Tara LaRosa: Difference between revisions
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LaRosa signed with BodogFight and debut against then #2 ranked Amanda Buckner in a highly touted 3 round battle in [[Costa Rica]]. She submitted Buckner by [[rear-naked choke]] with 29 seconds remaining in the bout.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmarising.com/news/2009/09/0201INT.html|title= Exclusive Interview with Amanda Buckner|accessdate=2012-11-06|publisher= BloodyKnux.com|date=2009-09-20}}</ref> At BodogFight: USA vs. Russia on December 2, 2006 in [[Vancouver]], LaRosa joined Team USA to fight her counterpart, [[Julia Berezikova]], a member of [[Fedor Emelianenko|Fedor Emelianenko's]] Russian Red Devil team.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bloodyknux.com/forum/showthread.php?t=22594|title=Tara LaRosa Interview - BloodyKnux.com|accessdate=2012-11-06|publisher= BloodyKnux.com|date=2006-11-24}}</ref> LaRosa won the fight by armbar submission in the second round.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/2/BodogFIGHT-Gracie-Victorious-ampquotJuniorampquot-Defeated-6256|title=BodogFIGHT: Gracie Victorious, "Junior" Defeated|accessdate=2010-04-29|publisher=Sherdog.com|date=2006-12-02}}</ref> On another card in Costa Rica, LaRosa earned a dominant technical knockout win over [[Shayna Baszler]]. LaRosa was next set to face [[Laura D'Auguste]] in a championship bout, but an ankle injury forced D'Auguste off the card and she was replaced by Kelly Kobold.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamblingbeat.com/sports/mma-news-bodog-fight-crowns-womens-mma-champion-19920.html|title=MMA News: Bodog Fight Crowns Women's MMA Champion|accessdate=2010-10-27|publisher=GamblingBeat.com|date=2007-09-11}}</ref> LaRosa met Kobold at BodogFight: Alvarez vs. Lee on July 14, 2007 for the BodogFight 135-pound women's championship. She won the fight via armbar submission in the fourth round.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/press%20releases/Alvarez-Prangley-Victories-Highlight-Bodog-Fights-American-Debut-8292|title=Alvarez, Prangley Victories Highlight Bodog Fight's American Debut|accessdate=2010-06-29|publisher=Sherdog.com|date=2007-07-16}}</ref> |
LaRosa signed with BodogFight and debut against then #2 ranked Amanda Buckner in a highly touted 3 round battle in [[Costa Rica]]. She submitted Buckner by [[rear-naked choke]] with 29 seconds remaining in the bout.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmarising.com/news/2009/09/0201INT.html|title= Exclusive Interview with Amanda Buckner|accessdate=2012-11-06|publisher= BloodyKnux.com|date=2009-09-20}}</ref> At BodogFight: USA vs. Russia on December 2, 2006 in [[Vancouver]], LaRosa joined Team USA to fight her counterpart, [[Julia Berezikova]], a member of [[Fedor Emelianenko|Fedor Emelianenko's]] Russian Red Devil team.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bloodyknux.com/forum/showthread.php?t=22594|title=Tara LaRosa Interview - BloodyKnux.com|accessdate=2012-11-06|publisher= BloodyKnux.com|date=2006-11-24}}</ref> LaRosa won the fight by armbar submission in the second round.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/2/BodogFIGHT-Gracie-Victorious-ampquotJuniorampquot-Defeated-6256|title=BodogFIGHT: Gracie Victorious, "Junior" Defeated|accessdate=2010-04-29|publisher=Sherdog.com|date=2006-12-02}}</ref> On another card in Costa Rica, LaRosa earned a dominant technical knockout win over [[Shayna Baszler]]. LaRosa was next set to face [[Laura D'Auguste]] in a championship bout, but an ankle injury forced D'Auguste off the card and she was replaced by Kelly Kobold.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamblingbeat.com/sports/mma-news-bodog-fight-crowns-womens-mma-champion-19920.html|title=MMA News: Bodog Fight Crowns Women's MMA Champion|accessdate=2010-10-27|publisher=GamblingBeat.com|date=2007-09-11}}</ref> LaRosa met Kobold at BodogFight: Alvarez vs. Lee on July 14, 2007 for the BodogFight 135-pound women's championship. She won the fight via armbar submission in the fourth round.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/press%20releases/Alvarez-Prangley-Victories-Highlight-Bodog-Fights-American-Debut-8292|title=Alvarez, Prangley Victories Highlight Bodog Fight's American Debut|accessdate=2010-06-29|publisher=Sherdog.com|date=2007-07-16}}</ref> |
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LaRosa was in talks to join the [[International Fight League]] and [[YAMMA Pit Fighting|YAMMA]] until those promotions closed in 2008 because of financial losses.<ref name="Stability - USA Today">{{cite web|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/mma/2011-03-09-shark-larosa-hashi_N.htm|title=LaRosa eyes stability, Damm seeks rebound|accessdate=2012-10-27|publisher=USAToday.com|date=2011-03-09}}</ref> Her next bout was uncertain until August 2008, when she signed with the American Fight League (AFL). The upstart AFL had also acquired [[Bobby Lashley]], [[Mike Van Arsdale]], [[Julie Kedzie]] and [[Roxanne Modafferi]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmaweekly.com/afl-signs-van-arsdale-expands-female-roster-2|title=AFL SIGNS VAN ARSDALE & EXPANDS FEMALE ROSTER|publisher=MMAWeekly.com|date=2008-08-22}}</ref> Her contract with the AFL was a lucrative one for a duration of 18 months, which would have made her the highest female fighter in MMA.