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Fighting Words: Shannon Sinn

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Quickly becoming addicted to MMA after her first introduction, Invicta Flyweight Shannon Sinn is ready to prove herself against top shelf competition. Her first challenge; Andrea K. Lee at Invicta FC 9 November 1st.

 

Corey Smith: You initially got involved in mixed martial arts looking for a satisfying workout after a high school career in track and field. What aspect of MMA did you first take up? What were your first impressions?
Shannon Sinn: Initially I took to grappling. It just clicked with me. I loved it. I was excited to enter as many tournaments as I could. It was finally a way to compete again.

 
CS: Most fighters have a home gym, along with several others that they may train one specific aspect of MMA at. Where are you currently training?
SS: I am training out of Grinders Submission Fighting in Thornton, CO.

 

 

CS: After roughly a three year amateur career, you turned professional in 2014. What were the main lessons you learned as an amateur?

SS: I would have to say I learned to have patience. I struggled getting fights and/or losing opponents my first 2 1/2 years. I had to learn that although I wasn’t always getting to fight at the end of a long camp I was still advancing and becoming a better fighter.
 

CS: What led to the decision to turn professional this year?

SS: I decided to turn pro because I believed there would be a lot more opportunity to get fights and because I’m not getting any younger.
 

CS: After two pro fights, what are the major differences between being an amateur and a professional?

SS: I have already had many more fight offers as a professional than I did as an amateur. Getting paid to do something I was going to do anyway is also a perk!
 

CS: After signing with Invicta FC, what are initial goals within the organization?

SS: I want to show the organization that I am a good fit by putting on great/exciting fights. I also want to come out and win my debut.

 

 

CS: How has your experience been like thus far with the company?

SS: So far everything has been great. They are on top of everything and are in constant communication with my camp.
 

CS: For your Invicta FC debut, you face off against Andrea K. Lee at Invicta FC 9 on November 1st, what do you believe is the key to your matchup?

SS: I’m going to have to stick to my game plan. I think this is a great match up for all of the fight fans.
 

CS: What is your mood on fight night? Do you have any routines or superstitions that you have to perform?

SS: On fight night I am typically pretty calm.  Luckily I am not superstitious. I can’t imagine having to worry about other routines outside of the fight. I have had teammates who were over the top with superstitions and it was exhausting to watch.

 
CS: Who generally accompanies you to the cage? What type of feedback and coaching do you prefer from your corners?
SS: At the cage I have my head trainer/ boyfriend Albert Rosales, my ground coach Brian Zehler, and either my stand up coach Rick Lopez or teammate Joey Welch.

SS: They all play perfect roles in the locker room and cage side. I have a couple that are really good at hyping me up and another who keeps me calm in focused.

SS: I like honest coaching in the corner. If I’m losing the fight, I want to know that. I don’t want it sugar coated.
 

CS: Aside from fight preparation, how much MMA do you watch purely for enjoyment?

SS: I watch a ton of MMA. I am at every local fight in Colorado and don’t usually miss an event that is televised. Slightly addicted??

 

CS: Outside of the gym and MMA, what types of activities do you enjoy for fun? What helps you to relax?

SS: I enjoy running, weekend getaways, and going to other sporting events. Hanging out with my family seems to balance everything out for me. I love spending time with them.

 
CS: Lastly, MMA takes a team to succeed alone inside the cage. Who would you like to thank?
SS: Albert has been the key to my success. I also have to thank my teammates, friends, family, all my coaches, my sponsors, and lastly Jeff Cisneros for going out of his way to find, and more often than not, fly in opponents to fight.

Invicta FC 9 takes place November 1st live from the  RiverCenter in Davenport, Iowa.

Tickets are on sale via the Ticketmaster link below.

The full card will air live via UFC Fight Pass. Click below to subscribe to UFC FightPass.

 

 

 

 

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Fighting Words: Andrea K. Lee

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Relentlessly pursuing her goal of winning a world title in MMA, Invicta newcomer Andrea Lee steps into the cage November 1st at Invicta FC 9.

Squaring off against fellow newcomer Shannon Sinn, Lee is determined to continue her ascent to the top of the MMA mountain.

 

 

Corey Smith: As a waitress at a popular sports restaurant, you were exposed to MMA on a regular basis, which eventually led to trying out the sport yourself. What aspect of mixed martial arts did you first attempt?

Andrea K. Lee: My first area of interest when I began training was boxing. I wanted to compete as quickly as possible so I just focused on one thing in order to get myself ready to compete. I trained for only six months before I had my first boxing match.

 

 

CS: You entered into and won the Louisiana Golden Gloves tournament. What was the experience like?

AKL: My first Boxing match was at the 2010 Louisiana State Golden Gloves Championships.  I advanced to the finals to face a girl who had about 10 fights and years of training experience.

AKL: She caught me with my feet together and dropped me with a straight right hand in the first round. I wasn’t hurt, but embarrassed. After I took my standing 8, I came out like a woman possessed and knocked her out in round 2.

AKL: I ended up winning the state Golden Gloves tournament twice, but I also won the Women’s National Golden Gloves tournament in Dania Beach, Fl, by beating state Golden gloves champions from all over the U.S. No doubt that experience was my proudest moment in boxing.

 

 

CS: Along with the Golden Gloves title, you won multiple Muay Thai titles. Aside from obvious rule differences, what are the main differences between boxing and Muay Thai?

AKL: Shortly after my first boxing match I also began to train in Muay Thai and absolutely fell in love with it. I am a certified Kru Muay and have won national and international Muay Thai titles in the three largest sanctioning bodies in the United States.

AKL: I am also the first fighter to win the Muay Thai Triple Crown by winning the WKA, TBA and IKF titles in the same year.  I left Amateur Muay Thai competition undefeated, a three time world champion and two time North American champion and I was the No 1 ranked Featherweight in the world.

AKL: I enjoy the sport of boxing, but it is so overly officiated its hard for me to feel as though I’m in a “fight” when I’m boxing.  In Muay Thai you get to fight. Clinch, Knee, kick, Dirty box, elbow, Sweep, etc. I feel Muay Thai does a much better job at preparing you for MMA.

 

 

CS: Your training schedule attracted attention even in your amateur career. What does a typical training day look like for you?

AKL: My training schedule is hard for a lot of people to believe. Most people think I’m full of it until they come stay with me to train and then they become believers. I train Tuesday – Friday in two separate 5 1/2 hr blocks.

AKL: Training blocks are separated by a three hour lunch and nap/recovery session.  Saturday and Sunday I train one 4 1/2 hour session. My strength and conditioning are done before my training begins in a dungeon that we like to call “The Penitentiary” lol.

