Backlund should end this quickly, as the far superior fighter.

Alice Wright (#4, 10-2, 10-2 DCF) v Dana Kowalski (-, 8-3, 2-3 DCF)

Wright’s first match since being KOd by Sherry Clean late last year. She should be able to get back on track here.

Noel Wang (-, 5-0) v Julie Dillon (-, 3-5, 1-5 DCF)

Wang is a bit of an unknown, but her striking ability should be enough to beat our resident can.

Khryssa Tau (-, 14-2,) v Flori Dube (-, 1-1, 0-1 DCF)

Time to see if Tau can live up to her promise in her DCF debut.

Paula Sanz (#21, 4-2, 3-2 DCF) v Aubina Levesque (-, 4-7, 2-4 DCF)

Coletta Tremblay (#16, 9-6, 4-3 DCF) v Pascala Grenier (#24, 12-8)

At WEFF 67, held in early August, the DCF fighters who won were Ambre Martin (11-4), Virginia Ryland (13-6), Judith Hughes (9-7) and Suzanne Elder (15-6), while Diana Robert (10-7), Fawnia Mercier (7-9), Lillian Kyle (5-2-1NC) and Brittany Gibson (4-6-1NC) lost. Gibson tested positive for PeDs after the fight, the second time that has happened in a few years.

Donners · January 12, 2015

DCF 47: Death v Poirier

Colour code: Bantamweight Featherweight

Undercard

Coletta Tremblay (10-6) d Pascala Grenier (12-9) – KO, R3, Good

Paula Sanz (5-2) d Aubina Levesque (4-8) - TKO, R3, Great

Flori Dube (2-1) d Khryssa Tau (14-3) – Unanimous Decision, R3, Good

Well, that was disappointing. A pretty flat match, with Dube getting in just a few more shots.

Julie Dillon (4-5) d Noel Wang (5-1) – KO, R1, Good

Oh dear. I thought the last fight was disappointing. Wang’s DCF debut lasted just 38 seconds, knocked out by a kick from the hapless Dillon.

Alice Wright (11-2) d Dana Kowalski (8-4) – Submission, R3, Great

An unusually exciting performance from Wright, getting in some big hits before finishing with the rear naked choke.

Courtney Backlund (6-1) d Susan Gilbert (5-3) – KO, R1, Great

Back on track as expected.

Co-main event

Lee Chang (22-0) d Chanell Taylor (10-8) – KO, R1, Good

At least one of our new signings performed as hoped, ending this in barely a minute.

Main event

Lorin Poirier (9-6) d Victoria Death (24-1) – Submission, R1, Great

Death managed some big punches in the opening minute, but had no chance once Poirier got her down. Poirier looks like a solid title contender.

Show overview

Critical: 76%

Commercial: 62%

Attendance: 1,459

US Popularity: +2.0%

Profit: $7,942,096

Another commercial success, which compensates somewhat for a few disappointing performances. Poirier is very much in the title picture, and Chang may not be far behind.

WEFF managed to strike a blow against us by booking a number of our stars – most annoyingly, a long-awaited match-up between Sherry Clean and Maureen Chase, which I’d wanted to have as a title match. It will no doubt be a successful show, which could push them to National level and lead to a real fight for exclusive fighters. I started the process, signing Lauren Poirier, Chanell Taylor, Virginia Ryland and Ambre Martin to exclusive deals – fighting off XCC and ALPHA-1 for Martin.

Meanwhile, Simone King (12-8) retired at the age of 36.

Donners · January 13, 2015

Preview – DCF 48: Bergeron v Russo

I agonised over this main event. My options were poor – the #2 ranked fighter Monica Masters is coming off a loss, #3 Daniela Sadorra lost to Russo less than a year ago, #4 Virginia Ryland wouldn’t be ready in time, #5-6 are new fighters who are unknown in the US and #7 Cheryl Bergeron is coming off a loss to Masters. That left #8, Darcelle Bergeron, who has lost three of her last five DCF fights. I can only hope the rest of the card produces some more title contenders for the future.

Unfortunately, this show was weakened further by an injury-induced fight cancellation. I might have to start booking nine fights per show rather than eight to avoid this, since having division-specific shows makes it impossible to just bring a fight over from the next show.

Main event

Darcelle Bergeron (#8, 8-4, 6-4 DCF) v Gianna Russo © (#1, 18-6, 11-3 DCF) – DCF Bantamweight Title

As noted above, not the ideal match, but the best I could manage to put together. Russo should be able to take enough hits to drag the match into a decision.

Co-main event

Emi Nagano (#6, 26-1) v Dorothy Gale (#21, 12-6, 2-4 DCF)

After the mixed showing from our new signings last time, it’s hard to know how this will go. Nagano is experienced but not particularly talented. Then again, nor is Gale.

