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FIGHTING WORDS: ALEX CHAMBERS

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An international student of all martial arts, Australian Alex Chambers will make her Invicta FC debut April 5th against undefeated fellow Strawweight Jodie Esquibel at Invicta FC 5.

Starting to study karate as a child, martial arts is a lifestyle for Chambers, and she has grown into a well rounded fighter beginning to find her place in the world of MMA. Part of a three fighter Australian invasion at Invicta along with Bec Hyatt and Fiona Muxlow, Chambers will be looking to make a successful US debut on April 5th.

Corey Smith: I understand there is some family history in martial arts. Is that what first drew you martial arts? What keeps your competing in the sport now?

Alex Chambers: Yeah, my uncle always brings up training with Chuck Norris (briefly) and has kinda become a family joke. When I was a child he (my uncle) got me and my cousins into karate because he thought it was important to learn self defense and also the underlying values inherent in traditional/classical martial arts (discipline, self-confidence, etiquette, etc.).

AC:  While as a kid I was really happy on my karate planet doing that, MMA has become a whole universe for me to explore. That’s what has kept my interest. Having said that I do still think it’s important not to forget where you came from, otherwise you get lost.

CS: You previously stated that MMA is a lifestyle for you, not a trend. What did you mean by that?

AC: Just the same as when I did Karate as a child, it went through a phase of hype where people did it just to do it, because everyone else was doing it. While its great MMA is taking off and becoming really popular it has also led to people doing it for the wrong reasons.

CS: It’s common for fighters to have a home gym, but also to take a few weeks to train somewhere else. Who or where was someplace or someone that you learned much more than you were expecting to?

AC: While I have learnt many good things traveling, the biggest thing I get out of it is being able to get a bit of perspective (of where my level is at) and refreshes my interest in training again (a change in environment, commitments, training partners etc). It also makes me appreciate how good my gym is and how good my coaches are.

CS: You have trained many times in Japan, with among others Megumi Fujii, what advantage is there to training in Japan?

AC: It’s a different way of training over there and its not often I get to train with girls of a similar weight (or any weight for that matter), and for the girls to be some of the best fighters in the world, makes the experience even more unique.

AC: Obviously training with Megumi Fujii at her gym AACC in Tokyo Japan has been the highlight of my experience training elsewhere at another gym. I didn’t realize I would have such direct training with one of the best MMA fighters in the world. I really wasn’t expecting that. She also has some of the top ranked female fighters in the world training in her team, which makes the experience even more invaluable.

AC: I remember the first time I visited AACC sitting on the side watching Megumi Fujii warming up, I couldn’t believe my eyes, I had seen her on video, on the internet, and to see her training in person was so surreal. To actually be able to train with her was a dream come true.

CS: What are the major differences between fighting in Japan and fighting in Australia?

AC: In terms of the rules of the actual fights, the ground and pound rules vary (with special rules required for ground and pound in Japan for female MMA promotion Jewels, and usually only allowed for championship matches).

AC: In terms of the overall experience, because martial arts is a big part of Japanese history and culture the crowds and the whole is experience is so different and whilst they still like a big KO, they also appreciate the complexities of the different disciplines of martial arts in MMA.

AC: Which we are now seeing the crowds appreciate and understand more and more outside of Japan too. It was a real honor to get the opportunity to fight on a card in Japan, and I would definitely like to again one day.

CS: You are among several fighters for Invicta that hail from Australia, Bec Hyatt and Fiona Muxlow being the others. How small is the MMA community in Australia? Or is it similar to the US, with fight camps all over the country?

AC: Aussie invasion at Invicta FC 5, pretty cool huh! With the popularity of MMA growing, there seems to be a lot of MMA gyms popping up all over the country. Recently a UFC gym opened up in Sydney which seems to be developing even more interest.

AC: However, I don’t think it is as developed here as the USA just yet. Don’t get me wrong, we still have a few quality MMA camps over here, just not as many.

CS: On the subject of the US, you are very familiar with the United States having visited countless times, but have never fought here. Is there anything in particular that you are looking forward to when you make your stateside debut on April 5th?

AC: Getting my hand raised is number 1. I’m really looking forward to meeting and getting to know some of the other fighters. I might have to make a stop on the West Coast, sad to say I need a fix of In and Out Burger. I’m also going to see New York City for a few days whilst I’m there. All my other visits have been on the West Coast so I’m really excited to go there.

CS: Leading up to your most recent fight, you were ill beforehand. How much did that affect you considering you were still able to secure a win? Do you think your opponent was aware of your illness?

AC: You never fight at 100 percent, and can’t expect to. There can always be something bothering you if you let it. As soon as the cage door closes and you get that adrenalin rush, you soon overcome/forget any illness or injury.

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

AC: It’s been great. They are very organized and professional and from watching all their previous fight cards Invicta looks like an awesome promotion. I’m so happy to have the opportunity to fight for them, so I will be giving it my all come fight time.

CS: Your opponent on April 5th, Jodie Esquibel, has less MMA bouts on her record than you, but brings a large amount of boxing experience with her. What are you expecting out of the bout?

AC: She is undefeated in MMA and you never really know the full depth of experience fighters may have outside of MMA. I’m definitely not underestimating the challenge.

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?

AC: I do have a main coach, Liam Resnekov, so he is the one I listen to when I am fighting.

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

AC: I try not to miss any big promotions either in the USA or in Japan. Luckily with the internet now, being able to get PPV on it I am able to see most events live, which we didn’t used to be able to do here in Australia. We would have to go to a local bar to watch it via satellite. Of course I also like to get to any local promotions that are being held and support Australian MMA.

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?

AC: Growing up on the beach I find it a really relaxing place to go to unwind, even if it is just a walk or sitting on the sand watching the waves and surfers. I also play a bit of Black Ops (Call of Duty) occasionally, but I don’t know if I consider that unwinding!

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

AC: Definitely couldn’t have the opportunities I have today without such a great team of coaches, training partners and friends behind me.  My head coaches Liam and Dylan Resnekov at VT1 Mixed Martial Arts academy (vt1mma.com.au).

AC:  Also coaches Eddy, Graham, Adam and Jeff for their time and effort. All my training partners and friends at VT1, you guys are awesome (thanks for putting up with me).

Special thanks to training partner Glen for always being there for me. My strength and conditioning Coach Jason Gulati of Real Training (real-training.com.au) for always getting me fighting fit and strong.