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.fightersonlymag.com/content/news/7903-mma-news--larosa-to-become-highest-earning-female-fighter |title =Tara Larosa is set to become one of the highest paid professional mixed martial artists in the world.| accessdate=2012-11-03| publisher=fightersonlymag.com | date=2008-06-10}}</ref> Her signing was officially announced at an AFL event on May 30, 2008 with plans to have her fight on the promotion's first [[pay per view]] card that fall.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.mmaweekly.com/afl-officially-announces-tara-larosa-2 |title = AFL Officially Announces Tara Larosa.| accessdate= 2012-11-09| publisher= mmaweekly.com | date=2008-06-03}}</ref> A bad economic climate was cited as the reason the pay per view did not happen.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://mmajunkie.com/news/13049/tara-larosa-still-totally-comfortable-with-afl-contract.mma |title = Tara Larosa Still Comfortable with AFL Contract.| accessdate= 2012-11-09| publisher= mmaweekly.com | date=2008-10-19}}</ref> A rematch with Roxanne Modafferi was shifted by the AFL to Ironheart Crown promotion, under its Affiliate Promoter program. The bout was cancelled due to a shortage of AFL funding.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/LarosaModafferi-Rematch-Cancelled-14792 |title = LaRosa-Modafferi Rematch Cancelled | accessdate= 2012-11-09| publisher= sherdog.com | date=2008-10-15}}</ref> LaRosa never competed in the AFL as a result of bad economic conditions.<ref name="sherdog.com"/> LaRosa returned to MMA competition after a 14-month absence to face [[Alexis Davis (fighter)|Alexis Davis]] at Extreme Challenge: The War at the Shore on January 23, 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/pressreleases/LaRosa-hopes-to-prove-a-point-at-Extreme-Challenge-15882|title=LaRosa hopes to prove a point at Extreme Challenge|publisher=Sherdog.com|date=2009-01-21|accessdate=2012-10-27}}</ref> LaRosa survived a [[triangle choke]] at the conclusion of the second round and won by TKO when the doctor stopped the fight late in round three due to a worsened cut above Davis' eye.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/13811/despite-ring-rust-tara-larosa-secures-first-victory-in-14-months.mma|title=Despite ring rust, Tara LaRosa secures first victory in 14 months|accessdate=2010-04-29|publisher=MMAjunkie.com|date=2009-01-24}}</ref> MMARising.com awarded the bout "Fight of the Year" and named LaRosa "Super Flyweight of the Year".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmarising.com/articles/2009/12/27/2009-womens-mixed-martial-arts-awards/|title= 2009 Women's Mixed Martial Arts Awards|accessdate=2012-11-06|publisher= MMARising.com|date=2009-12-27}}</ref> |
LaRosa was in talks to join the [[International Fight League]] and [[YAMMA Pit Fighting|YAMMA]] until those promotions closed in 2008 because of financial losses.<ref name="Stability - USA Today">{{cite web|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/mma/2011-03-09-shark-larosa-hashi_N.htm|title=LaRosa eyes stability, Damm seeks rebound|accessdate=2012-10-27|publisher=USAToday.com|date=2011-03-09}}</ref> Her next bout was uncertain until August 2008, when she signed with the American Fight League (AFL). The upstart AFL had also acquired [[Bobby Lashley]], [[Mike Van Arsdale]], [[Julie Kedzie]] and [[Roxanne Modafferi]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmaweekly.com/afl-signs-van-arsdale-expands-female-roster-2|title=AFL SIGNS VAN ARSDALE & EXPANDS FEMALE ROSTER|publisher=MMAWeekly.com|date=2008-08-22}}</ref> Her contract with the AFL was a lucrative one for a duration of 18 months, which would have made her the highest paid female fighter in MMA.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.fightersonlymag.com/content/news/7903-mma-news--larosa-to-become-highest-earning-female-fighter |title =Tara Larosa is set to become one of the highest paid professional mixed martial artists in the world.| accessdate=2012-11-03| publisher=fightersonlymag.com | date=2008-06-10}}</ref> Her signing was officially announced at an AFL event on May 30, 2008 with plans to have her fight on the promotion's first [[pay per view]] card that fall.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.mmaweekly.com/afl-officially-announces-tara-larosa-2 |title = AFL Officially Announces Tara Larosa.| accessdate= 2012-11-09| publisher= mmaweekly.com | date=2008-06-03}}</ref> A bad economic climate was cited as the reason the pay per view did not happen.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://mmajunkie.com/news/13049/tara-larosa-still-totally-comfortable-with-afl-contract.mma |title = Tara Larosa Still Comfortable with AFL Contract.| accessdate= 2012-11-09| publisher= mmaweekly.com | date=2008-10-19}}</ref> A rematch with Roxanne Modafferi was shifted by the AFL to Ironheart Crown promotion, under its Affiliate Promoter program. The bout was cancelled due to a shortage of AFL funding.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/LarosaModafferi-Rematch-Cancelled-14792 |title = LaRosa-Modafferi Rematch Cancelled | accessdate= 2012-11-09| publisher= sherdog.com | date=2008-10-15}}</ref> LaRosa never competed in the AFL as a result of bad economic conditions.