Undercard

Monica Masters (#2, 15-7, 4-4 DCF) v Andrea Jones (#13, 10-6, 5-6 DCF)

Masters is fading with age, which makes her high ranking depressing, but Jones will still likely try to hold out for a decision.

Constance Joslin (-, 6-4, 2-3 DCF) v Sybylla Van Der Capellen (#19, 6-0)

Hopefully an easy first match in DCF for Van Der Capellen, but she is a bit of an unknown quantity.

Domnika Fyodorov (#5, 17-0) v Rohais Gauthier (#18, 7-5)

Two new signings, with Fyodorov the better of the two – albeit unfortunately a bit of a dull smothering wrestler.

Carmen Routhwaite (#9, 12-6, 5-5 DCF) v Cheryl Bergeron (#9, 11-3, 6-2 DCF)

Delmare Vidal (-, 2-10, 2-10 DCF) v Charlene Eilers (-, 3-2, 0-1 DCF)

XCC launched a major talent raid in late September. Ana Marcos (8-1), Carmen Routhwaite (12-6), Debra Cavanagh (6-1), Constance Joslin (6-4), Suzanne Elder (15-6), Monica Masters (15-7), Cheryl Bergeron (11-3), Lynn Stevenson (4-3) and Dorothy Gale (12-6) all signed exclusive deals with XCC. I managed to fight them off to re-sign Charlene Eilers, Sybylla Van Der Cape, Domnika Fyodorov, Daniela Saddora, Emi Nagano and Andrea Jones.

Suffice to say, that absolutely gutted our Bantamweight division – several left immediately but others are already booked for DCF 48. That gives me a few months to try and replace them, but if it was hard enough to find a main event for this show, it will be even harder in the near future.

Donners · January 15, 2015

<div style="text-align:center;"> DCF 48: Bergeron v Russo </div>

Colour code: Bantamweight Featherweight

Undercard

Charlene Eilers (4-2) d Delmare Vidal – KO, R1, Great

Cheryl Bergeron (12-3) d Carmen Routhwaite (12-7) – KO, R2, Great

Domnika Fyodorov (18-0) d Rohais Gauthier (7-6) – Unanimous Decision, R3, Average

As expected, Domnika was boring but got the job done.

Sybylla Van Der Capellen (7-0) d Constance Joslin (6-5) – Submission, R1, Decent

In stark contrast, Van Der Capellen was aggressive and finished the match in a few minutes.

Monica Masters (16-7) d Andrea Jones (10-7) – TKO, R3, Great

Should have let XCC have Jones. She was awful here, barely getting a shot in.

Co-main event

Emi Nagano (27-1) d Dorothy Gale (12-7) – TKO, R2, Good

I was worried when Gale got Nagano to the mat twice in the first round, but Nagano took control with some big hits to end it shortly into the second.

Main event

Gianna Russo (19-6) d Darcelle Bergeron (8-5) to retain the DCF Bantamweight Title– Submission, R5, Fantastic

In stark contrast to Russo’s last defence, against Katy-Jane Paulson, this was an exciting match which could have gone either way on points if Russo hadn’t finished it with an armbar mid-way through the fifth and final round.

</div>

Show overview

Critical: 70%

Commercial: 63%

Attendance: 1,481

US Popularity: +2.2%

Profit: $8,461,874

A solid show, despite the weakness of the division (even before the XCC raid!) and being down to seven shows. Russo proved that she is a quality champion with her second title defence, but contenders are few and far between. Masters may well have been the next option, but she is gone now. Van Der Capellen and Nagano may be capable, but they are unknown in the US. This was a decent show, but the next one will be a lot tougher.

At WEFF 68, held shortly after this show, Sherry Clean (11-1) beat Maureen Chase (11-3) to win their Featherweight title. Daniela Saddora (16-8), Claudia Fraser (11-3) and Faun Vidal (7-7) were the other DCF winners, with Denyse Blais (11-7) losing.

To try to cover the losses from the XCC raid, I made a number of signings. Unfortunately, there weren’t many decent options – I wound up with a handful of unknowns and rejects.

Featherweight

Li Chao (23-0) age 27

From: China

Style: Freestyle Wrestling

A pretty average fighter and unfamiliar with cages, but her marketability will hopefully see her quickly make a name for herself.

Kyoko Hishikawa (1-0) age 28

From: Japan

Style: MMA/Muay Thai

Looks to be a good striker, though very inexperienced.

Miyoshi Ishimaru (2-0) age 28

From: Japan

Style: Grappling

A decent ground fighter, but her weak chin and lack of experience in cages will probably result in more losses than wins.

