Why should we care about Shark Fights 14? Carina Damm vs. Tara LaRosa

Last September, Shark Fights 13 rolled into Amarillo, Texas harder than a vengeful paraplegic down an elevator shaft with one of the highest profile shows outside of a major organization in MMA history. With a live broadcast deal with HDNet and near freight train momentum on their side, Shark Fights 14 was geared to hit the Red Horn State with another dose of rawesome. That is, until nine days ago when the CSAC reported that James "The Sandman" Irvin had tested positive for anabolic steroids following his December bought at Tachi Palace Fights, essentially squashing the much anticipated rematch with Houston Alexander scheduled for the main event.

Sadly, Shark Fights 14 has lost much of it's promotional steam over the past week, with many casual fans losing interest with the rematch between the two former-UFC stars was called off. But don't be fooled! Passing on this card would be a disservice to yourself, and to Women's MMA in general.

Photo courtesy of Shark Fights

Carinna Damm vs. Tara LaRosa will go down tonight live and FREE on HDNet in the co-main event slot. For those of you who didn't just pee a little when reading that, be prepared to get giddy like a school girl! There's an hour before the event starts; so kick back, crack open a frosty cold beverage, strap on your favorite pair of knee high socks, and get ready to be hyped! 

Everything you need to stroke the flames of your MMA desires is below the jump. Prepare yourself.

Tara LaRosa (19-2) has long been regarded as the #2 Pound For Pound fighter in Women's MMA, right behind Megumi Fujii. LaRosa seemed unstoppage, racking up 15 straight wins over a period of seven years (many of those fights above her natural weight class of 125 lbs) until a razor thin split-decision loss to Roxanne Modafferi in a 135 lbs contest last MAy at Moosin: God of War. LaRosa has since returned to the win column, defeating the always tough Takayo Hashi last November. 

LaRosa's relentless aggression and penchant to throw caution to the wind and turn fights into brawls have made her a favorite of any die hard fan of Women's MMA, and personally the first fighter I turn to when introducing someone to the female side of the sport. Although an extremely well rounded martial artist, and best known for her aggression on her feet, the ground game is where LaRosa is perhaps the most dangerous. With over 50% of her wins coming by the way of submission, you won't want to blink once her fights hit the mat. But words are cheap. So enjoy a few videos of what Tara LaRosa will surely treat you to tonight if you tune in to Shark Fights 14.

Tara Larosa vs. Angela Wilson 

Tara Larosa vs. Linda Langerak

Tara Larosa vs Roxanne Modafferi I (since you've all seen their rematch at Moosin)

Round 2

Round 3

So now that you are all thoroughly excited to see the one and only Tara LaRosa throw down tonight, let's talk Carina Damm (15-5). Many of you may know Damm from her Strikeforce debut, and loss, to Hitomi Akano last August during their 135 lbs women's "tournament". Many of you may be thinking "Yah, I remember Akano submitting Damm. There's no way she can compete with LaRosa!" However, this fight is much more competitive than the casual eye may see. The loss to Akano, a top 5 fighter in a weight class above Damm's, was her first loss in a 10 fight winning streak spreading over three years. A Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under Rodrigo Damm, the #6 ranked in the world Carina Damm is not one to be overlooked. Take a look at a few of her fights, and you'll quickly realize the barn burner in store for you at Shark Fights 14!

Carina Damm x Iris "Pitu" Lopes

Carina Damm vs. Daiana Silva

Round 2

Round 3 (The Finish)

So, hey! Don't be the one left out when we all talk about how amazing LaRosa vs. Damm was tomorrow. Tune in to Shark Fights 14 on HDNet fights tonight at 10p EST. You won't regret it.