Fighting Words: Amber Brown
Chomping at the bit to enter the Invicta FC cage, Amber Brown gets her wish November 1st at Invicta FC 9 when she will compete against Liz McCarthy live on UFC FightPass.
Corey Smith: You first began training in mixed martial arts in 2009 when you took up boxing as means to get in shape. What were those first few months of training like for you? What made you want to take it further?
Amber Brown: Back in 2009, when I first came to Fit-Nhb, it was a different experience for me. I was never involved in any combat sports growing up. It took a bit to get used to, the workouts, getting punched in the face, etc.
AB: I had teammates fighting on amateur boxing/kickboxing smokers at the gym, so that made me want to try it, and go out there and compete.
CS: Originally you were strictly a boxer, with several amateur bouts and one pro bout. Aside from obvious rule differences, what are the main differences between boxing and MMA?
AB: With boxing and MMA, you have to work hard either way. However, they are both way different. Boxing has limited tools; it may take a lot longer to finish fights. You don’t have to worry about any weapons except the hands.
AB: In MMA, you have a way bigger arsenal. You can finish a fight a lot quicker. Also it’s a way different cardio!
CS: What were your initial thoughts when the Invicta FC FightPass distribution deal was announced?
AB: I was super excited to hear that Invicta signed a deal to air on FightPass. I knew something was in the works, but to find out that it was with the UFC is awesome!
CS: Your last bout was in July of 2013, more than a year before your bout on November 1st at Invicta FC 9. Do you have any concerns with ring rust?
AB: I am not worried about ring rust at all. I am just totally ready to get in there and fight! I have been in the gym the entire time, working on things, just staying ready. I will be more than ready.
CS: Your opponent at Invicta FC 9, Liz McCarthy brings a similar level of experience along with a background in boxing. What are you expecting out of the bout?
AB: I can’t say how the fight with Liz will play out; I just know that it will be a WAR!!
CS: What is your mood on fight night? Do you have any routines or superstitions that you have to perform?
AB: On fight night, there aren’t usually things I have to do. Throughout the day, I try to stay calm, relaxed, and totally focused. I imagine everything. Warming up, walking out, the crowd, walking in the cage, and the fight itself.
AB: Usually on fight day my mood is: Ready!
CS: Who generally accompanies you to the cage? What type of feedback and coaching do you prefer from your corners?
AB: My coach, mentor, and other mother Arlene Sanchez has been with me every fight. She usually accompanies me to the cage, and/or Tom Vaughn and wrestling coach Jon Judy. I prefer honest, straight up coaching. I want them to tell it exactly how it is, no beating around the bush.
CS: Aside from fight preparation, how much MMA do you watch purely for enjoyment?
AB: I am always watching fights or something MMA related. I really enjoy watching it!
CS: Outside of the gym and MMA, what types of activities do you enjoy for fun? What helps you to relax?
AB: Aside from the gym, I love to be with my husband and my daughter. Outdoors, I love nature, hikes, camping. But I am ALWAYS in the gym!
CS: Lastly, MMA takes a team to succeed alone inside the cage. Who would you like to thank?
AB: Without the help of my husband, my whole Wildbunch family, my coaches Tom and Arlene, Jon Judy, and all of my sponsors, none of this would be possible. Unleashed Sports Nutrition, Damage Control Mouthguards, Mei-Li Fighting, and Xionx.
AB: And most of all INVICTA FC!!!
Invicta FC 9 takes place November 1st live from the RiverCenter in Davenport, Iowa.
Tickets are on sale via the Ticketmaster link below.
The full card will air live via UFC Fight Pass. Click below to subscribe to UFC FightPass.
