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FIGHTING WORDS: SARAH D’ALELIO

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If the expression “Iron sharpens iron,” is true, then veteran Sarah D’Alelio should be as sharp as they come when she enters into the Invicta cage July 13thagainst Lauren Taylor at Invicta FC 6.

Having fought and trained with some of the best athletes on the planet, D’Alelio will be making her fifth appearance in the Invicta cage. A true lover of the ‘art’ in Martial Arts, Sarah will look to paint a picture for all of the Bantamweight division to see on July 13th.

Corey Smith: It was written that when you were young, you had a neighbor that practiced karate. After seeing him show off things he learned, it stirred an interest in you. Years later you took up Jiu Jitsu in 2007. What kept your interest so long, and how did it feel to finally begin learning martial arts?

Sarah D’Alelio: The art itself is just so interesting and physical; I just always thought martial arts were so beautiful. To be honest when you first start training in an art it’s really frustrating until you feel yourself do something right the first time.

CS: You turned pro in 2010, a few years after you began training. What led you to believe that you were ready to turn pro?

SD: My coaches told me it was time. And we couldn’t get any more amateur fights.

CS: You train out of the CombatSportsAcademy, and also with Cesar Gracie. What is the relationship like between the two gyms? What areas do you focus on at each gym?

SD: I do all of my training at CSA but we have a great relationship with Cesar Gracie; he comes and guest teaches from time to time for us and that’s really special to get to learn technique from an instructor of his caliber.

CS: One of your main training partners, Miriam Nakamoto, is a world champion Muay Thai fighter. How beneficial do you think it is to have training partners whose skills seemingly offset each other?

SD: Oh man it doesn’t get any better than that. We tell each other what we would do in a particular situation and then trade tactics. To have that kind of insight available to you makes for a very dangerous opponent I think.

CS: For most of your career, you have been considered an underdog “on paper” yet you continue to shock most pundits. What does that type of reaction bring out of you, always being considered the underdog?

SD: It makes for a pretty pressure free fight. I don’t have to worry about living up to anyone’s expectations of me.

CS: All three of your losses have been at the hands of high level opponents. What have you learned from those losses?

SD: The biggest thing I brought out of my losses is to listen to your corner. Don’t be a dummy and think you know better than them. HaHa.

CS: With your phoenix tattoo, you seem to be tailored made to fight for Invicta FC. How has your relationship been like with the company so far?

SD: I have nothing but good things to say about Invicta. They’ve always been great to me and I absolutely love Shannon and Janet.

CS: You have fought on four of the first five Invicta events. What is it like to fight for a promotion that features only women, compared to a promotion were they are an occasional attraction?

SD: It makes you feel like a true athlete, and not just a commodity.

CS: Invicta has a reputation of putting on exciting cards top to bottom. Do you feel any extra pressure to add to that reputation when you fight for them?

SD: I try not to think about it that way. Shannon and Janet are the bosses and I just want to make them happy.

CS: Your opponent at Invicta FC 6, Lauren Taylor, is coming off two impressive wins in under a month’s time. How familiar are you with her skills? What are you expecting out of the matchup?

SD: I think I understand her game plan well and I have no expectations for this fight. Just going to keep it open and see where the fight goes.

CS: When you are in the cage, what type of instruction do you like to hear from your corner? Who generally accompanies you into the cage?

SD: I don’t know you’re going to have to ask Kirian about that one. He’s the one there with me.

CS: Outside of the gym, what keeps you entertained? How do you unwind after a long day of training camp?

SD: Well I spend most of my waking hours at the gym, in between sessions it helps to have Netflix available on my phone. I love to read but when I find a really good book I forget the time and have been known to stay up all night reading. That’s not good when sleep is so important to a good day of training so I stick to movies during camp.

CS: Other than the weight cut before a fight, what is the hardest aspect of being a professional fighter?

SD: Putting your life on hold. It’s really hard to maintain normal relationships during a fight camp and most people don’t understand and have the patience for it.

CS: When you look back on your career many years from now, when the lights have dimmed, and the roar of the crowd faded, what do you hope you have accomplished?

SD: Just that I reached my full potential.

CS: Lastly, MMA is as much a team sport as it is an individual one. Who would you like to thank?

SD: My family, they’re 100 % behind me.

SD: My entire team at CSA, they’re also 100 % behind me. My manager Alessandro Gelke, always professional and always there when I need anything.

SD: Brawl and Maul fight gear, they are the best sponsors I could ask for. Everyone’s been great this fight camp.

SD: And if course the entire team at Invicta for giving us ladies a permanent home.

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FIGHTING WORDS: MIRIAM NAKAMOTO

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Seven-time Muay Thai world champion Miriam Nakamoto opposes Duda Yankovich, herself a world champion in Boxing, July 13th at Invicta FC 6.

Believing that you should always face the challenge you are most scared of, Nakamoto has met the challenge of transitioning from Muay Thai head on. With world class striking, Nakamoto looks to continue her Muay Thai success in the 135lb division, and Yankovich is next on the list.

Corey Smith: You started off your career in martial arts with a win in the 2004 San Francisco Golden Gloves tournament. What was your confidence level going into the tournament? How long had you been training at that point?

Miriam Nakamoto: I had been trying for about four or five years and that point. I was shy. It took a long time for me to spar, it came from being self-conscious. I was uncomfortable shadow boxing in class. It took me a very long time to actually fight. I won the tournament, but I was ‘sick with nerves’ for a couple days of the event. It ignited my passion, I’ve never been unconfident, and there are times that I feel more comfortable.

CS: You quickly transitioned into Muay Thai, where you won several world championships. How do the MMA and Muay Thai worlds differ?

MN: I started in Muay Thai. I did Muay Thai for five years before somebody I knew passed away and I was very sad so I didn’t want to do Muay Thai. That’s when I went into boxing. My base has always been Muay Thai.

MN: MMA is like fighting in water. Or anti-gravity fighting. It’s all over the place. With a jiu-jitsu match, or a wrestling match, or Muay Thai match if you take out the ground it’s all pretty much the same thing. You end up in different positions, but in a sense a Muay Thai clinch is grappling. But on the ground, same position, it’s a can opener. MMA is fighting in an anti-gravity chamber.

CS: During one of the most successful parts of your Muay Thai career, you participated in the Oxygen reality series Fight Girls. What was that experience like? Did it interfere in your training in any way?

MN: Fight Girls was not the highlight of my Muay Thai career. It was awful. They wanted reality, but for me I go train, I eat, I go to sleep. I get up eat, go train, eat again, and go to sleep. There is nothing that interesting going on, other than maybe some self-doubt while training. They would try to create these things, and pit us against each other.

MN: You have to feed your body regularly, train at a certain time, rest. It’s not really reality show material. But they created the drama.

CS: After so much success in Muay Thai, what made you decide to transition into mixed martial arts?

MN: One reason was that I was scared of MMA. If you are scared of something, you have to do it. I would hate to be old and grey and look back and remember that I chose not to do because scared of it, or I was intimidated by it. I usually find that give me the most anxiety are the ones that give me the most reward.

MN: With fighting, when I first started fighting, I don’t know if it was being hurt by the other person, my body is always aware that it is in danger, but for me it was being seen that was the scary part. Putting myself out there in front of everyone and letting my light shine instead of hiding. That was the scariest thing for me.

