Archive for category: Interviews

Brash and outspoken fan favorite from down under, Bec Hyatt storms back into the Invicta FC cage on July 13^th 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  13^th, 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 

Tecia “The Tiny Tornado” Torres looks to install herself as a force to be reckoned with when she returns to the Invicta FC cage on July 13^th at Invicta FC 6.

Asking for and receiving a bout with fellow undefeated prospect Rose Namajunas, Torres wants to show she is the future of a deep and competitive Strawweight division. Training out of the vaunted American Top Team in Florida, Torres will attempt to take the next step towards the top of the division on July 13^th.

Corey Smith: You first entered into martial arts via kickboxing at a very young age. How did that come about? How long did you stick exclusively with kickboxing?

Tecia Torres: My mom placed me in karate when I was 5 and I loved it, so I stayed until college. I wanted something more and found Muay Thai in 2008. About 8 months after I began I was introduced to BJJ and quickly started competing in tournaments. After I got my blue belt and had about 15 ammy fights, I decided I would try MMA in September 2011. I continued to fight both MMA and kickboxing. By the time Invicta called me to make my pro debut in October 2012, I already had 27 total ammy fights. I was ready!

CS: Your first exposure to MMA was when it was made popular by EliteXC and Strikeforce. At that point did you have much submission or grappling experience? How did you go about making the transition to MMA?

TT: By the time I stepped into the cage for the first time I was already a blue belt, so I was comfortable when the fight ended up on the ground. The transition was very smooth. I enjoyed MMA very much, so that it became my main focus.

CS: After a perfect 7-0 record as an amateur, you have gone pro and won your first two fights. What grade would you give your career and progress so far?

TT: I believe thus far in my martial arts journey I have taken all the right steps at the right times. Never rushing it, always looking to improve and go from there. A solid “A” grade for my determination, talent, and will to succeed.

CS: American Top Team is one of the largest and most successful camps in Mixed Martial Arts. How do you benefit from working with such a camp?

TT: ATT is so widely diverse. We have many different talented people from all over the world at our gym. I benefit from a variety of teaching skills and diverse looks into the fighting world. There are fighters of all weight classes and various elite promotions all the time, so I’m never far away from talented people or people who can help me.

CS: Jessica Aquilar, considered to be among the best female athletes currently fighting, trains out of ATT. What type of non-physical advice does she give you?

TT: In the gym, it’s a time and place to be professional. I go to learn, train, and put work in. Leave everything and anything else outside the door when I walk in.

CS: You will be making your third appearance for Invicta on July 13th. How has your experience with the company been like so far? What types of things do they do to make the whole process run as smoothly as possible?

TT: Janet, Shannon, and everyone behind the Invicta banner are all superb and second to none. My experience thus far has been amazing. I am honored to fight for such an elite, well run and organized promotion. Invicta is great to everyone; fans and fighters alike.

TT: From the moment we arrive everything is set up for us, so our focus is making weight and fight night. I love how we have a set schedule with things to do. Every aspect has been taken care of… It’s the little things that make us feel special. Having someone to braid our hair, welcoming us with a gift package, shuttle bus, nice hotel, access to sauna, lists goes on and on. Invicta in one word = Awesome!

CS: Your opponent at Invicta FC 6 is Rose Namajunas, someone who is quickly becoming a fan favorite. How much can a crowd reaction sway your performance?

TT: I know that Rose is very well known and will have quite a crowd at the time of our fight. The crowd can only make me stronger. Whether they are rooting for or against me, I will push on and fight my fight.

CS: You spoke about how Rose was the opponent that you wanted the most. Why was that? How do you expect the fight to go?

TT: Rose vs me is the most logical fight. The fans wanted it, and so did I. We both are basically the young guns and future of Invicta. We are young, talented, and undefeated.

TT: We made our professional debuts with Invicta. It’s our homebase. I wanted it, or more so, knew the fight was coming. Rose and I make for an exciting matchup. I expect it to go the distance, and I foresee us both being each others biggest test to date.

CS: The 115lb division is one of the deepest divisions in Invicta. What are your thoughts overall on the division and your place in it?