<ref name="sherdog.com"/> LaRosa returned to MMA competition after a 14-month absence to face [[Alexis Davis (fighter)|Alexis Davis]] at Extreme Challenge: The War at the Shore on January 23, 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/pressreleases/LaRosa-hopes-to-prove-a-point-at-Extreme-Challenge-15882|title=LaRosa hopes to prove a point at Extreme Challenge|publisher=Sherdog.com|date=2009-01-21|accessdate=2012-10-27}}</ref> LaRosa survived a [[triangle choke]] at the conclusion of the second round and won by TKO when the doctor stopped the fight late in round three due to a worsened cut above Davis' eye.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/13811/despite-ring-rust-tara-larosa-secures-first-victory-in-14-months.mma|title=Despite ring rust, Tara LaRosa secures first victory in 14 months|accessdate=2010-04-29|publisher=MMAjunkie.com|date=2009-01-24}}</ref> MMARising.com awarded the bout "Fight of the Year" and named LaRosa "Super Flyweight of the Year".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmarising.com/articles/2009/12/27/2009-womens-mixed-martial-arts-awards/|title= 2009 Women's Mixed Martial Arts Awards|accessdate=2012-11-06|publisher= MMARising.com|date=2009-12-27}}</ref> |
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LaRosa rematched Roxanne Modafferi at Moosin: God of Martial Arts on May 21, 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmarising.com/news/2010/04/05/modafferi-vs-larosa-rematch-planned-for-moosin/|title=Modafferi vs LaRosa Rematch Planned For Moosin|publisher=MMARising.com|accessdate=2010-04-08}}</ref> She was defeated by split decision,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmarising.com/articles/2010/05/21/modafferi-avenges-loss-upsets-larosa-at-moosin/|title=Modafferi Avenges Loss, Upsets LaRosa At Moosin|publisher=MMARising.com|accessdate=2010-05-21}}</ref> marking her first loss in seven years.<ref name="MMARising Interview"/> |
LaRosa rematched Roxanne Modafferi at Moosin: God of Martial Arts on May 21, 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmarising.com/news/2010/04/05/modafferi-vs-larosa-rematch-planned-for-moosin/|title=Modafferi vs LaRosa Rematch Planned For Moosin|publisher=MMARising.com|accessdate=2010-04-08}}</ref> She was defeated by split decision,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmarising.com/articles/2010/05/21/modafferi-avenges-loss-upsets-larosa-at-moosin/|title=Modafferi Avenges Loss, Upsets LaRosa At Moosin|publisher=MMARising.com|accessdate=2010-05-21}}</ref> marking her first loss in seven years.<ref name="MMARising Interview"/> |
Revision as of 04:20, 16 December 2014
Tara Nicole LaRosa | |
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Born | [1] Woodstown, New Jersey, United States[2] | January 8, 1978
Nationality | American |
Height | 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m) |
Weight | 134 lb (61 kg; 9.6 st) |
Division | Bantamweight[3] |
Style | Grappling, Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu[3] |
Fighting out of | Albuquerque, New Mexico[4] |
Team | Jackson's Mixed Martial Arts[1] |
Rank | Purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Royce Gracie Brown belt in Judo |
Mixed martial arts record | |
Total | 26 |
Wins | 21 |
By knockout | 3 |
By submission | 12 |
By decision | 6 |
Losses | 5 |
By knockout | 1 |
By decision | 4 |
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog |
Medal record | ||
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Representing ![]() | ||
Women's Submission grappling | ||
ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship | ||
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2005 Long Beach | Open |
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2007 Trenton | -60 kg |
FILA Grappling World Championships | ||
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2007 Antalya | -63 kg (No Gi) |
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2009 Fort Lauderdale | -59 kg (Gi) |
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2009 Fort Lauderdale | Open (Gi) |
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2008 Lucerne | -55 kg (Gi) |
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2009 Fort Lauderdale | -59 kg (No Gi) |
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2010 Cracow | Open (No Gi) |
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2008 Lucerne | -55 kg (No Gi) |
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2010 Cracow | -60 kg (No Gi) |
NAGA Grappling World Championships | ||
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2006 Jersey City | -61 kg (No Gi) |
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2006 Jersey City | -73 kg (Blue) |
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2007 Jersey City | -61 kg (No Gi) |
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2006 Jersey City | -61 kg (Blue) |
Tara Nicole LaRosa (born January 8, 1978)[1] is an American mixed martial artist and grappler whose most high-profile successes occurred while competing in BodogFight, where she became the first and only BodogFight Women's Bantamweight (135 lbs) Champion. She later defeated HOOKnSHOOT 125-pound champion Cody Welchlin in a non-title bout at a HOOKnSHOOT/BodogFight co-sponsored event.
LaRosa has spent most of her career competing at bantamweight, although her natural weight class is the flyweight division.[5] She holds wins over top mixed martial arts fighters such as Amanda Buckner, Kelly Kobold, Shayna Baszler, Alexis Davis, Julie Kedzie, Sally Krumdiack and Takayo Hashi.
