Preview: DWCS Season 3, Episode 1

Kali Robbins vs. Hannah Goldy

Robbins tried out for Season 26 of “The Ultimate Fighter” but was not granted a spot on the show. All could be forgotten with a strong performance on DWTNCS. The 34-year-old has a 6-2 professional record, with both of her losses coming to UFC veterans in Pearl Gonzalez and Hannah Cifers. “Pop Tart” is a veteran of Invicta Fighting Championships and King of the Cage. The Milwaukee native remains raw on the feet, and though she has displayed some power, especially with her overhand right, she lacks technique. She often ducks her head and swings wildly. Her lack of head movement makes her an easy target for more competent strikers. On the floor is where Robbins does her best work. The Eric Schafer protégé is a grappling specialist and has four wins by way of submission. She often rushes at her opponent to get to the clinch, at which point she can use brute strength to land a takedown. Her lack of hip control puts her in disadvantageous positions on the bottom, where she struggles to work back to her feet but poses a threat as a submission stylist.

Goldy likely became known to MMA fans in May 2016, when fiancé and UFC veteran Alex Nicholson was arrested for domestic assault against her. However, she should be known for her undefeated 4-0 record and holding a victory over UFC flyweight Gillian Robertson. Despite recently giving birth, the “Queen of Sparta” is a physical specimen. It appears that the Fusion X-Cel team member does not have an ounce of fat on her, as she is absolutely shredded. The 27-year-old has quick hands but does not generate much power because she often fails to sit down on her shots. Her defense needs work, as she keeps her chin straight in the air and avoids strikes by simply pulling her head straight back. The Floridian has nice leg kicks at her disposal but does not throw them enough. Goldy has come close to sinking submissions on the ground before, so she could also prove to be a threat there. What disturbs me most is how easily she has been taken down in the past.

This fight not an easy one to pick. Both fighters have areas of strength, but I do not think either of them is ready for the big stage. Goldy is the superior athlete, but Robbins has faced tougher competition. I will side with experience, as I expect Robbins to use her wrestling advantage and grind her way to a close decision victory.

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