MN: Another reason I got in MMA, it was weird for me, because on one hand I had these historic accomplishments in Muay Thai, and on the other hand I was so broke and unrecognized. I would look at MMA fighters with a couple fights as an amateur, maybe two fights as a pro, and everybody is making this huge funk about them. And they are nothing special and they walk around acting like they are special, and they are getting paid more money than a world champion Muay Thai fighter. It’s baffling and frustrating, so that’s one more reason for my switch.

CS: Are you completely finished with Muay Thai? Or would you return for the right fight?

MN: I would definitely like to defend one of my belts.

CS: Many consider you to be at the top of list of female strikers around the world. How much training do you devote to that aspect compared to wrestling or takedown defense?

MN: It’s all equal, just different aspects of it. My standup for a Muay Thai fight isn’t going to be the same as for an MMA fight, you have to make the adjustments. The opponent comes into play too, what their background is, how do they fight, what’s their style, what’s their temperament in a fight. You have to take all of those things into consideration when you come up with a game plan and your training camp. All the components are there.

CS: This will be your second appearance for Invicta FC. How has your experience been so far with the company?

MN: I am dumbfounded. They give you stuff! I’m not used to that! One time I received a world title belt in Muay Thai, and after posing in the ring and walking out with it, they took it back. My last Thai fight I actually got a win bonus, but that’s it. If you’re lucky you get to keep your gloves.

MN: So I am completely blown away. They are giving me stuff, this is weird. I’m signing posters, really? I’m signing posters and I’m on the undercard. I remember fighting in China, and they don’t really French braid over there. So I am hiking around looking for a salon, no one speaks English, and I have to explain to them what I need for my hair. The day of the fight. Here it’s all taken care of.

CS: What did teammates and Invicta veterans Alexis Davis and Sarah D’Alelio have to say in regards to fighting for Invicta?

MN: Of course we had conversations about Invicta, and their experience there. And they showed me the gift baskets and what not, and I was like huh? They gave you what? They paid you what? It was a no brainer after hearing about those stories.

MN: I’ve had 24 fights, and never had this experience with any promoter that I fought for. It makes me feel like, and as a female fighter you don’t usually feel this way, but for once it makes you feel like having a vagina is good.

CS: On July 13th at Invicta FC 6, you will be facing off against Duda Yankovich, a well accomplished boxer making the transition to MMA. How do you see that match going? How familiar are you with Yankovich?

MN: I’ve said this in my last interview; I don’t see how it’s going. If I try to predict what happens, I can get stuck on one thing. I really just need to focus on whatever is in front of me, so I can react appropriately.

MN: I have looked at her tape; she’s very scrappy. She’s tough, and she doesn’t quit. So it’s a good matchup.

CS: On fight night, what is your mood like? Do you prefer to be left alone and focus? Or do you try to distract yourself?

MN: I’m all over the place. One moment I might be joking and laughing, the next moment I’ll be laying there sleeping, the next moment I’ll be crying, the next moment I want to hit pads so I’ll go crack them, then drink water, then lay down, and then I might want a banana. I’m all over the place.

MN: My coach just knows it’s part of the process, he just has to ride the wave. The night of the fight, I do like to watch the fights in the background because it I don’t feel as far away from the moment. I can watch the athletes in front of me go, and it helps me realize “Oh yeah they are just hitting each other. This is just glorified sparring, no chin guards.”

MN: I like to watch before rather than after, it helps me more before. Unless it’s a fight that I really want to see. It brings it back down to Earth, instead of hyping it in my mind.

CS: So during the fight, how do you prefer to be coached? Who generally accompanies you to the cage?

MN: I don’t remember. I know what I don’t like. I don’t like someone giving me a hard time, and I don’t need someone to lie to me. I do not like someone telling me how bad I am doing, telling me what’s wrong with me. I’ve had that before, and I don’t need it. Just someone talking to me, I can use that.

MN: I only remember really bad situations. I had a fractured eye socket, and I remember telling my coaches I couldn’t continue because I was injured so badly. I had to go to the emergency room after.

MN: I don’t usually get yelled at, because my coach and I usually see eye to eye. I come to our training sessions and I have an idea what an opponent needs, and he will be right there with me. We usually don’t argue about the game plan, because we see similar things.

CS: What types of activities do you enjoy solely for fun and relaxation?

MN: I’m kinda boring, I don’t really do anything. I do make stuff though. I like to make food. I make Paleo, raw, gluten free stuff. I like to design new flavors. I sell them; I made a lavender maple coconut cheesecake, with a spiced orange crust.  I worked at a raw food restaurant and just branched out from there. It’s just me in the kitchen with my short attention span.

MN: I designed a granola for Sarah (D’Alelio), for her birthday last year. She asked me for an apples and cinnamon granola because it would remind her of when she was a kid. That sounds boring though, I didn’t wanna make that. So I threw a twist on it, I put apples and cinnamon with cayenne pepper, black pepper, ginger, and lemon. So it’s apples and cinnamon but kind of spicy. It’s apple jacks for grown-ups.  I call it ‘Monster Morning.’

CS: You eat only a raw food diet. How does that type of diet benefit someone with such a high level of fitness such as yourself?

MN: I’m not actually on an entirely raw food diet. I make a lot of raw food and play around with it, but I’m not entirely raw. I’ve done like 80% raw, everything raw except my meat. You do have to eat more often, it’s kinda a hassle but it’s all about prep work.

CS: All things being equal, if both are on TV at the same time, are you watching MMA or Muay Thai?

MN: Depends on the fight. Completely depends on the fight, I do not like watching shit fights. I don’t like when people say something is good when it’s not good. It’s more frustrating when it’s females fighting, because then it’s about how we are representing ourselves. When it’s rudimentary at best, and you say that its good, you bring down women’s MMA.

MN: When women fight they are doing it for a reason, whereas when men fight it’s just part of their makeup. Women are more born as the nurturer, but men are born as the fighter, the aggressor, the dominator.

CS: Lastly, MMA is as much a team sport as it is an individual one. Who would you like to thank?

MN: Thank you to my whole team. My fight camp process can be a hell of a ride, and I appreciate their patience and endurance while working with me.

MN: A special thanks to my Sambo coach Val, for his conversations that helped me get back on track.

MN: And thank you my Jiu Jitsu coach Matias for reigniting my passion for Jiu Jitsu.

MN: My sponsors Kinetic Chain Sport, Elite Sports Physical Therapy, Sweet Sweat, Revgear, The Rehab Group, and the AMR group.

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FIGHTING WORDS: NICDALI RIVERA-CALANOC

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Returning to the Invicta cage for a third time on July 13th, Nicdali Rivera-Calanoc looks to announce herself as a contender in the 105 pound division with a win over former Invicta Atomweight Champion, Jessica Penne.

With a strong background in boxing, and a hard charging aggressive style, “The Night Queen” has quickly garnered a following for her crowd pleasing fights. Calanoc loves to create poetry in and out of the cage, and will be writing her next chapter on July 13th at Invicta FC 6.

Corey Smith: From an early age you dreamt of being a boxer, and your MMA career evolved from there. How old were you when you first knew you wanted to box? And what attracted you to the sport?

