Aysia Cortez, an American Top Team product, has shown great skill in developing as a full-rounded MMA fighter, combining a wrestling and jiu-jitsu base with Kenpo. Cortez makes her professional MMA debut tonight after going 3-0 as an amateur. Cortez, in fact, made her amateur debut with Bellator, defeating Gloria Telles at Bellator 142: Dynamite in 2015. Cortez most recently fought in September 2022, defeating Ashley Molina via split decision.

 

Ashley Thiner, meanwhile, is a Muay Thai specialist who also makes her professional MMA debut tonight. Thiner, who trains with Steel MMA in San Diego and was involved in women’s football, dropped her amateur debut in 2017 but went on to win four straight, earning gold at the 2022 World Games. She most recently fought in March 2023, scoring a second-round finish of Yvania Foley.

 

Whose professional MMA debut will end in a first professional victory?

 

 

Round 1

 

Thiner comes forward, but Cortez works the right hand right away. Low kick from Thiner, trying to use her reach advantage. Thiner with a sharp kick to the leg, and Cortez responds. Thiner with a round kick to the body, but Cortez looks for a takedown, pressing her into the fence twice. Cortez gets in deep, but Thiner is holding her balance. Thiner manages to work Cortez off, and Cortez backs up. Thiner lands a left hand to the body. Another low kick from Thiner. Cortez lands a solid right hand. Cortez goes in again, but Thiner reverses and gets Cortez to the fence. Thiner appears to have Cortez’s back but ends up placing her back on the fence.

 

They got off the fence and Cortez appears to be bleeding from the nose. Cortez looks for another takedown but can’t get it. Thiner lands a step-in elbow. Thiner with a push kick. Low kick from Thiner. Cortez with a hook. Combination from Thiner. Front kick and a left hand from Thiner. Another unsuccessful attempt at a takedown from Cortez. Jumping knee by Thiner. High kick by Thiner. Cortez lands inside with an uppercut. Cortez presses Thiner against the fence. Thiner works her way off easily. Thiner lands a couple of more kicks. Cortez presses Thiner again before the bell concludes the first round.

 

 

Round 2

 

Cortez looks to get to work in the center, trying to rebound. Cortez presses Thiner into the fence again. Thiner sneaks a knee to the face. Thiner gets off the fence. Thiner with a low kick. Thiner flashes the jab and works angles. A combination of kicks by Thiner. A round kick from Thiner. Cortez with a single-leg attempt, but Thiner prevents the takedown. Thiner now pressing Cortez into the fence. Thiner lands a solid right hand. Thiner with a kick to the body. Thiner works another combination, though Cortez catches a kick.

 

Thiner lands a strong knee. Left hand from Thiner. Another combination gets Cortez to the fence. Thiner tees off at the retreating Cortez. Cortez goes to her knees, and Thiner lands left hand after left hand. Cortez gets to her feet, but Thiner continues to wail on her! The referee steps in!

 

 

What a performance by Ashley Thiner in her pro debut!

 

 

OFFICIAL RESULT

 

Ashley Thiner def. Aysia Cortez via second-round TKO (3:11)

  • Thiner makes successful pro debut
  • Bellator Record: 1-0 (1 KO)
  • Fighting out of San Diego, CA
  • Nickname is “Whiplash”