AKL: You have to be an animal to survive an hour in that room with Donny.  I train each individual discipline with equal tenacity.  Nothing is left out of my regimen. Boxing, wrestling, Muay Thai, BJJ, Judo and even Kyokushin Karate, all with world class coaches in each respective discipline.

 

 

CS: You most recently fought September 19th, roughly six weeks before your Invicta FC debut November 1st. Are you at all concerned about the quick turnaround?

AKL:  The fight only lasted 10 seconds. Somehow I managed to kick her index finger off. Yes, off.  Not quite sure how that happened but it was bizarre to say the least.

AKL:  I took a close look at her finger while the doctor was looking at it and it was only on by a small piece of skin.  The doctor quickly stopped it.

AKL: I was pretty disappointed it ended that way, but I obviously didn’t take any damage in 10 seconds so a quick turnaround fight is exactly what I need.

 

 

CS: Your opponent at Invicta FC 9 on November 1st, Shannon Sinn, brings a similar level of professional experience in the ring with her. What do you believe is the key to your matchup?

AKL: I know Shannon is a really solid fighter and I’m certain I’ll get to showcase more of my skill set in that fight.  I believe that Shannon and I are well matched.  I think her stand up skills are good but honestly I don’t think its on my level.

AKL: I know I have the most under rated ground game in WMMA, so I think it’ll be interesting wherever the fight goes. I’d like to stand and bang with her, but at the same time I enjoy a good ground scrap so I’m not going to rely on one skill set.

 

 

CS: What is your mood on fight night? Do you have any routines or superstitions that you have to perform?

AKL: My coach says I’m the only fighter he’s ever seen who can nap before a fight. I think I just lack nervousness and that allows me to stay completely relaxed and not get caught up in the moment.

 

 

CS: Who generally accompanies you to the cage? What type of feedback and coaching do you prefer from your corners?

AKL: My husband is my head coach and he and I really connect while he is wrapping my hands.  Some fighters like music while they are getting wrapped but for me I like to listen to his calming voice go over game plan again and again.

AKL: He is the main voice in my corner and I do a pretty good job of listening most of the time. Lol.  One thing that drives me nuts is when coaches lie to their fighters between rounds.  If I lost the round I want to know.

AKL:  If I’m getting hit with something over and over I want to know why and how to fix it. Donny is the most brutally honest corner man in the world.

AKL: Guys in the gym make jokes about it all the time. “Way to stick your chin straight up in the air Dumb***” or “That was absolutely the worst round I’ve ever seen in my life” are things I’ve heard him say, not necessarily to me. If he doesn’t say much you know you’re winning. Lol.

 

 

CS: Aside from fight preparation, how much MMA do you watch purely for enjoyment?

AKL: We watch a lot of MMA but not necessarily for entertainment. Donny will turn a UFC PPV fight into a coaching session.  But I think that as fighters that’s how we should watch the sport, not for entertainment but for preparation.

 

 

CS: Outside of the gym and MMA, what types of activities do you enjoy for fun? What helps you to relax?

AKL: I am a full-time fighter. I get one rest day per week. I diet and train with equal discipline. When I’m not in the gym I like to spend my rest day with my daughter.  We are too busy for hobbies so a day by the pool or lake is as much relax time as I get.

AKL: I have sacrificed a lot to get here, friendships, family time, recreation and vacations. I am a woman possessed with a dream and a goal and I won’t slow down until I have accomplished all I set out to do and that is to win world titles.

 

 

CS: Lastly, MMA takes a team to succeed alone inside the cage. Who would you like to thank?

AKL: My journey in this sport would not be possible without unbelievable people and sponsors who have supported me both emotionally and financially.

AKL: Article 15 Clothing, Champion Nutrition, Amber Sports, Martial Arts Life, X-ion-X, Larkin Development, Classic Stone, The Howells at Cash Time, Derek Eason, Michael and Susie McGehee.

AKL: All of my wonderful coaches and training partners at Karate Mafia, Elite Combat, Relson Gracie BJJ and The Dement Bros. Old School Boxing.

AKL: Also to all of the many friends, who have helped along the way, you know who you are and I love you all.

 

Invicta FC 9 takes place November 1st live from the  RiverCenter in Davenport, Iowa.

Tickets are on sale via the Ticketmaster link below.

The full card will air live via UFC Fight Pass. Click below to subscribe to UFC FightPass.

 

 

 

 

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Fighting Words: Kelly McGill

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Inspired by Cris Cyborg and Gina Carano’s bout in 2009, Invicta Bantamweight Kelly McGill believes she can accomplish anything she sets her mind to. First up; defeating Maegan Goodwin at Invicta FC 9 November 1st.

 

 

Corey Smith: Your first foray into martial arts came at age fifteen when you dabbled in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. How were those first few years for you? What were your initial struggles?

Kelly McGill: The first few years of just jiu jitsu was awesome. Jiu jitsu will always be my first love. I learned a lot and it definitely helped discipline me as a teenager. Since starting the sport I have become a lot more respectful and self motivated. My initial struggles starting out with just jiu jitsu was how technical it all was.

KM: It definitely isn’t like kickboxing where you can kind of make it your own, you have to do the move right otherwise it doesn’t work. Eventually as you become more experienced you can make jiu jitsu somewhat your own style, but in the beginning remembering hand placement and body positioning was very new to me and challenging.

KM: Also I think getting use to training with mostly males was something very new and different for me.

 

 

 

CS: You have stated that Cyborg v. Carano in 2009 was a catalyst for your belief that MMA must be a lifestyle for you to be successful. What led you to that conclusion?

KM: I really admired Cris Cyborg’s work ethic and self discipline. Cyborg was definitely the reason I wanted to try mixed material arts just because you could see all her hard work pay off in her fights.

KM: Watching the Cyborg vs Carano fight kind of set this “girl power” thing in my mind and I knew that I could do anything I could set my mind to and I thought MMA would definitely be something fun to try out.

 

 

CS: How long did your amateur career last? What were the main lessons you learned during that time?

KM:  I only had 3 fights as an amateur over a five month time period. I was literally going training camp to training camp. By doing that I learned a lot about myself, such as how much drive, determination, and competiveness I actually have in me.

KM: I also learned fight at Flyweight was way  too hard of a weight cut for me and was taking a toll on me and decided to move up to Bantamweight. Most of all, I learned just how much work fighting actually takes and the enjoyment it brings me.

 

 

CS: Amateur MMA can be a bit of a mixed bag. Were there any strange or unusual events that occurred during your amateur career?

KM: My second amateur fight was suppose to be at Bantamweight (135), but 24 hours before weigh ins my opponent backed out and they found me a replacement, which I was grateful for, but the fight would have to be at Flyweight (125). So, in 24 hours I dropped ten pounds and I did make weight on time. That was definitely an experience I will always remember because of how torturous it was. Besides that and lack of finding opponents, nothing too crazy happened.