Nicdali Rivera-Calanoc: I was about 11 years old when I knew I wanted to do Boxing. My step-dad at the time and I were watching Oscar de la Hoya fight Chavez for the WBC World championship. At the time I didn’t have any Mexican role models to look up to and I found one in De la Hoya.

NRC: I have always been Athletic since I was 5 years old; I was always doing sports. It runs in my family. My father played American football in college along with basketball. What attracts me to combat sports is that I feeling that it is the highest form of expression.

CS: How early on were you aware of women’s MMA as you were beginning to train in boxing and kickboxing? What led you to the MMA route versus strictly a boxing career?

NRC: Since day one of my training in boxing, I was aware of women’s MMA. Some of my husband’s training partners (Dorothy and Clay) showed me a video of WMMA.

NRC:  I guess what led me to MMA vs Boxing was that my husband did his first MMA fight, watching him win his first Pro MMA fight inspired me. I love all the different variables in MMA, standing and trading blows, clinch, wrestling, and BJJ. I have always dabbled in Jui-Jitsu, and I just love it all. MMA is like life; a sea of possibilities.

CS: You speak both English and Spanish fluently. You are also working on learning Portuguese.  Do enjoy speaking new languages, or does learning Portuguese help in the world of MMA?

NRC: LOL! who told you I was trying to learn Portuguese? I have tried before in the past to learn Portuguese, but it is too similar and different to Spanish. Spanish was my first language and than I learned English when I moved to America at 5 years old. I plan on learning Tagalog (Philipino.) My husband’s father is from there. Then I plan on learning Italian. I want to learn to speak at least 7 languages before I die! Lol!

CS: You are married to and train under retired fighter and US Marine, Travis Calanoc. How much does it help to have someone that is familiar with the fighting lifestyle?  Is it easier or more difficult to train under your spouse?

NRC: I think it is more difficult because you really have to separate yourself from your relationship while you’re training. For example at the gym I call my husband coach and sir. But at home I just call him by his name lol.

NRC: When we are at the gym or during a fight he isn’t my husband, he’s my coach. Part of it is easier because he understands everything I am going through and gives me a lot of advice. He is a great coach. He is constantly continuing his education as far as his field goes. He is a retired MMA fighter so he knows how to incorporate all the things a top level MMA athlete needs.

CS: How much does it help to have someone with the experience of Miesha Tate in your corner during a fight?

NRC: It’s not really during a fight where it makes a huge difference, but as far as my career goes Miesha has taught me ALOT!! I can’t ever thank her enough for helping make me the fighter I am today.

CS: For a good portion of your career you fought at, and had a lot of success at 125lbs. You have since dropped to 105lbs. Do you feel like it was always your most natural weight class? Has the talent level at 105 grown to the point where you always feel you can find competitive fights?

NRC: Yes I had a lot of success at 125lbs, and I also fought quite a bit at 115lbs. I feel best fighting at 105lbs. I feel that with the way Invicta FC has helped grow ALL the WMMA weight classes there are enough competitive fights for everyone.

CS: How were your experiences with Invicta as a company on the first two shows?

NRC: They treated me and the rest of the women like we deserve to be treated; like high level professional athletes. I can’t say enough good things about Ms. Knapp and Janet Martin.

CS: How familiar are you with your opponent on July 13th, Jessica Penne? What should the fans expect out of the fight?

NRC: Yes, I am familiar with Penne, she is the former Invicta world champion. Fans should expect a very exciting fight. I always fight hard as Hades.

CS: Invicta FC commentator and MMA champion, KingMo, has called you a female Wanderlei Silva because of your hard charging and violent style. Does this come from a desire to entertain the fans or is it more your natural fighting style?

NRC: It’s just the way I fight :)

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

NRC: My mood on day and night of the fight is like every other day; 2 cents short of  loca! Just kidding! I am pretty calm. I have a few superstitions and routines; I always get my hair braided the day of the fight and warmup.

CS: When you are in the cage, what type of coaching and feedback do you look for from your corner? Does anyone’s voice standout over the others?

NRC: I can always hear my husband and main coach Travis Calanoc’s voice and I can also always hear Miesha Tate voice if she is there.

CS: When you aren’t training, what types of activities do you enjoy for fun? How do you relax after a long day of training camp?

NRC: I read books, comics and I study hair fashion. I also like to long board, cook, paint, and write poetry.  During camp I like to read a book or watch a movie, or have a discussion with my husband.

CS: Lastly, MMA is equally a team sports as it is an individual sport. Who would you like to thank?

NRC: I would like to thank my sponsors: FighterGirls, Funkygums, Babes of MMA, Sangre Management, UPC Tulsa and Team UnderDawgs!!

NRC: Special thanks to Travis Calanoc, Charlie Mills, Nulf, Jose, and Miesha Tate.

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FIGHTING WORDS: NORMA RUEDA CENTER

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Undefeated Jacksons’ MMA prospect, Norma Rueda Center will make her Invicta FC debut on July 13th as a late replacement opponent for Scottish striker Joanne Calderwood at Invicta FC 6.

Bringing her “dark passenger” into the ring with her, Center will attempt to remain undefeated after turning pro in March. Center is ready to put the division on notice; there is a new lion in town, and she is ready to hunt her prey.

Corey Smith: What initially drew you to the world of Mixed Martial Arts? What discipline did you begin training in first?

Norma Rueda Center: My husband, DustinCenter, (boyfriend at the time) introduced me to MMA.   In 2011, Dustin was getting ready for his second pro fight in Kentucky for Absolute Action MMA.   There were flyers going around advertising the next fight card including the “famous” Kim Couture.   I saw the flyer and started telling my buddies, “I am going to fight this girl.”

NRC: A week later I was training in Son of Siam, KY.  I loved BJJ, because I come from a wrestling background.  Nonetheless, I was intrigued by the world of Muay Thai.

NRC: They tried getting me the fight against Couture but in the end, I didn’t get the fight.  However, I was able to get a fight with a local girl who was 3-0.  Despite her MMA experience, I decided I wanted to fight.

CS: How did training at Jackson’s MMA come about and how soon did you begin training there?

NRC: After a couple of fights, I began training in Dayton MMA with Michael Patt.   Patt’s team made me feel like part of a team, and it is here where decided I wanted to take it to the next level.   With the Ohio gloomy days, I grew homesick and I missed my family.  You can say I am weak sauce, I guess, but I missed the desert.

NRC: So many things had happened; I married Dustin and had a couple more fights.   In a toll of continuing our MMA career, we both decided to pack up our things and head to Albuquerque, NM.   It was a rough drive from Ohio to New Mexico, but we were too excited.  We began training a week soon after we arrived to Albuquerque.

CS: Many Jackson’s MMA students have stated that the diversity and depth of knowledge, not just from its coaches but from fellow fighters, is Jacksons biggest strength. Would you agree? What keeps you training at Jackson’s?

NRC: I couldn’t agree more.  If one of the coaches can’t make it to practice, one of the fighters substitute for the day and we continue to do what we do every day – train like champions.

CS: After a perfect 5-0 record as an amateur, you took your first professional bout on just two days notice against Rachel Cummins. How did that bout come about? And what led you to believe that you were ready to turn pro?

