Thomas wins latest MMA bout; readies for pro debut

Photo courtesy of Andrew Palla | 247 Fighting Championships

Karli Jo Thomas took time out training the Waynesburg University women’s wrestling team to knock off an undefeated fighter on Feb. 1 at 247 FC – Brawl in the Burgh 26 at Murrysville’s SportZone.

The event, which was promoted by 247 Fighting Championships, was originally intended to be held as the inaugural competition at Sunny Days Arena at The Venue in North Versailles, but the venue was said to not be ready to host an event.

Thomas, who is an Albert Gallatin graduate, wasn’t concerned about the change in venue, as all she wanted was an opportunity to compete.

“They changed the venue on Thursday, which was two nights before the fight,” Thomas said. “I wasn’t concerned with the venue being changed. I just didn’t want the event to be called off.”

Thomas proved that she wasn’t affected by any changes in defeating Leilani Hodgens by unanimous decision in the strawweight division (115 pounds). Two of the judges scored the bout, 29-28, and one had it 30-27. Thomas believed she did enough to win the fight, but didn’t think she won the first round.

“She (Hodgens) was really tough on the ground, as she has a brown belt in jiu-jitsu,” Thomas said. “I knew she was super strong in that, so I did my best to keep the fight on our feet. She did take me down in the first round, but I was able to stuff her attempts in the third round, and I even sprawled and scored off one of her shot attempts.”

Following a tough first, Thomas went out with a game plan in the second to turn the fight into a striking match.

“I had to overcome that adversity of losing the first round,” Thomas said. “I went to my corner, talked to my coaches and regrouped. I came out strong in the second round. I was composed and used my footwork to land some good shots. She hit some good shots, too. One cut me, which was probably an overhand punch, but it didn’t need stitches or anything. Not being cut in MMA is like saying you are going to swim and not get wet.”

Thomas’ boyfriend, Justin Patton, fought in the main event, which he won by submission in the second round. Thomas was glad that her fight was over by the time Patton entered the cage. Patton did walk out with Thomas and watch her fight.

“It was nice because the card was spread out enough that he was able to walk me out, be in my corner and have enough time to go back and prepare for his fight,” Thomas said. “It is really cool when we fight on the same card. It is good energy and we are in the same camp together the whole time. It is what we love to do, and we get to go out there and do our thing, which is something special for us. I think we are lucky to have that with each other.”

Thomas had two of her wrestlers in the audience at the fight, and several streamed the event.

Thomas improved to 6-3 as an amateur and Hodgens fell to 6-1. Thomas will make her pro debut in her next fight, and she believes she has found a home at strawweight.

“I have fought everywhere from 115 to 135, but I really felt my best in this last fight at 115,” Thomas said. “My walk-around weight is 135, so the cut isn’t the easiest, but I feel like being at 115 will be advantageous.”