Michelle also walks us through the championship bout itself, and reveals how important the mental aspect of training is to pushing through when you run into adversity. Fighting Words thanks Michelle for her time!

Corey Smith: You began training in martial arts at a young age, specifically American Karate and Wushu, which led to the nickname “Karate Hottie.” What aspects of those martial arts do you utilize the most in your MMA career?

Michelle Waterson: I think that right now the most that I use from my karate background would be my kicks. They aren’t necessarily karate kicks, but the quickness of the kicks is what sets me apart from a lot other MMA fighters out there. I can shoot the kicks out there quicker, and right now I’m working on putting some power behind it.

CS: After karate, you switched over to Muay Thai, and spent some time training over in Thailand. What is it like in a Thai training camp compared to an American training team?

MW: In Thailand, in a lot of the gyms they have the children living there. A lot of the families are poor, and fighting has always been a way for them to get out of poverty. When I was training in Thailand I felt how fighting was their life. The kids there live in the camp, they wake up there, they go for their run, and they eat breakfast and then go off to school. When they come back they train at night, and then do homework. In Thailand they fight pretty often and the fighters give their prize money to their families so they can eat.

MW: The camps themselves, and I’m not sure if it was just the camp that I was at, or if it is like this all over Thailand, but it was outside. So it was a great experience, and I would love to go back now knowing what I know and compare my fighting ability. When I first went out there to train I had only had my karate and Wushu background.

CS: You train now primarily out of Jackson’s MMA in New Mexico. What drew you to that team, and what keeps you there today?

MW: Before I was training out of Denver with Donald Cerrone, and he went out to New Mexico to train. I was on the reality show Fight Girls and I didn’t want to go back to Colorado. So I ended up going out there and seeing how I liked it, and ended up really loving it. Coach Jackson opened his arms and his gym to me, and treated me like family. Coach Jackson let me live in the dorm until I found a place there, and it really touched my heart and it became part of my life.

MW:  I liked the fact that he treated us like his own children, and it really did have a family feel to it to me. I loved the fact that there were so many people coming in to train, and I didn’t have to go to three different places to train, I could train at one spot. I ended up falling in love with New Mexico, and so I ended up staying.

CS: You gave birth to your daughter Araya close to two years ago, what has been the key to balancing your MMA career and being a mother? What has been the biggest challenge?

MW: I think the key to being able to balance it, is having a really supportive family. My husband supports me in what I do, and tries to help me as much as possible. My mom lives with us and helps watch Araya, so I didn’t feel guilty leaving her at home because she is with my mom.

MW: The hardest part is missing those “first” moments when she is so young. I feel like she is growing up so fast, and sometimes during a training camp you get in the zone and you have to go, which is hard.

CS: Your husband is a professional boxer, how much does that help with your career? How much does it help having someone who understands what a training camp is like when you get home at the end of the day?

MW: I think it makes a huge difference, I think that’s why we mesh so well. He has a boxing background, and I have MMA. There are similarities, but they are also different enough that we can have something to ourselves. He does understand, and we understand each other.

CS: Most fighters say that the weight cut is the hardest part about being a fighter. Aside from that, what would you say is the hardest aspect?

MW: I think getting through mental blocks is the hardest part for me. Your mental has a lot to do with your physical, and it all intertwines together. It’s the most challenging part for me, fighting through mental blocks, and it’s also the reason I enjoy fighting so much.

CS: How has your experience been like so far with Invicta Fighting Championships?

MW: Being an Invicta fighter makes me feel blessed. Shannon and Janet and everyone that works for the organization truly does have our best interests at heart. They want to see us succeed, and it’s a good feeling to know that they are on our side. I always tell people that they don’t call us “females” or “chicks.” They refer to us as athletes, and that’s what we are. That’s all we’ve ever wanted to be. In turn we want to perform for them, so it’s a win win for everyone.

CS: You recently defeated Jessica Penne for the Invicta Atomweight Championship. Jessica had you in trouble a few times, most notably with an arm bar in the third. How did the fight go compared to how you thought it would beforehand, and what were your general thoughts about the match and after the win?

MW: My game plan going into was to focus on what I needed to do to her, so in my mind I never visualized her beating me. It was always what I could do to her. I understood that wherever the fight went, I needed to be mentally strong enough to take it there. I wanted it to be a standup fight, and it always seems to work out that way for me. The biggest problem for me was that she was the champ, and there was a lot of hype behind her, and for good reason.

MW:  I was the overwhelming underdog going into the fight, and I needed to push all of that aside and know in my heart that I could beat her. So I didn’t pay attention to any of the media, and I tried to stay away from the internet. I got in the zone on my own, and just kept telling myself that I could beat her. I knew that I had the physical capabilities of doing it, I just had to go out there and perform.

MW: I thought the first round was kinda back and forth, and I feel like it could have gone either way for both of us. The second round I think that I was able to dominate her. I wish that I had done a little more ground and pound, but I also understood how good of a jiu Jitsu player that she is, so I just had to keep working her with heavy pressure.

MW: The third round I was just getting worked though. Everyone keeps asking me about the armbar, but truthfully the armbar isn’t when I felt like I was in danger. It was her ground and pound that I felt was never going to end. She had my back, and I felt like every time I moved she kept getting a better position for her ground and pound. I had to keep telling myself “keep pushing through.”

MW:  I was talking to Coach Wink today, and he told me had spoken to John McCarthy, the ref in the fight, and that John heard me say me say to myself “don’t quit.” I remember thinking it in my head, but I didn’t remember saying it out loud. It’s crazy how much mental control you have over yourself. I don’t have control over what Jessica could do to me, but I have control over what I can do.

MW: And so at that time and moment I choose not to quit, and I think that turned the tables. I don’t think Jessica was expecting me not to quit, and I was able to get out of that armbar. And then the forth round came around, and we went to the ground I was able to set up a string of submissions and landed a good one. So here we are.