AC: Thank you to my sponsors Level Clothing, and Tussel FightGear for their continuous support. Also thank you to my new sponsor Bloodbath Fightwear (www.bloodbath.com.au).  Thank you to Kya Pate of Brace for War for supporting WMMA in Australia.

AC: Last but not least, thank you to the fans, you guys are awesome!

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FIGHTING WORDS: SIMONA SOUKUPOVA

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Stepping in on late notice for an injured Nicdali Rivera-Calanoc, Simona Soukupova will challenge two time Invicta veteran Cassie Rodish at Invicta FC 5 on April 5th.

Originally starting out in Muay Thai, Soukupova has grown into a well-rounded athlete with a record of 3-2-1. Travelling the world to train with the best of the best, Soukupova did not hesitate to step in on short notice and is looking forward to taking advantage of the opportunity to fight in front of the Invicta fans on April 5th.

Corey Smith: What first drew you in to the world of mixed martial arts? How long were you training before you took your first fight?

Simona Soukupova: I do not really remember, just one day I decided I wanted to take up martial arts and striking appeared attractive to me at that time. It happened quite late in my life (in my late twenties), when I tried my first Muay Thai class and I loved it.

SS: I used to do sports as a kid but kind of being pushed a bit by my sporty parents into it. It resulted in me stopping all sports at quite an early age. I did not want to do any kind of sport for a long time, until I came across Muay Thai.

SS: I was in day to day training quite soon after taking up Muay Thai and my first fight happened after a few years in training.

CS: You hail from the United Kingdom, where there are several popular MMA promotions, BAMMA, and Cage Warriors to name a few. With MMA becoming a global phenomenon, what is the MMA community like in England?

SS: We kind of all know each other. My instructor James started to do grappling when MMA was at the beginning in the UK. I would say we are quite a close community and support each other in some way.

CS: You have fought in several different countries, including the US and Finland. What are the major differences between fighting in some of the countries you have fought in?

SS: Culture of those countries makes it different each time, how they treat you. It’s so cool to experience it.

CS: Most fighters have a home gym that they spend most of their training camps at, but it is also fairly common to visit other gyms for a few weeks at a time. Where do you spend the majority of your time training? What other gyms have you visited to help you work on one aspect or another?

SS: I have all I need in my home club – KO Gym in London. I tend to go and train with people from different gyms from time to time to improve one or another side of my game but mostly work out at KO Gym.

SS: I went twice for a few months to the US to train at well-known gyms there. I wanted to see how it works there and learn. I also wanted to experience different cultures as I love travelling and I had never been in the US before.

SS: I thought to combine training and travelling would be fun and it was. I trained with Lisa and Eddy Ellis and we also became good friends. I trained with Din Thomas from ATT, at Xtreme Couture Gym, with Cyborg in San Diego (The Arena), I met Marcelo Garcia.

SS: Last year I really enjoyed training with female team in Greg Jackson’s Gym. Actually, I met and rolled with both of the “main event” girls (Jessica Penne and Michelle Waterson) on my trips. They are great competitors (fast, long legs grapplers). If it goes to the ground it will be amazing to watch. It is a very good match. I look forward to this fight J.

CS: Do you believe that having fought in the United States before will better prepare you for fighting on April 5th at Invicta FC 5?

SS: I believe that any of my fights is part of my preparation for fighting at Invicta. To do well is a mental thing in this case. Any experience from the cage counts.

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

SS: I communicate with Invicta through my manager Slade Bittler and it all works pretty well.

CS: Invicta FC has quickly built a reputation around exciting cards from top to bottom. Are you excited to try and contribute to that reputation? Was there any hesitation in taking a short notice fight?

SS: No hesitation, it is an opportunity and I want to be there.

CS: Your opponent at Invicta FC 5, Cassie Roddish brings a four fight win streak into the fight. How familiar are you with her? What do you expect out of the bout?

SS: I watched her fights and I think she is well rounded, as am I, so it should be a good match.

CS: You have generally fought at 115lbs in the past, but will be making the drop to 105lbs for this bout. How are you preparing for the drop in weight class?

SS: Diet! 115 is very close to my actual weight. I put on a bit more over Christmas though. I have to be on a strict diet now. It makes me hungry. And I am not talking about food now!

CS: After weigh ins, what is your favorite food to indulge in?

SS: I am addicted to peanut butter. I will dip into a jar of peanut butter after the fight for sure. Otherwise, after weigh in I do not crave anything. I am thinking off the fight.

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

SS: I do not think of the fight the day before. On the day of, I like to have a short nap during the day and I do imagine the fight at that time – what I want to do there, etc.

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

SS: I listen to my corner (Coach James Duncalf,) and we always watch the fight after and talk about what could have been done differently.

CS: Outside of training, how much MMA do you watch? Are there any fighters here or abroad that you enjoy watching?

SS: I am not into it really. I sometimes do not know big names which can be embarrassing. I like Lisa Ellis’s fighting style. I admire her wrestling!

CS: When you aren’t in the gym, what types of activities do you participate in purely for fun?

SS: Being in the gym is my hobby. I do it for fun.

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

SS: I would like to thank my coach James Duncalf and my MMA team from KO Gym London. And thank you to Slade Bittler for giving me an opportunity to fight on a big stage!

SS:  To my sponsors Rebekka Francis (Lutadora) and Paul Hejduk (Dawgs Forever).

SS:  And thank you for the interview!

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FIGHTING WORDS: LESLIE SMITH

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Taking a step up in competition, Leslie Smith is eager to enter the cage with former World Champion, Sarah Kaufman on April 5th at Invicta FC 5.

A three time Invicta veteran, Smith will look to capitalize on her biggest opportunity to date, and climb the rungs of the 135lb ladder. A lover of botany, she will attempt to plant a big one on Sarah Kaufman April 5th, and continue her growth towards the top of the 135lb division.

Corey Smith: You began your MMA training cold turkey so to speak, at a gym in Colorado Springs. You took your first amateur bout a little over five years ago. How long from the point you began training until you took that first bout?

Leslie Smith: I trained for two weeks before my coach asked if I wanted to take a fight three weeks later.  I had been bummed that I was going to have to wait for three months to take a fight because I realized that if I was going to get good it was going to take a lot of devotion. If I was going to be devoted I wanted to make sure I liked fighting. So I was really excited when the opportunity to get into the cage came up so soon.

LS: I was a little worried that my lack of skill made the fight more of a freak show than a display of fighting ability.  My coach at the time, Chuck Daly, said that a good fight is determined by how well the fighters match up, and I have seen that proven many times.