Judy Phillips (7-4, 5-4 DCF) age 30

From: USA

Style: Judo

Quite a talented fighter, and able to pick up submissions unlike some of our wrestlers. Might make more of an impact in her second DCF stint.

Yuma Umeki (6-0) age 30

From: Japan

Style: Kung Fu

A powerful hitter, but lacking experience.

Bantamweight

Deborah Hughes (5-3, 3-2 DCF) age 29

From: USA

Style: MMA/Greco Roman Wrestling

Her first run in DCF in 2006-08 wasn’t that bad, and she might do even better now that the division is weaker.

Xin Qian Hao (12-0) age 24

From: China

Style: Jiu Jitsu

Ranked #22 in the world, she is a good wrestler but will be held back by her cage inexperience and lack of striking ability.

Alicia Koscheck (5-10, 3-5 DCF) age 29

From: Canada

Style: Wrestling

Wasn’t particularly good in DCF and is coming off three straight losses in XCC. Still, she has slight name value at least.

Yan Yan Lin (23-0) age 28

From: China

Style: Muay Thai

Ranked #20 in the world but largely unknown. She has a decent chin at least, but is awful on the ground and unfamiliar with cages.

Pernilla Martin (12-0) age 30

From: Norway

Style: Wrestling

Despite being ranked #18 in the world, Martin doesn’t look anything special at all.

Annie Terkay (5-3) age 29

From: USA

Style: Greco-Roman Wrestling

Fresh off being dumped by XCC, Terkay is a poor fighter who is only useful because she has some slight name value.

To further try and boost our ranks, I started up our very first reality TV show, DCF Path to Stardom. Arlene Baroni and Virginia Robinson were appointed as coaches, with Jill Horn, Kyoko Hishikawa, Lauren Turcotte and Miyoshi Ishimaru from our Featherweight division making up the known contestants.

Donners · January 17, 2015

Preview – DCF 49: Backlund v Umeki

Date: Tuesday, Week 4, December 2009

At: Texas

Broadcast by: EuroNet, Los Deporte Hoy, Net-A, OLHAR Network, The Pop! Network, UK Choice, All-Japan TV

Certainly doesn’t sound like much of a main event, which is a bit of a worry when our Featherweight division is meant to be the stronger of the two. Much, of course, is to do with WEFF using our champion in their own show recently – something which won’t happen now that she is on an exclusive deal.

Perhaps of more interest is that three new signings will be on the card, plus Tau has the chance to recover from her disappointing DCF debut.

Main event

Courtney Backlund (#15, 6-1, 4-1 DCF) v Yuma Umeki (-, 6-0)

Apparently this will draw well, though I’m not quite sure why. Both fighters are quite exciting boxers, so it should be a good spectacle if nothing else.

Co-main event

Grace Yang (#7, 24-0) v Francena Dube (#20, 7-5, 6-3 DCF)

Yang is not much of a fighter, despite her record, and Dube has a tendency to finish matches. Could be a first-up loss for the newcomer.

Undercard

Karen Hinkle (#12, 3-0, 3-0 DCF) v Judith Hughes (#10, 9-7, 4-6 DCF)

Could be a tight match. Hinkle should win if she manages to drag it out, but Hughes could steal a win with a big hit.

Nancey Vidal (#17, 8-6, 6-3 DCF) v Serra Clementi (#24, 6-2, 1-2 DCF)

Vidal has lost four straight, but still should win this one.

Irene McFly (-, 11-1, 0-1 DCF) v Paula Sanz (#18, 5-2, 4-2 DCF)

Should be an easy win for Sanz; McFly is a can.

Evelina Mikhailov (#23, 4-0) v Megan Foster (-, 0-2, 0-2 DCF)

Kishi Matsukata (#25, 3-0) v Virginia Robinson (-, 6-2, 1-2 DCF)

Julie Dillon (-, 4-5, 2-5 DCF) v Khryssa Tau (-, 14-3, 0-1 DCF)

Flori Dube (-, 2-1, 1-1 DCF) v Terri Frehley (-, 5-2, 1-2 DCF)

The XCC raids continued. I managed to sign champion Sherry Clean to an exclusive contract for plenty of money (in the process, taking her away from WEFF where she was a title holder). I didn’t bother fighting them for Elsie Ryan (3-5), but unfortunately was unsuccessful in my attempts to retain Phyllis Chase (14-3).

Annoyingly, Arlene Baroni retired mid-way through the run of DCF Path to Stardom. Dana Kowalski replaced her. Miyoshi Ishimaru only lasted until the second week, knocked out by Lauren Turcotte. Lauren Turcotte herself got beaten by an amateur in week 10. Jill Horn only made it to week 5, leaving Kyoko Hishikawa as the only DCF-signed talent in the competition after 11 weeks.