 

 

CS: After signing with Invicta FC, what goals do you have within the organization? How has your experience been like thus far with the company?

KM: I have a lot of goals I hope to accomplish throughout my Invicta FC career. Of course, become bantamweight weight champion someday. I hope to drastically improve myself each fight throughout this journey.

KM: I hope to become a positive influence to those watching. But as of right now, all I am focused on is my fight on November 1st.

KM: Working with Invicta FC has truly been a dream come true. I literally cried the day Shannon called me because of how much of a dream come true this is for me. Everybody that works with Invicta FC has been so amazing and welcoming toward me and I am extremely grateful for this opportunity.

 

 

CS: Your opponent at Invicta FC, Maegan Goodwin, will be making her professional debut. How familiar are you with Goodwin? What are you expecting out of the bout on November 1st?

KM: I’m not too familiar with Maegan, I have watched a couple videos on her but I don’t really like to focus too much on what my opponent is going to do, rather what I am going to do.

KM: Fighters change and grow after each fight so strictly focusing on video or what she is up to is kind of pointless because I am assuming she has improved since that fight, which could mean her style is different.

KM: The only thing I know for sure is this is the first time I will be fighting somebody taller than me, which I am honestly extremely thrilled about, for the fact that people will be able to see that I have so much more to me than my reach as seen in previous fights, so I am very excited and thrilled to be faced with this height disadvantage challenge.

KM: I’m expecting the fight to stay standing majority, if not the whole fight. It seems like she wants to hit me or something. Haha. Regardless where the fight goes I feel very well prepared. I predict it will definitely be one of the best fights on the card. I am expecting it to be a fun fight!

 

 

CS: What is your mood on fight night? Do you have any routines or superstitions that you have to perform?

KM: I like to be very calm the whole day of the fight. I don’t treat it any differently than a regular day. I like to think of it as just another day at the gym. As the fight comes close the day of the fight I like to joke around and just have a good time.

KM:  I’m not one who gets angry or upset to fight, I just like to be how I am on every other day. I like to use the same bag to carry all my stuff in, I don’t know if that counts as a superstition or not. Besides that, not really.

 

 

CS: Who generally accompanies you to the cage? What type of feedback and coaching do you prefer from your corners?

KM: My corner men for my last fight were amazing. I had my father/manager, Devin McGill, my head coach, Professor Tom Theofanopoulos, and my boyfriend/trainer, Rolando Velasco in my corner.

KM: This time in my corner I will just have Professor Tom and my boyfriend Rolando Velasco in my corner. Throughout my whole camp I prefer criticism in a nice way. I have to have positive feedback, otherwise I have breakdowns like Jessica Penne did on TUF this season. I am a very emotional person and extremely hard on myself so I prefer positive feedback majority of the time.

 

 

CS: You have spoken about how important it is for you to be a positive role model for others. Many athletes try to distance themselves from such a role. Why do you embrace it?

KM: I am by no means saying that everybody should look up to me because I am such a good influence, because I am human, I have made mistakes just like everyone else. What I meant by that is I believe God has given me these opportunities as a platform to spread his word and encourage others.

KM: I hope to not only show the younger generations the word of God, but also show them that anything is possible if you work hard. I truly adore kids, I am going to school to be a special education teacher, so any opportunity I get to talk to kids, I’m all for it.

 

 

CS: Outside of the gym and MMA, what types of activities do you enjoy for fun? What helps you to relax?

KM: Besides training, work, and school, I love just spending time with my family and boyfriend. Movie nights with the family and my boyfriend or his family is my favorite thing to do.

 

 

CS: Lastly, MMA takes a team to succeed alone inside the cage. Who would you like to thank?

KM: First and foremost, I would like to thank God for providing me these opportunities and all the amazing people in my life.

KM: I would like to thank everybody at Oakdale, Sonora, and Merced MMA who have not only helped me for this fight, but have helped me from the beginning.

KM: I want to thank Professor Tom and his wife Lori for treating me like their own and always believing in me.

KM:  I would also like to thank Full Force Personal Training in Modesto for getting me strong and ready for all my fights.

KM: A huge thank you to my boyfriend/main training partner, Rolando Velasco, for helping me prepare for all my fights, even when he has a fight of his own to prepare for, he has provided me with not just the technical aspect of the sport, but the mental aspect as well.

KM: I want to give a special thank you to my parents who have always supported me and helped me throughout this journey.

KM: Last but definitely not least, a huge thank you to Shannon Knapp for having me join the Invicta FC family, I am truly honored to be apart of this organization.

 

KM: To keep in touch and follow my journey, follow me on Twitter: @KillerKellyMMA

 

Invicta FC 9 takes place November 1st live from the  RiverCenter in Davenport, Iowa. The full card will air live via UFC Fight Pass. Click below to subscribe to UFC FightPass.

 

Tickets will go on sale at the following link later this week.

 

 

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Fighting Words: Jamie Moyle

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Making her professional debut November 1st at Invicta FC 9, Jamie Moyle is primed and eager to capture the attention of Invicta fans worldwide when she battles fellow Strawweight Jenny Liou Shriver.

 
Corey Smith: You began your training in martial arts in 2008, first taking up Kickboxing simply for fun. What was that initial training like for you? How long before you fell in love with mixed martial arts?

Jamie Moyle: When I first started training, it was a blast.  I always loved doing sports and physical activities, so it was fun to go in and punch bags and run around.  I had my first MMA fight in 2011, and the feeling I got after winning that fight was what hooked me.

JM: I loved being at the gym and training, but the feeling of winning is unlike any feeling you get in the gym.

 
CS: How long after you began training did you take your first amateur bout? What have you learned from your amateur career?

JM: When I first started training, I only trained two days a week. After training every day for a little over a year, I took my first fight.  I think that amateur careers are to get the fighter used to the process of fighting, and that the fighter should be improving every fight. So what I learned is how to prepare for fights so that I can be the best fighter when I step into the cage.

 
CS: As the winner of a tournament held by amateur organization Tuff N Nuf, you won your contract with Invicta FC. How satisfying was it to win your contract as opposed to simply signing one?

JM: It was great because I knew for sure that I was getting that contract with the win.  I didn’t have to try and get Invicta’s attention alone or wait for an organization to call me. It was like a weight lifted off my shoulders!

 
CS: Now that you are an athlete of Invicta FC, what are your initial goals within the organization?

JM: My initial goals are to make a name for myself and capture the attention of the audience.  I am an exciting fighter and plan to gain a lot of fans because of that.  Getting that attention will help me to get more and bigger fights.

 
CS: Most fighters list the weight cut as the hardest aspect of being a fighter. Setting that aside, what do you consider the hardest aspect of being a fighter?