LaRosa is ranked as the #24 Female MMA Fighter in the Bantam weight division according to FightMatrix.com.[6] She has lived in eight different cities over the course of a decade in order to train at different gyms.[7] During 2006, LaRosa trained and fought out of Rich Guerin's Yakima MMA gym in Yakima.[8] Starting in April 2007, she trained out of Charles McCarthy's American Top Team affiliate for 6 months in Boca Raton.[8] In September 2007 she joined the Philadelphia Fight Factory and trained with fighters like Zach Makovsky and Eddie Alvarez.[9] LaRosa trained at Ivan Salaverry MMA in Seattle.[10] She moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico in January 2013 to train at Jackson's Mixed Martial Arts.[1] On December 6, 2013, LaRosa was inducted in the New Jersey Martial Arts Hall of Fame.
Early life
LaRosa grew up in her native Woodstown, New Jersey.[10] She attended the now defunct St. James Catholic High School.[11] A love of Jean-Claude Van Damme, Steven Seagal and Chuck Norris action films inspired her to enroll in judo. Years later, she moved into mixed martial arts training and trained with Royce Gracie.[11] Her first venture into martial arts was through shotokan when she was 17.[12] LaRosa was active in field hockey, basketball, and softball. Her favorite sport outside of MMA is field hockey, which she played for 12 years after starting in the 5th grade.[12] She earned a field hockey scholarship to attend Catawba College between 1996 and 2000. LaRosa graduated with a degree in physical education.[7] While in college, LaRosa started training in judo and jiu jitsu. Her membership in the college's judo club led to her competing in tournaments.[12]
Mixed martial arts career
Early career
LaRosa's first MMA fight was an April 2002 bantamweight bout against Shelby Walker in HOOKnSHOOT. She used her judo skills to get Walker to the ground, get the full mount and landed punches that led Walker to tap the canvas with her right hand at almost three minutes in the fight.[13] LaRosa's next opponent was Angela Wilson on another HOOKnSHOOT card. LaRosa won when she hurt Wilson with a right knee, obtained full mount on the ground and unleashed punches, which resulted in a TKO win at 4:59 in round 1.[14] At a Shooto Americas event, LaRosa submitted Ginele Marquez by armbar.
LaRosa's first loss came in May 2003 at the hands of Jennifer Howe,[15] who was then considered to be the top female fighter in MMA.[16] With weeks notice LaRosa replaced Howe's original opponent and competed for the vacant HooknShoot flyweight title. She was defeated by TKO after 2 minutes in the first round.[17] She took a year off from MMA competition and returned to face and defeat Linda Langerak. LaRosa faced Alisa Cantwell at XFO 4 on December 3, 2004. She won the fight by armbar submission.[18] It was her quickest victory, despite her illness on the plane en route to the Lakemoor location of the bout.[18]
International career
She faced Hitomi Akano at MFC: USA vs. Russia 3 on June 3, 2006, and won the fight by unanimous decision.[19]
LaRosa signed with BodogFight and debut against then #2 ranked Amanda Buckner in a highly touted 3 round battle in Costa Rica. She submitted Buckner by rear-naked choke with 29 seconds remaining in the bout.[20] At BodogFight: USA vs. Russia on December 2, 2006 in Vancouver, LaRosa joined Team USA to fight her counterpart, Julia Berezikova, a member of Fedor Emelianenko's Russian Red Devil team.[21] LaRosa won the fight by armbar submission in the second round.[22] On another card in Costa Rica, LaRosa earned a dominant technical knockout win over Shayna Baszler. LaRosa was next set to face Laura D'Auguste in a championship bout, but an ankle injury forced D'Auguste off the card and she was replaced by Kelly Kobold.[23] LaRosa met Kobold at BodogFight: Alvarez vs. Lee on July 14, 2007 for the BodogFight 135-pound women's championship. She won the fight via armbar submission in the fourth round.[24]
LaRosa was in talks to join the International Fight League and YAMMA until those promotions closed in 2008 because of financial losses.[25] Her next bout was uncertain until August 2008, when she signed with the American Fight League (AFL). The upstart AFL had also acquired Bobby Lashley, Mike Van Arsdale, Julie Kedzie and Roxanne Modafferi.[26] Her contract with the AFL was a lucrative one for a duration of 18 months, which would have made her the highest paid female fighter in MMA.[27] Her signing was officially announced at an AFL event on May 30, 2008 with plans to have her fight on the promotion's first pay per view card that fall.[28] A bad economic climate was cited as the reason the pay per view did not happen.[29] A rematch with Roxanne Modafferi was shifted by the AFL to Ironheart Crown promotion, under its Affiliate Promoter program. The bout was cancelled due to a shortage of AFL funding.[30] LaRosa never competed in the AFL as a result of bad economic conditions.[9] LaRosa returned to MMA competition after a 14-month absence to face Alexis Davis at Extreme Challenge: The War at the Shore on January 23, 2009.[31] LaRosa survived a triangle choke at the conclusion of the second round and won by TKO when the doctor stopped the fight late in round three due to a worsened cut above Davis' eye.[32] MMARising.com awarded the bout "Fight of the Year" and named LaRosa "Super Flyweight of the Year".[33]
