Modafferi (top) vs. Howe

Roxanne Modafferi didn’t know Jennifer Howe was widely considered the best female fighter in the world. Knowing wouldn’t have mattered; she just wanted on the card.

The 22-year-old had noticed HOOKnSHOOT promoter Jeff Osborne searching for female fighters on The Underground Forum. She e-mailed him in hopes of landing a spot in his upcoming women’s event, "Evolution," but the card was full by the time she got through.

Modafferi booked a flight to Evansville anyway, figuring, if nothing else, she’d compete in the grappling tournament scheduled the day after the show. In the meantime, she persisted with Osborne and the possibility that he could work her onto the card.

Then, three weeks out from the event, several fighters fell injured or incapable of fighting. One was Howe’s scheduled opponent. As Osborne struggled to patch the card together, Modafferi volunteered to step into the co-main event against Howe. Osborne hesitated at first, she says.