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

MW: I think that it’s important to have calm corners, corners that can see what I am not seeing and bring me back to the little things that I am not doing. I usually always look at my mom and Araya when I’m coming out. Coach Jackson, Coach Wink and my husband were in my corner for this fight, and I couldn’t ask for anything more. They are always there for me, and that’s a dream corner right there.

CS: What was the reaction at your gym when you brought the title in for the first time?

MW: Everyone just kept saying “The champ is here! The champ is here!” It was a good feeling, and everyone was happy for me. Lots of pats of the back. They all helped me get the title, so it was nice to bring it home.

CS: Looking at the Invicta Atomweight division, what are your thoughts?

MW: I think that our division is an amazing division. As far as me scouting out the other athletes, I’m not any good at that. I just take it fight by fight and let my coaches do the scouting. I always respect any fighter that gets in the ring, because they put in the time to get there. I take my training and I focus on myself though. I leave the outside stuff to my coaches.

CS: Where do you keep the title belt now? Do you take it to dinner with you or sleep with it like other champions?

MW: It’s the centerpiece for my dining room table!

CS: Are there any perks to being the champion that you didn’t realize before? Do you get a closer parking spot at the gym?

MW: No not really, I think it’s kinda just life as usual. It is pretty awesome to have someone call me ‘champ.’ It has meaning to it for me.

CS: When you aren’t training, what type of things do you enjoy doing? What helps you unwind after a long day of training camp?

MW: For me it’s changed a lot since I had my daughter. I really enjoy spending time with her, and with family. It’s the little things you take for granted. She’s already two years old, and I just enjoy spending time with her and my family in general outside of fighting.

MW: I love to do crafts, I’m a scrapbooker! Anything crafty I enjoy doing when I have time, and I’m addicted to Pinterest. When I’m cutting weight I pin all the fatty recipes for later; for times when I can eat. I also enjoy doing anything adventurous and outdoors; camping, rockclimbing, anything like that. It’s hard to find time for it during camp with a family as well.

MW: During camp we always watch movies together. Movies take you out of reality for a little bit, so we love to watch movies. We just got a new house, so for my last camp all I did was come home and remodel the house. I didn’t have time to stress about Jessica in camp, or what was being said. After training I had to come home to tear down walls and paint.

CS: Now that you have won the championship, what are your goals moving forward?

MW: When I was the contender, I was talking to Coach Jackson and he told me it was easy becoming the champ, it’s hard to stay the champ. That is something that I have to keep in mind, because now I have a huge target on my head. Everyone is gunning for me, so I have to keep improving my game. I still feel like I wasn’t able to showcase my abilities when I fought Jessica. You do so much in training, and you practice so many moves, and then you get in the fight and don’t get to show it off. I still feel like I have so much to show people.

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

MW: I couldn’t do it without my husband or my mom taking care of Araya. And I want thank all my family and fans for being supportive of me and believing in me.

MW: Invicta of course for making it all possible!

MW: My strength and conditioning at Turning Point, and my coaches Coach Jackson, Coach Winkeljohn, Coach Izzy, and Coach Valle.

MW: My sponsors EatFit@ABQ.Com, Bony Acai, Buffalo Wild Wings, OnIt Supplements, and MMA Sporting Goods.

MW: Follow me on Twitter @KarateHottieMMA

CS: It has been a few weeks since you won the very first Invicta Flyweight Championship. Has it sunk in yet that no matter who holds the title years down the road, you will always remain the first athlete to have ever held the title?

BH: I am not sure I will fully understand what this means to me until I am well into my retirement.  I am very happy to hold this title from Invicta, as I feel it is a very legitimate world title.

CS: What types of changes have there been since you won the title on April 5^th?

BH: I cannot say that there really have been any changes. I expect Invicta to continue to challenge me with the best women in the sport. I will continue striving to change and improve as I always have.

CS: What did it mean for you to bring a title back to Miletich Fighting Systems, with the long list of champions that have trained there?

BH: I think of all the emotions I experienced from this fight, the most intense were with regard to this topic. There is such a huge history with MFS producing champions and at one point it was said they would never produce another.

BH: I love to prove people wrong when they throw absolute words around like ‘can’t’ or ‘never.’  There is still a huge knowledge base there. The team weaned down a bit for a while but it is on the rise again, and I will not be the last champion from MFS.  I just got the ball rolling again with the help of my coach Junior Hernandez and our personal Yoda, Pat Miletich.

CS: What did it mean to have Pat Miletich corner you for the bout?

BH: Having Pat in my corner was incredible. He understood what this fight meant to the gym and I. Junior is a great knowledgeable corner, but having Pat there was like having an extra security blanket. I knew he would see things I didn’t, and when either of them yell something at me, I know I do not have to second guess them. I know they are right about what they are asking me to do.

CS: What was the reaction at your gym when you brought the title in for the first time?

BH: The first time I brought it up was for my BJJ coach Pedro Silveira, who was visiting from Brazil. He and a few of the other guys took pictures with the belt and I. I know they are proud for me, and with me. All of them helped earn that title. It belongs to the team, not just me.

CS: Vanessa Porto posed a stiff challenge in route to your victory to claim the title. How did you see the fight going beforehand? And how much did that differ from how it actually went?

BH: I did expect a more intense fight than what we had. I expected more exchanges and even more clinch and ground work. However, when I tried to visualize our fight before hand, I always ended up focused on standing with her. So I suppose I really did expect it to stay on our feet. I assumed she would look at me in a similar manner as she saw Tara, so I was not very surprised that she kept the same game plan.

CS: How confident were you that you had won the decision when the final bell rang?