JM: The best fighters are fighters that work hard all the time and are always putting everything they have into their training.  Sometimes it’s hard to put on your game face everyday at the gym, but you push through it and that is what makes you a champion.

 
CS: You will be making your professional debut November 1st at Invicta FC 9 against Jenny Liou Shriver. How familiar are you with Shriver? What do you believe the key is to your matchup?

JM: I’m not too familiar with her and never heard of her before getting set up with this fight.  I think the key is to be ready for everything and to keep the fight moving constantly by mixing things up.

 

 

CS: What is your mood on fight night? Do you have any routines or superstitions that you have to perform?

JM: I’m usually pretty calm on fight night.  I put on my sweatpants and sweatshirt and just relax until it’s time for me to get wrapped up.

 

 

CS: Who generally accompanies you to the cage? What type of feedback and coaching do you prefer from your corners?

JM: I used to have my coach Seth Petruzelli when I was in Florida, but for my last 3 fights I have had John Wood in my corner.  I also have had my Muay Thai coach Chaz Mulkey who really pushes me in the fight.

JM: I prefer when my corners stay focused on letting me know what techniques are working and what to use, and when they are loud when I’m in the cage.

 

 

CS: Aside from fight preparation, how much MMA do you watch purely for enjoyment?

JM: I love watching MMA.  I’m always watching the Invicta FC shows and UFC.  I feel like there is always some MMA to watch on the weekends, and I always look forward to it.

 

 

CS: Outside of the gym and MMA, what types of activities do you enjoy for fun? What helps you to relax?

JM: I enjoy taking naps sometimes which helps me relax.  For fun, I hang out with my boyfriend and family.  I have a niece and a nephew who I see all the time, and I love being with them.

 

 

CS: Lastly, MMA takes a team to succeed alone inside the cage. Who would you like to thank?

JM: I want to thank my parents for always helping and supporting me.  My gym and coaches are behind me 100% and I am grateful for that. Thank you Invicta for giving me this opportunity!

 

Invicta FC 9 takes place November 1st live from the  RiverCenter in Davenport, Iowa. The full card will air live via UFC Fight Pass. Click below to subscribe to UFC FightPass.

 

Tickets will go on sale at the following link later this week.

 

 

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Fighting Words: Jenny Liou Shriver

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Analytical mind Jenny Liou Shriver debuts for Invicta FC Novermber 1st at Invicta FC 9, squaring off against fellow Strawweight Jamie Moyle.

 

Corey Smith: You began studying Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at age ten. Were you training on a consistent basis from that point on?
Jenny Liou Shriver: I started training Jiu Jitsu consistently after I graduated from college.  Until then, track was always my primary sport, and BJJ was one of a handful of sports in the background.

 
CS: Along with BJJ, you were also an elite level track and field star, earning a college scholarship for your skill. What parallels are there between track and BJJ?
JLS: Both running and BJJ require immense amounts of mental toughness and cardiovascular conditioning.  But I think my favorite thing about BJJ is that it’s very different from running.
JLS: By the time my college running career ended, I felt that I had found my limits as a track and field athlete.  Jiu Jitsu is such an intricate sport, and one to which I can really apply my scholar’s curiosity.  It feels endless to me.  I’m always learning. I love that.

 

CS: For many years, your only combat sport experience was with BJJ. When a nearby gym needed a sparring partner, you volunteered and fell in love with other aspects of MMA. What was that experience like for you?
JLS: My transition into MMA was immensely humbling.  When I started taking Jiu Jitsu seriously, the movements came to me almost automatically, maybe partly through natural inclination, but I also think my years of dabbling in BJJ familiarized me with the sport’s cadences and basic motions.  Especially at first, striking wasn’t like that.
JLS: As you can probably imagine, I felt like a total badass when I realized I could submit a pro fighter my very first time in the cage.  But at the same time, I realized immediately how much she, and the rest of my training partners had to teach me.
JLS: Also, the black eyes I got in that first sparring session didn’t show up immediately.  I left the gym exhilarated and rushed back to UC Irvine to teach an English class.  Midway through, I realized that my students were looking at me with strange faces, and it wasn’t until I got home and looked in the mirror that I realized why.  That took a little explaining.

 

CS: You parlayed your college education into an eventual PhD in English. What form has your career taken in that area?
JLS:  I teach English at Northwest Indian College.  It’s rewarding work, but let me be frank—for a long time during graduate school, I balanced the demands of being a combat athlete with the demands of my PhD work. Right now, I want to see how far I can follow my dreams in the cage.  I figure the scholarly pursuits will still be there when my fighting career’s over.
JLS: In addition to my other classes, I get to teach MMA classes at Northwest Indian College.  That’s a dream come true.  I actually get to say, “OK class, let’s just finish up reading this sonnet, then grab your gloves and let’s head to the gym.”

 

CS: After signing with Invicta FC, what goals do you have within the organization? How has your experience been like thus far with the company?
JLS: My first experience with Invicta was watching IFC 1 and wishing I could be on it.  Now that I’m here, I want to climb Invicta’s Strawweight rankings and win the belt.  Invicta has done so much to build women’s MMA.  I’m honored to be part of what they do.

 

CS: Your opponent on November 1st at Invicta FC 9, Jamie Moyle will be making her professional debut that night. Do you view this as any kind of advantage? What do you believe is the key to your matchup?
JLS: I’m not predicting or hoping for any psychological weakness on Jamie’s part.  I think the fighters who come up through Tuff-N-Uff are already equipped with many of the skills that the rest of us have to pick up as pros.
JLS: And anyways, I don’t want to beat her on an off-day.  I want to beat her in the best fight of her career.  I’ve got a lot of respect for Jamie, but I don’t think she’s ever been tested in the cage against a highly skilled grappler.  Also, I’m a much bigger Strawweight than she is.  I’m curious as to what she’ll do when she realizes she can’t throw me around.  It’s going to be fun.

 

CS: What is your mood on fight night? Do you have any routines or superstitions that you have to perform?
JLS: I don’t have any fight night routines or superstitions.  I like to stay as relaxed as possible.  I usually warm up aggressively, and pretty early, with a lot of cardio and some snappy mittwork.  And then I like to go regain my calm.  I always wish that time would just disappear.  I don’t like waiting.

 

CS: Who generally accompanies you to the cage? What type of feedback and coaching do you prefer from your corners?
JLS: My coach, Frank Arnett, will be in my corner.  I tend to think of my corner as an additional pair of eyes.  I want to hear whether or not I’m likely winning the round, and how much time is left.
JLS: I also like knowing if there’s some crucial piece of the game I’m not seeing—whether it’s a defensive error I’m making, or an opening in my opponent’s game that I should capitalize on.
JLS:  I like my corner to be calm and precise.  I don’t like a lot of talk between rounds.  Unless there’s something major to communicate, I view that minute as a time to calm down and to regain my center.

