Fighting Words: Ediane Gomes
Making the drop to 135lbs, grizzled veteran Ediane Gomes looks to defeat fellow veteran Tonya Evinger September 6th at Invicta FC 8 in a pivotal bantamweight affair.
Corey Smith: What initially drew you to the world of martial arts? What has kept you motivated to continue improving throughout the years?
Ediane Gomes: I started training Jiu-Jitsu in my teenage years, just to be out of the streets for a little. What motivated me to keep going was that I saw it was something I truly loved. All I can say is this is all I can do. All my life was about fighting. It’s like I was born to be a fighter and a fighter only.
CS: You currently train at American Top Team in Florida, but have had trouble finding female training partners in your weight class. Has that situation improved?
EG: No, I continue to train like I usually do, I train with guys only and I find it better for me
CS: Regarding weight classes, your upcoming bout will mark your 135lb debut. What challenges have you had dropping down to 135?
EG: I always wanted to drop to 135lbs; I believe this is my weight class. This motivated me to train even harder and eat leaner. I believe getting used to eating lean 24/7 is a challenge, but I am here now and here to stay.
CS: Most fighters list the weight cut as the hardest aspect of being a fighter. Setting that aside, what do you consider the hardest aspect of being a fighter?
EG: For me, there’s no hardest part this is something I love to do. I enjoy every aspect of being a fighter. I love everything. It makes who I am today.
CS: You spoke often about your desire to fight Cris Cyborg. Where does that desire come from?
EG: I was a big fan to Cris, until I noticed she never really says my name on her interviews only REFERS TO ME AS THE BRAZILIAN girl, SHE never really mentioned my name. I think it’s very disrespectful. One day I will mark my name on her face.
CS: Your opponent on September 6th at Invicta FC 8, Tonya Evinger, is a highly respected veteran of the sport. What challenges do you foresee in the bout?
EG: My challenge is to fight, I want to fight and do whatever it takes to do what it needs to be done. That is, bringing my victory back home
CS: What is your mood on fight night? Do you have any routines or superstitions that you have to perform?
EG: My mood is pretty much focusing. I feel like hey this is it, fight day, can’t wait to go in the cage and kick ass. What I do, is I pray to God and go to war.
CS: Who generally accompanies you to the cage? What type of feedback and coaching do you prefer from your corners?
EG: My corners. I like to hear that I’m ready and let’s do this.
CS: For those that have not experienced it, how would you describe the walk out to the cage?
EG: I feel like I can do whatever I want to do. I feel like I am free to play.
CS: Outside of the gym and MMA, what types of activities do you enjoy for fun? What helps you to relax?
EG: I like to go to the movies, and reading the Bible helps me to relax.
CS: Lastly, MMA takes a team to succeed alone inside the cage. Who would you like to thank?
EG: First of all, I want to thank God for giving me opportunity and placing amazing people in my life. Shannon Knapp for always taking care of the athletes, my team at ATT, my manager Linda , and my love, and all my sponsors and you for taking time to do this interview!
Invicta FC 8 takes place September 6th live from the Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Missouri. The full card will air live via UFC Fight Pass. Click below for tickets, or to subscribe to UFC FightPass.
