WMMA Weekend Watchlist – Ham vs. Kurobe, Lino vs. Trosee

Two continents. Two title fights. The women’s MMA watchlist for this weekend is all about championship gold. Seo Hee Ham vs. Mina Kurobe in South Korea and Amanda Lino vs. Jacqualine Trosee.

As another MMA weekend approaches there are many notable fights taking place. While the UFC are busy promoting in Auckland, New Zealand, there is plenty of action worth checking out elsewhere.

With that in mind, we look to Seoul in South Korea and Durban, South Africa as the destinations for a pair of quality women’s MMA championship bouts on the weekend watchlist.

Mina Kurobe vs. Seo Hee Ham – Road FC 039

Main Card airs on YouTube at 3.00am ET / 12.00am PT / 8.00am UK Saturday.

The fighter known affectionately as Hamderlei Silva is back following a competitive run in the UFC. On Saturday in Seoul Seo Hee Ham fights Mina Kurobe for the inaugural Road FC atomweight title.

Ham can consider herself unfortunate to be fighting outside the UFC, but the good news for fans is that it means we get to see the Korean thriller fighting at her natural weight class against one of the best fighters in the world.

Had Ham not signed with the UFC in 2014, she could well be ruling the 105-pound division right now. At the very least, we would likely have seen her fight the division’s number one Ayaka Hamasaki to find out who ruled the atomweight roost.

The two have fought twice previously, both times at 115 pounds, both times for the Deep Jewels Lightweight Queen Championship. Hamasaki won on both occasions, but a third fight at the lower weight class remains appealing.

One of the reasons for that is that prior to signing with the UFC, Ham had won and defended the Deep Jewels atomweight championship. It is a title she never lost.

Enter Mina Kurobe, a fighter now ranked #2 in the unified rankings at atomweight behind Hamasaki. Kurobe’s ranking has been achieved by winning the very title “Hamderlei” never lost.

The 40-year-old is currently riding a five-fight win streak. That run culminated with a decision win over Naho Sugiyama in February to win the Deep Jewels atomweight title.

Now Kurobe and Ham meet inside the Road FC cage for more championship gold. It will bring titles together and unquestionably determine who is the legitimate number two behind Ayaka Hamasaki.

After the winner is determined, we can only hope that Invicta can book them to fight Hamasaki for all the 105-pound spoils.

Amanda Lino vs. Jacqualine Trosee – EFC 60

Main Card airs on EFCWorldwide.tv at 3.00pm ET / 12.00pm PT / 8.00pm UK Saturday.

Extreme Fighting Championship sits atop the world of African MMA. On Saturday they return with their 60th event, breaking new ground with a women’s fight headlining the card.

Amanda Lino and Jacqualine Trosee occupy the main event slots, fighting for the inaugural EFC women’s flyweight championship. If things had gone to plan, the promotion would already have a 125-pound champion.

A bout between Lino and Shana Power fell through when the latter was pulled from the bout for medical reasons as a result of her weight cut. Now the promotion has booked a rematch between Lino and Trosee to crown the champion instead.

In March last year, Lino and Trosee met at EFC 47. Lino emerged victorious after only 10 seconds. The win could not have been any more convincing but Trosee has earned her rematch.

In December last year, Trosee rebounded with a major upset victory over Shana Power. It was an impressive three round performance that earned Trosee the win by unanimous decision.

Now things come full circle on Saturday, with Trosee looking to avenge the 10-second defeat against Lino, with even more on the line. It is a bout between impressive emerging flyweights.

Amanda “Mad Dog” Lino has lost only once in nine fights through her amateur and professional careers. Lino’s developing, yet impressive, resume also includes a 2014 IMMAF World Championships win at 145 pounds.

Jacqualine Trosee gives up plenty of experience but came of age in that 2016 win over the previously undefeated Shana Power. Now we find out on Saturday whether the 10-second defeat to Lino last year can be reversed in Durban.