Bout Information

Kanako Murata vs Maia Stevenson.
Date: Saturday 06.04.2016 at 09:00 PM local time
Venue: Soboba Casino, San Jacinto, California, United States
Bout Billing: Main Card (fight 9 of 15)
Weight: Flyweight | 125 lbs (56.7 kg)

Round 1

Murata is able to grab the foot of Stevenson despite a barrage of jabs from the American. She aims for a single leg take down and is successful, then goes for the ground and pound but Stevenson is able to stand up. Despite only being one minute into the fight, there are a lot of moves from both fighters.

Murata presses Stevenson against the cage, and is able to lock the legs of Maia as soon as she takes her down to the full mount, again going for the ground and pound. Maia covers up and tries to escape from the mount but Murata goes back to the side mount and lifts Maia from a high position and back to the guard. Murata goes for a triangle choke but Maia has it well guarded. Murata is now aiming for the arm from the half guard.

Maia, now finding herself in a head scissors and arm lock, tries to escape by rolling out. There are two and a half minutes left in the round but so far Maia`s defense has been solid. Murata sets up her body a little differently, and now goes for a straight arm bar. She isn’t able to get it on fully and also goes back to the head scissors.

There is one minute left and Murata knows she must go for the arm but Maia is having none of it. The round ends with another ground and pound from Murata.

Round 2

Murata starts the round with some long distance strikes before trying to tackle Stevenson. Maia has the tackle well-guarded and prevents it, but Murata presses her up against the cage. Murata is able to take Maia down and they go into the guard position. Murata, pounding away, lands 4 solid shots on Maia. Murata keeps up with the pounding, during the rush of it all, ends up in a half guard and then they both stand up.

It is now Maia`s turn to land some offence, throwing some hook combinations before pressing Murata up against the cage. Murata uses an “ouchigari” to sit Maia down, and from there they move into a half guard as Murata tries to pass through. Murata hits some heavy shots on the thighs of Maia. Murata is persistent with her pounding, but they are both able to stand up. Maia goes for a high kick and lands it, hitting the lower part of the face.

Maia stays on her feet, and despite more barrage of punches from Maia, is able to charge at her and slam her up against the cage. Murata goes back to taking a body lock, and Maia defends by rolling before taking the foot of Murata. Murata stays on the ground, and is able to land some good punches to the side of Maia`s head. Maia, while guarding, is hit in the back of the head by Murata and becomes upset. The referee warns Murata about this as the second round comes to an end.

Round 3

Murata starts out with a feint, but ankle picking Maia and hitting a take down. Murata goes for a side shoulder and tries to mount but Maia goes back to the guard. Murata tries to go around to the side while going back to the ground and pound. Maia guards well, but Murata has only one thing on her mind, and keeps up the punching. To stop the punches, Maia raises her leg but Murata is able to get past that.

With Maia now up against the side of the cage, Murata takes a side mount and locks Maia`s arm with her foot and continues the barrage of punches.
The referee has no option but to stop the fight.

Winner: Kanako Murata via TKO, 3:43 into the third round.

Post-fight interview:

Q: What are your thoughts on winning with such a superb performance, here in Southern California?

A: Firstly, I want to dedicate this fight to my grandmother who passed away one month ago. I know she is watching from above and I wanted to fight a great fight for her.

Q: How do you feel after fighting in your first KOTC fight?

A: I spent a while training hard here in America, and I have learnt so much. I will go back to Japan as a much better fighter.

Q: Current KOTC straw weight champion Danielle Taylor was supposed to be here tonight but couldn’t make it. Have you ever seen her fight before?

A: I have seen some of her fights online. She is a small, but really fast fighter who is very talented. I hope we get a chance to fight in the near future.