BH: I am used to feeling more dominant than I did in that fight. I knew I had landed more strikes and I knew I pushed the pace for the majority of the fight. But you never know what the judges do or do not see, or what they were looking for.

BH: I did not feel like I made major statements in all the rounds. So at the end of the fifth round I looked at Pat and asked him if we had it. When he confidently said yes, I knew it was ours.

CS: Looking at the Invicta Flyweight division, what are your thoughts?

BH: I think there is still a lot of talent out there that I have not fought yet. I also see a good number of 135lb girls potentially dropping to the 125lb division.  I believe I have already fought some of the best, but many up and coming fighters are looking quite impressive and I believe I have plenty of challenges ahead of me.

CS: It was recently announced that Leslie Smith would drop to Flyweight and face Jennifer Maia in July at Invicta FC 6. The winner will earn the right to challenge you at a future event. What are your impressions of both fighters?

BH: This is the first I have heard of the match and of Smith dropping. I think that will be a great fight.  It seems to be a bit of the classic striker versus grappler type of fight.  Smith will have the reach advantage on Maia, but Maia has a lot of experience and will have a plan for that, no doubt. Either fighter would be a great opponent for my next fight.  I look forward to watching.

CS: Where do you keep the title belt now? Do you take it to dinner with you or sleep with it like other champions?

 BH: I think at the moment it is in my bedroom. So, in a way, I guess I do sleep with it.  The only trip it has made with me so far is to the gym, but I suspect it will be making more outings.

CS: Are there any perks to being the champion that you didn’t realize before? Do you get a closer parking spot at the gym?

BH: Haha! Not really. I hope it brings me a few more sponsors and fans, but nothing has really changed. I am still working hard and I still have a lot to learn.

CS: Now that you have won the championship, what are your goals moving forward?

BH: Now that I have it, I want to defend it, a lot. I have been told it is easy to obtain a title, the hard part is holding on to it. To prove yourself a true champion, I believe you have to repetitively defend your title as people constantly come for it.

CS: Lastly, as you mentioned, it took a team to win the inaugural Invicta Flyweight Championship, who would you like to thank?

BH:  I want to thank my team and coaches at Miletich Fighting Systems in Bettendorf, Iowa. My conditioning coach Josh Howat with Big Five Strength and Conditioning.

BH: Thank you to my husband Tim Beeman, my family and all my fans.

BH:  Thank you to all of my sponsors for Invicta FC5: POLANTI, ONE Coconut, Outlaw Fightgear, VII AD, KLENCH Mouthguards, Combatives Gear, Fight Soap, Throat Punch and SWOLE.

INVICTA FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIPS

 WILL CHALLENGE JENNIFER MAIA FOR

NO. 1 CONTENDER SPOT ON JULY 13 IN KANSAS CITY

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (April 30, 2013) – On the heels of her second-career Invicta Fighting Championships “Fight of the Night” performance, crowd-pleasing, prolific striker Leslie “The Peacemaker” Smith (5-3-1) of Pleasanton, Calif. has signed a new, multi-fight agreement with the women’s world championship Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) promotion and will drop from bantamweight (135 pounds) to flyweight (125 pounds) and challenge Jennifer Maia (7-2) of Curitiba, Brazil. at Ameristar Casino Hotel Kansas City on Saturday, July 13.

The winner of the Invicta FC 6 matchup between Smith and Maia will be awarded a title shot against newly crowned Invicta FC World Flyweight Champion Barb Honchak (8-2) of Bettendorf, Iowa.

“We are excited to bring Leslie under the Invicta Fighting Championships umbrella for the long-term and to watch her compete in a new weight class that is becoming super competitive in our promotion,” said Invicta FC President Shannon Knapp.  “Since we launched our live event series last year, Leslie has demonstrated incredible tenacity and athleticism by putting on some of the most memorable fights in our cage.  She is a true warrior as is her opponent Jennifer Maia, so we are looking forward to an explosive matchup between two of the sport’s stars on what will be Invicta FC’s biggest fight card to date.”

The 30-year-old Smith engaged in an all-out war with former Strikeforce champion Sarah Kaufman at Invicta FC 5 at Ameristar Casino Hotel Kansas City on April 5.  Following the conclusion of the three-round contest that many believe Smith won, however, Kaufman was awarded a controversial, split decision, prompting widespread boos from the displeased, capacity crowd.

Smith also won “Fight of the Night” honors at the inaugural Invicta FC event on April 28, 2012, after slugging it out relentlessly with fellow striker Kaitlin Young for the duration of their three-round bantamweight bout.  The fight was declared a majority draw, setting up a much-anticipated rematch at Invicta FC 3 on Oct. 6 that saw Smith take charge and finish Young with an onslaught of punches from mount position in the second round (2:19) of the matchup.

Maia, a 24-year-old submission specialist, notched her first victory in the Invicta FC cage with a stunning upset, unanimous decision win over superstar Zoila Frausto Gurgel on April 5.  Recognized as one of Brazil’s quickest rising stars, Maia made quick work of each of her first four professional career opponents, scoring a first round TKO (punches) in her pro debut on Suelen Pinheiro Ribeiro in 2009, and submitting each of her next three opponents inside the first round.

Tickets for Invicta FC 6: Cyborg vs. Coenen 2, go on sale soon.

In the main event of the stacked 13-bout card, ferocious KO artist and pound-for-pound sensation Cris Cyborg (11-1, 1 NC) of Curitiba, Brazil will face off with fellow superstar and submission ace Marloes Coenen (21-5) of The Netherlands in the first-ever Invicta FC world featherweight (145 pounds) championship bout.

The showdown between rivals Cyborg and Coenen marks a highly-anticipated rematch to their explosive, barnburner first fight in Sunrise, Fla. on Jan 30, 2010 in which Cyborg emerged victorious by way of TKO (punches) in the third and final scheduled round (3:40) of action.