Donners · January 19, 2015

DCF 49: Backlund v Umeki

Undercard

Terri Frehley (6-2) d Flori Dube (2-2) – Submission, R3, Excellent

Well, who would have thought that a throw-away match at the start of the card would get the top fight rating?

Khryssa Tau (14-4) d Julie Dillon (4-6) – Submission, R3, Fantastic

Kishi Matsukata (4-0) d Virginia Robinson (6-3) – TKO, R2, Good

Evelina Mikhailov (5-0) d Megan Foster (0-3) - Submission, R1, Great

Paula Sanz (6-2) d Irene McFly (11-2) – Unanimous Decision, R3, Good

Nancey Vidal (9-6) d Serra Clementi (6-3) – TKO, R3, Great

Karen Hinkle (4-0) d Judith Hughes (9-8) – Unanimous Decision, R3, Poor

Hinkle did what she had to do, dragging out the match to a decision.

Co-main event

Francena Dube (8-5) d Grace Yang (24-1) – KO, R1, Great

Yep, Yang certainly isn’t as good as her record suggests. She lasted just two and a half minutes against a mid-range fighter.

Main event

Courtney Backlund (7-1) d Yuma Umeki (6-1) – TKO, R2, Fantastic

Backlund was on top all fight, and sent Umeki down for the count early in the second round. A solid win from the rising star.

Show overview

Critical: 86%

Commercial: 66%

Attendance: 1,822

US Popularity: +2.6%

Profit: $9,638,483

Certainly a fun show for the fans to watch, and plenty turned up – perhaps boosted by Rise to Stardom. Backlund should rise up the rankings a fair bit, and Mikhailov looks like a quite dangerous fighter. It will be so interesting to see how things go once the newbies have a bit of name value – some are being exposed, but others have some real talent.

Donners · January 21, 2015

2009 in review

Thus ends 2009, a rough year at times but one which saw us continue to have some significant success. DCF was named Company of the Year for the fourth time, Sherry Clean was Female Fighter of the Year and Terry Frehley’s win over Flori Dube at DCF 49 was Fight of the Year – with that show the Show of the Year.

We finally made the push into National level, and each of our six shows was a critical and commercial success, with DCF 45, Clean v Evergood II, bringing in a record $13 million in revenue.

A surprise XCC raid, with 11 Bantamweights departing – nearly a third of our Bantamweight roster – forced an overhaul. As you can see from the end of year rankings, there are plenty of new faces in that division. How many remain high in the rankings remains to be seen – some of the new imports may be found out rather quickly now that they’re not facing local fighters. There is a rather worrying lack of youth in the division; I may look to build a few young fighters next year. Russo looks to be having a solid title reign, defending twice in 2009. There are few obvious challengers, but Emi Nagano is a wildcard.

The Featherweights were much more stable, losing just two fighters for the year through retirement. There was only one title match due to Clean’s shared commitments, but that will not be an issue in 2010 now that she is on an exclusive deal. It will be interesting to see how Evergood returns from her first loss in years, and there are several other potential contenders such as Chang, Poirier and Wright. Hinkle and Backlund have youth on their side, and will hopefully continue to rise.

Our first reality show is nearing the end, with five fighters left. It hasn’t really worked as I’d hoped –three of the four contracted fighters have been knocked out, making the process more detrimental than beneficial, and one of the coaches retired. Still, at least there’s a few more female fighters out there.

2009 was a good year for DCF, making solid progress despite competition from other companies. 2010 will hopefully see the roster stabilise, with many fighters now on exclusive deals, solidifying DCF as a national-level company.

