Yellow Jackets coach Thomas wins pro MMA debut
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Karli Jo Thomas had a Memorial Day weekend memory that will last a lifetime Saturday evening, May 24, on the boardwalk at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, N.J.
The Albert Gallatin graduate and head coach of the women’s wrestling team at Waynesburg University won her professional mixed martial arts (MMA) debut at Cage Fury Fighting Championships’ CFFC 142.
CFFC is a regional promotion that operates primarily in the northeastern portion of the United States.
Thomas, 25, earned the victory over Lateesha Mohl, 29, who entered the cage at 2-0, in the strawweight division (115 pounds).
Thomas came out strong in the first round using leg kicks and landed a combination of punches, including a left hand, before shooting a double-leg takedown that was finished with a trip 1:15 into the fight.
Thomas went full mount and used her knee to hold Mohl down. Mohl worked to get to her feet as Thomas used a standing guillotine choke.
Mohl attempted to roll out of danger, but Thomas kept the choke locked in as Mohl went to the ground and Mohl tapped in 2:31 while Thomas was in side control.
“I definitely had a lot of fun and enjoyed the weekend,” Thomas said. “Without my coaches, team and everybody involved, this would not have been possible. I want to thank all my sponsors, and I have a ton of them, for helping to pay for my training and getting me in the cage.
“The promotion ran the event smoothly. CFFC is one of the more well-known promotions. It is right under LFA (Legacy Fighting Alliance). That was very important to me.”
Thomas had her boyfriend, Justin Patton, with her the entire weekend, including being in her corner against Mohl.
“Justin drove me out there and was in my corner for the fight,” Thomas said. “He is involved in all parts of my life, including my career. It is hard to be with a fighter, and it is special to have somebody that gets it. Justin was with me all weekend. Atlantic City is pretty interesting. It is not exactly what I expected.”
In any combat sport, making weight comes into play, and Thomas is no exception, as she had to lose roughly 20 pounds before the fight.
“It is not an easy cut, but it isn’t the craziest thing,” Thomas said. “It takes a lot of consistency and discipline, but I have a nutritionist, Kyle Markel, who helps me out. I’m losing about 20 pounds, but some of that is a water cut.”
Thomas didn’t suffer any injuries from the fight, and she is looking forward to stepping back into the cage as soon as possible.
“Everything is good,” Thomas said. “I think I got kicked in my leg one time.”