CS: Aside from fight preparation, how much MMA do you watch purely for enjoyment?
JLS: I watch a lot of MMA, but for me, there is no such thing as watching it purely for enjoyment.  Or rather, the most enjoyable thing about watching MMA is seeing slick moves and learning them for myself.  I love GIFs.  They let me watch the same little detail over and over until not just the motions, but their cadences are seared into my brain.

 

CS: Outside of the gym and MMA, what types of activities do you enjoy for fun? What helps you to relax?
JLS: I have a ridiculous number of hobbies, and one of the hardest things about committing to fighting was putting some of my other passions on hold. I like riding mountain bikes and climbing and getting out on backpacking trips in Idaho’s mountains.  I’m a haphazard but happy telemark skier, and I play the guitar just well enough to sing sad country songs.
JLS: I’ve had to put my craft beer and whiskey interests on hold, but I have been indulging in some cinematic obsessions. I’m rewatching Joss Whedon’s “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Firefly,” and I’m making my way though Hayao Miyazaki’s anime masterpieces.
JLS: And I’m always reading.  I never go anywhere without a book.

 

CS: Lastly, MMA takes a team to succeed alone inside the cage. Who would you like to thank?
I’d like to thank my coach and teammates at Team Execution in Lewiston, Idaho and my manager Chris Vender.
JLS: Many thanks also to Rosa Freitas and Sam Wilson who have been my friends and allies in the WMMA world.   I’d like to thank Angelo Todaro for getting me on weight and in shape for November 1st.
JLS: A big thanks to Machina Boxing and Halfbreed Clothing Company for keeping me geared up and dressed up for training.
JLS: And lastly, boundless gratitude to Phil Shriver, who has been the best training partner imaginable for a very long time, and the best husband imaginable since we got married in July.

 

Invicta FC 9 takes place November 1st live from the  RiverCenter in Davenport, Iowa. The full card will air live via UFC Fight Pass. Click below to subscribe to UFC FightPass.

 

Tickets will go on sale at the following link later this week.

 

 

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Fighting Words: Maegan Goodwin

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Ready to make a name for herself in her professional debut, Maegan Goodwin steps into the Invicta FC cage November 1st against fellow Invicta FC newcomer,  Kelly McGill.

 

 

Corey Smith: You initially thought that mixed martial arts might just be a hobby for you. Do you remember when you first believed it might be something you could pursue professionally?
Maegan Goodwin: Yeah, I NEVER thought I would be a fighter and neither did anyone else who knew me. I was never into MMA. When I started training I just fell in love with it.
MG: I love how challenging it was and how complex everything was. There are so many ways to win (and lose.)
MG: I remember like it was yesterday when I was watching the guys grapple and I thought to myself, I could do that. I want to do this for real!

 
CS: You have spoken about being inspired by athletes such as Ronda Rousey and Cris Justino. What specifically inspired you about them?
MG: Mostly their work ethic. I follow them on social media and watch all their training stuff; I have from the beginning.
MG: They’re just bada**es!! They don’t take crap from anyone and Ronda for sure, will always shoot you straight whether you like it or not.
CS: You were undefeated as an amateur, and will make your professional debut for Invicta FC on November 1st. What led to your decision to turn pro at this time?
MG: Haha! Shannon Knapp and Julie Kedzie led to my decision! I made it clear Invicta is where I wanted to call home and whenever that opportunity came I was going to be ready! And I am!

 
CS: Your height and reach make for a rare combination in women’s MMA. What advantages and disadvantages do your height and reach have?
MG: Ahh, different things. Obviously a reach advantage is never a bad thing. If I’m throwing/kicking right, I’ll always get to her before she gets to me.
MG: It’s also a benefit in grappling in some ways. A disadvantage in other ways. It’s a lot easier to take me down and a lot harder for me to take someone down, also.

 

CS: After signing with Invicta FC, what goals do you have within the organization? How has your experience been like thus far with the company?
MG: Right now my only goal is to fight my fight Nov 1 and make a statement! If I fight like I know I can fight, I should do just that! After that of course I would like to work towards the belt. But for now my sights are on Kelly McGill.
MG: So far it’s been great! They’re super quick about getting everything taken care of and answering any questions. I know it’s going to be amazing once I actually get there fight week!

 

CS: Your opponent at Invicta FC 9 November 1st, Kelly McGill, is an up and coming prospect as well. How familiar are you with McGill? What are you expecting out of the bout?
MG: I actually don’t know too much about her I have looked her up a little and watched a couple fights. I think she considers herself more of a grappler than standup fighter.

MG: I expect nothing less than a brawl! I kind of think she will try to take me down because I’m taller and have good stand up, but I could be wrong. I’ll be ready for both!

 

 

CS: What is your mood on fight night? Do you have any routines or superstitions that you have to perform?
MG: No, I never really have gotten into anything like that. I just show up and get focused and fight. I usually start out really calm, but then when my hands get wrapped the nerves kick in a little.

MG: Once I get in the cage though, that all goes away.

 

 

CS: Who generally accompanies you to the cage? What type of feedback and coaching do you prefer from your corners?
MG: My boyfriend is always in my corner. Generally I like a lot of criticism, but right before the fight I like more positive pumping up type of words! Haha.

 

CS: Aside from fight preparation, how much MMA do you watch purely for enjoyment?
MG: Quite a bit! Right now I’m watching TUF every Wednesday and it seems like every weekend there are fights somewhere or a UFC on!

 

CS: Outside of the gym and MMA, what types of activities do you enjoy for fun? What helps you to relax?
MG: Honestly, I really don’t do much else! If I’m not at the gym or working I’m just at home with my boyfriend. We’re very active, so were always outside doing something, visiting family or trying to find something fun. We’re not very good at relaxing!

 

CS: Lastly, MMA takes a team to succeed alone inside the cage. Who would you like to thank?
MG: I have so many great sponsors that help me so much! Revgear, Iron Jaw Mouthguard, XionX, Pro Event Sponsors/Ignite, Sports Food, Sallisaw Family Fitness, Floating Mats, Brian Dubuc (@The_Scalper), Soap-A-Licious.
MG: I also have THE best manager, Jay from Fresh Start Entertainment.
MG: Other than them, my boyfriend who helps coach me and Thunderkick who I recently started training with and all my family, friends and fans who give me constant support!

 

Invicta FC 9 takes place November 1st live from the  RiverCenter in Davenport, Iowa. The full card will air live via UFC Fight Pass. Click below to subscribe to UFC FightPass.

 

Tickets will go on sale at the following link later this week.

 

 

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Fighting Words: Michelle Waterson

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Reshaping herself during the layoff, the new and improved Michelle Waterson steps back into the cage September 6th to defend her Invicta FC Atomweight World Championship against battle hardened veteran Yasuko Tamada.