LS: The first fight I was offered was a total of 5 weeks after I started training.  She was in better shape than me and everybody said they thought my coach was leading me to a slaughter, but I knocked her out in the second round.  I got a standing ovation from the enthusiastic crowd and a sponsor offered to give me $300 a month.  Needless to say I was ecstatic and hooked.

CS: How soon did you get the nickname “The Peacemaker?” And how did a nickname that seems like a contradiction come about?

LS: I know fighters aren’t supposed to pick their own name but I was tossing around names for literally years and when somebody suggested ‘Peacemaker’ I really liked it.  I like all the contradictions in it and the fact that it can have a meaning to almost everybody.  Lots of people call their gun, their bat, or their power punching hand their peacemaker.

LS: I am a big fan of peace and down on passive violence.  I think it is a lot healthier to get out aggressions in the ring or cage or cardio kickboxing class than to let them fester and manifest themselves in destructive behavior to ourselves, our friends, families and community members.  Even being a spectator to fights provides an outlet for the frustrations and aggressions that we all feel and outlets are necessary to prevent major blowouts.  I also think sometimes you need to fight for peace inside your own mind and in the world.  Women still have to fight for respect and we all have to fight for the people that can’t fight for themselves.

CS: At what point did you join the Cesar Gracie Fight Team, and how did that come about?

LS:  My second pro fight was against Kerry Vera, Brandon Vera’s wife, on a Bellator card.  I wasn’t prepared to fight at that level and I decided that if I was going to call myself a professional I had better train like one.  I didn’t find the cohesion in my training that I wanted in Colorado Springs so I moved to the Bay area.

LS: My aunt lives in Oakland and she said I could come live with her, and train. I Googled all the fight schools in the area and decided to go to as many of them as I could for a free week to scam free training, unfortunately they all charged a drop in fee.

LS: I read a Sherdog post about the CesarGracieJiuJitsuAcademy and on their website they had a picture of Jake Shields.  I decided that if Jake’s picture was any indicator of the rest of the team, I would at least be working with good looking guys!  I came for a day, saw that they were legit and focused and had practices twice a day, which was what I decided was my minimum, and stuck around.

CS: Along with yourself, Alexis Davis, and Sarah D’Alelio are also members of the team. How much do you benefit from having such talented women in and around the gym every day?

LS:  I am very lucky to have such talented and established fighters around me to train with. I just worked with Alexis this morning, and she fought Kaufman recently so she had a lot of information for me. I get to work with Alexis Davis, Sarah D’Alelio, another woman you’ll see at Invicta 5, Mariam Nakamoto, and Jennifer Tate.  There is a wealth of knowledge and fight experience that I can tap into.

CS: Has there been a non-team member that you have trained with that has impressed you?

LS:  I got to go down to Huntington Beach and work with Cris ‘Cyborg’ Santos.  She is super impressive in all departments and I learned a lot from spending just a little bit of time with her.

CS: Other than weight cutting, what is the biggest challenge in the sport of MMA for you personally?

LS: There is a balance of humility and confidence that is important to maintain, it’s like pulling a string in two different directions and trying to keep it level even though you’re standing with each foot in a different boat. It is important to stay humble because that’s how I stay open to learn things and find challenges in dealing with every training partner. It is also important to be confident because confidence is key. When you believe in yourself you can do anything.

LS: When I start a training camp I focus the most on learning new skills and so the humility is important but I still have to be confident in the skills I already have. When I am at the end of the training camp I have to have confidence in everything I do and everything I have learned but I am sparring with beasts and it takes humility to be comfortable with getting smashed. I train with UFC fighters, Jiu Jitsu world champions, pro boxers, and champion Muay Thai fighters, so I am good at dealing with being uncomfortable.

CS: You have fought on Invicta 1, 3, and 4, along with being scheduled to fight Sarah Kaufman on Invicta FC 5 in April. What makes Invicta different from other MMA organizations?

LS:  Invicta takes care of their female fighters, we aren’t just an afterthought thrown onto the card to attract a few extra ticket buyers.  I had my doubts about fighting on an all-female card in the beginning but I am so happy with Invicta and the opportunities they have afforded me. I have an extra reason to fight hard now; to show my appreciation to them.

CS: With respect to your previous opponents, Sarah Kaufman represents a leap in competition for you. What excites you about this fight and what do you expect from Kaufman?

LS:  I expect Kaufman to bring it. I’m not going to have to chase her around the cage, she will be there whenever I want and that is exciting to walk into a fight knowing. I look forward to Kaufman bringing out the best in me and I am looking to bring out the best in her. She is a very accomplished fighter and I am eager to show how bad I want it.

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?

LS: I like to read a lot, books about dragons and historical fiction and most recently two awesome books have been The Botany of Desire and Born To Run. I like to garden, and play with my dogs and go hiking. I’m lucky to have a wonderful boyfriend who I love to hang out with so my time is always happily occupied. I can’t remember the last time I said I was ‘bored’ and I laugh thinking that I was foolish to ever think there ‘wasn’t anything cool to do’.

CS: You’ve mentioned that you have a love of gardening and botany. What draws you to those hobbies?

LS:  The truth of the growth cycle of plants is a calming influence on my soul. There is an honesty is growing plants that interactions with humans just can’t imitate.

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

LS: I want to thank my coaches Alessandro Ferreira and Mark Wine for working with me every single day. I can’t name all people who have helped me but pretty much everybody that is part of the GracieFighter team, especially the Skrap Pack faction, has made me better.

LS: Cris Cyborg opened the doors of her camp to help me. Gilbert Melendez is super supportive even though he has a title fight coming up, he has still been helping me, same thing with Nathan Diaz. Of course I have to thank Cesar Gracie.

LS: My sponsors Loyalty Before Royalty, Hella High Oakland, Dirty Pirate Skate Shop, Brentwood Embroidery, and Sip Moscato are all awesome!

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FIGHTING WORDS: KATHINA CATRON

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Looking to provide main event level excitement at her Invicta FC debut on April 5th, Kathina Catron will step into the cage against fellow prospect Rose Namajunas.

Ready for anything at Invicta FC 5, Catron will attempt to add a win to her current 2-1 record. With a healthy 5-0 amateur career, every time she has stepped into the cage, someone has been finished. Well rounded in all aspects of MMA, Catron will try to stand out in a talented 125lb division at Invicta FC 5 April 5th.

Corey Smith: What first drew you to the world of mixed martial arts? At what point did it go from something you were starting to learn, and become a passion?

