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Welcome to the Fightergirls column brought to you by your source for women’s mma gear and clothing Fightergirls.com. Here is the news for this week.

In breaking news, the New York State Senate approved a bill which could legalize mma in the state. The bill, which has been endorsed by New York Governor David Paterson, passed with a 32-26 vote this past Wednesday and will be heading to the New York State Assembly within the next few weeks. A similar bill lost in the senate in 2007. The UFC did a study stating that a mma event in Manhattan would generate $11.3 million dollars to the New York state economy. If passed, it would make New York the 45th state to legalize mma.

Lisa Ward wins at Bellator 22 - Photo Courtesy Jade Kimmel

With a first round submission of Stephanie Frausto at this past Thursday’s Bellator 22 in Kansas City, #4 ranked 115 pounder Lisa Ward punches her ticket into the 115 pound tournament this August. Ward, whose last lost was to the formerly #2 ranked Miku Matsamoto, was able to out grapple Frausto and secure a rear naked choke at 2:01 in the first round. Frausto’s older sister Zoila Frausto will be facing #1 ranked 125 pounder Rosi Sexton at a catchweight bout of 120 pounds this coming Thursday at Bellator 23 in Louisville. It will also be the spring season finale and will air live on Fox Sports Net.

Ash "The Bash" Daly

Also at the Bellator 22 card, they announced three more participants for their fall season tournament. 115 pounders #8 ranked Angela Magana, and #5 ranked Jessica Pene will be joined by #4 ranked 125 pounder Ash “The Bash” Daly, who will be making her U.S. debut. Daly, the Irish striker, is an impressive 9-0 in her career and joins fellow 125 pounder Rosi Sexton in the tournament. The other participants announced has been the afore mentioned Lisa Ward and #1 ranked 125 pounder Megumi Fujii. The final spot will most likely be announced this week, with #7 ranked 115 pound Jessica Aguilar the odds on favorite.

Elaina “Baby Doll” Reid had to withdraw from the tournament due to a knee injury.

FCF Grand Prix Champ Shayna Baszler

In other tournament news, 

#4 ranked Shayna Baszler is heading to the Strikeforce 135 pound tournament this August after winning the Freestyle Cage Fighting tournament a few weeks ago, defeating A.J. Jenkins via armbar submission in the first round.

(A video interview with Shayna Baszler at the UFC Expo is available at the Fightergirls youtube page.)

It was announced this week that #2 ranked 145 pounder Marloes Coenen will be dropping to 135 pounds to be part of the Strikeforce tournament. Other participants include Upcoming Glory 135 pound champion Maiju Kujala and #10 ranked Miesha Tate. Other possible participants who are currently signed to Strikeforce are #5 ranked Takayo Hashi, #6 ranked Hitomi Akano, and Kerry Vera.

With her new ranking this month at #3 in the 135 pound division, Tara LaRosa maybe a good possibility as well, seeing that Strikeforce has been showing interest in signing her.

The winner of the Strikeforce 135 pound tournament will face the winner of the #2 ranked Roxanne Modafferi and Strikeforce champion Sarah Kaufman, who will be squaring off on the Strikeforce challengers in Everett, WA on July 23.

Strikeforce 145 pound champ Cris Cyborg Santos

Just a reminder that Strikeforce 145 pound champion Cyborg Santos will be defending her title verses Jan Finney this Saturday on Showtime, as a co-main event to Fedor facing Fabricio Werdum. Start time is 10 p.m. eastern/7 p.m. pacific.

Tuff-n-uff MMA will be starting two more title tournaments on their July 2 card in the 125 pound and 135 pound divisions, which will air free of charge at the Tuffnuff.tv website. Check out Fightergirls.com for complete coverage.

That is all for now. Please check out Fightergirls.com for all your women’s mma news and interviews. Plus follow us on twitter @Fightergirls with the most up to the minute breaking news stories in women’s mma.

Also check out the Fightergirls Store for all your mma gear and clothing, now featuring a line of women's and men's shorts. We also carry RevGear, Everlast, and Cleto Reyes boxing and mma gear.

Until next week.

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