 

 

Corey Smith: Your most recent bout was your upset win over Jessica Penne for the Invicta FC Atomweight title in April of 2013. What have you worked on improving since that bout?

Michelle Waterson: It has been a long layoff, but I was expected to fight in December. In December I started to get myself going for a training camp, but that didn’t end up happening. I just told myself that if I want to be a professional fighter it is something I have to do on a daily basis. I have to improve myself. I worked a lot on my wrestling, and putting muscle on. I had free time and freedom to choose what to improve on.

 

CS: Your win over Penne was nominated for Upset of the Year at the annual Fighter’s Only awards. What do think it symbolized that women’s bout was nominated?

MW: It was a huge fight. It has always been a goal of mine to obtain the belt, it was tremendous. Plus Jessica Penne was the belt holder, and it allowed me to really showcase my willingness to fight through adversity. There are times in life or in a fight that you can doubt yourself, but as long as you fight through it there is always going to be light at the end of the tunnel. That’s something that I was able to learn, and hopefully that inspired some other people out there after that fight.

 

CS: What were your first thoughts when you learned of the Invicta UFC Fight Pass deal? What do you think it means for the sport of WMMA in general?

MW: I think if you are going to partner up with anyone in MMA, it would be the UFC. Now we have a big brother looking over our shoulders and taking care of us is how I see it. I think that it’s going to be a good relationship. The sky is the limit with the two organizations, and the only way to go is up.

 

CS: Your opponent at Invicta FC 8 on September 6th, Yasuko Tamada, is an experienced Japanese veteran on a three fight win streak. How familiar are you with Tamada? What do see as the key to the matchup?

MW: I’m not too familiar with her. I’ve only seen a couple fights of hers, and they were pretty old. I do know that she is a Japanese veteran that will fight anybody. I know that she is kind of an awkward south paw, so for me what I am really focusing on is to try to keep it standing. It’s always a goal of mine, every fight that I go into. With the strength I’ve been able to put on over this past year, and the wrestling if I want to keep it standing I’ll be able to. Those are the keys for me.

 

CS: With the added muscle mass that you have put on over the past year, have you noticed any differences in the weight cut this time around?

MW: I am heavier than normal, but I am pretty excited to go into the fight with the extra muscle. It will be worth it come fight time.

 

CS: Other than the weight cut, what do you consider the hardest aspect of being a fighter?

MW: The mental battles that you find yourself in every day. It’s easy to go into the gym and train really hard for one day. But when you have to do it five to six times a week, day in and day out, it can start wearing on you. You aren’t always going to have great days, and sometimes when you have a bad day it can play with you mentally. You have to learn how to stay strong, and learn how to take the good days with the bad days.  You have to learn how to be your best on your worst day.

 

CS: What is your mood on fight night? Do you have any routines or superstitions that you have to perform?

MW: I try not to get too superstitious or too routine, because I feel like every fight is different. So if something doesn’t go right in the routine it would just throw me off. I just go into it with an open mind, and I try to stay in the present. I think that’s a very important thing. I try to just enjoy my fight. We all have that anxiety and those butterflies. If you are able to control that, and harness it for the better I think you are better off. That is what I tend to do on fight day, just get all those emotions under control and use them in the cage.

 

CS: Who generally accompanies you to the cage? What type of feedback and coaching do you prefer from your corners?

MW: My husband, Coach Jackson, and Coach Wink have been in my corner for my last couple fights. So I’ve got a pretty rock star corner team. I’m pretty good at just staying in the zone and hearing what I need to hear when I need to hear it. Coach Jackson has always been real good at saying the right thing at the right time. My husband is really good at being there for me and keeping me nice and calm. Coach Wink is the kind of coach that is real up front, and I work two or three times a week with him. He gives me the confidence in myself to just go in there and give it my all because of all the work we put in before the fight even starts.

 

CS: For those that have not experienced it, how would you describe the walk out to the cage?

MW: That’s the worst part of it all! You are basically walking into the cage, where they are going to lock you in with this other person. This other person is trying to take your head off, and there isn’t anywhere for you to go. To me the anticipation is always worse than the actual event.

 

CS: Aside from fight preparation, how much MMA do you watch purely for enjoyment?

MW: I try to watch all my teammates fight. If there is a show that is going on free TV, I will try to catch it. My husband is a big boxing fan, so between boxing and MMA something is always on in our house. We enjoy just watching it, and forgetting about it after we watch.

 

CS: Outside of the gym and MMA, what types of activities do you enjoy for fun? What helps you to relax?

MW: We go to the park a lot, and just hang out. Sometimes we will just sit down and do little art projects. Play tea cup or play Ninja Turtles. It really just depends on the type of mood my daughter is in.

 

CS: Lastly, MMA takes a team to succeed alone inside the cage. Who would you like to thank?

MW: I want to thank primary sponsors; AmericanaMMA who sells my signature T-Shirt, if anyone else wants to be on Team Hottie!

MW: Onnit Supplements and SportsFood.Com. I have tons of others, and they will be on my banner.

MW: If you want to keep up with me I’m active on Instagram and Twitter @KarateHottieMMA!

MW: If you don’t subscribe to UFC FightPass, you better! This show is going to go down in history and you will be sad that you missed it!

 

Invicta FC 8 takes place September 6th live from the Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Missouri. The full card will air live via UFC Fight Pass. Click below for tickets, or to subscribe to UFC FightPass.

 

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Fighting Words: Katja Kankannpaa

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The “Killer Bunny” Katja Kankaanpaa returns to the Invicta FC cage in search of gold when she challenges Stephanie Eggink for the vacant World Strawweight Title September 6th at Invicta FC 8.

 
Corey Smith: Your last appearance in the Invicta FC cage, you suffered the first defeat of your career, a decision loss to Joanne Calderwood. Most athletes agree you learn more from your defeats than your wins. What did you learn?
KK: Most of all, I learned a lot on the mental side. The fight was tough and if I had been mentally stronger, the decision could have gone the other way. I thought that I was ready, but didn’t trust myself enough to take the win.

 
CS: You bounced back with a submission victory this past May. How important was it for you to stay active outside the Invicta cage?
KK: It was very important because otherwise the pause from fighting would have been too long. When fights are in steady intermissions you can keep a good touch to fighting. It also was very nice to have a fight at my home country, especially since it had been so long since my last fight here in Finland.

 

CS: Most fighters list the weight cut as the hardest aspect of being a fighter. Setting that aside, what do you consider the hardest aspect of being a fighter?
KK: Lack of time. Sometimes it’s hard to schedule my day. I have a day job and when I add in training to my day schedule, I haven’t much free time left.

