Cage Warriors 40 Results: Rosi Sexton Edges a Decision Victory Over Roxanne Modafferi

In a truly back and forth main event, England's Rosi Sexton just about outpointed opponent Roxanne Modafferi. Outside a few exchanges on the feet the fight was mostly battled from within the clinch and against the fence but unlike the much maligned wall and stall there was constant reversal in position as both fighters tried to pummel for an advantage. The first round was so close it could have been scored a 10-10 draw. In the end it was Sexton's relentless pursuit of a takedown and working from top position while the bigger and lankier Modafferi threatened off her back with an active guard making various attempts at armbars, triangles and omoplatas. Modafferi threatened the most in the second round when she snared an armbar but the experienced Sexton was able to keep Modafferi stacked and prevented her from full executing the lock. Sexton scored with takedowns in the second and third and was relentless in pressuring Modafferi until the final bell. Judges scored the fight unanimously for Sexton to a disappointed reaction of Modafferi who may have believed she was active enough off her back in threatening to finish the fight. I personally scored it 29-28 to Sexton, but could see round 1 being a draw and a round each making it 29-29.

What's next for Sexton: I can see her wanting to avenge a loss to Zoila Frausto in the opening of last year's Bellator tournament and with Frausto preferring to fight at 125lbs rather than 115lbs it shouldn't be a problem for Sexton to take. Either that of Sexton can drop to 115lbs again and take on Megumi Fujii in what would be the biggest fight of her career.

What's next for Modafferi: at 125lbs Modafferi was noticeably taller and larger then Sexton and providing the cut didn't effect her too much 125lbs is the best weight for her. She may want an immediate rematch with Sexton, or I can see her getting used to th new weight by taking on Aisling Daly in another Cage Warriors card or take part in a jiu jitsu battle with Cat Zingano in America.

SBN coverage of Cage Warriors 40