LaRosa rematched Roxanne Modafferi at Moosin: God of Martial Arts on May 21, 2010.[34] She was defeated by split decision,[35] marking her first loss in seven years.[16]
LaRosa faced Takayo Hashi at DaMMAge Fight League 1 on November 24, 2010 in Atlantic City, New Jersey.[5] She defeated Hashi by Unanimous Decision after five rounds to become the first DaMMAge Fight League Women's 125 lbs Champion.[36] LaRosa's original opponent for the fight was Aisling Daly, who could not get approval from Bellator Fighting Championships to compete.[5]
Independent promotions
During LaRosa's time in BodogFight, a bout with Carina Damm, who was also with the promotion, was considered but never happened. Years later, LaRosa went on to face Damm at Shark Fights 14 on March 11, 2011 in Lubbock, Texas.[37] The bout was made with two week's notice after a co-main event match between Houston Alexander and James Irvin was cancelled.[25] LaRosa won the fight via submission from a reverse heel hook early in the second round.[38] The match had fulfilled the first of 3 bouts LaRosa had with Shark Fights.[39]
In 2012, LaRosa signed a non-exclusive three-fight contract with Resurrection Fighting Alliance (RFA).[10] LaRosa fought Kelly Warren at Resurrection Fighting Alliance 2 on March 30, 2012.[40] Warren replaced Angela Magana, who was injured in a car accident.[40] Prior to the bout, LaRosa had spent her second-longest time outside of MMA competition by not fighting for 12 months.[40] She defeated Warren by submission due to an armbar with one second remaining in the fight.[41]
The bout with Warren was a catchweight, as LaRosa and Warren exceeded the flyweight limit by four and three pounds, respectively.[42] It was the first time in LaRosa's career that she had missed weight, and LaRosa partly blamed the issue on a malfunctioning sauna which caused nine others to miss their contracted weight on the same card,[43] including Elaina Maxwell and Ashley Sanchez, who were overweight for their featherweight fight.[41]
Invicta FC and Pancrase
LaRosa faced Vanessa Porto at Invicta FC 3: Penne vs Sugiyama on October 6, 2012.[44] Porto avoided LaRosa's takedown attempts, outstruck her in the stand up, and landed noticeably bruising kicks to LaRosa's left leg. LaRosa was defeated via unanimous decision (30-27 on all scorecards).[45]
On September 29, 2013, LaRosa faced Rin Nakai in a non-title bout at Pancrase 252: 20th Anniversary in Yokohama, Japan.[46] She was defeated by majority decision.[47]
On September 6, 2014, LaRosa faced Roxanne Modafferi for the third time at Invicta FC 8. She lost the fight via unanimous decision.
The Ultimate Fighter
In August 2013, it was announced that LaRosa was one of the fighters selected to be on The Ultimate Fighter: Team Rousey vs. Team Tate.[48] LaRosa faced Sarah Moras in the elimination round to get into the TUF house. In one of the show's bigger upsets, Moras defeated LaRosa via decision, thereby eliminating her from the show.
Grappling and Jiu-Jitsu
LaRosa has partook in numerous grappling/jiu-jitsu competitions with and without a gi prior to and during her MMA career. She has competed in different regional competitions for NAGA Grappling World Championships. In 2000, she became the National Champion in the Women's Jiu Jitsu and Women's Kumite division of the United States Sport Jiu Jitsu Association. The next year she placed 2nd in the Women's Advanced divisions for NAGA - Battle at the Beach, and first in the same division for Gi and No Gi at Music City Grappling Championship. She became Women's Champion at Submission Fighting Open 7. She competed at Southern Open Submission Championships, placing 1st in the Women's Advanced (No Gi), 2nd in the Men's (Gi), and 3rd in Men's (No Gi) divisions. LaRosa was named the Southern Open Submission Championships' MVP of Tournament.
LaRosa won first place in the (Gi) and (No Gi) Women's Advanced Philadelphia Freedom Open Jiujitsu Tourney in 2002. She also was first in the Men's (Gi) Philadelphia Freedom Open Jiujitsu Tourney. She won NAGA - Georgia's Women's (Gi) competition, and was second in the 2nd Men's (No Gi) portion. She won Grappler's Quest - Copa Alantica Women's Advanced competition, and repeated as first place winner in Women's Advanced (Gi) for Music City Grappling Championship. She was first in NAGA -Florida's Women's Advanced (No Gi), and 3rd in NAGA -Florida's Men's Intermediate (No Gi). At NAGA Championships, she was first in both the Gi and no Gi Women's Advanced competitions. In 2003, she was first in the Women's Advanced (Gi) division of the Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Classic, and first in both the Gi and non-Gi portions of NAGA - World Championships Women's Advanced divisions. At NAGA - Miami, she was 1st in Women's Advanced (no Gi), and 2nd in the Men's Intermediate (No Gi).