Kathina Catron: I first started getting interested in MMA, when I met my boyfriend and now coach Scott Lowe. I wanted to use it to get in shape and loss weight. Then I had a boxing match and decided that I wanted to do MMA. I’ve not missed a day of training since.

CS: All five or your amateur MMA bouts ended with your hand raised after a knockout. What did you learn in those fights that you couldn’t train for?

KC: I think the biggest thing I learned that you really can’t train for, is the speed of the fight.

CS: After your successful amateur career, you turned pro. Along the same lines, what did you learn in your professional bouts as opposed to the amateur ones?

KC: I think as a pro I’ve learned that the competition is well-rounded, so you can’t be a one dimensional fighter.

CS: With a rash of MMA injuries forcing changes to many MMA cards how do you manage training hard, but not over doing it to the point of injury?

KC: My coach really looks out for me and designs our workouts to cut down on injury.

CS: Your last opponent, Nicole Gaza had problems making the weight cut to 115lbs, and the bout was changed to a 125lb contest. How much do you feel that affected the outcome of the fight?

KC: All I’m going to say is when I fight at 125lb I’m walking around 135lb a week out. When we got the call one week out I was setting at 119lb and had to eat like crazy to get back to 125lb. The night of the fight I was at 129lb, but in the end I accepted the fight and it was a learning experience for us.

CS: You will be making your Invicta debut on April 5th at Invicta FC. How has your experience with the company been like so far?

KC: It’s been great! They are very organized and treat the fighters with the up most respect.

CS: Thus far, Invicta cards have been known for being excited top to bottom. How motivated are you to help continue this steak on April 5th? What are your thoughts on the 115lb weight class in Invicta?

KC:  I’m very motivated, I want them to remember our fight as if it was the main event.

KC: The 115lb class is an amazing group of talent and I’m excited to get to compete in it.

CS: Your opponent at Invicta FC 5, Rose Namajunas, brings a well-rounded game with her into the cage. How familiar are you with her? What are you expecting out of the bout?

KC: Rose is Pat Berry’s girlfriend, so I think everyone is familiar with her. I was lucky enough to get to attend her pro debut with Invicta FC 4 and she is a very talented fighter.

KC: I know she is very well-rounded, so I will have to be prepared to go where ever this fight goes.  So, I expect for our bout to be a war and I’m very excited to get to fight such a young talent.

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

KC: I get to watch a lot of MMA because we go to the local fight circuit almost every weekend with my teammates. When we aren’t at fights we like to watch UFC and Bellator. I’m a big fan of Jose Aldo, Ben Henderson and of course WMMA fighters.

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

KC: I look to my coach Scott Lowe for my instructions in the cage.

KC: Brutal Honesty

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

KC: I enjoy spending time with my son and boyfriend Scott Lowe.

KC: I like to soak in a hot shower, and relax with my two main men.

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

KC: I would like to thank my coach Scott Lowe and all my teammates at Battle Ground MMA,  my strength coach Greg Richmond at GTR Fitness, my #1 fan Coy, ASMM Brett Atchley, Dr. Taverni, Vll A.D, Klench Mouthguard, Tussell, Combative Gear, Fight Soap, Throat Punch, Cherokee Nation, Dream Catcher Sports, and all my family, friends, and fans!!

KC: Without all of these great people I wouldn’t be able to do what I do.

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FIGHTING WORDS: MOLLIE ESTES

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Missouri’s own Mollie Estes, returns to the Invicta cage for the first time since Invicta FC 1, on April 5th when she squares off against Invicta newcomer, Veronica Rothenhausler.

Fighting in the 145lb division, former professional rugby player Estes, wants to welcome Rothenhausler to Missouri in a rude fashion. In front of what will surely be a hometown crown, Estes will tangle with Rothenhausler on April 5th, at Invicta FC 5.

Corey Smith: I understand Jiu-Jitsu is what initially drew you into mixed martial arts. How did that come about?

Mollie Estes: Actually I drove by it. There was a sign that said “ju jitsu” off of a busy street. I pulled in the parking lot and wrote down their info off of the window, Googled it and thought, hmmm, sounds like fun.

ME: I had just “retired” (as ruggers call it) from an 8 year rugby career with the Kansas City Jazz WRC. I was trying to figure out what non-team sport I could participate in to stay in shape. That was in September of 2008 and I have been hooked since

CS:  After Jiu-Jitsu, you moved into training Muay Thai. Which art do you feel fits you more naturally?

ME: In high school they called me the “Mahler” which was actually my first initial and maiden name (Ahlers), but it fit my prototype. I was aggressive, not graceful. I started Muay Thai training to find the graceful bird inside of me! Needless to say I enjoy grappling above head kicks, but soaking it all in and being able to filter what I think I can use to my advantage is key.

CS: Along with MMA, you used to play rugby. Which sport is tougher?

ME: When we would recruit new rugby players our first comment to them would always be, “You are going to get hurt.” I played 15 on 15, which means 80 minutes of tackling, getting up, getting tackled, stepped on, and getting up again.

ME: We played every Saturday during the season and I have witnessed on the field broken femurs, compound fractures, always a broken nose, dislocated shoulders, cracked ribs… I could go on. In MMA one trains for a few weeks for one fight which could last 1 minute or 15 minutes. Damage is sure to occur in either sport, but exposure is far less with MMA. The level of fitness is comparable as well.

CS:  You went 7-1 over your Amateur career. What were the best lessons that you learned from those fights?

ME: Going into my first fight I had never really punched someone. I remember thinking how surreal it was. I was about to step into a cage, hurt this girl, and I wasn’t going to be in the least amount of trouble for it (no fouls!). I was so excited!

ME: People always ask me if I am scared before a fight. I explain to them, “I am not stepping into a cage with a 250 pound man with a knife, so no, I am not scared.”

ME: Other lessons learned: When one wins a fight swiftly he or she hasn’t been put to the test. But when the fighter is put to the test and triumphs does the win feel earned.

ME: My first 5 round fight as an ammy, that lasted 4 of the 5 rounds, was the first time I remember feeling truly exhilarated. It was against Marciea Allen in Watertown, SD.

ME: My first lost: 2010 In Las Vegas Tuff N Uff. I learned that the little fighters can be fast as hell! TJ Cunanan buzzed me with a right and to be honest I have no memory of that fight. I don’t think she had to cut to make our fight weight of 135 and I think I was back at 150 the next day after weigh ins. I learned a lot more about nutrition and diet after that fight. Shout out to my nutritionist Ethan Benda at Fitinkc.com!