Featherweight end-of-year rankings

Rank	Name			Age	W	L	Change
[b]1	Sherry Clean		29	11	1	^ (#2)[/b]
2	Piper Evergood		34	20	5	v (#1)
3	Lee Chang		31	22	0	NEW
4	Lorin Poirier		29	9	6	^ (#7)
5	Alice Wright		31	11	2	v (#3)
6	Maureen Chase		29	11	3	v (#4)
7	Li Chao			28	23	0	NEW
8	Victoria Death		28	24	1	v (#6)
9	Karen Hinkle		24	4	0	^ (#15)
10	Courtney Backlund	22	7	1	^ (#14)
11	Nicole Henderson	31	9	5	v (#5)
12	Claudia Fraser		28	11	3	v (#9)
13	Chanell Taylor		31	10	8	v (#8)
14	Nancey Vidal		25	9	6	v (#10)
15	Coletta Tremblay	28	10	6	^ (#20)
16	Judith Hughes		28	9	8	v (#12)
17	Grace Jang		29	24	1	NEW
18	Francena Dube		29	8	5	v (#16)
19	Judy Phillips		30	7	4	NEW
20	Paula Sanz		22	6	2	v (#18)
21	Nellie Lashley		27	16	8	v (#17)
22	Evelina Mikhailov	27	5	0	NEW
23	Floriana Parent		27	6	4	v (#13)
24	Zuria Cote		28	9	9	v (#22)
25	Kishi Matsukata		23	4	0	NEW
-	Aubina Levesque		27	4	8	v (#23)
-	Brittany Gibson		29	4	6	v (#25)
-	Dana Kowalski		27	8	4	v (#24)
-	Flori Dube		22	2	2
-	Irene McFly		29	11	2
-	Jill Horn		20	1	2
-	Julie Dillon		31	4	6
-	Khryssa Tau		24	15	3
-	Kyoko Hishikawa		28	1	0
-	Lauren Turcotte		26	3	0	v (#21)
-	Megan Foster		24	0	3
-	Miyoshi Ishimaru	28	2	0
-	Noel Wang		24	5	1
-	Pascala Grenier		28	12	9	v (#19)
-	Serra Clementi		30	6	3
-	Susan Gilbert		25	5	3
-	Terri Frehley		25	6	2
-	Virginia Robinson	29	6	3
-	Yuma Umeki		30	6	1

Bantamweight end-of-year rankings

Rank	Name			Age	W	L	Change
[b]1	Gianna Russo		31	19	6[/b]
2	Daniela Sadorra		34	16	8	^ (#5)
3	Emi Nagano		32	27	1	NEW
4	Virginia Ryland		27	13	6	^ (#9)
5	Domnika Fyodorov	32	18	0	NEW
6	Pernilla Martin		31	12	0	NEW
7	Yan Yan Lin		28	24	0	NEW
9	Darcelle Bergeron	31	8	5	^ (#10)
10	Sybylla Van Der Capellen27	7	0	NEW
11	Saya Ikegami		31	22	5	NEW
12	Faun Vidal		33	7	7	^ (#12)
13	Ambre Martin		28	11	4	^ (#19)
14	Fawnia Mercier		30	7	9	^ (#16)
15	Deborah Hughes		29	5	2	NEW
17	Andrea Jones		34	10	7	v (#11)
18	Rohais Gauthier		29	7	6	NEW
19	Mutsuko Kurofuki	26	6	0	NEW
20	Diana Robert		28	10	7	v (#14)
21	Diana Marr		35	15	10	NEW
22	Phyllis Chase		27	14	3	v (#21)
23	Charlene Eilers		26	4	2	^ (unr)
24	Lucy Sims		27	5	3	NEW
25	Ethel Punk		31	5	4	v (#22)
-	Alicia Koscheck		29	5	10
-	Annie Terkay		29	5	3
-	Carla Hart		29	3	3	v (#23)
-	Claudia Bailey		26	8	7
-	Delmare Vidal		29	2	11
-	Denys Blais		27	11	7
-	Destan Bartlett		28	5	2
-	Eiko Shiokawa		37	10	3
-	Francena Lapointe	30	4	12
-	Jill Peak		31	15	5
-	Lillian Kyle		27	5	2	v (#25)
-	Patricia Horn		24	0	2
-	Stella Hall		26	4	4	v (#20)
-	Victorina David		23	3	5
-	Xin Qian Hao		24	12	0

Donners · January 24, 2015

Preview – DCF 50: Fyodorov v Martin

Date: Tuesday, Week 4, February 2010

At: Texas

Broadcast by: EuroNet, Los Deporte Hoy, Net-A, OLHAR Network, The Pop! Network, UK Choice, All-Japan TV

Definitely not the two names I expected to see headlining this milestone show. Still, it is certainly a sign of the times – two international fighters, brought over to fill the gaps from XCC raids. Perhaps of more interest is the co-main, between rising star Virginia Ryland and Japanese veteran Eiko Shiokawa.

Main event

Domnika Fyodorov (#5, 18-0, 1-0 DCF) v Pernilla Martin (#6, 12-0)

The best I can do with all the fighters I have lost. Despite having just one DCF match between them, apparently these two will be a decent draw as a main event. Martin’s a pretty weak fighter, so expect a Fyodorov win – probably by a dull decision result

Co-main event

Virginia Ryland (#4, 13-6, 8-3 DCF) v Eiko Shiokawa (-, 10-3)

Shiokawa is ten years older, and is certainly a solid wrestler, but Ryland is the great hope of our Bantamweight division. Hopefully she can continue her rise here.

Undercard

Yan Yan Lin (#7, 24-0) v Saya Ikegami (#11, 22-5-1NC)

Two newcomers, but both look like pretty exciting strikers. Could go either way.