NRC: Like I stated in the previous questions, we all help each other.  My teammate Heather Clark, who now switched gyms to be close to family, told me about the fight.  The rest of the girls and coaches Julie Kedzie, Jodie Esquibel agreed I was ready for this fight.

NRC: Furthermore, I had been asking everyone for a fight.  So, I took advantage of the opportunity.   Cummins is a great MMA fighter.  It was our pro debut, so it was perfect.

CS: You will also be stepping in on late notice at Invicta FC 6 to face Joanne Calderwood. How familiar are you with Joanne? Was there any hesitation in taking the bout?

NRC: Well, at least this time, I have a short camp. I studied some of Calderwood’s fights and realized she is a vicious fighter. I like that. There’s no doubt we will be in a war for Invicta.

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

NRC: I am very content with Invicta’s decision of putting me part of this card in short notice.   The third one (opponent) is the charm.

CS: At this point in your career, what are your goals going forward?

NRC: At this point in my MMA career, I am hungry.  I’m a lion and going after my prey.   It’s time to show the crowd a Mexican beat down.

CS: Most fighters list the weight cut as the hardest aspect of MMA. Aside from that, what do you consider the hardest aspect?

NRC: The weight cut should be the least of the worries.  However there’s no doubt the hallucinations from the weight cut make you feel crazy.  Neither does the crazy ever go away.  Lol. To me, the hardest aspect is the performance a fighter does in the cage.  I want to perform to the best of my potential.

CS: On fight night, what is your mindset? Do you have any routines that you perform? Any superstitions?

NRC: I’m Mexican so superstitions are always included in my routine; however I try not to think about them.  I like to stay relaxed and focused on the things I want to do in the cage.   When I walk into the cage, I am no longer NormaCenter.   My dark passenger comes into play.

CS: Who will be accompanying you to the cage on July 13th? What type of feedback do you prefer from your coaches?

NRC: Well, the plan is not yet confirmed.   Usually, my husband is at my corner but he decided to step back this time.  He gets too nervous.  Whoever is in my corner, I would like them to yell out winning techniques.

CS: Outside of the cage, what types of activities do you enjoy? What helps you to make it through a long training camp?

NRC: I enjoy keeping my feet on land. I like trekking; there are some many places I would like to see. With the company of my husband, I enjoy going to other countries.  I love socializing with strangers, along with a cheap beer of course.

NRC: I always like an adventure, no matter what happens.   As for “what helps you to make it through a long training camp?” Hmmm… I shall find out when I do have one.   I’m going to guess, ultimately, the outcome my performance and fight.

CS: How much MMA do watch purely for enjoyment?

NRC: Let’s just say that when there are fights going on, those are our “date” nights.   We go out quite often.

CS: Lastly, MMA is as equally a team sport as it is an individual one. Who would you like to thank?

NRC: True.  I have endless people to thank.  It goes way back to when I started in Ohio and people really took the time to help me.  I would like to thank all of those MMA promotions that embrace and support WMMA.   Thank you to all the girls who step into the cage and kick ass!

NRC: Thank you to all my teammates, coaches, managers at Jackson’s MMA and Mean 1.

NRC:  My supporting family and loving husband DustinCenter.   Most importantly, the Lord because is with me at every step.

NRC: What the heck, I’ll just throw it out there.  I would like to thank Ronda Rousey for almost breaking Meisha Tate’s arm.  No pun intended.  And you’re Welcome.

NRC: Checkout my Facebook page:  NormaRuedaCenter

NRC: Twitter:   @nrcenter

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FIGHTING WORDS: JOANNE CALDERWOOD

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Explosive and exciting Scotish striker Joanna Calderwood treks across the ocean to again conquer the Invicta cage on July 13th, for Invicta FC 6.

Shrugging off two opponent changes, Calderwood is focused on one thing; NormaRuedaCenter. With a mental game as strong as her renowned striking, Calderwood is intent on earning the win, and propelling herself towards the Invicta FC Straweight World title.

Corey Smith: You have said in the past that you got into MMA by accident. How did your love for MMA come about?

Joanne Calderwood: I started Muay Thai by accident. I went along to a class to keep my little brother company initially. After a while he packed it in, and I got more and more into it. I got into MMA just from being around the MMA guys in our gym, they seemed to be having a lot of fun, Their banter was funny, they were getting decent exposure, and opportunities where as I was getting less fights in Muay Thai.

JC: I had pretty much achieved everything I wanted to in it when I became a world champion. The thing I love most about MMA is just learning every day in the gym.

CS: At one point you were a nursing assistant. Have you considered the irony of helping people with health problems at one point, and then being the one causing the health problems?

JC: Haha, I still trained Muay Thai when I was working in the hospitals. I loved working and helping people especially the elderly. For the record I never took my training to work and never took my work to training ;)

JC: I feel that I’m still that caring person but now it’s just looking after people in the gym and looking out for my team mates. When I fight I never go in wanting to injure my opponent, it’s a sport. I want to beat them within the rules but I know they’re there to hurt me and sometimes they do get hurt. I try and always check on the girls after I fight them.

CS: With your genesis in MMA coming via kickboxing, do you ever see yourself going back to solely kickboxing matches?

JC: To be honest the thing I love in MMA is to be the best you got to beat the best. In Muay Thai every girl in my category is a champion, I beat four world champions before picking up my world title, and in the end the title thing was never a factor for me.

JC: But with MMA, the Invicta title belt will mean the world to me when I win it. Outside of Ronda I believe the Invicta champions are the best female fighters in the world at each respective weight class.

JC: I will still take big Muay Thai fights, defend my ISKA title and if the right opportunity comes along I’d take it, but MMA is my first priority.

CS: Does being one of the only active female fighters from Scotland hold special meaning to you?

JC: No not at all, it doesn’t really bother me and it doesn’t make me feel special in any way. I’d still be doing this if there were a hundred females in Scotland doing this and I’d still be the best one in the bunch.

JC: It does make me proud being a fighter and traveling and showing other countries that Scots can fight. Scotland’s a proud fighting country.

CS: What is the MMA community like in Scotland and in Europe? Are there major differences between European MMA and in the United States?

JC: Yea there is some big differences, in general everything is a bit more professional and regulated in the United States although there are some really good promotions in Europe doing good things. I’d say Europe is a little behind the states, but they’re getting there. You can see this with some of the European fighters doing well in the big US based shows.

CS: Your MMA career has taken you all around the globe, from your home in Scotland, to the United States, and including a stop in India. How does travel affect your training and conditioning?

JC: My training is usually done by the time I travel; I’ve never had any trouble with travelling. When I went to India I felt it a bit, but I just got on with it. I don’t like to cause any drama. At the end of the day I’m there to do my job and can’t really moan about it when it’s what I want to do. The traveling and weight cut is all mental, it should never be an excuse for under performing.

CS: You have fought on two previous Invcita cards, earning Knockout of the Night on one of them. How has your experience been like so far with the company?

JC: In one word; awesomeness. They are really great to work for and fight for. I’m so excited to be going back and to have extended my contract with them. I was gutted I wasn’t on the last one. I’d fight on every show they put on if they would let me. It’s really nice to get treated as a professional athlete by everyone on the team and I was a fan of the show the first time I saw it, so it’s cool to be a part of it.