CS:  You were a part of the inaugural Invicta card last year. What was it like to be on the first card for a promotion like Invicta?

ME: Dreamy! When Janet Martin speaks, people listen. I wanted to shout to everyone every day, “Do you realize how historical this is?” “How could you NOT have tickets yet!?” I was thankful that they chose Kansas City and I felt truly blessed.

ME: Who has had Don House wrap their hands? Me! I really feel like I would have said yes to fight anyone, luckily they are fair matchmakers, ha!

CS: You live just outside Kansas City, how many friends and family showed up for that fight?

ME: My fight family is large. I knew a lot of people there that night. I probably had at least 200 friends there. I had some family there too, but to be honest they prefer to hear about it later. It is still tough for many of them to watch in person. Even some of my friends admitted that they kept their eyes closed most of the fight. I am ok with that because they were there to support me.

ME: They would have not been there for any other reason.

ME: I am uniquely excited for the diehard fans that flew across the country to be there. The type of fans that purchase UFC tickets and know every single fact about MMA are the ones that I get excited to see because they will be back time and time again whether I am fighting or not.

CS: What do you think Invicta means for the sport of women’s mixed martial arts?

ME:  I always had this gut feeling that when no one is around Shannon (Knapp) and Dana (White) speak alien to each other. An android type of clicking with pops and whistles. I do not know what type of relationship they have but Dana’s strategic comments defacing women in the UFC, then Shannon’s rising from the ashes, now 10 UFC WOMEN signed up. Those two are beings from a higher thinking planet if you were to ask me.

ME: Either that or they are the type to put it all on RED at the casinos and have the money to risk it. I am just enjoying the view from the sidelines.

CS: Before your bout last year against Randi Miller, you began to train in wrestling for the first time. Most of your wrestling training occurred at HDMMA, a gym in Kansas City, operated by longtime MMA veterans Jason High and LC Davis How far has your wrestling progressed? What type of support do most female competitors receive from their male counterparts?

ME:  I did train a lot with LC Davis, Jason High, and the HD MMA crew before my last fight. I had my first ever wrestling practice there at the age of 36 J. I have to be honest, the most I have learned since then has been through my two boys’ (ages 8 and 9) wrestling meets. They both won state at their rookie state championships this year.

ME: I have had great support from my male counterparts, although I have heard stories of negative things like a guy showing off because he outweighs his sparring partner (a female) by 50 pounds and ends up hurting her.

ME: I haven’t witnessed this, but I have had female fighters reach out to me since I am somewhat of a role model and confess some issues they face. I feel that I have managed to avoid this scrutiny partially because I am one of the larger female fighters. There are a lot of guys my size in the gym that I am able to go all out with and neither one of us will injure the other.

ME: Training with Jason High and LC Davis was like this. The only bruises that I received from LC was from his elbows on the top of my foot, but that is because I was trying to liver kick him!

ME: What I told a friend the other day was this, “You know when you become a fighter and are no longer just a “girl” at the gym. It’s when they kick and elbow you in the chest because they have forgotten that you have boobs.”

CS: Your  original opponent at Invicta FC 5 on April 5th, Veronica Rothenhausler sustained an injury in training. After a few other injuries left Julia Budd without an opponent, you have agreed to step into the cage with her. What were your thoughts on accepting the change in opponent so close to the fight?

ME: I’m blessed with such a great opportunity! Win or lose, it’s a win-win for me. I plan to do my best. Wish me luck!

CS: Inside the cage, what type of instruction do you like to receive from your coaches?

ME: Do you ever work out to the Bas Ruten audio CD’s? He shouts out what you do next and you just follow it. I love it when my corner does that. It’s helped so many times and is almost an instinctive process.

ME: What I mean by that is one fight Sarah Schneider was my corner. She has a soft voice and after I won in the 2nd round by a standing guillotine, I remember her coming out celebrating my win and saying, “You did great! You did everything I said!” I didn’t tell her that I didn’t hear a word she said.

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

ME:  I don’t eat any food less than 4 hours before my event. I like my hair braided the same day that I fight. I never shave my legs on fight day, although I do shave the night before. I like to nap and relax the day of my fight. Nothing exciting.

ME: If my corner is super nervous I like to play jokes. One time I hid my mouthpiece and as we were about to come out I asked, “where’s my mouth piece!?” No one could find it, then I pulled it out, “Oh, there it is!” and just started laughing at their pale faces.

CS: Outside of the gym, what types of activities do you enjoy for fun? What helps you recharge from a long day of training camp?

ME:  I am a work-a-holic. I have a commercial janitorial company that I have owned and operated for 12 years (www.abmaintenance.com). I also have a tattoo shop located at 1005 Westport Rd., KC, MO 64111 (Timeless Tattoo KC on FB). If I am not working on that I love spending time with my boys at Lake Lotawana, MO.

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

ME: I am so very thankful for my dojo, Steve Crawford’s American Ju Jitsu and happy that their new home has moved into my 2nd home which is 68 Inside Sports, Overland Park, KS.

ME:  Also thankful for trainers and training partners: Damiyahn Smith, Sarah Schneider, mit and cardio specialist Austen Ford, Muay Thai trainer Bryan Carroll, kickboxing instructor Mr. Dwane F. Lewis Jr., my friends at Brian Davidson’s Grindhouse, my Pink Ponies, nutritionist Ethan Benda, my chiropractor Dr Mladenoff and founder of IStressedOut.com. I’ll stop there, but there is always more.

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FIGHTING WORDS WITH VERONICA ROTHENHAUSLER

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Vicious knockout artist Veronica Rothenhausler returns to the Invicta cage on April 5th, at Invicta FC 5.

Looking to put the 145lb division on notice, Rothenhausler will look to remain unbeaten when she squares off against Kansas City’s own, Mollie Estes. After recently joining Team Alpha Male, Rothenhausler is eager to earn another Knockout of the Night award while showing she will be a force to be reckoned with for years to come in the featherweight division.

Corey Smith: Growing up, you were involved in a wide variety of sports. What attracted you to mixed martial arts?

Veronica Rothenhausler: MMA was my first opportunity to experience an individual sport.  I had no idea how empowering it could be to compete on my own.  While team sports taught me more than I could ever write down, there was something much different about walking into the cage by myself. Just me and you.  There’s nobody else.  I like that.

CS: After only three months of formal training, you took your first amateur bout. What were your thoughts leading up fight night?