Ambre Martin (#13, 11-4) v Phyllis Chase (#22, 14-3, 2-2 DCF)

Both are pretty average fighters, but Martin is on a winning streak in WEFF. Chase is heading to XCC after this fight, so I hope Martin sends her off with a loss.

Sybella Van Der Capellan (#10, 7-0, 1-0 DCF) v Faun Vidal (#12, 7-7, 4-3 DCF)

Patricia Horn (-, 0-2, 0-2 DCF) v Stella Hall (-, 4-4, 4-3 DCF)

Claudia Bailey (-, 8-7, 1-5 DCF) v Alicia Koscheck (-, 5-10, 3-5 DCF)

Koscheck has lost seven in a row, most in XCC, so it will be interesting to see how she goes against the mediocre Bailey

Diana Marr (#21, 15-10, 3-7 DCF) v Charlene Eilers (#23, 4-2, 1-1 DCF)

At WEFF Battle Lines 12, held in January 2010, few DCF fighters featured thanks to our increasing number of exclusive contracts. Of those who did, Deborah Hughes (6-2) won while Destan Bartlett (5-3) and Lillian Kyle (5-3-1NC) lost.

Donners · January 27, 2015

DCF 50: Fyodorov v Martin

Undercard

Charlene Eilers (5-2) d Diana Marr (15-11) – Unanimous Decision, R3, Great

Claudia Bailey (9-8) d Alicia Koscheck (5-11) – Submission, R2, Decent

Stella Hall (5-4) d Patricia Horn (0-3) – Submission, R1, Great

Faun Vidal (8-7) d Sybella Van Der Capellan (7-1) – TKO, R3, Fantastic

A shame for Sybella’s undefeated streak to end, but this was an exciting match. She took some big hits and suplexed Vidal several times before finally staying down for the count in the third round.

Phyllis Chase (15-3) d Ambre Martin (11-5) – Unanimous Decision, R3, Good

Saya Ikegami (23-6-1NC) d Yan Yan Lin (24-1) – Unanimous Decision, R3, Good

A surprisingly dull fight, consisting of jabs at a distance rather than any real display of striking

Co-main event

Virginia Ryland (14-6) d Eiko Shiokawa (10-4) – Unanimous Decision, R3, Great

A solid win for Ryland, 30-27 from each judge, pushing her further into title contention.

Main event

Domnika Fyodorov (19-0) d Pernilla Martin (12-1) – Submission, R3, Good

Fyodorov was on top all the way through, finally getting the submission with her third takedown.

Show overview

Critical: 79%

Commercial: 58%

Attendance: 1,445

US Popularity: +1.6%

Profit: $7,006,006

One of our weaker shows, as expected, but it was still more than enough to boost our popularity and bank balance. Ryland and Fyodorov won as expected, and should loom as title contenders in 2010.

Diana Marr (15-11) retired after her loss and Phyllis Chase (15-3) left for XCC.

Donners · January 29, 2015

Preview – DCF 51: Clean v Poirier

Date: Tuesday, Week 4, April 2010

At: Texas

Broadcast by: EuroNet, Los Deporte Hoy, Net-A, OLHAR Network, The Pop! Network, UK Choice, All-Japan TV

Clean’s first defence, a year after winning the title, comes against a rising star of the division. This should be a pretty big show; both are on a winning streak, and the Featherweight title has been quite hotly contested in recent years. This was originally a nine-match card, but two injuries cut it down – thankfully, Floriana Parent and Zuria Cote, the opponents of the injured fighters, could be thrown together to make it eight.

Main event

Clean has been dominant in DCF, but Poirier has won her last three against solid opponents – two by submission, one by KO. Both are skilled strikers and good on the ground, so it should be a tight match.

Co-main event

Alice Wright (#5, 11-2, 11-2 DCF) v Claudia Fraser (#13, 11-3, 4-3 DCF)

Both have got a win back after having their winning streaks ended recently. This will likely be an even wrestling match which will go to a decision.

Undercard

Piper Evergood (#2, 20-5, 9-1 DCF) v Nicole Henderson (#12, 9-5, 7-5 DCF)

Speaking of coming back after a winning streak was ended, this is Evergood’s first fight since losing the title to Clean. Henderson is the unlucky opponent. Don’t expect this one to last long.

Nellie Lashley (#22, 16-8, 1-0 DCF) v Judy Phillips (#20, 7-4, 5-4 DCF)

Lashley hasn’t got a lot of finishing power, and Phillips will likely keep her on the ground.