TT: The division as a whole is freakishly talented from the bottom up. I see the belt-holder changing many times over the next few title defenses. I believe I am one of the up and comers to watch out for and that a win over Rose would definitely set the pace for what is to come from me in the division.

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

TT: Fight night I go into Princess mode. I like things a certain way. I like to be talkative, listen to my music, laugh with my corners, and be happy. I walk up to the cage smiling, in no way being disrespectful, but because I am truly happy to be there in that moment.

TT: Not many people get to experience what we do. Nor will they ever understand the feelings you get just minutes or seconds before you step in front of someone knowing they want the very same thing you want and you’ve come to take it away.

CS: Outside of the cage, what types of activities do you enjoy? What helps you to mentally unwind?

TT: I like the normal simple stuff. Being with my good friends, going to the beach, movies, and going out to eat.

CS: You also spoke about wanting to use your education after your fighting career is over. What type of education is that? And how would you want to use it?

TT: I have a Bachelors degree; double majoring in criminal justice and sociology. I graduated college in Aug 2010. I would like to work for a non-profit when I decide to slow things down one day.

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

TT: I would like to thank God for giving me the strength and ability to wake up every day and do what I love.

TT: My friends, fans, and family for all their unconditional love and support. My teammates and coaches for pushing me and teaching me everything I know.

TT:  My sponsors for believing in my talents. American Top Team, Brawl and Maul, Dawgs Forever, Forever Dawgs, Awakening Female Fighters, Slept, Babes of MMA, and Klench Mouthguards.

World traveler Emily Kagan makes a stop in the Invicta FC cage on July 13^th at Invicta FC 6, when she looks to get back on the winning trail against Ashley Cummins.

Both Cummins and Kagan are looking to rebound from their first career losses, and Kagan is motivated to entertain the fans with her hard nosed style. Training out of Jackson’s MMA, Kagan will draw on the experience and tutelage of her massive team in order to stand with her hand raised on July 13^th.

Corey Smith: Your first foray into martial arts began with American Jiu Jitsu at the age of eighteen. How did that come about? What are the major differences between American and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?

Emily Kagan: For as long as I can remember, I had always wanted to get involved in martial arts.  I never felt that the opportunity was there until I went to college, where we had a Jujitsu “club”.  I immediately signed up and committed myself to training under the AJA for the next four years.  I remember spending the first year working on falling, rolling, off-balancing, and basic movement.  As “boring” as it seemed to an 18-year old, I had faith in my instructor, and knew that if I made it through the first year with mental discipline, I would eventually progress.  I am so thankful I did!

CS: Shortly after receiving your black belt in AJJ, you moved to Israel. What was the country like in general? And what was the MMA community like in Israel?

EK: I love Israel!  It is a beautiful and passionate country!  I lived and trained there as a new citizen for 3 years.  At the time, MMA felt like something people only talked about.  There were so many martial arts dojos though!  Krav Maga, Boxing, Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, No-Gi grappling, and “Modern” Jujitsu!  Just as I was leaving to return to the US, a few martial artists, Ido Pariente and Eran Bert, started to emphasize MMA specific training in their dojos near the Tel Aviv area.

CS: After moving back to the United States, how did your MMA career progress? Where were you training at this point?

EK: Upon returning to the US, I went to live near my family in Maine and joined Team Irish in Bangor, ME under the coaching of Marcus “The Irish Hand Grenade” Davis, as well as Garth Krane.

CS: At the end of 2009, you moved out to New Mexico and joined the world renowned Jacksons/Winklejohn fight team. What prompted that decision? How was your initial integration into the team?

EK: Through 2009, I had been training with Team Irish while working as a wilderness guide with at-risk youth in New Hampshire.  I had been training in martial arts for years, but had never considered fighting until my students at work began inquiring as to why I had never desired a professional MMA career.  And so I began to ask myself that very same question, while also going through a transitional time in my life- feeling a need for change.