 

CS: Invicta FC recently signed a content distribution deal with the UFC, specifically all future Invicta bouts will be available via UFC Fight Pass. What were your thoughts when you first heard about the deal?
 KK: Its huge thing and big step for Women’s MMA.

 
CS: Your bout on September 6th at Invicta FC 8, will be for the vacant Strawweight championship. How familiar are you with your opponent, Stephanie Eggink? What do you believe is the key to the matchup?
KK: I’m not so familiar. I just watched a couple of fight videos of hers, so that’s it. I just need to believe in myself and do my own things in the fight. I’m a well rounded fighter and I think if I just fight on my own level I can win the fight.

 

CS: The bout will see a new champion crowned in the Invicta FC Strawweight division. Does this carry any added pressure for you?
KK: I hope not =) I try to think that this fight is just one fight among others but I’m not sure if that works because I’m excited being in the title fight.

 

CS: Who generally accompanies you to the cage? What type of feedback and coaching do you prefer from your corners?
KK: My manager and one of my coaches are with me in the cage.  I just need simple instruction in a fight.

 

CS: For those that have not experienced it, how would you describe the walk out to the cage?
KK: I’m excited and focused on the fight. All the training is behind me and it is time to fight.

 

CS: Outside of the gym and MMA, what types of activities do you enjoy for fun? What helps you to relax?
KK: There are so many things that I would like to do, but sadly I haven´t much free time to do them. But just to mention a few: Climbing, swimming, cycling and running. I feel I’m always  going somewhere but when I’m a home I just relax watching movies with my husband and playing with our dog.

 

CS: Lastly, MMA takes a team to succeed alone inside the cage. Who would you like to thank?
KK: My team, coaches, manager and all my training partners who have helped me with training.  My family, my husband and my sponsors. I am very happy and pleased that I have people like you around me.

 

Invicta FC 8 takes place September 6th live from the Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Missouri. The full card will air live via UFC Fight Pass. Click below for tickets, or to subscribe to UFC FightPass.

 

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Fighting Words: Stephanie Eggink

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Invicta FC newcomer Stephanie Eggink steps right into the fire when she faces off against Katja Kankaanpaa for the vacant Invicta FC World Strawweight title September 6th at Invicta FC 8.

 
Corey Smith: You have an extensive background in boxing, even fighting for the US National Team at one point. How did you first get started in Boxing? Was that your first entry in martial arts?
Stephanie Eggink: I started boxing when I was 16 and I fell in love. I had done Tae Kwondo when I was young but most of my life I played soccer. When I walked into the boxing gym for the first time I knew I had found my sport.

 
CS: You took a few bouts as professional boxer, but quickly transitioned in MMA. What prompted the switch?
SE: I got bored with boxing. Not discrediting the sport at all, but I was 21 and restless. I was sick of doing the same thing in the gym all the time. And, I realized how much more fun it is to sit on top of someone and punch them than do it standing.

 
CS: Other than obvious rule differences, what would you say is the biggest difference between MMA and Boxing?
SE: Wrestling and ground game are obviously not part of boxing, and a huge part of MMA. Luckily I took to BJJ very quickly so the transition to the ground was ok, but the in between stuff (wrestling) was more of a challenge to conform to, and I’m still working on it. But, both are combat sports, where someone is trying to hurt you and you them. There’s a lot of parallels there, ones you can’t find in any other sports.

 
CS: Your nickname “Snowflake” is rather unique to the world of MMA. How did that come about?
SE: Long story, one I can’t really share with you, but Sam Wilson started calling me that when I was still fighting ammy and it stuck. You can try to get the story out of her if you want to! What I tell people is that I’m unique, like a snowflake!

 
CS: Your upcoming bout at Invicta FC 8 will mark an exactly one year layoff for you. Do you have any concerns with ring rust? How does winning one title prepare you to win another?
SE: Ring rust is a real thing but that typically gets shaken off in the gym. I feel confident right now, the fact that I haven’t fought doesn’t mean I haven’t been training. School took precedence over fighting for this past year, and I don’t regret that at all. Having prepared for a title fight before helped me for this camp, I know what kind of shape I need to be in, but my last fight only lasted one round so I have never gone a full 5 before. Should be interesting!

 
CS: You will be facing Katja Kankaanpaa at Invicta FC 8 on September 6th for the vacant Invicta FC Strawweight championship. How familiar are you with Kankaanpaa and what should fans expect out of the bout?
SE: I think its going to be fight of the night. She is very aggressive, I am very elusive. Our opposite styles will make for a good fight. She is strong and good at what she does, but so am I.

 

CS: What is your mood on fight night? Do you have any routines or superstitions that you have to perform?
SE: I’m calm and collected right now, I feel very confident in my skill set. As far as superstitious stuff…this is kind of weird…but I always shave my entire body (other than my head) before I fight. Haha. I don’t know why but I have done it since I was just boxing and it makes me feel like I’m preparing my body for battle. Weird, I know.

 
CS: Who generally accompanies you to the cage? What type of feedback and coaching do you prefer from your corners?
SE: My dad is always in my corner, he has been since my first pro boxing fight. He doesn’t coach me but he is always there, my biggest support. Other than him Shayna Baszler has been in my corner for my past 3 fights and will be this time as well, she is a book of knowledge and the best coach I have ever had. Also, my striking coach Luke will be in my corner, I just started working with him this camp. Shayna’s wrestling and MMA knowledge and his striking knowledge will compliment each other well.

 

CS: Lastly outside of the gym, what types of activities do you enjoy for fun? What helps you to relax?
SE: Between working as a medic and training, I don’t have a whole lot of time for extra activities! I am excited to be able to some time off and do things I enjoy, like hiking and rock climbing, after this camp is over. However, I do read a lot, every night before bed. Historical non fiction is my genre of choice (I’m a nerd).

 

Invicta FC 8 takes place September 6th live from the Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Missouri. The full card will air live via UFC Fight Pass. Click below for tickets, or to subscribe to UFC FightPass.

 

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Fighting Words: Tonya Evinger

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A fighter’s fighter, veteran Tonya Evinger is always looking for a fight, and next up on the list is the ever tough Ediane Gomes at Invicta FC 8 September 6th.