Personal life
Tara's parents are Carmen and Charlene LaRosa. She has a sister named Tiffany.[49] Carmen and Charlene own and operate La Rosa Greenhouses, which they opened in Woodstown, New Jersey in 1979.[49] Her family was initially against Tara being a professional fighter. They later attended some of her fights in New Jersey and supported her decision.[50] Tara attributes her persistence to observing her father. Carmen had recovered from a financial setback with the family farm - bankruptcy - in the 1980s. Over several years, Carmen remained committed and repaid his debts.[51] It motivated Tara and translated over in her desire for competition: “For me, fighting isn’t about fighting – it is about competing. It’s about testing myself and not giving up. I compete in everything I do. It’s who I am.”[51]
To support herself outside of competition, LaRosa has worked in construction, as a personal assistant, bouncer, bartender, landscaper, and a medical marijuana delivery driver. Tara listens to a variety of music including country, rap, rock and alternative. Artists she likes are Linkin Park, P. Diddy, Britney Spears, and Brad Paisley.[12]
Tara's boyfriend, SFC Adrian Marcos Elizalde, was killed on August 23, 2007 when an improvised explosive device hit his truck in Al Aziziyah, Iraq.[52] LaRosa was in Vancouver doing promotional work for BodogFight when she heard the news of Elizalde's death. They met as training partners while LaRosa was an instructor in modern army combat in Fayetteville, North Carolina.[53] Elizalde, age 30, worked as an engineer in the US Special Forces.[15]
Tara endured a life-threatening experience in December 2010 during a second attempt to complete a 70-mile hike on Western Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands trail. Her first try that September had been incomplete due to a knee injury.[50] Unbeknownst to her during her second attempt, the challenge would be compounded by a drop in temperature caused by the recent appearance of a weather front from Lake Erie. The ensuing heavy winds prevented her from maintaining a fire to keep warm after desperately finding a temporary shelter. The lack of cell phone reception led her to contact her mother, Charlene, through text messaging.[50] Her mother called the authorities and Tara's location was found by GPS tracking of her phone. LaRosa was rescued by two rangers from Somerset County, Pennsylvania and later treated for hypothermia.[50]
Mixed martial arts record
26 matches | 21 wins | 5 losses |
By knockout | 3 | 1 |
By submission | 12 | 0 |
By decision | 6 | 4 |
Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Loss | 21-5 | Roxanne Modafferi | Decision (unanimous) | Invicta FC 8: Waterson vs. Tamada | September 6, 2014 | 3 | 5:00 | Kansas City, Missouri, United States | |
Loss | 21-4 | Rin Nakai | Decision (majority) | Pancrase 252: 20th Anniversary | September 29, 2013 | 3 | 5:00 | Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan | Non-title bantamweight bout. |
Loss | 21-3 | Vanessa Porto | Decision (unanimous) | Invicta FC 3: Penne vs. Sugiyama | October 6, 2012 | 3 | 5:00 | Kansas City, Kansas, United States | Catchweight bout; LaRosa missed weight. |
Win | 21-2 | Kelly Warren | Submission (armbar) | RFA 2: Yvel vs. Alexander | March 30, 2012 | 3 | 4:59 | Kearney, Nebraska, United States | Catchweight bout; both fighters missed weight. |
Win | 20-2 | Carina Damm | Submission (inverted heel hook) | Shark Fights 14: Horwich vs. Villefort | March 11, 2011 | 2 | 0:28 | Lubbock, Texas, United States | |
Win | 19-2 | Takayo Hashi | Decision (unanimous) | DaMMAge Fight League: The Big Bang | November 24, 2010 | 5 | 5:00 | Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States | Became first DaMMAge Fight League Women's 125 lbs Champion. |
Loss | 18-2 | Roxanne Modafferi | Decision (split) | Moosin: God of Martial Arts | May 21, 2010 | 3 | 5:00 | Worcester, Massachusetts, United States | Fight was at 130 lbs. Catchweight. |
Win | 18-1 | Valerie Coolbaugh | Submission (rear-naked choke) | Extreme Force: "Locked In The Cage 1" | November 20, 2009 | 1 | 3:58 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States | Won the Locked in the Cage Women's Flyweight Championship. |
Win | 17-1 | Sally Krumdiack | Submission (kimura) | Extreme Challenge: "Mayhem At The Marina" | March 28, 2009 | 3 | 1:45 | Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States | |
Win | 16-1 | Alexis Davis | TKO (doctor stoppage) | Extreme Challenge: "The War at the Shore" | January 23, 2009 | 3 | 4:23 | Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States | |
Win | 15-1 | Cody Welchlin | Submission (triangle armbar) | HOOKnSHOOT: BodogFight 2007 Women's Grand Prix | November 24, 2007 | 2 | 2:57 | Evansville, Indiana, United States | Non-title bout. |