In the co-main event, reigning Invicta FC world strawweight (115 pounds) champion Carla “Cookie Monster” Esparza (9-2) of Redondo Beach, Calif. will put her title on the line against undefeated JEWELS champion Ayaka Hamasaki (9-0) of Tokyo, Japan.

About Invicta Fighting Championships:

Invicta Fighting Championships (www.InvictaFC.com) is a world championship Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight series dedicated to providing female athletes with a major platform to hone their skills on a consistent basis.  Founded in 2012 by longtime MMA executive Shannon Knapp and sports aficionado Janet Martin, Invicta is committed to pioneering the future growth of women’s MMA by promoting the best possible matchups between female competitors and identifying and developing future superstars of the sport.

Contact:

Mike Afromowitz (917) 566-8754, mikea@yourwitzend.com

– Michelle Waterson was crowned the new Invicta Fighting Championships world atomweight champion after submitting reigning champ Jessica Penne with an armbar in the four round of their main event showdown at Ameristar Casino Hotel in Kansas City, Mo. on Friday, April 5, live on InvictaFC.com.

– Waterson (right) secures the finishing hold on Penne (left).

Michelle Waterson Armbars Jessica Penne

To Become New Invicta FC World Atomweight Champion

In Electrifying Night Of Women’s MMA Action

Barb Honchak Earns Unanimous Decision Over Vanessa Porto To Become First Invicta FC World Flyweight Champ In History

Cris Cyborg Stops Fiona Muxlow In First Round,

Setting Up Rematch With Marloes Coenen

Sarah Kaufman Earns Split Decision Over Leslie Smith In Barnburner Battle

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (April, 5, 2013) –In an unforgettable night of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) action, Michelle “The Karate Hottie” Waterson (11-3) of Albuquerque, N.M. submitted Jessica Penne (10-2) of Huntington Beach, Calif. with an armbar in the fourth round of their main event showdown to become the new Invicta Fighting Championships world atomweight (105 pounds) champion at Ameristar Casino Hotel Kansas City on Friday, April 5, live on InvictaFC.com.

In the co-main event of the star-studded, 13-bout women’s world championship doubleheader, Pat Miletch-protégé Barb Honchak (8-2) of Bettendorf, Iowa earned a unanimous decision over Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Vanessa Porto (15-6) of Sao Paulo, Brazil to become the first Invicta FC flyweight (125 pounds) champion in history.

In her first start since Dec. 2011, pound-for-pound sensation Cris Cyborg (11-1) of Curitiba, Brazil showed no signs of rust, pulverizing a courageous Fiona Muxlow (6-3) of Townsville, Queensland Australia in a featherweight (145 pounds) matchup.

Cyborg dropped Muxlow in the opening seconds of the contest with a right hand and smothered Muxlow, who made it to her feet but couldn’t fend off the relentless attacks of Cyborg.  A final barrage of punches prompted the referee to step in and stop the fight, giving Cyborg the TKO win in the first round and earning her a second meeting with fellow superstar Marloes Coenen, whom Cyborg stopped by way of third round (3:40) TKO (punches) on Jan. 30, 2010.

Leslie “The Peacemaker” Smith (5-3-1) of Pleasant Hill, Calif. and Sarah Kaufman (16-2) of Victoria BC, Canada engaged in an all-out slugfest for three straight rounds in a bantamweight (135 pounds) barnburner highlighted by Smith putting Kaufman on the canvas with a head kick.  Kaufman rallied in the third round with a double leg takedown and, after they stood up, a hard right hand before being declared the winner by split decision.

Jennifer Maia (7-2) of Curitiba pulled off a stunning upset, earning a unanimous decision over Zoila Frausto Gurgel (12-3) of Cincinnati, Ohio.  Maia neutralized Gurgel’s offense against the cage fence for the majority of the first two rounds and, in the third stanza, opened up with kicks and punches before the bout came to a close.

In the opening main card bout of the night, “Rowdy” Bec Hyatt (5-2) of Brisbane, Australia took the fight to previously undefeated Jasminka Cive (5-1) of Graz, Austria from the outset of their strawweight (115 pounds) matchup, mounting Cive and unloading a storm of punches to the head.  From mount, Hyatt secured Cive’s arm and transitioned to armbar, forcing Cive to tap from the hold.

Complete Invicta FC 5 Results:

Main Card:

Bec Hyatt def. Jasminka Cive via submission (armbar) – Round 1, 3:30

Julia Budd def. Mollie Estes via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 3, 1:04

Lauren Taylor def. Kaitlin Young via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Jennifer Maia def. Zoila Frausto Gurgel via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Sarah Kaufman def. Leslie Smith via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Cris Cyborg def. Fiona Muxlow via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 3:46

Barb Honchak def. Vanessa Porto via unanimous decision (50-45, 49-46, 48-47)

Michelle Waterson def. Jessica Penne via submission (armbar) – Round 4, 2:31

Preliminary Card:

Alex Chambers def. Jodie Esquibel via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 1:35

Rose Namajunas def. Kathina Catron via submission (flying armbar) –  Round 1, :12

Katja Kankaanpaa def. Juliana Carnerio Lima via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Miriam Nakamoto def. Jessamyn Duke via KO (knee) – Round 1, 2:20

Simona Soukupova def. Cassie Rodish via submission (guillotine choke) – Round 2, 3:20

About Invicta Fighting Championships:

Invicta Fighting Championships (www.InvictaFC.com) is a world championship Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight series dedicated to providing female athletes with a major platform to hone their skills on a consistent basis.  Founded in 2012 by longtime MMA executive Shannon Knapp and sports aficionado Janet Martin, Invicta is committed to pioneering the future growth of women’s MMA by promoting the best possible matchups between female competitors and identifying and developing future superstars of the sport.