VR: I was excited.  I went into that fight with the same mindset I have now, there is no way in hell I’m going to let this girl beat me up.  I went in there with nothing to lose.  I try and carry that with me in all of my fights.

CS: Your career began attracting attention after a pair of five second knockouts as an amateur. How did each of those knockouts come about?

VR:  The first one (knockout), was my second ammy fight.  It was in my hometown so it was cool to have my friends and family there.  It was the first time my dad had ever seen me fight so that was a good one to have him at.  I came out, threw two jabs and a straight right, and that was it.

VR: The next fight was for the TUFF N UFF 145 ammy belt.  I felt great coming off that 5 second win and my confidence was through the roof.  That is another thing that I decided to carry with me throughout my career.  There was a bunch of controversy following that fight after my opponent didn’t want to touch gloves with me, but it didn’t bug me at all.

VR: Some fighters feel the need to mad dog ya before and even after the fight.  No skin off my nose.  Nonetheless, I dropped her with my right and followed up with a few more while she was on the ground.

CS: Your first professional bout, at Invicta FC 4 this past January, also ended in a knockout. It also earned you Knockout of the Night honors. Do you ever attempt to win in any other fashion?

VR: Whatever gets me that bonus! Just playin’. I’m a powerful striker.  Knockouts are bound to happen, but I just go in there to get the job done.  How it happens is all dependent upon the individual fight.

CS: You train now out of Team Alpha Male. What has the training there done to elevate your career?

VR: I am a frillion times the fighter I was going in there.  My team is the best thing that ever happened to my career.  They are so talented, helpful, and totally good looking.

VR: Why wouldn’t I want to be in the gym 24/7! Urijah (Faber) has really taken me under his wing, and I couldn’t be more grateful.  To train with champions of that caliber everyday is an honor.  These guys are the real deal.

CS: After earning Knockout of the Night honors at Invicta FC 4, you are competing for Invicta again on April 5th at Invicta FC 5. How has your experience been like with the company so far?

VR: Working with Invicta FC has been incredible.  They care about the athletes more than anything, and it shows.  They take care of everything so the only thing you have to worry about is your fight.  I love these guys.  No other organization compares, after all we’re a bunch of girls!

CS: Your opponent at Invicta FC 5, Mollie Estes, is a Kansas City native. Are you worried about any type of hometown advantage? Where do you see the fight going?

VR:  It doesn’t matter where we are.  Once we step in there, that’s my cage.  I’m going to make a statement with this fight.

CS: With Invicta FC recently signing Cris Cyborg to add to an already deep 145lb weight class, what are your thoughts overall on the division?

VR:  I love it.  That’s where I want the big names.

CS: How much of an advantage do you believe your height and body size are for you over most female fighters?

VR:  I was bred to be a warrior.  I’m strong, fast, and instinctive.  Not many girls are built like I am.

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

VR: My mood never really changes.  I get in the zone right before I walk out, but I like to stay calm and do my thing.  Apparently I’ve been called out on how much I frown which is hilarious to anyone who knows me.  Someone even called me “the blue collar knockout frowner”! Points for creativity for sure.

VR: I played ball for years so I am a little superstitious, but literally not one person on this earth besides myself knows what I do- but I will tell you it works!

CS: Post fight, what is the first thing you have to do?

VR: Relax and celebrate!

CS: What type of feedback do you like to receive from your coaches inside the cage?

VR:  It depends on who I’m fighting and who is in my corner.  I have Justin Buchholz with me this time, and he knows my fighting style pretty well and we’ve been drilling together a lot so I trust anything he has to say.

CS: When the lights have faded, and the roar of the crowd has dimmed, what do you want to look back on your career and say you accomplished?

VR:   I want to be the featherweight world champion.

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

VR: Urijah Faber, our newest addition Duane Bang, my cornerman Justin Buchholz, Chad Mendes, Danny Castillo, Lance Pamldale, Joe Benevidez, Dustin Akbari, and every person who’s in that gym working to be better.  Everybody at Torque for always looking out for me.  TEAM ALPHA MALE IS TAKING OVER THE WORLD!

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FIGHTING WORDS WITH KATJA KANKAANPAA

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With a record of 7-0-1, Finland’s Katja Kankaanpaa, makes her US debut at Invicta FC 5 on April 5th.

Facing fellow undefeated prospect Juliana Carneiro Lima, Kankaanpaa wants to establish herself firmly as a factor in the Flyweight division. On April 5th, the world will learn who Katja Kankaanpaa is, and why they call her “The Killer Bunny!”

Corey Smith: How long have you been involved in MMA, and how did you get started in the sport?

Katja Kankaanpaa: I started to train MMA about 7 years ago. Before that I did Karate but submission-wrestling started to interest me more and more, which led me to MMA. The first couple of years I focused more on submission-wrestling and I thought that I’ll never compete in MMA. But eventually I wanted to test my skills in competition, and I’m still on that road.

CS: What is your favorite discipline to train? Which aspect is more work than fun?

KK: It’s hard to say any specific discipline, because I really like to train everything! Maybe that’s “the thing” for me in MMA; that the training is so diverse and I won’t get bored with it. It only depends on the day whether or not I’m having fun with training. Luckily those days happen rarely, when I really hate to drag myself to the gym to work my butt off.

CS: You hail from Finland, which seems to be rather rare in the world of MMA. How popular is the sport in Finland?

KK: MMA is still pretty marginal sport in Finland, but the number of newcomers grows steadily year after year. The media coverage is better than what it used to be, but there’s still a lot of work to do. We need fighters who are entertaining and who have a good personality, so it’s easier to get the sport more well-known here. There’s really good MMA-events all around the year, such as Cage, Fight Festival and Botnia Punishment.

CS: What is the level of popularity for MMA in Europe? What countries seem to produce more fighters than others?

KK:United Kingdom is a really strong MMA-country in Europe, and they have a lot of great fighters. Cage Warriors FC is a big and well-known organization in Europe. MMA is a growing sport in Europe and UFC has visited in England, Germany and Sweden, and they have always had sold-out arenas. England is probably the biggest marketing area. Of course East-Europe with the lead of Russia is another story and there is the M1 organization, for example.

CS: I’ve read that you generally have to train with men, because women in your weight class are hard to find in your area. What are the advantages and differences of training with male fighters, but obviously then competing against a female opponent? Where do you train?