CS: Your opponent at Invicta FC 6 on July 13th, NormaCenter, who trains out of Jacksons MMA, and brings an undefeated record with her. What are you expecting out of this bout?

JC: I’m really looking forward to putting on another great performance, my camp has been great and I’m just getting into last few weeks of training. Even though my opponents changed twice it doesn’t affect my training camp, it just means my coaches might need to tailor it a tad, but my heads been down and nothing can change that.

CS: There is some thought that the winner of this bout could be in line for a shot at current Invicta FC Straweight Champion Carla Esparza. Do title shot implications carry with them extra pressure for you?

JC: I’m not seeing past Norma. I will tell you though my screensaver is the Invicta belt and there ain’t a second that goes by looking at the belt that I don’t see myself fighting to the death for it. I hope I won’t be far away from a title shot, but I need to keep performing and winning to earn that spot and when I do, as Muhammad Ali once said,

“Not only be champion of the whole world, better than all of those before me.”

CS: What is your mindset like on the day of the fight? Do you have any superstitions or routines that you have to perform?

JC: Calm and focused. I spend it around my positive corner team and I could be going to war with a bear and I’d be calm, confident and ready.

JC: Not really, I always brush my gum shield the night before. I like to make sure I get a hug off all my team mates when I know I won’t see them until after the fight.

CS: Who usually accompanies you to the cage?

JC: Always my partner, coach, training partner and manager James Doolan. Paul McVeigh usually makes an appearance when he knows there’s an opportunity of getting his Blue Steel pose snapped by a camera within 100 miles. If the fights in the UK, one of my other coaches Guy Ramsay or Garry Christie will be there.

CS: What type of coaching do you prefer from your corners during a fight?

JC: My partner corners me with my other coaches; he knows how I think and how to get me to react. He is the only one who talks. I think this is important as in my earlier fights there has been times when 3 people telling me different things.

JC: I feel confident with my corner team, they’re very experienced. There isn’t anything in MMA they haven’t seen before and I trust them totally. I’ve had people comment on the relationship between me and my corner in several fights, it’s pretty unique but works so well.

CS: What types of activities do you enjoy for fun?

JC: I think training is fun! I’m pretty boring and single minded if I’m not training, I’m sleeping. I do some normal stuff like going to the movies, walking and stuff. I’ll have plenty of time for fun stuff once I’m done fighting.

CS: What helps you to mentally recharge during training camp?

JC: Sleep has a massive part lol. I think I have a good mind set and try to always feed the positives to the negatives. If I have a bad day I’ve got a great team behind me also.

CS: MMA is as much a team sport as it is an individual one. Who would you like to thank?

JC: People don’t realize just how much MMA is a team sport. Thanks to every one on my team especially everyone that helps me prepare for my fights.

JC: DNFT #1 kicking Baws and breaking jaws. The old saying “There is no I in team,” is a true one.

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FIGHTING WORDS: CHARMAINE TWEET

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Confident and experienced, Charmaine Tweet answered the call, and will clash with Ediane Gomes at Invicta FC 6 on July 13th.

Fulfilling a lifetime goal to fight for the pinnacle of Women’s MMA, Tweet had little hesitation filling in for an injured Julia Budd, even after having fought on June 1st. A world champion Muay Thai fighter with strong submission skills, Tweet will to make an impressive Invicta debut on July 13th.

Corey Smith: At a young age, your introduction to martial arts came via fitness tapes made by Sugar Ray Leonard. Soon after you began to train kickboxing with Duke Roofus. How did that relationship come about? And what was your early training like?

Charmaine Tweet: My husband actually met Duke first, and since he knew that I was interested in boxing sent me down to his gym for a free trial.  I absolutely loved it and told them right away that I wanted to box competitively, and was asked if I would be interested in kickboxing as well; I said sure and entered into their beginner class.

CT: I spent three or four, what seemed to me like, very long months in that class trying to get the skills down.  I never saw myself as being particularly coordinated, and couple that with my intense desire to succeed and be the best, and I was feeling like I wasn’t doing very well.  Looking back now, I was probably doing better than most!

 

CS: How soon after your training began did you take your first Muay Thai bout? What was that first bout like for you mentally?

CT: I had my first bout approximately two years after I first started training.  It was against Julie Kedzie and it was tough! There I was 26 years old, with two years experience, competing against a Third Degree Black Belt who had been training since she was a child.

CT: I experienced my first ever ‘adrenaline dump”, my arms and legs felt like lead and it didn’t feel like I could do anything.  It ended in a draw and I wasn’t so sure I wanted to compete again, but I pressed on and my second fight was much better and I knew that I wanted to continue in the sport.

 

CS: Your Muay Thai career lasted roughly ten years before you began MMA full time. What was your biggest accomplishment? How do the Muay Thai and MMA worlds differ?

CT: I won two World Titles as a striker, and would have to say that my biggest accomplishment, so far :) , was winning the IFMA Championship in Thailand.  As far as the sports themselves go, in Thai Boxing, you only have to worry about eight different things hitting you in a variety of ways and in MMA you still have to worry about those, but when you add in the wrestling and BJJ aspects you suddenly have hundreds of different things that could be happening to you and it can be a little bit overwhelming at first.

CT: I also found the worlds outside of the competitive arena quite a bit different as well.  In Thai Boxing you could compete with relative anonymity, where as is in MMA people really start to know who you are and can have very strong opinions of you.  I find it kind of interesting, with the expansion of social media, to see the good, bad and sometimes downright ugly things people have to say about their favorite and not so favorite fighters lol.

CS: Despite being classified as the classic “striker” label, all of your wins have come via submission. What do you credit for such a strong ground game?

CT: The funny thing is, I love to strike, but in each fight the submission just seemed to present it’s self to me. When I first started taking BJJ, it wasn’t real fun for me . It wasn’t until I found the right coach & gym with an amazing team that I real started to enjoy BJJ & Wrestling. Wiley BJJ has really helped me elevate my ground game to a new level and has rounded out my MMA.

CS: The first opponent in your MMA career was Ronda Rousey. What were your impressions of her at the time? How do you think a rematch would turn out?

CT: It was my first fight, and going Pro with no real amateur experience in MMA was a big leap. I thought she was good enough to win that night. But let’s make no mistake about it, that was 2 years ago. And I am a different fighter today. There is no doubt in my mind a re-match would end much differently; even at 135 lbs. Never say never!!!

CS: You have spoken in the past about viewing Strikeforce as the pinnacle of Women’s MMA, and that your goal was to fight there. With Strikeforce’s closure, and Invicta’s

emergence, how does it feel to be fighting for the pinnacle of Women’s MMA?

CT: It is 12 years worth of hard work all coming together at the right time. I am so proud to be fighting for Invicta FC. Shannon & Janet are such great ambassadors for WMMA, and I’m glad to be part of it. After working so hard to get here, it was very hard to turn down an amazing opportunity when Janet called for Invicta FC 5.

CT: It was a real short notice fight and there was only just over 1 week to prepare. So after talking with my Coach and Manager we decided to play it smart and wait. I can tell you that was a couple of tough days struggling with that. But like I always say… “Everything happens for a reason”, and here we are today.

