Tapout Thomas
Albert Gallatin graduate earns 2nd pro MMA victory via submission
Karli Jo Thomas is starting to find her home away from home in Atlantic City, N.J., specifically the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.
Thomas, an Albert Gallatin graduate who is also the head women’s wrestling coach at Waynesburg University, won her second professional mixed martial arts (MMA) fight on Aug. 30 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino as part of CFFC 145.
The event was presented by Cage Fury Fighting Championships (CFFC), a regional promotion that operates primarily in the northeastern portion of the United States.
Thomas was competing on the main card of the event, which also featured her boyfriend, Justin Patton, who won his bout via unanimous decision.
The former Colonial improved to 2-0 in her professional MMA career after she forced Annabel Kelly to tap at 2:47 of the third and final round after Thomas locked in a rear-naked choke.
The strawweight fight (115 pound) was scheduled for three five-minute rounds.
“Coach Isaac (Greeley) told me prior to the fight to be ready for a tough opponent, and she was,” Thomas said. “I felt like I controlled the fight, but of course, that is my opinion. I will say that she didn’t go down easy. I hit her with some shots and she kept coming back.”
Kelly, who trains in Las Vegas, Nev., with Syndicate MMA, was 3-0 entering the bout.
Thomas wasn’t aware of how the judges scored the first two rounds, but she believed to be ahead on the scorecards entering the final round, and Kelly came out like she was behind two rounds to none in the opening portion of the third.
“She came out super aggressive in the third round,” Thomas said. “I wasn’t expecting her to come out that hard. She landed a few shots, but once I settled in, I was able to take control of the situation, and I hurt her with a liver kick. I could tell she was hurt because she took a step back and didn’t engage.”
As Thomas peppered Kelly with body and knee shots, the Las Vegan attempted a takedown that prompted a scramble and Thomas took Kelly’s back. From a dominant position on top, Thomas locked in a rear-naked choke, and when Kelly attempted to maneuver out of the hold, Thomas increased the pressure before Kelly tapped.
“Once I got to the ground, I felt very comfortable,” Thomas said. “I relied on my understanding of wrestling and jiujitsu, and how they blend together. You have to understand that even when you are on top and in control with your wrestling, an opponent can attack using submissions from the bottom.”
Kelly initiated a wrestling attack in the first round, but Thomas was able to counter Kelly’s shots and do damage with knees and elbows. Thomas continued in the second round with body kicks and knees. She didn’t land any significant strikes, but continued to keep up the pressure. Thomas’ frenetic pace wore down Kelly.
“I have never been someone who comes out looking for the big punch or kick right away,” Thomas said. “My style involves keeping up the pace and continuing to wear on my opponent using a high volume of attack. Obviously, if I can get a quick stoppage, I am going to go for it, but you don’t want to open yourself up for a counter attack.”
Thomas didn’t suffer much damage, but had a little mouse form near her nose, however, she doesn’t recall how it occurred.
“It was really strange because it was near my nose,” Thomas said. “As a fighter, I have had numerous black eyes, but never near my nose. I don’t know where it came from, but I am thankful to walk away with just that. You are always sore no matter what the outcome is, but I feel pretty good right now.”
Thomas looks forward to stepping back into the cage, but she is taking the first week off to recover, then she will connect with her management team to see what is on the horizon.
“It was a great week, and I believe I followed my game plan to a ‘T,'” said Thomas. “I was able to move my feet, stick my punches and control my wrestling. I am eager to see what will come up for me in the next few months. Once I finish my break after the fight, I will get back into the gym. There is always something to work on to improve.”