Contact:

Mike Afromowitz (917) 566-8754, mikea@yourwitzend.com

Votes came in from around the world as fans showed support for their favorite entries in our Invicta FC Harlem Shake Contest. While we certainly expected to see votes from the US, Canada, and across Europe, Asia, and Australia, there were some pretty surprising locales that made the list. So let’s give a shout out to the WMMA fans from Croatia, Cyprus, Macedonia, and Ecuador, among the many (67 total, to be exact!) other countries that were represented! Thanks for supporting the athletes and WMMA!

And, of course, a big congratulations to Bec for her win (you can check out her video below) and that $1,000 prize! Here’s hoping you and the family enjoy your vacation even more than the fans enjoy watching you fight!

Penne will defend her Atomweight title against Jackson’s MMA standout Michelle Waterson at Invicta FC 5. Few women can match the 10-1 record of Invicta FC’s first champion at any weight class, and Penne is focused continuing her reign long into the future.

Corey Smith: One of the common themes in your career has been firsts. You participated in the first Bellator Women’s MMA bout, and along with competing on the first Invicta card, you were the first champion of any weight class for Invicta as well. Do you enjoy being a trailblazer?

Jessica Penne: I do cherish my experiences and the opportunities that I have had thus far. I’m excited about the future of WMMA and hope to have a few more firsts.

CS: You have gone on a strong winning streak since settling at your natural weight class of Atomweight, with wins over Amy Davis, Lisa Ellis, and of course winning the Invicta Atomweight title with a win over Naho Sugiyama. What has been the biggest change in your life since winning the Invicta Atomweight title?

JP: There really hasn’t been any change. I was back in the gym a couple days later and back to work. Hopefully with this title, I can stay busy this year.

CS: You’ve spoken in the past about how hard it used to be to get fights at 105, and having to fight outside your weight class just to keep fighting. Why do you think there are so many talented women at 105 now?

JP: With the growth and popularity of the sport there have been many additions and shifts in weight classes. It’s an exciting time for the sport and for this division.

CS: What kind of effect does working for an organization that treats it’s athletes as well as Invicta have on your fight performances?

JP: I’m so thankful for Invicta. Janet and Shannon have given me and the other women in the sport a place to call home. It feels good to be treated with respect and treated as a professional.

CS: Reading the list of the gyms and trainers that you use, it’s quite the impressive list. Reign MMA, Checkmat BJJ, King’s MMA, Blackhouse. What is the advantage of having the varied gyms for training? Do you enjoy getting different feedback from different coaches?

JP: I am really fortunate to train at such amazing gyms! Each coach has so much to offer. I feel that it is important to train each discipline separately to have a better understanding of them. It’s nice to have coaches that are great in their respective disciplines. My coach Mark Munoz always helps me put everything together.

CS: Being at the bottom end of the weight spectrum in MMA, is it hard to find training partners in your weight class? How hard is it to train with partners, male or female, that are above your weight class?

JP:  It’s was more difficult in the beginning to train with larger people.  It was difficult to learn and apply everything that I learned because there was always such a large size difference. Now it is a little bit easier to find training partners. I have a couple of main training partners, both male and female. But yes, they are always larger than I am. I think it is better to deal with a size and strength disadvantage in training though.

CS: When you aren’t training, what type of things do you enjoy doing? What helps you unwind after a long day of training camp? What food do you dream of most while in the middle of training camp?

JP: I enjoy gardening, walking the monsters, going to the beach. I really like being active as well. I like paddle boarding, hiking, cycling etc.

JP:  I eat pretty clean when I’m not fighting so I don’t really crave a whole lot when I’m dieting. I just cut down on my portion sizes. My favorite junk food is popcorn and anything chocolate, I’ve got to have that every so often.

CS: You are defending your title for the first time against Michelle Waterson at Invicta 5. What type of challenge do you think Michelle brings to the table?

JP:  I think Michelle is a tough fighter and comes from a good camp; I’m looking forward to the challenge. I think it will be an exciting fight.

CS: Michelle fights out of Greg Jackson’s gym in New Mexico. Jackson fighters have been accused by some of sticking to close to a game plan for their fights. I understand you try not to have too much of a game plan going into your fights. Do you think that is an advantage in general or something that works best for you?

JP:  I don’t really know how other people plan for a fight.  I just know what works for me.

CS: What type of feedback and coaching do you prefer during a fight? Whose voice do you look to the most?

JP: I trust my coaches and corners to the fullest. I do what ever they tell me, however they tell me.

CS: Fighting is equally a team sport as it is an individual sport. Who would you like to thank?

JP: I’d like to thank my coaches and teammates at Reign training center, Kings MMA, Checkmat BJJ and Innovative results. Nathan Gable, Jason Parillo, Chris Franco, Prime Time 360 management. Thank you to my sponsors RVCA / VASport, Vega and Thrive Foods. Thank you for your support, it means everything to me!

Check our photos page (link opens in new window) to view all of our pictures of these 26 ladies showing off how lean, mean, and ready they are! Then be sure to watch what happens when each of these warriors is unleashed in the octagon tomorrow night!

For those who will attend the event, we’ll see you there! If you haven’t gotten your tickets yet, you can do so from Ticketfly (link opens in new window) or at the Ameristar Casino Star Pavilion Box Office. And for those who can’t be here in person, the internet pay-per-view stream goes live at 6:00 pm Central time (7:00 pm Eastern/4:00 pm Pacific). If you haven’t already purchased your $9.95 ppv ticket, you can still buy yours by clicking the big, orange “BUY” button at http://invictafc.com to watch the ladies bring it!

A woman of few words, Cyborg faces off against Australia’s Fiona Muxlow for a chance to compete for the inaugural 145lb Invicta title against Marloes Coenen. Supremely confident, and itching to set foot in the cage, Cyborg begins her climb back to the pinnacle of MMA on April 5^th.