KK: Yes, usually I have to train with men and they’re bigger than me, because it’s hard to find guys who are as small as I am. Training with men definitely has its pros and cons. I have specific training partners and they know me really well. They know how to train with me in a way, which is beneficial and hard for me but also keeps the risk of getting hurt at minimum. Because men are physically stronger than women and their level of strength differs, they have to train more technically with me in some drills. There are a few female-fighters in Finland who I train with and I always try to finish my training season with them. The problem is that we live in different parts of Finland, so if I want to train with them I have to travel a lot.

KK: I train at two different gyms, in my hometown at MMA Seinäjoki’s gym and in Kauhajoki, at Kauhajoen-Kamppailu-urheilijat gym where my MMA-coach is Jarkko Latomäki. It takes me about an hour to get from Seinäjoki to Kauhajoki.

CS: Where did your nickname “The Killer Bunny,” come from?

KK: We have a bunny who is 8,5 years old and her name is Alice. She’s like a dog to us. She’s housebroken and when we are at home she can run and jump around the house. The thing is, that she can’t stand other female bunnies. Once my husband and I were visiting one of our friends who also have a female bunny. After we got back home I said to my husband that we have to change our clothes, so Alice won’t smell the other bunny. Well, my husband didn’t change his jeans and it didn’t take long before Alice noticed the smell and she attacked my husband and he got bit in his ankle! Ever since we’ve called her Killer Bunny, and eventually it became my nickname too. The difference is that I won’t bite.

CS: Your fight on April 5th, at Invicta FC 5 will be your first fight in the United States. What does fighting in the United States for the first time mean to you? When will you arrive in the United States?

KK: I will arrive in US with my corner men on Monday (April 1st). This really is my first time in the US and I’m very excited about that! I hope that me and my opponent will have a good and entertaining fight and that after the match it will be clear to everybody who Killer Bunny is.

CS: This will also be your first fight under the Invicta banner. How has your experience with the company been so far?

KK: I have heard only good things about Invicta and our cooperation has been really good so far. They have been very professional in all they have done, and I’m grateful for the opportunity they have given me.

CS: How familiar are you with your opponent on April 5th, Juliana Carnerio Lima? Have you been able to view any film of her previous bouts?

KK: I have seen some of her fights on YouTube, I have watched on what kind of a fighter she is but that’s about all I know. I don’t watch many videos, I just want to focus on my training and prepare myself for the fight. It’s my coaches’ job to watch all the videos, in my opinion.

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

KK: I have no rituals or anything like that before my matches. When it’s time to warm-up, I usually start to focus more on my match and everything else disappears around me. Then all I can think about is the fight ahead of me.

CS: Most fighters would list the weight cut as the hardest part of being a fighter. Setting that aside, what do you consider to be the toughest aspect of being a fighter?

KK: For me, it’s the lack of time. I have so little free time because I also have a day job. Sometimes it’s hard to schedule my life with work, training and family.

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

KK: I just like to be at home and spend my free time watching movies with my husband, for example.

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

KK: I would like to thank my manager, coaches and teammates, who have taken very good care of me and trained me towards top condition! Special thank goes to my husband who has encouraged me to go forward. I would like to thank all my fans and sponsors too!

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FIGHTING WORDS WITH FIONA MUXLOW

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Grappling and submission ace, Fiona Muxlow, looks to show the world of Women’s MMA that she has the all-around game to stake a claim as a top contender at 145lbs.

Taking on hard hitting striker, Julia Budd at Invicta FC 5 on April 5th, Muxlow has spent most of her training camp in Phukett, Thailand sharpening her skills at the world renowned Tiger Muay Thai. The Australian veteran sports at 6-2 record, and most recently competed in December of 2012 against fellow Invicta Featherweight, Marloes Coenen.

Corey Smith: Before you competed full time in MMA, you primarily competed in BJJ tournaments. Was this the first discipline you trained or did you start with something else?

Fiona Muxlow: I actually started training in an Australian MMA system derived from kyokushin karate, aikidosabaki fighting, combined with BJJ, called Renshinkan – although it was before MMA was a common term. The system/school went thru a number of name changes from Renshinkan Combat Aikido, then Renshinkan Vale Tudo and finally Renshinkan MMA. It evolved as the sport did.

CS: What aspect of MMA is the most fun for you? Which aspect is the hardest for you to stay motivated while training it?

FM: I enjoy the ‘ground and pound’, ‘hugging’ and ‘hitting.’  The hardest part is early morning sessions, whatever they be! While I like being up early, my body doesn’t!

CS: Before your fight with Marloes Coenen at Dream’s New Year’s Eve show last year, you had never competed outside of your native Australia. What was fighting in another country like for the first time?

FM: Let’s dispel that little bit of Internet misinformation. I have fought outside Australia, although I have seen it written a few times. Actually, my first 4 MMA fights were held in New Zealand. Two against Australians, one Kiwi and an American . It wasn’t until my 5th fight, that I fought in Australia and I’ve only had two of my 8 MMA fights in Australia. With 5 in New Zealand, and 1 in Japan, it feels more natural for me to fight outside of Australia than in Australia!

CS:  You won a Princess of Pain one night tournament, securing three submission victories. What was it like fighting three times in one night? Is there any part of one night tournaments that you wish was implemented into general MMA?

FM: At the time it was kinda normal. I was coming off BJJ and Karate competitions where you would fight multiple opponents/fights over the course of the day, so it didn’t seem strange to me at all.

FM: I’m not sure if there is any thing that I would implement into general MMA. Other than the multiple fights, I didn’t see much difference compared to the shows I have been on. Over the course of the night, I fought 5 rounds, but only two of them went the distance.

CS:  You have also participated in the prestigious Abu Dhabi grappling tournaments. For those not familiar with ADCC, what were those experiences like?

FM: It was great and I’m very sad that I don’t get the chance to qualify this year. I am thrilled to have qualified twice for the ADCC World Championships. The qualifiers for my Asian region are three weeks away but only two weeks out from Invicta. If I had the money for flights and the permission, I’d be there in a heartbeat! But Invicta is my priority right now and I regrettably, have to give up the chance to qualify for the ADCC World Championships a third time. Who knows, but if I do we’ll enough against Julia maybe they will invite me to compete. ADCC is a biannual event and the only way you get in is to qualify or be invited so it’s very prestigious.

Hanging out with, and competing against, the top BJJ/ MMA fighters in the world in submission wrestling is something that cannot be matched. Going back the second time, it was like meeting old friends and I knew I had the opportunity to learn from, and talk with, some of the best grapplers in the world. I’ve been to the BJJ worlds but I think ADCC for me was more special.

