Michelle Nicolini is considered by many to be the most decorated female grappler in mixed martial arts history.
On Friday Night, April 21, the eight-time Brazilian jiu-jitsu World Champion continued her MMA success, as she needed just 2:11 to emerge victorious against previously-undefeated Russian strawweight Irina Mazepa at ONE: KINGS OF DESTINY.
After a touch of the gloves, Nicolini was quick to start. She managed to capture the early takedown only seconds into the fight. The Brazilian dominated on the ground, as Mazepa — a five-time wushu world champion — failed to create distance against the BJJ powerhouse.
The St. Petersburg, Russia native had her moment, however, after flipping Nicolini on her back to gain top mount. Mazepa’s strength and power was not enough to control on the ground, as Nicolini quickly transitioned into a tight-locked armbar. The submission ace soon forced the tap out.
After the fight, she stood in the center of the cage and said to Mitch Chilson, in front of a packed Mall Of Asia Arena: “I am just happy now, [and] very happy for this fight. I was nervous, to be honest, but I have been working a lot.”
Moments later, the 35-year-old fighter called for the inauguration of the ONE Women’s Strawweight World Championship.
“ONE Championship, let’s bring the belt to this division,” she pleaded. “Let’s fight for that.”
Whether or not that happens remains to be seen. In the meantime, Nicolini continues-on with her 100 per cent finishing rate inside the cage, and improves to 4-1. Mazepa loses for the first time in the sport, and falls to 2-1.
