The "Queen of Spades" Will Reign on CBS - Shayna Baszler

If you follow women's MMA, then you know the name Shayna Baszler. If you don't, come July 26th, you will. Nicknamed "Queen of Spades", Elite XC's Baszler (9-4-0) is highly regarded as one of the top female MMA fighters in the world...and for good reason. All of her nine wins have come by way of submission in the first round. She even coined the phrase "shwing" for her signature 'chicken-wing style' arm-bar. Her four career losses have come at the hands of female MMA's elite: Tara LaRosa, Amanda Buckner, & Kelly Kobald. Shayna has clearly worked her way up the ranks and paid her dues. Now it's time for her star to shine on national television.

On July 26, Baszler will take on Brazilian Chute Box badass Cris Cyborg (4-0), as part of Elite XC's next telecast, airing live from Stockton, CA on CBS, 9-11pm ET/PT. Although Cyborg, 33, has not fought in almost two years, she was considered a fighter to watch out for back in 2006, due to her aggressive style and vicious striking power. Three of her four wins came via TKO. Cyborg is married to fellow MMA fighter Evangelista "Cyborg" Santos, hence the nickname.

Once again, as with Elite XC's first CBS broadcast, the featured women's fight is sure to be a show-stealer. There are already rumors that the winner of this fight will face Gina Carano in a title match for Elite XC's first women's belt in the fall. On paper, this fight clearly goes to Baszler, given her overall experience and better ground game. However, the mysterious Cyborg's striking ability and sheer physical presence has many fans questioning the outcome. In regards to Elite XC's decision to pick Cyborg as an opponent, aren't there plenty of other bigger name female fighters more worthy of this opportunity? The names Tonya Evinger (the obvious #1 pick), Roxanne Modafferi (a deserving re-match) and Tara LaRosa (an even bigger re-match) certainly come to mind. One has to ask, given that this will also be Cris's first time fighting in the U.S.

I've had the pleasure of corresponding with Shayna for a few months now, and she is the real deal, determined to leave her mark on the MMA world. Her love for music and guitars translates into the cage, where she is often seen carrying an ESP flying V on her way to battle. It's no wonder that she and Josh Barnett are such great friends and training partners.

As Baszler prepares for Saturday with Barnett, the MMA world is still reeling from this past weeks events: Rampage Jackson's "rampage" and arrest, Affliction's first major event where Josh KO'd Pedro Rizzo and Fedor finished Tim Sylvia in thirty six seconds, and UFC Fight Night, where Anderson Silva at 205 dominated James Irvin in just one minute. The July 26 Elite XC/CBS telecast is sure to be another card chock full of amazing action and surprises. Be sure to tune in and watch QofS do what she does best, win.
War Shayna!

http://www.myspace.com/Shayna_Baszler

http://shaynabaszler.proelite.com/

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