Storyville - 2009-2010 - Cage Fighting Women

Cage fighting (aka mixed martial arts) is one of the world's fastest growing sports. It is violent, shocking and some say barbaric, but hugely popular. Inside the cage, punching, kneeing, kicking, elbowing and choking are all allowed. Whilst men have dominated the sport for years, female fights are now becoming an increasing attraction. Filmmaker Nick Holt follows the fortunes of two British female fighters as they travel to America for the biggest bouts of their lives. Both have their own reasons for stepping into the cage and both are prepared to lay their safety on the line in search of success. The film analyses their motivations for taking part in this most macho of sports and explores the complex and often difficult relationships both fighters have with their male trainers - who, in both cases, are also their partners. Rosi Sexton is Britain's most successful female cage fighter. Like many who enter the cage, she hadn't always wanted to become a fighter. Rosi has a first class mathematics degree from Cambridge and a doctorate in theoretical computer science, and is studying for a third degree in osteopathy. She also has a three-year-old son with her partner and trainer, Karl. We follow Rosi as she travels with Karl to the US, for what will be the most important fight of her career. Lisa Higo is a mother of two and is married to her husband and trainer, John. They are based in Leeds and Lisa has been trying to break into the cage fighting elite since John encouraged her to get into the sport. For Lisa, at 35, her last stab at becoming an international contender is at the world's largest all-female mixed martial arts tournament. We travel with Lisa to Indiana, where, to take the title, she must beat three other women on one brutal night.