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FIGHTING FOR A CAUSE: LAUREN FELDMAN MAKES HER MMA DEBUT

On August 24, 2007, the first ever, Female Amateur MMA (mixed martial
arts) fight took place at the House of Blues in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
This bout was between female fighters Lauren Feldman and Heather Smith.

Lauren fought under Female Fighters Against Domestic Violence and Heather
Smith out of the Mixed Martial Arts Academy of Aiki-Jujitsudo. After an 18 month
hiatus nursing an ankle injury, Lauren was anxious to make her MMA debut, and
she did so in true fighter style. Demonstrating her precision and skill, Lauren
dominated all three rounds by mercilessly picking apart her opponent Heather
Smith. In Round One, Heather was backed up against the cage when she was
overpowered by Lauren’s hard-hitting punches. Lauren then used her
phenomenal Jujitsu skills to take Heather down to the ground and attempted a
submission by applying an armbar. Only the bell signifying the end of the round
saved Heather in this round.

Round two was a repeat of the first round when Heather was again overcome
by Lauren and was taken down for second time, and again, the bell saved
Heather. By the time the third round had ended, it was clear to all whom
the victor was. Lauren Feldman had defeated Heather Smith by a unanimous
decision from the judges. Both women are to be commended for helping to
advance the sport of female MMA fighting.