Rachele Brooke Smith vs. Kennedy McMann

(The Fighting Academy vs Front Street Gym)

Results: Lookout!; Story: Front Street

McMann making her second appearance on pay-per-view, and the first one did not exactly go swimmingly, as she was stopped by the smaller Melissa Benoist in five. This time, though, Kennedy is confident things will be different. "I'll admit," says the redhead with a shake of the head, "It was a little...different, that fight. It wasn't the stage, but just how BIG it all was, all the girls all the fights. It was...different. But, now, I know what to expect. Now, I can relax and just come in here and get a result. And, that's what I'll do."

Veteran Rachele, however, isn't impressed with McMann or her plans. "If this kid," says smile with a smile, "Thinks she's coming in to break her pay-per-view cherry against ME, she's sadly mistaken."

ROUND ONE:

Smith, the athletic dancer, is using those legs early. McMann wants to set up at range, use her length, but the brunette isn't having any. Instead, she's here, there, everywhere, circling, jabbing, bouncing forward for a quick combination, then slipping away to circle and jab some more. Redhead doesn't want to end up chasing here, but she's got no choice but to stalk. She's working the feet, looking to slow the brunette down if not cut her off. But, none of it is working early. Instead, Smith's bicycle is getting quite the workout. She's very smooth, very quick, and very sound in everything she's doing. For Kennedy's part, she's resolute, determined to try to force terms more to her liking, but unable to do it. At the bell, there's no question about it, it's Rachele's round and she's got the 10-9 edge.

ROUND TWO:

Smith on the move. McMann now finding ways to match footwork and get the ring cut. She's not closing when she does that, however. Instead, she's staying at range, getting off with both hands, extending on her punches. And, while that allows the redhead to score effectively, it does make it a little easier for the brunette to slip away, and Rachele proves plenty good at doing that, keeping the exchanges short and getting back to ranging around the ring. Result is a far more competitive round, but one in which Smith still manages to get a bit more done. Down the stretch, Kennedy gets a little more aggressive, stepping to behind the left hand and doing a little more committing on the punches. But, it's too little, too late in the second. The round goes to Smith, who extends her edge to 20-18.

ROUND THREE:

McMann continues to increase the aggression. She's getting the ring cut, then stepping in behind the left to bring her power to bear on Smith. Rachele banging back on these terms, but not giving nearly as well as she's getting. Instead, Kennedy's forcing the older woman back, forcing her to cover up, piling up both points and punishment. Rachele unable to slip away as often now, being forced to fight on the redhead's terms, and that's not going well for her. She's plenty game, mind, and she's firing back as much as she can, but it's McMann who's in command now, and, by the end of the round, she's got Smith up against the ropes and taking. The brunette's not hurt, but she is getting punished in a major way right to the bell. When it rings, McMann's taken it wide, but Smith still leads 29-28.

ROUND FOUR:

McMann cutting, stepping to. But, now, Smith tying up in there, then slipping away. Brunette using duck unders and slide steps to get back to open canvas. Even manages to turn the taller girl a couple of times. It's good, veteran stuff that's frustrating McMann's efforts to get sustained offense going and allowing Smith to operate out in the center of the ring more often. Now, it's not all seashells and balloons for the brunette. Kennedy's able to get some work in when she forces exchanges, but Rachele is keeping them short enough that she can offset them with her own offense when the action is free flowing instead of set piece. Result is a very competitive round that's in doubt until the final seconds, when a ranging Smith is able to put together a couple of flurries and claim the points, pushing her lead to 39-37.

ROUND FIVE:

More of the same. Kennedy angling, closing, forcing Smith to battle. Rachele keeping those exchanges short, using plenty of slickness to slip away and get back to the war of movement. So, for the third time in four rounds, both fighters are getting some, but not all of what they want, meaning we've got another good, two-way round. Until. We don't. McMann cuts and steps to, digs a little body, then goes back upstairs, landing a good combination. Smith ties up, shoves off, steps back and to her left...directly into the path of a SCINTILLATING right hand from the redhead. BOOM! MAJOR head swivel and DOWN GOES RACHELE! Smith CRASHING to her right side with a THUD as McMann heads quickly to a neutral corner. Ref counts down at the stricken brunette, but it's academic. Rachel is both down AND out and it's OVER and your winner by KO5 is Kennedy McMann!

AFTER:

McMann clearly pumped in the post-fight. "THAT'S what I'm talking about!" the redhead says with a grin. "Getting here and getting a win on this stage? That's HUGE for me. It's a really BIG step. But, it's just one step. I've got a long road, but that's OK. Because that road leads to gold."