Corey Smith: Not many people know that before you began your MMA career, you were a very accomplished handball player in . Do you think that that aided in your hand to eye coordination?

Cris “Cyborg” Justino: Yes, I trained very hard at accuracy and being able to smash the ball without even looking. This training helped me in fighting because I bring the same accuracy to my punches; only now my opponent’s head is a lot bigger than the handball so it’s even easier to smash my opponent’s face in.

CS: Do you ever sneak in a game when you are not in training camp?

CJ: No, all of energy is dedicated to training. I love to fight; it is more fun punching people than hitting a hand ball.

CJ: Every time I go into the cage it’s like handball, except my opponent is the handball.

CS: Many consider you the most feared striker in all of women’s MMA. Because of that, fans have had rare glimpses into an equally dangerous ground game. Do you ever have a desire to show that aspect of your abilities to the fans?

CJ: I train hard with Galvao, one of the best BJJ coaches in world. My BJJ is good and Tito has been working on my ground and pound with me. Watch April 5!

CS: What has been your experience with Invicta so far?

CJ: I feel welcomed and at home. Shannon and Janet are awesome!

CS: Have any other female fighters spoken to you before or after signing the contract in regards to fighting for Invicta?

CJ: Yes. I speak to many girls; Jessica Penne is also managed by Tito and George at Primetime360 so I speak to her a lot.

CS: Your opponent at Invicta FC 5, Fiona Muxlow, hails from Australia. What type of fight can the fans expect on April 6th? How familiar are you with Muxlow?

CJ: War!

CJ: I am not very familiar with her, but I have respect for her for taking the fight. She is either very brave or crazy because I am not holding back. I train for war!

CJ:  I did read that she said that she was going to punish me and bash my face in; awesome! I can’t wait now! I am excited! I will run right over her!

CS: Muxlow was a late replacement for Ediane Gomes, who was known as more of a stand up fighter, vs many of Muxlow’s victories coming via submission. With only a few weeks left in your camp, how did you adjust to the change of opponent?

CJ: Nothing; I train to fight anyone, and I’m ready for anyone always!

CS: In anticipation of getting back into the cage, what have you been working on over the past year?

CJ: My boxing with Jason Parillo.

CS: On the subject of injuries, how do you manage to maintain a full scale training camp, but at the same time guard against overtraining and injuries?

CJ: I stay in shape all year long.

CS: Do you anticipate any amount of ring rust after such a long layoff?

CJ: No, I train and spar everyday.

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

CJ: Interviews.

CS: Do you have any superstitions or habits before a fight? What is your mindset backstage before a fight?

CJ: No, just war!

CS: What do you do to unwind after a long day of training camp?

CJ: Read the bible.

CS: When you aren’t in camp, what types of activities do you enjoy?

CJ:  I read the Bible and go to church.

CS: What are you most looking forward to on April 6?

CJ: Doing my best!

CS: Where can the fans get in touch with you?

CJ:  @criscyborg on Twitter.

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

CJ: God first and foremost!

CJ: My manager Tito Ortiz and George Prajin.

CJ:  My team Jason Parillo, Galvao, Rob Emerson, Luciano Ferreira, Bubba Jenkins, Stanley Day, and Kenny Knoll.

CJ:  The Arena MMA in San Diego, and Team Punishment.

With world titles and and victories over the legendary Megumii Fuji, and current Invicta FC Atomweight champion Jessica Penne, few can match the career of Gurgel. Using controlled aggressiveness and with a family of fighters, including current Invicta veteran Stephanie Frausto, behind her, Gurgel will attempt to move straight to the top of the 125lb division on April 5^th.

Corey Smith: You come from a family of Mixed Martial Artists. Your sister Stephanie Frausto fights, of course your husband Jorge Gurgel is a fighter. Even your father is a third degree black belt in Taekwondo. How much easier is your career because of that type of support group?

Zoila Frausto Gurgel: I wouldn’t say it’s easier because of the pressure I put on myself to achieve greatness for them all, because I fight for my family and to leave a legacy. But it is also nice to have so many people, so close to me, know the ins and outs of martial arts and competition.

ZFG: To be able to gain knowledge of how things were and how they are now & exactly what is needed to succeed, it definitely helps when a lot of family is involved in it.

CS: Are there any challenges that come with it?

ZFG: The challenges would definitely be the pressure I put on myself to do great things for not just myself, but for them as well.

CS: You have spoken about the fact that you were a very talented soccer player, but ultimately you were too aggressive for the sport. Do you think natural aggression is a necessity for MMA or is it possible to be more reactive?

ZFG: If you use it right, I believe it’s a definite plus. Controlled aggression is what I call it. I’m a prime example of the fact that it does work, but I’m also an example that if you get too involved in that part of it, you can definitely over look things and make mistakes in fights. My only two losses have come from just that, letting the anger take over with no control.

CS: You recently left Bellator to sign with Invicta. Is it safe to say a main reason for the departure was a desire to fight more often?

ZFG: Haha, to be safe, yes, but there were many other reasons why I wanted out and to see the way Invicta treated their athletes was a major plus for me. It’s exactly where I want to be. I’ll also be able to fight more often, and staying busy, for me, is a major plus.

CS: You were the 115lb world champion in Bellator, but your last two fights were at 125lbs, and your upcoming bout in Invicta is also at 125lbs. Do you feel like this is a more natural weight class for you?

ZFG: I fought at 115 only because I was given an opportunity to fight the best in the world at the time and I was fighting for a world title. I took the opportunity and I did what I set out to do, beat the best to be the best.

