Lora Cross (5’6", 145 lbs), conversely, was the underdog. Known for her jiu-jitsu and unusual flexibility, she had struggled against larger opponents in stand-up exchanges. However, she promised a "new layer" to her game during the weigh-in stare-down. No one expected what came next. The referee signaled the start at 8:00 PM local time. Sting immediately took center, stalking Cross with a high guard. Cross, eschewing the traditional circling strategy, stood directly in the pocket—a dangerous move.
Cross dragged Sting to the canvas at 3:00. From back control, she attempted a body triangle . Sting defended by grabbing her toes—a foul in most promotions. The ref paused action for two seconds. When they reset, Cross had switched to an armbar from mount . EvolvedFights 24 08 16 Lora Cross Vs Tony Sting...
At exactly 1:43 of Round 3, Lora Cross dropped to guard, pulling Sting into a mounted guillotine. His eyes rolled. He tapped once, then frantically three times. Lora Cross (5’6", 145 lbs), conversely, was the underdog
Instead of sprawling, Cross performed a scissor sweep counter —a rare modified kani basami (scissor takedown)—wrapping her legs around Sting’s advancing knee and twisting mid-air. They hit the mat hard. Sting landed in side control, but Cross immediately locked a reverse triangle from bottom. For the next minute, Sting’s face turned from crimson to purple. He survived the bell by pure brute force, lifting Cross and slamming her into the canvas to break the grip. No one expected what came next
10-9 Cross (Submission threat outweighs control). Round Two: The Debate Between rounds, Sting’s corner screamed for him to keep it standing. Lora Cross smiled, her lip split.
Cross faked a level change. Sting dropped his hands to defend the takedown. She snapped her right arm around his neck—a standing guillotine while pressing him against the fence. Sting tried to pry the hands apart. He couldn't.