CS: You most recently fought on June 1st, and will now be facing Ediane Gomes on less than a month’s notice. Was there any hesitation in taking the bout so soon after your last one and on short notice? How familiar are you with Gomes?

CT: We called Janet just prior to my June 1st fight, when another fight we had lined up for England fell through. We asked if there was a chance to get a spot on Invicta 6. The card was already full, so Janet suggested I stay ready as a possible alternate at 145.

CT: I did just that. I went right back to the gym the Monday following my win over Amanda Bell, and started getting ready for this card. So when the call came a few days ago, there was no hesitation. I have been given an opportunity and I plan to make the most of it come July 13th. I met Ediane at a card a few years back, but other then that don’t know her personally. She comes from a great gym with a strong team, but I feel I match up in all areas and have the advantage in most.

 

CS: On fight night, what is your mindset? Do you have any routines that you perform? Any superstitions?

CT: My game plan and the way I get ready is something we don’t discuss outside my locker room with my team. I can say that she is the one person standing in my way at this point….. And that’s not a good place to be!!

 

CS: Who will be accompanying you to the cage on July 13th? What type of feedback do you prefer from your coaches?

CT: My two coaches from Wiley BJJ, from Regina Saskatchewan, Canada, Jeff Wiley & Nolan Coller, will be in my corner. We are a family and it comes down to Train Hard, Win Easy!!!

 

CS: Outside of training and martial arts, what types of activities do you enjoy?

CT: I’m a Mom :)   I like watching my two teenage ( Joshua 16 & Christian 13 ) sons play Football,  Basketball & Wrestle. We are an all around sports family and its kind of how we all stick together and get time as a family

CS: What advice would you give to a young athlete looking to begin their journey in martial arts?

CT: Follow what you feel is right. Don’t let gyms, coaches, friends, etc tell you what direction is best for you. If it feels right it probably is, if it doesn’t maybe its time for a change. God knows I have found that out over the years. :)

CS: Lastly, MMA is as much a team sport as it is an individual one. Who would you like to thank?

CT: I want to first thank my family for supporting me and letting me pursue my dreams while encouraging me at every turn.

CT: Secondly I want t thank my Coaches Jeff Wiley, Nolan Coller, Moses Ali (New Line Boxing) , Myke Lee & Deryl Bangsund.

CT: But honestly without the entire family at Wiley BJJ, which includes all the students, I wouldn’t be at this place today!! I love these guys… this is my home, it’s not just a gym!!

CT: I need to as always give a huge shout out to all my amazing sponsors and with any luck get a great plug in for them all. Misfit Baggers, The Tap House, Canadian Whey,

X – ION – X, Signal Direct, Power Dodge, Dedicated Few, and Com Tech!

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FIGHTING WORDS: EDIANE GOMES

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Riding a four fight win streak, Brazilian Featherweight Ediane Gomes returns to the Invicta cage on July 13th when she faces Charmaine Tweet at Invicta FC 6.

A woman of few words, Gomes has faced top flight competition her entire career, and after a injurt forced her off Invicta FC 5, she is intent on a win this July. Training out of American Top Team in Coconut Creek, FL, Gomes is looking to become a world champion at 145 lbs, and a win against Tweet is the next step towards that goal.

Corey Smith: You had to pull out of your Invicta FC 5 bout with Cris Cyborg with an unspecified training injury. Can you tell us what that injury was? And have you fully recovered from it?

Ediane Gomes: I had a severe contusion on my ribs.  Originally we thought they were broken and it looked like 2 of them were sticking out of my stomach.  I wasn’t able to train for several weeks.

EG: I am fully recovered now and was very disappointed I could not fight Cyborg.  I really wanted that fight.

CS: What are your goals in Invicta this year after coming back from the injury?

EG: I want to be the Title Champion.

CS: How do ensure that another injury does not occur but also receive the proper amount of training for the fight?

EG: Injuries happen in this sport.  I try to be careful but I train very hard.  I train with the men.  I want to be the best so I always go 100%.

CS: Cyborg went on to fight Fiona Muxlow, and is now scheduled to face Marloes Coenen for the Invicta FC Featherweight title. Is that a fight you still want at some point down the road?

EG: Definitely.  That would be a huge fight for me.

CS: Your opponent at Inicta FC 6, Charmaine Tweet, is an accomplished kickboxer. How do you prepare for an opponent such as Tweet? What are you expecting out of the bout?

EG: I have been working a lot on my striking.  My striking has gotten so good.  I want to knock her out.

CS: On the subject of training camp, what is a typical day during camp for you? How do you maintain your motivation throughout camp?

EG: I train every day in the morning and night.  Depending on the day depends on what I train on.  In Brazil I came from nothing- very very poor.  My motivation is to do better for me and my family.

CS: For an international fight such as this one, what is your travel schedule like coming from Brazil?

EG: I live in Coconut Creek FL so no international travel for me!

CS: Invicta goes to great lengths to make sure their fighters only have to concentrate on their fights, going so far as to bring in someone just to braid athlete’s hair before the fight. What do things like that do for your performance in the cage?

EG:The more my mind can only think of the fight- the better prepared I am.

CS: What is your mindset on fight night? Any routines or superstitions?

EG:I get very aggressive.  Ready to knock someone out.  I think only of the knockout.

CS: When you are in the cage, what do you expect from your corners? Do you allow all your corners to coach, or do you have a main voice that you look to?

EG: I try and listen to everything they tell me so I will do better in the fight.

CS: Outside of preparation for your fights, how much MMA do you watch purely for enjoyment?

EG: I watch a lot when I can.  I love MMA.

CS: Lastly, MMA is as much a team sport as it is an individual one. Who would you like to thank?

EG:My coaches at ATT, Mike Rodriguez, Ricardo Liborio.

EG: My management team at ML Management and Tina Vidal-Smith.

EG: And my sponsors:  Bas Rutten, Dogs Forever Forever Dogs, Fight Chix, MMA Owl, MMA Overload, and Faction Mouthguards.

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FIGHTING WORDS: MIZUKI INOUE

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Japanese prodigy Mizuki Inoue makes her American MMA debut July 13thagainst fan favorite Bec Hyatt at Invicta FC. Roughly one month before her 19th birthday, Inoue will have the chance to prove she is a true warrior.

With a desire to win world championships in MMA, Shoot Boxing, and Kick Boxing, Inoue will try to take a large leap towards that goal on July 13th. Having already won a world title in Shoot Boxing, Inoue believes the only way to be a true martial artist is to be great at all disciplines.

Corey Smith: Outside of the United States, Japan has one of the strongest female mixed martial arts scenes in the world. How did you first enter into mixed martial arts?

Mizuki Inoue: I began karate when I was in fourth grade, and I made my pro debut at age 15 as a kick boxer. But Chairman Yamaguchi (of Hakushin-kai) had this philosophy that “if you want to be the best fighter in the world then you have to do MMA” so, I actually have been training MMA for a while now. Probably over five years.

MI: Japan does have a strong women’s MMA scene but from watching fights outside Japan I feel we are behind in the strength department so I have been working on gaining more power.

CS: You have quickly amassed a MMA record of 5-1 to go along with a kickboxing record of 4-1. What has been the moment you are most proud of so far?

MI: From the very beginning I have been saying this in public; I want to win titles in three different disciplines which is MMA, kick boxing and Shoot Boxing.

