FIGHTING WORDS: NINA ANSAROFF
Expecting a stand up battle for the ages, Nina Ansaroff makes her Invicta FC debut December 7th against fellow Invicta FC rookie, Munah Holland at Invicta FC 7.
With a strong boxing background and a four fight win streak, Ansaroff is ready to step into the bright lights of Invicta Fighting Championships’ cage and show that she is ready to be counted among the top contenders at 125 pounds.
Corey Smith: How did you first begin your journey down the path of martial arts? What has kept you engaged in the sport of MMA?
Nina Ansaroff: My father started me in Tae Kwon Do when I was 6, but I stopped for a little to pursue soccer. Later I was involved in a bad motorcycle accident and gained a little weight after all the surgeries, so I wanted to lose a little weight and the coach approached me. I have been hooked ever since.
CS: You currently train out of MMA Masters. What makes that gym your home? What is the atmosphere like inside the gym?
NA: I was in-between gyms and I came in just to try it out and was welcomed with open arms. There is so much talent and the coaching staff is the best I have seen. MMA Masters is my Family.
CS: While fighters have a home gym, they also spend portions of their camps at other gyms for fresh perspectives and techniques. What gyms have you trained at in the past that you felt were beneficial to your career?
NA: I really don’t feel the need to go anywhere else. All that I need to be a champion is at MMA Masters.
CS: With training camp injuries a common occurrence in MMA, how do you balance getting the full amount of training that you require but still guarding against injury? What does a typical day of training camp entail for you?
NA: I have yet to go into a fight 100%. You just train as hard as you can, then ice your wounds after the battle.
NA: A typical day of training entails some kind of cardio followed by a conditioning circuit followed by sparring or Jiu Jitsu. Then I rest a little and come back to do wrestling and fight specific drills.
CS: This will be your first fight with Invicta FC. How has your experience been with the company thus far? Did you reach out to any IFC veterans before signing with the company?
NA: I have watched all of their cards and have been in attendance and cornered a few teammates in the past. They are the most professional promotion that I have worked with to date.
CS: Your opponent at Invicta FC 7 on December 7th is Munah Holland. How familiar are you with Holland? What are you expecting out of the bout?
NA: I’m not too familiar with her. I have seen one of here fights and I’m expecting a striking battle, but I am prepared no matter where the fight goes.
CS: What is your mood on fight night? Do you have any superstitions or routines that you need to perform?
NA: I don’t really have any. I just train hard and perform. Another day for me.
CS: What type of feedback and coaching do you prefer during a fight? Whose voice do you look to the most?
NA: I train in a cage under high pressure and fight like conditions; it is very easy for me to hear my coaches in the fight. Whatever feedback they give me I listen, it’s that simple.
CS: How much MMA do you watch purely for enjoyment? Anyone in particular that you are a fan of?
NA: I watch MMA every time there is a live event. I am just as much a fan as I am a Fighter.
CS: Your coach orders you to take a day off from training. How do you spend that day?
NA: A day off for me entails me spending it with my niece and my dog Romeo.
CS: Lastly, MMA is as much a team sport as it is an individual one. Who would you like to thank?
NA: I would like to thank MMA Masters. My Family who is behind me 100%.
NA: My coaches Daniel Valverde and Cesar Carniero, and my main training partner Amanda Nunes.
NA: My sponsors Slept Fightwear, Massages in Space and DC Management for all their help.
NA: They are always there for me whenever I need them, pushing me to become a champion.