Susan Gilbert (-, 5-3, 0-3 DCF) v Noel Wang (-, 5-1, 0-1 DCF)

Aubina Levesque (-, 4-8, 2-5 DCF) v Chanell Taylor (#14, 10-8, 3-7 DCF)

Holly Kowalski (-, 0-0) v Darlene Chase (-, 0-0) – DCF Rise to Stardom final

This is the final of the first season of our reality show. Kowalski looks the better of the two, with some good striking power.

Floriana Parent (#24, 6-4, 6-4 DCF) v Zuria Cote (#25, 9-9, 5-7 DCF)

At WEFF 69, Francenia Dube (9-5) beat Nancey Vidal (9-7) in the main event, DCF’s Denyse Blais (11-8) also lost, while Judith Hughes (10-8) and Fawnia Mercia (8-9) won.

Donners · January 31, 2015

DCF 51: Clean v Poirier

Undercard

Zuria Cote (10-9) d Floriana Parent (6-5) – Submission, R2, Decent

Darlene Chase (1-0) d Holly Kowalski (0-1) – Unanimous Decision, R3, Good

Chase knocked Kowalski down three times during the fight, and was clearly the better of the two.

Chanell Taylor (10-9) d Aubina Levesque (4-9) - Submission, R1, Great

Susan Gilbert (6-3) d Noel Wang (5-2) – KO, R2, Great

Gilbert was absolutely dominant here, with nine power punches.

Judy Phillips (8-5) d Nellie Lashley (16-9) - Submission, R1, Good

Piper Evergood (21-5) d Nicole Henderson (9-6) – TKO, R3, Great

Surprised it took that long. Evergood got in plenty of big hits, but Henderson held up well until late in the fight.

Co-main event

Alice Wright (12-2) d Claudia Fraser (11-4) - Submission, R3, Poor

As ugly as usual from Wright, but at least she got a result.

Main event

Sherry Clean (12-1) d Lorin Poirier (9-7) to retain the DCF Featherweight Belt – TKO, R2, Great

Never really looked in doubt. Poirier held Clean off in the first round, but was knocked down twice in round two, failing to get up in the ten count on the second occasion.

Show overview

Critical: 76%

Commercial: 77%

Attendance: 2,719

US Popularity: +2.6%

Profit: $10,734,422

Smashed our attendance record – the previous best was just 1,822 – and made an eight-figure profit for just the second time. Clean is certainly a popular champion, and the hard part is going to be finding people who can stand up to her!

Donners · February 2, 2015

Preview – DCF 52: Russo v Fyodorov

Date: Tuesday, Week 4, June 2010

At: Texas

Broadcast by: EuroNet, Los Deporte Hoy, Net-A, OLHAR Network, The Pop! Network, UK Choice, All-Japan TV, DCF Australia/Africa

There is a new entry in the broadcast list – I created a broadcaster to bring in advertising revenue from Australia and Africa, given that the existing options are already taken.

This show is headlined by Gianna Russo’s third title defence, and first since her win over Darcelle Bergeron in October last year. The person she beat for the title back in 2008, Daniela Sadorra, is in the co-main. The new faces are continuing to filter in, and Russo’s winning streak should ensure that this is a successful show despite the weak undercard as the rebuilding of the Bantamweight division continues.

Main event

Fyodorov’s undefeated record against Russo’s title – quite an enticing combination for the fans. Russo goes in as a big favourite, but Fyodorov has a strong chin and good wrestling ability, so she should be able to handle whatever the champion throws at her. Could be a very good fight.

Co-main event

Emi Nagano (#5, 27-1, 1-0 DCF) v Daniela Sadorra (#3, 16-8, 5-6 DCF)

Sadorra is 35 but is still going strong. Nagano’s great record doesn’t reflect her mediocre ability – Sadorra should take this one.

Undercard

Lucy Sims (#25, 5-3, 3-3 DCF) v Rohais Gauthier (#20, 7-6, 0-1 DCF)

Francena Lapointe (-, 4-12, 3-8 DCF) v Mutsuko Kurofuji (#24, 6-0)

Kurofuji is a great kick boxer. Lapointe is just being fed to her for a first DCF win.

Ethel Punk (-, 5-4, 5-4 DCF) v Diana Robert (#23, 10-7, 2-0 DCF)

Delmare Vidal (-, 2-11, 2-11 DCF) v Xin Qian Hao (#6, 12-0)

Hopefully another first DCF win for a newcomer. Hao is a good wrestler.

Yan Yan Lin (#11, 24-1, 0-1 DCF) v Deborah Hughes (#12, 6-2, 3-2 DCF)

Lin lost her first fight, but should finish Hughes quickly.

Claudia Bailey (-, 9-7, 2-5 DCF) v Rhonda Levesque (#16, 2-0)

Levesque is WEFF’s Featherweight champion – which says a lot about how weak they are these days. She doesn’t look to be anything special, so this could go either way.