MI: And by winning Shoot Boxing’s S-Cup tourney last year I achieved one goal, so that has to be my biggest achievement so far.

CS: You are also 4-1 in your Shoot Boxing career. For those unfamiliar with Shoot Boxing, what are the major differences between it and MMA? How are they similar?

MI: Shoot Boxing is so-called “Standing Vale Tudo”. It’s like kick boxing plus throws and standing submissions.

MI: Since I am from karate, many fans think I am a kick boxer or a Shoot Boxing fighter but I consider myself a MMA fighter.  I decided to fight in Shoot Boxing as part of my path to become a better MMA fighter.

CS: Have the varied rules you have competed under been a result of a lack of willing opponents in MMA, or do you have a desire to test yourself in all disciplines?

MI: My master, Chairman Yamaguchi (of Hakushin-kai) believes that the best fighters in the combat sports are MMA fighters. Meaning, if you are a fighter then you have to be able to win MMA fights otherwise you are not the best fighter, and I agree with that. So, in order for to become a MMA champion I am willing to train any discipline.

CS: This will be your debut fighting outside of Japan. Do you anticipate any extra difficulties fighting in another country? What are you doing to prepare for the travel?

MI: Honestly right now I am too busy training so I am not really thinking about a long flight or jet lag or anything like that. Not yet (laugh).

MI: But this is going to be my first trip outside Japan, so I am excited.

CS: You will be making your Invicta FC debut against fan favorite, Bec Hyatt. How familiar are you with Hyatt? What areas will you focus on in your training camp?

MI: I’ve seen her fights in Invicta FC. I think she is very aggressive. I can tell she has got a very strong heart, and she is a very good striker.

MI: So, I think she is going to attack me with her punches, and I am prepared to go toe-to-toe with her.

CS: What does a typical day in training camp consist of for you?

MI: I do a couple hours of weight, strength straining in the afternoon and I do about five to six hours at night. Mainly sparring though.

CS: What is your mindset on the night of the fight? What type of routine do you have before the fight?

MI: Before the fight, in my head, I just go over the strategies and also, I tell myself things I cannot do, etc.

MI: I am usually pretty calm before the fight. I am just concentrating most of the time.

CS: When you are in the cage, what do you expect from your corners? Do you allow all your corners to coach, or do you have a main voice that you look to?

MI: Well, in Japan I can hear Chairman Yamaguchi’s voice clearly because usually the audience is quiet, but in the US I guess that is not the case right?

MI: So, I am prepared for that.

CS: When you aren’t in the gym or the cage, what types of activities do you enjoy? How do you mentally unwind after a long day of camp?

MI: On my day offs, I go out to karaoke with my friends.

MI: But I train all the time so during the training camp, I just train and sleep.

CS: Lastly, MMA is as much an individual sport, as it is a team sport. Who would you like to thank?

MI: I would like to thank Invicta FC and JEWELS for giving me this opportunity.

MI: I would like to thank Chairman Yamaguchi and all of my team mates to believing in me.

MI: I also would like to thank my sponsors Bull Terrier, Alienware Computers, Helmet, and HALEO.

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FIGHTING WORDS: BEC HYATT

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Brash and outspoken fan favorite from down under, Bec Hyatt storms back into the Invicta FC cage on July 13th to take on Japanese sensation Mizuki Inoue.

Like the Tasmanian Devil of her home, Hyatt has exploded onto the MMA scene with two previous bouts under the Invicta FC banner. Always looking to entertain her ever growing fan base, Hyatt never backs down from a challenge, and Mizuki Inoue will be no different.

Corey Smith: Getting right to the important topics, you won the Invicta FC Harlem Shake contest before IFC 5. How important was that win for you?

Bec Hyatt: It was really cool to win the contest!  I’m planning on taking my two boys to Movie World with the money. The cheque only just cleared as this fight camp started, so we have to wait till I’m back from Invicta FC 6  :)

CS: You have quickly become one of the most popular Invicta athletes. Do you feel any added pressure to perform due to the popularity?

BH: No not at all, I’m just really enjoying the ride. I’m pretty lucky I have a laid back personality and  I’m not phased by much.

CS: Leading up to your bout at Invicta FC 5, there was a lot of tension between yourself and your opponent, Jasminka Cive. After your victory, do you feel like that is behind you?

BH: There was A LOT of tension between Jasminka and myself :) But I went out there and did exactly what I said I was going to do and I’m at peace with that :)

CS: Before Invicta FC 5, you also had a bit of a run in with Fallon Fox, a non Invicta athlete. Do you think that your outspoken personality unfairly leads to these types of situations?

BH: Oh man I swear there is never a dull moment, I always have some kind of drama in my life and that day it was Fallon Fox in all her glory trying to pick a fight with a straweight. I think I’m a drama magnet due to my out spoken, don’t give a shit kind of attitude I have ;)

CS: You now have two American fights under your belt. Do you feel like you have properly adjusted to fighting on another continent? What is your travel schedule like coming from Australia?

BH: My first trip over to fight Carla Esparza for the straweight title was cwazyyy to say the least. I was on such a high on the flight over and the little time I had in the US flew by so quickly. And before I knew it I was home eating Nutella cupcakes, sulking because I wanted to go back.

BH:  Invicta must of heard me and brought me straight back to face Jasminka, that trip was 27 hours of hell but wasn’t so hectic once the airline found my teams luggage and we had a good night’s rest! Fingers crossed they don’t lose my luggage this flight over so I can be super relaxed and enjoy every second I have in the US.

CS: What do you enjoy about fighting for Invicta Fighting Championships?

BH: Invicta is amazing; they treat their athletes like royalty and genuinely care about us. It’s a really nice feeling to know you’re in safe hands and I really really really like all the goodie bags and gifts they surprise me with each fight.

CS: At Invicta FC 6 on July  13th, you will be facing Japanese wunderkid Mizuki Inoue. How familiar are you with her skills and her career? What do you anticipate out of the match?

BH: I personally don’t know much about Mizuki. It sounds weird, but I don’t really study my opponents, I leave that to my head coach Mal Van. He uses his secret ninja powers and hunts down fight footage and anything else he feels relevant. He then comes to me with a game plan, I train what he tells me to train with no questions asked… It seems to of worked so far so I didn’t feel the need to change anything this time around.

BH: As for what I am expecting, I’m expecting what happens in most of my fights; she will come out to stand with me until I land one of my bombs on her dome!  And she will no likey to stand no more and will try to take the fight to the ground ;)

CS: Where do you think a win versus Inoue would put you towards your stated goal of another shot at the Invicta FC Straweight title?

BH:  I think it gets me one fight closer. I’m not silly I know I have to win at least 2 or 3 more fights before Invicta would even consider me as a title contender, buuuut I’m cool with climbing the ladder.

CS: What does a typical day of training look like for you? How do you maintain your motivation and energy levels through a training camp?

BH: A typical day of training for me during fight camp consists of dragging my lily white butt outta bed at some ungodly hour to tend to my two little ones, feed them yummy food that I can’t eat and automatically puts me in a no go zone. LOL.

BH: I then head to the gym to lift weights or to a local spot where I run stair sprints, after that I head home to re fuel for my afternoon session of wrestling, sparing or swimming depending on what The Croc Aka Mal Van has planned for me.