ZFG: 125lbs is definitely a lot easier to make, and is a more natural weight class for me. Making 115lbs; there’s advantages and disadvantages, I’m usually a lot bigger, stronger and faster than most women at that weight class. But, I was only able to fight at maybe 80% of my full ability because of the harsh weight cuts.

ZFG: Who knows, if there was ever a big fight that I couldn’t turn down, I just might go down to 115 for something big, but I’m happy where I am now at 125. I did what I needed to do at 115.

CS: Most fighter say the weight cut is the hardest part about fighting. Other than that, what do you consider the most difficult part of being a professional fighter?

ZFG: To make 115lb it was definitely the weight cut, it drove me crazy. It was never a very pleasant time in my life. Other than that, now cutting is pretty easy, it’s never fun, but it’s necessary.

ZFG: Like anything else, training isn’t always fun especially when you’re tired or worn out, but it’s all the name of the game to push through to be the best. All the many sacrifices that are made throughout the training camp are worth the victories at the end.

ZFG: I wouldn’t consider the weight cut being the hardest part anymore. The hardest part would be the time away from family and friends that’s usually sacrificed due to training. Resting and staying on a good training schedule can also be hard.

CS: After your loss to Jessica Eye, you posted a picture of yourself on Twitter in the same chokehold she used on you. The tag line was something to the effect of “stuff happens.” Do you think it’s important to keep a positive attitude and not take yourself too seriously?

ZFG: It was “sh*t happens” though. HAHA! Of course, you can either dwell on the past, even though it was so soon, or you can learn from your mistakes and move forward. Plus, I was in high spirits that day, because the day after the fight I wasn’t at all satisfied with what happen so I went out to Grappler’s Quest World Championship and won the Absolute Division, a belt and two medals.

ZFG: I’m a competitor and the only way I can move forward from a loss is continue to compete, and I did. The very next day with ZERO sleep, and I won.

CS: You once called your only other loss to Miesha Tate a “good thing.” Do you feel the same way about the loss to Eye? Do you learn more in defeat than you do in victory?

ZFG: Of course. You can only learn more from losses. But it’s the athlete’s choices to learn by mistake and continue to improve, so it doesn’t happen again.

CS: What do you think an organization like Invicta means for the sport of Women’s MMA?

ZFG: It’s amazing. It give us a much needed home. It gives us a chance to shine together. To let the world know that there is A LOT of talented and professional Mixed Martial Artist out there that are also women. Invicta treats their fighters the way professional athletes should be treated. It gives us more hope.

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

ZFG: My corners are very important to me. For me it has to be someone that is definitely looking out for my best interest and whose voice I respect, hear, and will follow. So for this fight my corners will be the man that started my career on fire; Kru Jasper Tayaba and the man that pulled me through a World Championship, my husband Jorge Gurgel. Lastly, my sister Stephanie Frausto; because she’s always a major part of my training camp, mental and physical, she gives me strength as well.

CS: You have mentioned that you are horrible in your sister’s corner during a fight because you are too excited or nervous. Are your family members the same when they corner you?

ZFG: I believe Steph and Jorge both have said that they are never really that nervous for my fight because they know what I’m capable of and if used correctly, nobody can beat me.

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

ZFG: As always I’d like to thank my coaches for this camp: My husband Jorge Gurgel, my 1st coach ever Jasper Tayaba, wrestling coach Alan Fried.

ZFG: Boxing Coach T, and main training partner my sister Stephanie Frausto. My team back home in Ohio JGMMA and the guys here at Dethrone Base Camp in Fresno that have helped me out for this fight.

ZFG:  And as always my family, friends, and supporters. Especially my mom Zoyla Grace and Larry, brother Arthur Frausto and Victoria Le Callahan. My dad, Luis Frausto.

ZFG: Without my support system I would be nothing, so thank you.

Coming off a dominant win less than a month ago, Taylor had no hesitation in accepting the fight on less than three weeks notice. Confident and fit, Taylor accepted the honor of fighting Women’s MMA pioneer Kaitlin Young in order to prove that she belongs among the best at 135lbs.

Corey Smith: How did you first enter into the world of mixed martial arts? How long had you been formally training before your first fight?

Lauren Taylor: I took my son to a Jiu Jitsu class in late 2009, and I took the class with him to encourage him. I fell in love with it and started going all the time. I began training MMA about 3 months later, and took my first pro fight 3 months after that. I did not have any amateur fights.

CS: What aspects of mixed martial arts do you enjoy training the most? What aspects take more mental strength to train?

LT: I enjoy different aspects on different days, usually I enjoy whatever I am doing well that day, haha. I’m kidding… sort of. I think the thing that consistently takes the most for me to get okay with mentally is dieting while in a fight camp. I like to eat!

CS: You trained at a Gracie Barra affiliate in your native Alaska, and now train at a Gracie Barra affiliate in Houston, TX. The Gracie name is more than familiar to mixed martial arts fan. Where does the Barra come from?

LT: It’s my understanding that the first Gracie Jiu Jitsu academy operated by Carlos Gracie Jr., was opened in a town called Barra de Tujica. So it was called Gracie Barra. Why we continue to call them ‘Gracie Barra’, and not Gracie Katy or Gracie Anchorage or whatever, I suppose you’d have to ask Master Carlos Gracie Jr.

CS: You are coming off a dominant win on March 1^st, yet it was a win in which you were not completely satisfied with your performance. What did you see in your performance that left you feeling like you could have competed better?

LT: I felt like it took me a minute to get back in the groove of being in the cage. Actually it took about two minutes, and then I was back in the swing of things, so to speak. I hope that doesn’t happen again.

LT: It had been a while since I fought last, and the feeling of dancing with someone who is trying to hurt you took a second to readjust to. I also did a few things in that fight that can certainly be capitalized on by a smart opponent, which Kaitlin is.

