WSOF Signs Evans-Smith, Fujino, Holder, Stinson

[keithlewis]

WSOF Signs Evans-Smith, Fujino, Holder, Stinson


The Las Vegas-based World Series of Fighting promotion continues to keep an eye on the future, and the organization is happy to announce the signing of four talented new names to its roster. The group includes women's contenders Ashlee Evans-Smith and Emi Fujino, as well as two male counterparts in welterweight Tyler Stinson and light heavyweight Teddy Holder. All four have signed exclusive, multi-fight deals with World Series of Fighting.

"While our global growth has really been a big story in recent months, I think the real key to our future success is bringing exciting fighters to our promotion," World Series of Fighting President Ray Sefo said. "These four athletes all fit that description, and I look forward to watching each of them step into the World Series of Fighting decagon for the first time."

Evans-Smith (2-0) is best known for her recent win over transgender fighter Fallon Fox, a win that earned her the Championship Fighting Alliance women's featherweight tournament title. She'll now drop down to 135 pounds to compete for World Series of Fighting.

"I'm extremely excited to be working with World Series of Fighting," Evans-Smith said. "I've only heard great things from other fighters and coaches about the promotion, and I think it's the perfect home for me in this next step of my career.

"A lot of exciting and entertaining fights will happen in 2014. World Series of Fighting, NBCSN and I are going to be making waves, for sure."

Fujino (13-7) will soon celebrate her 10-year anniversary in the sport, with all 20 of her pro fights taking place in her native Japan. She went 2-1 in 2013, including a pair of submission wins.

"It's always been my dream to fight overseas, so I was extremely happy to be able to sign with such a big promotion like World Series of Fighting," Fujino said. "This is a big chance for me because so many fans are going to watch my fights.

"I believe women's MMA is going to be better and bigger, so I am glad to be a part of sending those messages to MMA fans across the world."

Competing professionally since 2006. Stinson (25-9) is a Bellator MMA and Strikeforce veteran. He currently owns a two-fight winning streak that includes back-to-back first-round finishes of Rob Kimmons and Zac Kelley. He currently trains alongside World Series of Fighting lightweight title contender Justin Gaethje at Colorado's Grudge Training Center.

"We had a few offers from different promotions, but World Series of Fighting seemed to make the most sense for me," Stinson said. "Justin Gaethje is my teammate and my roommate, and he seems to be taken care of really well by the organization. I think it would be really cool to have both of the belts (welterweight and lightweight) at our house by the end of the year."

Fighting out of Tennessee, Holder (8-1) has been competing professionally since 2008. He took a near-three-year break from competition between 2009 and 2012 but has since returned with a vengeance, racking up six wins in less than 24 months.

Holder is currently riding a seven-fight winning streak, and he's never fought past the opening round of a bout.

"My dad always used to say, 'If it ain't broke don't fix it,' so I don't plan on changing my aggressive style," Holder said. "I'll be in your face and looking for finishes.

"I just plan on continuing to get better and adding more tools to my belt, so to speak. As a fan of MMA, I love to see knockouts and finishes. I like watching really aggressive fighters come in, bring it, and let it all hang out. So win lose or draw, when I step in the World Series of Fighting cage, it's gonna be exciting."

World Series of Fighting's next fight card takes place Jan. 18 at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla., and features two championship matchups on the NBCSN-broadcast event.