BH:  Then its food time again IF I’ve been good that day and haven’t snuck nutella into my diet which is probably never.  At night I have fight training at Impact MMA,  which starts off with a S&C circuit followed by either MMA, BJJ, Freestyle Wrestling, Striking or sparing.

CS: On the night of the fight, what is your mindset like? What is the mood in your locker room?

BH: I’m pretty chill come fight night, if anything I’m really excited to punch someone in the face :) I get little nerves but that’s because I HATE losing.

CS: Who generally accompanies you to the cage? What type of in cage feedback do you prefer?

BH: My head coach Mal Van is the guy I listen too :) He knows how to speak “Rowdy” language as he calls it. LOL.

CS: You are renowned for your interaction with your fans, so what is the best advice you have ever received from a fan?

BH: I love my supporters, I always say it and I’m going to say it again; I have THE BEST supporters ever! I’m not real sure what the best advice I’ve been given but I must say I loved being reminded that I had a vagina after my last weigh in pic was released. LOL. If it wasn’t for them I would have completely forgotten ;)

CS: Most importantly, having been raised on the island of Tasmania, how often do you see Tasmanian Devils? And are they as mean as they are portrayed?

BH: I have seen them at the zoo but that’s about it, they are pretty vicious so I’m kinda glad it was behind a closure :)

CS: Lastly, MMA is as much a team sport as it is an individual one. Who would you like to thank?

BH: I’d like to thank my gym Impact MMA, Mal Van and all my training partners.

BH:  My major sponsor Americana MMA, Innate Vitality, FACAA, ACR Security, Promo Shack, NRF Australia, Alchemist Management, Gamebred Combat Club, Empire martial Arts

BH:  And a big thanks to my family and friends that play a huge role in my success with their support. Especially the past few months when I needed it the most :)

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FIGHTING WORDS: DUDA YANKOVICH

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In a matchup that harkens back to genesis of MMA world champion boxer Duda Yankovich takes on world champion Muay Thai fighter Miriam Nakamoto at Invicta FC 6 on July 13th.

After losing her very first MMA bout via submission, a bout she was wining, Yankovich decided to make her weakness a strength and began to train heavily with one of the all time greats, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira. Seeing herself as a modern day gladiator, Yankovich seeks to stand alone in the arena with her hand raised.

Corey Smith: The first martial art that you began training in was boxing. How did that come about? How many years have you been a professional boxer?

Duda Yankovich: Actually no, as a kid I started with karate-shotokan. Then after that I entered kick boxing and trained for 7 years, I was a part of national team of former Yugoslavia, then I moved to brazil and started at first with amateur boxing and than I went pro in 2005. I’ve been pro since then, and I am not retired yet from boxing, but for now I’m concentrated on only MMA. Who knows maybe, at the end of my sport career I might do one more boxing fight….

CS: With world titles on your resume in boxing, you have recently made the transition to MMA. How would you compare the world of Boxing to the world of MMA?

DY: I just have one world title; WIBA Jr Welterweight belt. I won it in November 2006 and kept it with success till 2009. Boxing is very traditional sport. People will always like a good boxing fight, but MMA made a change in the world of martial arts. Media, and big shows, very talented athletes made MMA as popular as football… and maybe more. I define the fighters as ‘modern gladiators’ and that is what the public likes. It is in our nature.

CS: After so much success in the boxing world, what made you decide to transition into mixed martial arts?

DY: After I lost my title by being inactive for more than a year due to an injury, I tried a few times to get it back or get another one like WBC or WBA.  But being out of rhythm made me lose the first one and than I just got the fight with Ann Sophie Matthis, which was not even my weight class. However my disappointment in boxing came with my last title shot in Colombia, where I won the clean fight and the local judges stole my victory and didn’t give me the right for a rematch in Brazil or Serbia. So not getting the fair fight or fair referees was very bad to me and is very bad for the sport. So training at Team Nogueira, with all those names, it is easy to like MMA, and learn also.

CS: During your boxing career you faced Holly Holm, whom many contend is the greatest female boxer on the planet. Holm has recently retired from boxing to pursue MMA full time. How do you think her game translates to MMA?

DY: I accepted to fight Holly in her weight class, and in America, it is a tough one to win, lol. But she was a great boxer, very fast and strong and not easy to beat. In MMA, she will be great on stand up fight . I don’t know if she trains jiu jitsu or submission or wrestling, probably does, but in the beginning she might have a difficulty to fight girls who do more ground fighting.

CS: You train at Team Nogueira, a team known for its Jiu Jitsu. How much training do you devote to wrestling or takedown defense, when you have a strong striking background such as yours? What advantages are there training at Team Nogueira?

DY: After I lost my MMA debut by submission, and I was winning the fight, I realized that I will not be able always to keep the fight standing up, so I started intense trainings of Jiu Jitsu and submissions and even won some Jiu Jitsu championships. I do train wrestling also with my American coach, Eric Albarracin, and actually I love it all. I always prefer to keep the fighting up, but I am ready if the action goes to the ground. The good thing about Team Nogueira is that there are so many fighters, different type so we are almost never surprised. And we also have all kind of training at the same place, which makes our lives easier.

CS: This will be your third career MMA match, and your first with Invicta FC. How has your experience been so far with the company?

DY: I have known Invicta since I entered MMA as a very strong and respected company. The best girls are there. I consider it very important the fact that it is only womem, cause in our days female fighters are technically as good as men. It is nice to see all at one place. I appreciate that Shannon and Janet gave me the chance. I am very happy with all that happens.

CS: Your opponent on July 13th at Invicta FC 6, Miriam Nakamoto, is a world champion Muay Thai fighter. How familiar are you with Nakamoto? How do you think your style matches up with hers?

DY:  It could be a good fight to both of us. Depending on the strategy, I know Miriam for her strength and very good kicking and knee techniques, and I do respect her for that.

CS: On fight night, what is your mood like? Do you prefer to be left alone and focus? Or do you try to distract yourself?

DY:  I like to concentrate. I love to fight I have been doing that all my life. For me peace and concentration is very important. Zero distraction.

CS: You have spoken about enjoying outdoor activities such as surfing and climbing among others. What other types of activities do you enjoy solely for fun and relaxation?

DY: I love roller skating and wakeboard, not surfing, I do not know how to surf but I would love to learn for fun one day. I climb mountains but easy ones like on my feet just no equipment, more cause I love the nature. It calms me down, improves my energy.

CS: All things being equal, if both are on TV at the same time, are you watching MMA or Boxing?

DY: Tough question, lol.  Depends who fights. But if a boxing fight is not someone I do like a lot, I will certainly watch MMA, even if I don’t know anybody who is fighting.

CS: Lastly, MMA is as much a team sport as it is an individual one. Who would you like to thank?

DY: That is a very important answer. Even when I was boxing, my team was everything to me, but now team is even more important.

DY: I would love to thank all my trainers and my conditional trainer also, my training partners.

DY: my sponsor Idea Nutrition which makes it all possible for me. My other supporters, like Analitica Pharmacy, Miguel Vieira nutritionist, Be One Training Clinic.

DY: My boyfriend who is always there for me, and Chris Vender, my manager.

DY: Special thanks to Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, for being so special!