Bellator 24 kicks off women's tourney with Japanese MMA sensation Megumi Fujii vs. Carla Esparza

The Japanese mixed martial arts sensation and No.1 pound-for-pound female fighter in the world, Megumi Fujii, returns to Hollywood, Fla. to compete in Bellator's women's tourney for fame and the possibility to win $100,000 in the final round. Her first bout will pitch her against undefeated Two-Time NCAA All American wrestler, Carla Esparza, who is replacing the injured Angela Mangana in the kick-off round of season three on Aug.12.

"Angela's unfortunate injury provides a spectacular opportunity for Carla.  The two time All-American Wrestler has been working intensively with Team Oyama and now she has the opportunity to shock the world of women's MMA.," said Bellator Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney.  "I have great respect for Carla's willingness to step up on  short notice to face Megumi Fujii. She comes into this fight with a pure fighter's attitude, she's not here to survive, she's coming here to win.

Although both fighters are undefeated Fujii has significantly more pro MMA fighting experience with 20 bouts versus Esparza's meager three wins. They also both share a preference for submissions, but once again Fujii is holding the ace due to her extensive experience. Naturally, this match-up makes little sense at first sight. But there is always the possibility of a lucky shot such as Zoila Frausto's KO-win over Rosi Sexton at Bellator 23 (watch the fight video below!).

"I definitely think my wrestling is going to play a huge factor in this fight with Fujii," said Esparza. "I don't think she's ever encountered a wrestler that has my striking ability. It's not going to be a grappling match. She's going to have to worry about my wrestling and my striking."

Alas, Esparza might try to use her striking skills to her advantage since Fujii tends to avoid this part of the fight game by utilizing effective takedowns. But if she learned anything from how Fujii handled Sarah Schneider at Bellator 21 she should know that Fujii has the uncanny ability to turn her opponent's strength against herself as Schneider was mostly on the receiving end of Fujii's blows and ended up losing via TKO in round three. It should also be noted that this was Fujii's first career-TKO which indicates her continuing evolution as a fighter.
Predicted winner: Fuiji via submission.

Also featured on the Bellator 24 main card will be Jessica Aguilar vs. Lynn Alvarez in another women's tourney bout. Both fighters have a very similar skills set with submissions as main strength, but Aguilar has almost twice as much experience as Alvarez. Nevertheless, they bring an equal amount of momentum to the cage which pretty much levels the playing field.

Bellator 24 tickets are available online at ticketmaster.com. The main card will also be broadcast LIVE nationwide on FOX Sports Net along with highlight shows that will air on NBC Saturday nights.

More women's MMA news.