LT: I know everyone has at least one bad habit, but I don’t like having any, and I may even have several, so the sooner I fix those the better off I will be.

CS: On April 5^th, it will be a little more than a month since your last bout. Were there any concerns about fighting again so quickly?

LT: Only that we did not have time to train specifically for Kaitlin like my coaches and I would have preferred. But we still had a good solid two and a half weeks to drill some things that I would like to do, and they are not things that I have never seen before, so it’s not a situation I am panicking about.

LT:  I mean, you can’t have it all and there are always things I would have ‘preferred’ go differently in a fight camp. Other than that, it’s really kind of nice. I enjoy being the underdog, I have less time to worry. I am still in good shape and injury free. I think the major concern taking last minute fights is whether your conditioning is on point, and I believe mine will be.

CS: This will mark your debut with Invicta FC, how has your experience been like so far with the company?

LT: It’s been incredible. I am excited to fight for them. I actually signed a multi fight contract with them way back in October or so, so this isn’t the first time I have heard from them.

LT: It seems like a lot of promotions care very little for their fighters, especially the female ones, because they are more concerned about having fights and putting on a show and building up certain fighters, than they are about the well-being of the fighters themselves. Invicta has not been like that. They are dedicated to the athletes.

CS: You are stepping in for an injured Amanda Nunes to face Women’s MMA pioneer, Kaitlin Young at Invicta FC 5. How do you expect the fight to go?

LT: I think it’s going to be a great fight. Kaitlin obviously has more experience. She was fighting MMA before I even knew what MMA was, so it’s really an honor to compete with her. I believe I have the ability to beat her, although I don’t believe it will be easy.

LT:  I don’t know if I will beat her, necessarily, but I certainly can. She clearly also has the ability to beat me, and will also be looking for a finish, so I think it will be a fantastic fight. She’s very tough. In my mind, it’s going to be a war.

CS: On the subject of injuries, how do you maintain a full force training schedule but also guard against overtraining and injuries?

LT: That’s a great question, haha. When someone figures it out, please tell me! For me, regarding overtraining, I honestly try not to think too much in fight camp- I let my coaches do that.

LT: They are the brains and I’m the brawn, and up to this point, it’s worked out well. So we sit down and make a schedule and I follow it, no matter how I feel. They do check in with me frequently to see how I am feeling and we can always adjust if needed, but for the most part I just train my ass off.

LT: They can tell when I am pushed past my limit and sometimes they push me even further and sometimes they let me rest. I may or may not keep a Z pack on hand to treat passing colds that come my way.

LT: As far as injuries, I have been blessed not to have had many. That may just be dumb luck, but I’ll take it. I did hurt my foot once right before a fight, but it was a freak accident and not from overtraining.

CS: After a long day of training camp, what helps you to unwind and recharge?

LT: When I’m in camp, away from home, it’s talking to my boyfriend. He’s been a huge source of inspiration to me. I call him all the time to pick his brain, get encouragement, vent, or just listen to someone besides my own voice in my own head.

LT: He believes in me and loves me no matter if I win or lose, and it’s so important for me to have that. When I’m not in camp, and I’m with him, it’s a hug, a movie, and a good meal. Like I said, I like to eat.

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

LT: I love fight night! I get very giddy and excited. Of course I get nervous, but it’s the kind of nervous you feel when you’re on a roller coaster and you’re just going up that first hill, and you can feel the cars going over the edge and you’re about to plummet into a wild ride, and there’s nothing you can do about it. That’s how fight night feels, haha!

LT:  I have been doing away with superstitions. I used to have several, but one by one, they were kind of taken away from me with each fight, and I still won dominantly; So I had to face the fact that superstitions are something that make me feel better mentally, not a real thing, and that I don’t really need them. Things will go just fine even if I don’t wear my lucky underwear or whatever.

CS: Inside the cage, how do you prefer to be coached? Whose voice stands out above the others among your corners?

LT: My coach Pat Applegate stands out to me the most, although I do hear my other corners. I do hear different stuff sometimes that kind of amuses me in each fight. Sometimes I hear the audience, or my opponent’s corner telling them what to do, and it always makes me think, ‘Huh. That’s interesting.’

CS: How much MMA do you watch purely for enjoyment? Are there any fighters in particular that you are a fan of?

LT: I watch MMA all the time. I mean, ALL. THE. TIME. I love it. One of my all-time favorites is Forrest Griffin. I also like Anderson Silva (who doesn’t?) because I think that dude may actually be from another planet, that’s how good he is.

LT:  And Frankie Edgar. Actually now that I am thinking about it, I am a fan of too many fighters to really list here. So I will say, I’m a fan of Sarah Kaufman. And Chael Sonnen. And Julie Kedzie. And Joe Murphy. And Jose Aldo. And…

CS: When you aren’t training or fighting, what types of activities do you participate in solely for fun?

LT: I love to read, and go to the beach (only since moving to Florida, though. The beaches in my home state are awful). I like to cook and bake. I am a people person and I like being around good friends.

LT:  It drives me crazy to be alone, I can’t do that for too long. I also like to spend money, if I wasn’t so broke all the time, I could see myself turning into a shop-aholic. The warning signs are all there.

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

LT: Oooh I have a lot. My team at GB Katy first and foremost. The athletes and coaches there are amazing and I wouldn’t want to go anywhere else.

LT:  My Fight Shop here in Houston for providing me with great gear. Airrosti rehab centers for keeping me healthy. Centurion BJJ in Panama City, and all my team mates there. Coach Rey at NLA Katy for making me a beast and Paul Moran as well, those guys know their stuff and keep me in great shape.

LT: FOR SURE I want to thank each and every person who donated to Pimp My Fight, your donations have made possible an incredible training camp, and will carry me on into the next one as well. Joe, Aurora and Jen for being so damn awesome, and my mom. I love you mom!