EK: I had told Marcus that I was not ready to be back in Maine (which is where his MMA gym is located), and so he recommended that I make some inquiries to Greg Jackson’s gym, where female fighters received support.  I contacted the gym manager and Julie Kedzie, and flew out for a trial week with the understanding that I would move there if they wanted me on board.  Two months later, I packed my car and drove across country to join this elite team, and I have been here ever since!

CS: The list of female fighters at Jackson’s is lengthy, including Invicta Atomweight Champion Michelle Waterson, along with Invicta FC Commentator and UFC athlete Julie Kedzie. What does that type of talent do to prepare you for your work inside the cage?

EK: Being around other talented women who are pursuing the same goals provides a unique and tremendous sense of camaraderie and support that is impossible to achieve in an all-male environment.

EK: Women are different from men in many ways, and that does not change just because we are athletes in what once was a male-dominated sport.  It is amazing to have both male and female athletes to share our sport and experiences with.

CS: With that many female athletes available, how often do you still train with male athletes? Is there any discipline in particular that you would prefer a male athlete to train with?

EK: I am grateful for both my male and female teammates, and am thankful for all their different talents and skill levels… they each bring something different to the table, and the variety and availability of experiences accessible to me is rare.

CS: Your opponent at Invicta FC 6 on July 13^th, Ashley Cummins, brings a similar level of experience with her into the cage. How familiar are you with Ashley? What are you expecting out of the bout?

EK: I am excited to fight Ashley.  I have watched some of her videos and she is clearly very passionate and driven to excel as a fighter as well, which will always lead to a very entertaining fight for audiences.  There is no doubt it will be a war.

CS: Inside the cage, whose voice do you look to the most? What type of feedback do you like to receive from your coaches?

EK: Fortunately, I have a variety of teammates, as well as Coach Jackson and Winkeljohn, coaching me during my training and sparring sessions, so I am used to hearing more than one.  Also, I would not say that there is a “type of feedback I like to receive”, since I trust them all 100% and always feel good about their coaching and feedback.

CS: Excluding fight preparation, how much MMA do you watch purely for the enjoyment? Anyone in particular you are a fan of?

EK: There are always MMA fights happening!  But I hate to miss an opportunity to support other women in the sport, and I do my best to watch my teammates fight as well.

CS: Outside of the cage, what do you enjoy doing for fun? What helps you to unwind after a long day of training camp?

EK: Outside of fight training, I love the outdoors, but also find respite in good non-fiction books and conversations with family and friends.  However, since many of my loved ones are in different time zones, I will either slip away into a movie, or find more active recovery in my yoga practice.

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

EK: I would like to thank my entire Team Jackson/Winkeljohn, with special thanks to both head coaches, Greg and Mike.  Also, my additional striking coach, Mike Valle, as well as teammates Julie Kedzie and Joey Villasenor, who have been in my corner.

EK: My earlier Team Irish with Marcus Davis and Garth Krane.

EK: My amazingly supportive family and friends all over the world.

EK: My sponsors – Kara Worley, Adam Elcewicz, Akimma, Marshall Mouthguards, Hot Yoga Downtown ABQ, Grassroots Yoga ABQ, Victory Unltd., and Title Shot.

EK:  I would also like to thank Sam Wilson, Invicta FC, and all of my previous opponents for their talent and sports’woman’ship!!!

Rugged and durable Mollie Estes will step in the cage in front of her hometown, July 13^th at Invicta FC 6 at the Ameristar Casino in Kansas City, MO. A strong advocate of the sport, Estes is a welcome addition to an already stacked card.

Originally scheduled to square off at Invicta FC 5, Estes will faced noted strikeout artist Veronica Rothenhausler. Estes will look to test her opponent’s stamina as she tries to have her hand raised in victory on July 13^th.

Corey Smith: You will be returning to the Invicta cage for a third time on July 13^th. What has your experience been like with the company?

Mollie Estes: I couldn’t be more pleased than to fight for Janet and Shannon. They are first class ladies and professional business women. I feel very blessed.

CS: You spoke about how fighting before a hometown crowd can provide distractions leading up to the fight. How do you try to minimize those distractions?