Stella Hall (-, 5-4, 5-3 DCF) v Carla Hart (-, 3-3, 3-4 DCF)

At WEFF 70, the DCF winners were Colletta Tremblay (11-6) and Pascala Grenier (13-9).

Donners · February 4, 2015

DCF 52: Russo v Fyodorov

Undercard

Carla Hart (4-3) d Stella Hall (5-5) – KO, R1, Good

Quite an upset; Hall’s betting line was -1030. She has an extraordinarily weak chin.

Claudia Bailey (10-7) d Rhonda Levesque (2-1) – Unanimous Decision, R3, Good

I almost feel sorry for our rivals WEFF. I actually tried to give Levesque a fair chance here.

Yan Yan Lin (25-1) d Deborah Hughes (6-3) – TKO, R1, Good

Yep, that’s a quick finish alright.

Xin Qian Hao (13-0) d Delmare Vidal (2-12) – Submission, R2, Decent

Diana Robert (11-7) d Ethel Punk (5-5) – Submission, R1, Average

Mutsuko Kurofuji (7-0) d Francena Lapointe (4-13) – Unanimous Decision, R3, Good

Surprised it took that long. It’s been a good show for our internationals so far.

Lucy Sims (6-3) d Rohais Gauthier (7-7) - Unanimous Decision, R3, Average

Co-main event

Daniela Sadorra (17-8) d Emi Nagano (27-2) – TKO, R1, Great

The veteran slaughtered Nagano with a series of huge kicks. Nagano failed to rise during the ten count late in the round.

Main event

Gianna Russo (20-6) d Domnika Fyodorov (19-1) to retain the DCF Bantamweight Title – Submission, R1, Good

I really thought Fyodorov would put up more than a fight than that. She barely got in a hit before Russo took her to the ground and finished her with an armbar.

Show overview

Critical: 70%

Commercial: 81%

Attendance: 3,042

US Popularity: +2.8%

Profit: $14,210,410

New records for profit and attendance as DCF continues to rise. Russo is clearly a great champion. Not sure about Sadorra about the number one contender, but she is the #2 and just keeps winning.

Donners · February 7, 2015

Preview - DCF 53: Wu v Backlund

Date: Monday, Week 4, August 2010

At: Texas

Broadcast by: EuroNet, Los Deporte Hoy, Net-A, OLHAR Network, The Pop! Network, UK Choice, All-Japan TV, DCF Australia/Africa

A bit of a makeshift main event for this show, but it is apparently still one which will draw well. Sherry Clean is looking unstoppable, so it will be interesting to see how this goes – both the main and co-main feature potential contenders. The rest of the card looks like a can exhibition. At least a few will get rare wins.

Main event

Courtney Backlund (#13, 7-1, 5-1 DCF) v Michelle Wu (#8, 16-0)

I would have preferred to protect both these fighters, but the lack of options for the main event forced my hand. Wu looks like being a pretty one-dimensional fighter, and Backlund should account for her.

Co-main event

Maureen Chase (#7, 11-3, 5-1 DCF) v Lee Chang (#4, 22-0, 1-0 DCF)

Chase hasn’t fought for a year, since losing to Clean in WEFF. Chang is a great striker and may well give her a second consecutive loss.

Undercard

Paula Sanz (#21, 6-2, 5-2 DCF) v Yuma Umeki (-, 6-1, 0-1 DCF)

Sanz has never lived up to her remarkable ability and Umeki had a disappointing first-up loss. Hopefully somebody can emerge from this with some momentum.

Kryssa Tau (-, 15-3, 1-1 DCF) v Dana Kowalski (-, 8-4, 2-4 DCF)

These two seem to have only marketability going for them at this point. Hopefully Tau can show a bit of the potential I saw when I first signed her.

Terri Frehley (-, 6-2, 2-2 DCF) v Megan Foster (-, 0-3, 0-3 DCF)

Irene McFly (-, 11-2, 0-2 DCF) v Kyoko Hishikawa (-, 1-0)

Hishikawa is a newcomer who seems to have some kicking ability, according to my scouting.

Asako Fukumitsu (-, 3-0) v Serra Clementi (-, 6-3, 1-3 DCF)

Another newcomer, Fukumitsu is a pretty mediocre kung fu fighter who is just making up the numbers.

Julie Dillon (-, 4-6, 2-6 DCF) v Jill Horn (-, 1-2, 0-2 DCF)

At WEFF 71, two DCF fighters won titles. Judith Hughes (11-8) won their Featherweight title and Faun Vidal (9-7) took the Bantamweight title. Francena Dube (9-6) lost to Hughes and Zuria Cote (10-10) lost another fight.

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