 

Corey Smith: Before you began to focus more on mixed martial arts, you actually wrestled for the US Senior Freestyle team. How do you think that prepared you for success in MMA?
Tonya Evinger: When I started MMA, there were no wrestlers coming in. I was definitely ready to fight anyone. The hard part was finding someone that wanted to fight me. I got turned down by everyone. I remember so many girls turned me down. I looked online, and I searched and searched to find anyone. Back then you couldn’t search “MMA,” you had to search no holds barred fighting or something like that.
TE: It was a little tough. No one wanted to fight me because they said I needed more experience. Which was complete BS. I think no one wanted to fight because I was a wrestler. When all the wrestlers started coming over to MMA, wrestling was a big part of their winning. Still today I think wrestlers are in the best shape. MMA fighters look the best, but I think wrestling is just a really tough sport. You grind and grind and grind.
CS: As a well respected veteran of the sport, what advice would you give to an up and coming athlete in WMMA?
TE: I think that a lot of veterans that came in when I came in have similar advice. It’s changed a lot. Now there is amateur and pro and all that. When I came in it was nothing like that, no amateur or pro, you just fought. The athletic commissions came in and made all the pro and amateur deal. It’s a little different now, but I always tell my athletes now fight every fight you can fight. Fight anyone that you can fight, win or lose as an amateur you get to start over when you go pro.
TE: So get those hard fights, those ones that pull your heart out, the ones you learn a lot from. Learn to get your butt kicked, how to defend things, what the pace is going to be like, you learn so many lessons every single fight. I think that for anyone coming in don’t be scared, just jump in there and throw down. You have nothing to lose. I fought that way myself, I think my record shows that. I’ll take any fight.
CS: As someone who has seen the growth off MMA from the beginning, what types of changes have you noticed?
TE: I just feel like I’m a fighter. I wrestled for so long. When you go to a tournament, some of them come up with stupid excuses not to fight you. They take a bye against you, and then they wrestle someone else later. So they just didn’t want to lose. That’s just stupid. When you take a bye, you lose anyways. So why not just wrestle me and take the chance.
TE:  I’m a fighter. I say I’m going to fight, and I fight. I run my mouth off, but I step in there do what I say I’m going to do. I’m not an internet fighter. I don’t want to post pictures and get sponsors, then never take any fights. That’s just unacceptable.
TE: I would never let my little brothers do that, I’ve made them fight when they were sick or injured. I’ve fought with a broken hand multiple times. I’ve fought with a fractured foot one time; I’ve fought with all kinds of injuries. I tell this to my fighters all the time. They want to make excuses and all this come fight time, but it’s too late. You’re not coming in my gym and training and then telling everyone you’re a fighter, and then do all this stuff to back out last minute.
TE: You’re either a fighter or you’re not. It’s not my choice if you haven’t trained hard enough. I’ve done that, but I should have trained harder. I think I’m a good enough athlete to win every fight, but you have to be ready when you step in there. I think there are a lot of BS athletes out there.
TE: When MMA first started getting popular, everybody and their mom was a fighter. It was the biggest joke I’d ever seen. Now you see the kids that have stuck it out and are still fighting. There are just too many posers out there. I won’t be one of them. No way will I sit here and run my mouth, announce that I am going to fight everybody, and then not fight anyone because of some stupid reason.
CS: Invicta FC recently signed a content distribution deal with the UFC to broadcast all future bouts via UFC Fight Pass. What do you think the deal does for the sport of WMMA?
TE: Our internet feed was down every time, and there was always some kind of problem. Invicta has taken it a lot farther than anyone else. There are a lot of promotions out there that try to do all women’s cards, but it was set up for failure. I still think it’s really tough to promote an all female card. Invicta has the best girls in the world, and they have the top talent, but we just don’t get the coverage. I don’t really understand it.
TE: Maybe it’s the fans that don’t care, they just want to see a couple women’s fights on a male card. But I think the talent is there for Invicta to be a mainstream promotion, and be on a real cable channel or network that people can see it in abundance. I do think it is going to go up though.
TE: The women’s MMA community is very supportive. They can’t hide which women are on TUF, they can’t hide anyone because the fans know all the female fighters. The women’s community is very supportive, and everyone talks a lot and pushes the females. It’s awesome watching the girls fight. I think that Invicta is very entertaining.

 

CS: This past December was your first bout with Invicta FC. How has your experience been like with the company?
TE: Shannon is great. The reason they call me is because they know I take fights. They called me and I said yes. They don’t have to convince me much. When’s the card? Let’s do it. As long as it’s against a quality fighter, or an opportunity that I can’t pass up, I’m going to take that fight. I’m not going to take anything ridiculous. If you pay me well and it’s a good opportunity, hell yeah. I’m happy to be fighting again. I like fights.
CS: On September 6th at Invicta FC 8, you will be challenging Ediane Gomes as she makes her 135lb debut. How familiar are you with Gomes and what are you expecting out of the bout?
TE: To be honest, I’ve heard her name a couple times. I don’t know a lot about her, never really cared since she wasn’t in my weight class. She hasn’t really done anything to catch my eye. That might just be because she wasn’t in my weight class. When she posted that stuff about calling out everybody, I thought how arrogant is that? How arrogant.
TE: I felt it disrespected the whole weight class. She hasn’t even made the weight class, how are you going to call out everyone? No one is afraid. People aren’t afraid that you are coming down. I don’t get it. People surprise you; maybe she is a good fighter. I’m going to put it out there, and see where it goes, see if she can handle it.
CS: This bout will take place close to where you train in Missouri. Are you anticipating any type of home field advantage?
TE: No. I think that it drives the athletes more, but I am not a believer in that. I think you perform or you don’t. It’s up to you. I like fighting in my hometown. I need someone to cheer for me. I watch them cheer for everyone else, but crickets for me. At least in Missouri I’ll have someone that knows my name.
TE: I never understood people that don’t want to fight in front of friends or family though. Why are you fighting then? Just go to the gym and train. Don’t take fights and compete if you don’t want people to watch you, or have people there that support you. That’s crazy.
CS: Outside of MMA, what do you do for fun and to relax?
TE: I don’t do anything. I work and I watch TV. I don’t do much. I hang out with my dog. My dog and I take selfies all day long. He’s a redhead just like me, full of attitude. He’s fantastic. He’s a red haired Dachshund.
TE: We like to take walks, and anything he can pee on he does. He likes to snuggle. We get some alone time, and watch TV. He’s a Dachshund with like deer legs.  He has that Dachshund personality. He is always barking at things.
CS: Lastly, MMA takes a team to succeed alone inside the cage. Who would you like to thank?
TE: My gyms: Gracie Barra Champions, Aaron Pena. Scott Ward and Team Warrior Concepts.  No-Gi BJJ Victor Pozas.
TE: My sponsors: Unique Kennels, The_Scalper. Iron Jaw Custom Mouth Guards, Dudley at Ignite,Align Chiropractic, Made MMA, RJ Contracting, ATP Mechanix, Outlaw Fight Gear, Airloop Glove, Drying Ring, Duomachy, Tap or Sleep.
TE: Jay at Fresh Start Entertainment, and Shawn Burdett.

 

Invicta FC 8 takes place September 6th live from the Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Missouri. The full card will air live via UFC Fight Pass. Click below for tickets, or to subscribe to UFC FightPass.

 

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