Introduction
Justine Kish (Russian: Джастина Киш; born 13 April 1988) is an undefeated American-Russian mixed martial artist who competes in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Strawweight division. A former kickboxer, she was to have debuted in the Ultimate Fighter, but withdrew due to injury.
Early life
Justine Kish was born in Saint Petersburg, Soviet Union in modern-day Russia and was adopted by an American couple. She discovered Muay Thai as a teenager, while taking up fitness, which eventually led her to competitions.
Muay Thai career
Kish competed in Muay Thai for 10 years, winning 18 matches and a World Muaythai Council championship belt in the process.
Mixed martial arts career
Early career
Kish began her professional MMA career in 2010. She has amassed an undefeated record of five wins and no losses, including a win over future The Ultimate Fighter housemate Randa Markos.
The Ultimate Fighter
In September 2013, it was announced that Kish was one of the fighters selected by the UFC to appear on The Ultimate Fighter: A Champion Will Be Crowned.
Kish was the seventh pick by coach Anthony Pettis. She was expected to face Bec Rawlings in the preliminary round, but was forced out of the tournament due to a knee injury. This injury also prevented her from appearing on the finale of the show, but Kish was expected to debut with the promotion in 2015.
Ultimate Fighting Championship
Kish made her official UFC debut against Nina Ansaroff at UFC 195. She won the fight by unanimous decision.
Championships and accomplishments
Kickboxing
- World Muaythai Council
- WMC/EMF European Champion (one time)
Kickboxing record
| Kickboxing Record | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 Wins (2 (T)KO, 0 decisions), 2 Loss, 0 Draws
Legend: Win Loss Draw/No contest Notes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mixed martial arts record
| Professional record breakdown | ||
| 6 matches | 6 wins | 0 losses |
| By submission | 2 | 0 |
| By decision | 4 | 0 |
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Win | 6–0 | Ashley Yoder | Decision (unanimous) | UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Abdurakhimov | December 9, 2016 | 3 | 5:00 | Albany, New York, United States | Catchweight (116.4 lbs) bout; Kish missed weight. |
| Win | 5–0 | Nina Ansaroff | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 195 | January 2, 2016 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 4–0 | Randa Markos | Decision (unanimous) | RFA 12 | January 24, 2014 | 3 | 5:00 | Los Angeles, California, United States | Strawweight debut. |
| Win | 3–0 | Jin Tang | Decision (unanimous) | Fusion Fighting Championship 5 | December 18, 2013 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 2–0 | Christine Stanley | Submission (armbar) | RFA 9 | August 16, 2013 | 2 | 3:00 | Los Angeles, California, United States | |
| Win | 1–0 | Munah Holland | Submission (triangle choke) | Ring of Combat 33 | December 3, 2010 | 2 | 2:53 | Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States | Flyweight debut. |