Win | 14-1 | Kelly Kobold | Submission (armbar) | BodogFight: Alvarez vs. Lee | July 14, 2007 | 4 | 2:50 | Trenton, New Jersey, United States | Won BodogFight Women's Bantamweight Championship. |
Win | 13-1 | Shayna Baszler | TKO (punches) | BodogFight: Costa Rica | February 18, 2007 | 2 | 3:15 | Costa Rica | |
Win | 12-1 | Julia Berezikova | Submission (armbar) | BodogFight: USA vs. Russia | December 2, 2006 | 2 | 1:28 | Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada | |
Win | 11-1 | Amanda Buckner | Submission (rear-naked choke) | BodogFight: To The Brink Of War | August 22, 2006 | 3 | 4:31 | Costa Rica | |
Win | 10-1 | Julie Kedzie | Decision (unanimous) | Ultimate Cage Wars | July 8, 2006 | 3 | 5:00 | Chelan, Washington, United States | Won UCW Women's Bantamweight Championship. |
Win | 9-1 | Hitomi Akano | Decision (unanimous) | Mix Fight Championship: USA vs. Russia 3 | June 3, 2006 | 3 | 5:00 | Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States | |
Win | 8-1 | Roxanne Modafferi | Decision (unanimous) | Mix Fight Championship: Boardwalk Blitz | March 4, 2006 | 3 | 5:00 | Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States | |
Win | 7-1 | Kumiko Maekawa | Decision (unanimous) | Smackgirl: Lightweight Anniversary | November 29, 2005 | 2 | 5:00 | Tokyo, Japan | |
Win | 6-1 | Megumi Yabushita | Decision (majority) | G-Shooto: G-Shooto 02 | March 12, 2005 | 2 | 5:00 | Tokyo, Japan | |
Win | 5-1 | Alisa Cantwell | Submission (armbar) | Xtreme Fighting Organization 4 | December 3, 2004 | 1 | 2:45 | McHenry, Illinois, United States | |
Win | 4-1 | Linda Langerak | Submission (armbar) | HOOKnSHOOT: Evolution | November 6, 2004 | 2 | 2:29 | Evansville, Indiana, United States | |
Loss | 3-1 | Jennifer Howe | TKO (punches) | HOOKnSHOOT: Absolute Fighting Championships 3 | May 24, 2003 | 1 | 2:18 | Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States | |
Win | 3-0 | Ginele Marquez | Submission (armbar) | Tennessee Shooto: Judgment | March 22, 2003 | 1 | 4:10 | Clarksville, Tennessee, United States | |
Win | 2-0 | Angela Wilson | TKO (punches) | HOOKnSHOOT: New Wind | September 7, 2002 | 1 | 4:51 | Evansville, Indiana, United States | |
Win | 1-0 | Shelby Walker | Submission (punches) | HOOKnSHOOT: Revolution | April 13, 2002 | 1 | 2:43 | Evansville, Indiana, United States |
Championships
- DaMMAge Fight League Women's Super Flyweight Champion 2010
- Locked in the Cage Women's Flyweight Champion 2009
- BodogFight Women's Bantamweight Champion 2007
- UCW Women's Bantamweight Champion 2006
See also
References
- ^ a b c d "Tara LaRosa MMA Stats - Sherdog.com". Sherdog.com. 2013-05-15. Retrieved 2013-05-15.
- ^ Sullivan, Kita S. "Mania of mixed martial arts hits N.J. with 2 area fighters", The Philadelphia Inquirer, July 14, 2007.
- ^ a b "Tara LaRosa Awakening Profile". Awakeningfighters.com. Retrieved 2014-02-26.
- ^ Tara LaRosa on X
- ^ a b c "Tara LaRosa To Face Takayo Hashi On November 24". MMARising.com. Retrieved 2010-10-26.
- ^ http://www.fightmatrix.com/mma-ranks/womens-bantamweight/. Retrieved 2014-01-05.
{{cite web}}
: Missing or empty|title=
(help) - ^ a b "Three take aim at glory as women's MMA moves toward spotlight". SportsIllustrated.com. 2012-10-04. Retrieved 2012-10-22.
- ^ a b "Tara LaRosa of Woodstown, NJ". http://taralarosa.net/Bio/default.asp. Retrieved 2012-11-23.
{{cite web}}
: External link in
(help)|publisher=
- ^ a b "Tara LaRosa Exclusive: The MMA Legend on Stupid Questions, the G.O.A.T, and Strikeforce". sherdog.com. 2010-11-22. Retrieved 2012-11-09.
- ^ a b c "Woodstown native Tara LaRosa making moves in her MMA career". NJ.com. 2012-08-29. Retrieved 2012-10-27.
- ^ a b "Bodog: Women's MMA Champion to be Crowned". Sherdog.com. 2007-09-08. Retrieved 2010-06-29.
- ^ a b c d "PRO MMA Exclusive: Tara LaRosa – MMA and Grappling; Next stop Olympics?". ProMMANow.com. 2008-12-10. Retrieved 2010-10-26.
- ^ "Tara Larosa Vs Shelby Walker". YouTube.com. 2012-06-15. Retrieved 2012-11-03.
- ^ "Tara Larosa vs. Angela Wilson". YouTube.com. 2008-08-06. Retrieved 2012-11-03.
- ^ a b "Bodog Fight Women's Champion Fighting with Heavy Heart This Weekend". NWFightScene.com. 2007-11-21. Retrieved 2012-10-29.
- ^ a b "Exclusive Interview With Tara LaRosa". MMARising.com. 2010-11-11. Retrieved 2012-10-29.
- ^ "HNS TITLE Jennifer Howe V Tara LaRosa Official". YouTube.com. 2012-02-10. Retrieved 2012-11-03.
- ^ a b "Palaszewski, Martin take home XFO hardware". Sherdog.com. 2004-12-06. Retrieved 2010-02-13.
- ^ "MFC: Hometown Boy Doesn't Disappoint". Sherdog.com. 2006-06-04. Retrieved 2010-02-13.
- ^ "Exclusive Interview with Amanda Buckner". BloodyKnux.com. 2009-09-20. Retrieved 2012-11-06.
- ^ "Tara LaRosa Interview - BloodyKnux.com". BloodyKnux.com. 2006-11-24. Retrieved 2012-11-06.