ME: I plan on making this fight my focus. Just like turning off the TV, I plan on turning off many social and work aspects of my life and placing them on hold until this fight is over.

CS: Reading your comments about previous opponents, you seem to identify weaknesses very well in your opponents. Where does that come from?

ME: That comes from loving the sport. I have watched my own videos over and over and tried to re-live those unsuccessful moments in a more radiant light for my own benefits. Every move we make forms a pattern of who we are and we tend to repeat those same patterns. Humans are predictable and the ones who aren’t…well they are Beck Hyatt, lol, and we can’t get enough of that.

CS: You stepped in on short notice to face a well-respected veteran of the sport in Julia Budd at Invicta FC 5. What grade would you give yourself on your performance?

ME: Being competitive I was SO disappointed. Logistically it played out as anticipated by the critics, but my what-ifs keep following me. “What if I would have beat Julia to the take down each round instead of letting her shoot first? ” and ”Why wasn’t I meaner, more ruthless?”

ME: Honestly Julia is the strongest woman I ever fought. To finish my thoughts I did want to have more of a stand up fight, but she followed protocol and brought it to the ground again just as she had done in her past few fights. But if the shoe fits, wear it. I left the ring hoping that I made her feel like she earned her paycheck that night.

CS: Since the Budd fight, what have you been focusing on in the gym? What areas have you been trying to improve the most?

ME: I have been repeating more simple scenarios during this fight camp. Basic things that I think will remind me how to finish a fight more swiftly the moment that I am in a position to do so. It’s like watching UFC where one fighter gets top mount and ends up getting beat up from the guy on the bottom. I don’t want to waste any time to finish this one.

CS: You will be facing your original Invicta FC 5 opponent, Veronica Rothenhausler, at Invicta FC 6 on July 13^th. How much training and game-planning was completed before the opponent switch last time? How familiar are your with Veronica’s game?

ME: Veronica has a right hand J . I worked on footwork, stand up, keeping my hands up and a lot of take downs to prepare me for my last fight that was to be against Veronica. Now I have been going over what I learned from the last camp. I am sure many would like to know if Veronica can go the distance.

CS: What are your goals for the remainder of 2013 in MMA?

ME: I always train one fight at a time. My vision as a competitor leads me to July 13^th, however as an advocate for the sport I plan on helping out much beyond my fighting years. I give monetarily to the MMA community and that will not stop. I plan on getting my trainingforwarriors.com certification in August and my personal ambition is to help strengthen women’s minds as they empower their bodies by learning self-defense and MMA.

CS: Are your sons involved in martial arts at all at this point? At what age do you think that it is appropriate for children to begin instruction in some type of martial art?

ME: My two boys love sports and play so many, but for some reason they think ju jitsu is just a fun game and team sports is the serious side of the spectrum. I don’t try to persuade them either way and I never force them to go to class. It’s kept casual. Kid time should be fun time.

ME: Five years of age is a good time to start children in MMA. They are cognitively developed by that point, enough that they will enjoy it and learn. I do believe that one should not teach children to punch anything but mits and a bag though, until they are much older. It just isn’t necessary. Ju Jitsu is a perfect way to begin and mutual respect is the first rule that they should learn.

CS: With a strong history in rugby, and all things being equal, if rugby and MMA are on tv at the same time, which are you watching?

ME: J World cup final vs. a Versus UFC rerun?? World cup. Or Collegiate All-Star games vs. a Rhonda Rousey fight night? Ronda …ok I am cheating. MMA pulls me in like people staring at a bearded lady. MMA wins.

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

ME: I would love to thank Steve Crawford’s American JuJitsu and coaches whose home is inside my favorite gym, 68 Inside Sports.

ME:  Also thanks to my largest sponsors: The Mladenoff Clinic and iStressed out.com, Ahlers Building Maintenance and Timeless Tattoo KC, MO.

http://www.crawfordsmma.com/, http://68insidesports.com/, http://sedca-ceutics.com/custom_content/c_224224_istressedout.html, http://www.mladenoffclinic.com/,www.abmaintenance.com, FB: Timeless Tattoo KC.