- ^ "BodogFIGHT: Gracie Victorious, "Junior" Defeated". Sherdog.com. 2006-12-02. Retrieved 2010-04-29.
- ^ "MMA News: Bodog Fight Crowns Women's MMA Champion". GamblingBeat.com. 2007-09-11. Retrieved 2010-10-27.
- ^ "Alvarez, Prangley Victories Highlight Bodog Fight's American Debut". Sherdog.com. 2007-07-16. Retrieved 2010-06-29.
- ^ a b "LaRosa eyes stability, Damm seeks rebound". USAToday.com. 2011-03-09. Retrieved 2012-10-27.
- ^ "AFL SIGNS VAN ARSDALE & EXPANDS FEMALE ROSTER". MMAWeekly.com. 2008-08-22.
- ^ "Tara Larosa is set to become one of the highest paid professional mixed martial artists in the world". fightersonlymag.com. 2008-06-10. Retrieved 2012-11-03.
- ^ "AFL Officially Announces Tara Larosa". mmaweekly.com. 2008-06-03. Retrieved 2012-11-09.
- ^ "Tara Larosa Still Comfortable with AFL Contract". mmaweekly.com. 2008-10-19. Retrieved 2012-11-09.
- ^ "LaRosa-Modafferi Rematch Cancelled". sherdog.com. 2008-10-15. Retrieved 2012-11-09.
- ^ "LaRosa hopes to prove a point at Extreme Challenge". Sherdog.com. 2009-01-21. Retrieved 2012-10-27.
- ^ "Despite ring rust, Tara LaRosa secures first victory in 14 months". MMAjunkie.com. 2009-01-24. Retrieved 2010-04-29.
- ^ "2009 Women's Mixed Martial Arts Awards". MMARising.com. 2009-12-27. Retrieved 2012-11-06.
- ^ "Modafferi vs LaRosa Rematch Planned For Moosin". MMARising.com. Retrieved 2010-04-08.
- ^ "Modafferi Avenges Loss, Upsets LaRosa At Moosin". MMARising.com. Retrieved 2010-05-21.
- ^ "DaMMAge Fight League: "The Big Bang" Live Results". MMARising.com. Retrieved 2010-11-24.
- ^ "Carina Damm vs Tara LaRosa Planned For Shark Fights 14". MMARising.com. Retrieved 2011-03-02.
- ^ "Shark Fights 14 Live Play-By-Play & Results". MMARising.com. 2011-03-11. Retrieved 2011-03-12.
- ^ "Tara LaRosa: After Decade of Dominance, Veteran Ready for New Chapter of Career". USAToday.com. 2012-10-02. Retrieved 2012-11-17.
- ^ a b c "Tara LaRosa vs Kelly Warren Announced For RFA 2 Card". MMARising.com. 2012-03-08. Retrieved 2012-03-09. Cite error: The named reference "RFA 2 News" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
- ^ a b "Tara LaRosa, Elaina Maxwell Victorious At RFA 2 In Nebraska". MMARising.com. 2012-03-30. Retrieved 2012-03-30.
- ^ "LaRosa grabs last-second submission to beat Warren". USAToday.com. 2012-03-31. Retrieved 2012-10-22.
- ^ "Reignited: Invicta FC 3 fighter Tara LaRosa interview exclusive". MMAMania.com. 2012-10-01. Retrieved 2012-10-27.
- ^ "Tara LaRosa vs Vanessa Porto Confirmed For Invicta FC 3". MMARising.com. 2012-08-15. Retrieved 2012-08-15.
- ^ "Invicta FC 3 Results: Jessica Penne Captures Atomweight Title". MMARising.com. 2012-10-06. Retrieved 2012-10-10.
- ^ "Rin Nakai vs Tara LaRosa Announced For Pancrase 252 Card". MMARising.com. 2013-08-23. Retrieved 2013-09-03.
- ^ "Rin Nakai Stays Unbeaten, Upsets Tara LaRosa At Pancrase 252". MMARising.com. 2013-09-29. Retrieved 2013-10-01.
- ^ "'Ultimate Fighter' Season 18 cast revealed, including LaRosa, Baszler, Modafferi". MMAjunkie.com. 2013-08-15. Retrieved 2013-08-23.
- ^ a b "La Rosa Greenhouses". LaRosaGreenhouses.com. Retrieved 2012-11-01.
- ^ a b c d "The Heart of Women's MMA with Legend Tara Larosa". BleacherReport.com. 2011-03-07. Retrieved 2012-10-27.
- ^ a b "Tara LaRosa: Salem County Woman". SalemCountyWoman.com. Retrieved 2012-10-21.
- ^ "Adrian M Elizalde - Iraq War Heroes, Fallen Heroes Memorial". IraqWarHeroes.org. Retrieved 2012-10-21.
- ^ "Women fighters carving out their own niche in MMA". ESPN.com. 2007-12-18. Retrieved 2012-10-21.
External links
- Living people
- Female mixed martial artists
- American mixed martial artists
- Mixed martial artists from New Jersey
- American practitioners of Brazilian jiu-jitsu
- Female Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners
- American mixed martial artists of Italian descent
- People from Woodstown, New Jersey
- 1978 births
- Flyweight mixed martial artists