CS:  On April 5th, you will be competing in the United States for the first time at Invicta FC 5. What are you most looking forward to?

FM: I want to redeem my loss to Marloes, it was not my best work. I want to show what I can actually do. I was under prepared and overwhelmed with my Japan fight. This time I will have more notice and training ‘under my belt.’

CS:  Fellow Aussie and Invicta athlete, Bec Hyatt, congratulated you on Twitter for signing with Invicta. What has she told you about the organization?

FM: Bec has been talking me up for a while and I thank her for that. She is great with promoting herself and WMMA. We haven’t talked much, and not at all in person as we actually live really far away from each other. Pretty much what you have seen on Facebook and Twitter have been our interactions. We are both busy ladies but I’m sure she will ‘word me up’ on the plane fight over to the States.

CS:  Your opponent on April 5th, Julia Budd, looks like a classic striker versus grappler matchup. What are you expecting in your bout with her?

FM: A tough fight, from what I have seen, even though she is a “classic striker” she can wrestle as well, but that’s okay because I’m a “grappler” who can strike. I think whoever of us can get on top will have the real advantage.

CS: What do you think a win at Invicta FC 5 would do for you and your career?

FM: It would definitely cement my Unified Women’s Professional MMA Top 10 Featherweight Ranking. America seems to be the place to be at the moment for MMA, and winning there will help my profile for sure. Thank you to Invicta FC for the wonderful opportunity. As I said a good performance would help in being considered for an invite to ADCC 2013 and build my support base and maybe get me some sponsorship, and of course more fights.

CS:  You’ve mentioned that you use CrossFit training as a main component in your physical fitness training. What is it about CrossFit that makes you feel it contributes overall to your fitness?

FM: Strength, endurance, flexibility, cardio. I get bored quite easily with exercise and the constant variety that CrossFit offers keeps me entertained. My workouts are tailored around what part of my fight prep I’m at, and if no fights are ‘in the works’ it helps keep my GPP up.

CS:  Outside of the gym and cage, what types of activities do you enjoy for fun?

FM: I like to sleep, I’m actually really boring. I’m fairly introverted – so after a big week of training with lots of people time alone is great. A long walk, or swimming, or ‘just chilling’ with a good book or podcast is fun. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Zoology, so anything about the natural world interests me.

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?

FM: I do what I do because I do it, not for the lights or the crowd, although I always want to put on a good show. If I can inspire someone to follow their dreams I suppose that’s a good thing!

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

FM: I’d like to thank Chris Shen and Team Takedown, all the guys and girls at Tiger Muay Thai and MMA, my wonderful clients and coaches at CrossFit North Queensland, Rocktape Australia and Fightergirls. I also want to thank anyone who has ever coached me in the past. And of course, Shannon and Janet and everyone involved in Invicta for putting on such a great platform for female MMA fighters, and to the wonderful fans who love to watch WMMA.

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FIGHTING WORDS: KAITLIN YOUNG

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One of the most exciting athletes in all of women’s MMA, Kaitlin Young steps back into the Invicta cage for a fourth time on April 5th, at Invicta FC 5.

Never facing anything less than the top of the women’s MMA mountain, Young looks to secure a win against Brazilian knockout artist Amanda Nunes. With a career built off of fighting a who’s who of MMA, Young never disappoints in bringing the action, and April 5th should be no different.

Corey Smith: You started training in Taekwondo at the age of fourteen, before moving over to Muay Thai. What drew you to martial arts as opposed to other forms of competition?

Kaitlin Young: I liked the idea of individual sports, and contact sports always seemed to be much more fun. I also have terrible coordination with inanimate objects, so anything with a ball was out.

CS: One of your reasons for transitioning to Muay Thai and eventually MMA, was that you felt it was less restrictive rules wise. Are there in rules in MMA that you would like changed?

KY: The fact that MMA doesn’t allow 12-6 elbows is ridiculous. You are going to let me knee someone in the face, but you are concerned about which direction my elbow is moving???

CS: Up until recently, you had participated in the most watched MMA program of all time when you took on Gina Carrano on EliteXC Primetime. Any fan will also tell you, your fight with Carrano was the most exciting fight on that card. Is that something you are proud of, being a pioneer?

KY: Yes and no. I was pretty new to MMA when I took that fight. To be honest, I don’t really think of myself as a pioneer. So many others were fighting MMA long before me. A lot of people tell me that the Carano fight turned them on to watching female fights, and for that I am very proud.

CS: When you scroll down your record, it is replete with high level talent. Do you think it is important to always face a high level opponent?

KY: Fighting real fights is something that has been important to me. From a business standpoint, it probably would have been more beneficial to try to “build” my record. Many fighters do this. Look at the combined record of their opponents throughout their careers. Look at how often they are fighting people that have come up a weight class to fight them. Look at how often they are fighting in their hometown, and see if they mostly win via questionable decision. Cherry picking has never been something I am fond of, though I understand it is part of the business. Not all records are created equal.

CS: You’ve mentioned in the past that your losses are important to you. What makes a loss important to a fighter?

KY: If you are able to not let your ego get in the way, you should learn from your losses. Because of this, I think fighting has made me a better person. It forces you to become more introspective.

KY: Losing lends a helping hand if you are trying to figure out who truly supports you as well. I’ve had ups and downs in my career, and have some awesome people in my life that have been there through it all. There are also those who only like to come around for the ups, and there is really no reason to associate with those people.

CS: You have fought at Invicta FC 1, 2, 3, and are scheduled to face Amanda Nunes at Invicta FC 5 in April. How has your experience been with the company? What is it like to have an entirely female MMA promotion to fight for?

KY: Invicta has been an amazing company to work with! I have been to every show at this point, fighting or supporting, and each time they create an excellent event. Invicta is the first promotion to have multiple female weight divisions for the fans to follow, and that leads to more interest in potential match ups. Invicta is the best thing that has ever happened to female MMA fighters.

CS: Invicta FC recently introduced random drug test for it’s athletes. What are your thoughts on steroids and TRT in MMA?

KY: I’m glad they are testing. It is a step in the right direction. If the rules against PEDs aren’t enforced, the clean athletes are essentially being punished.

CS: What has the fan response been to your fights under the Invicta banner in comparison to other organizations?

KY: The fans have been incredible. I have heard others compare them to Japanese MMA fans (who are markedly more respectful than your average group of fans in the US). We are so happy to have them watching.

CS: Speaking of fans, frequent Invicta commentator and Bellator light heavyweight, Muhammed “KingMo” Lawal has said you are his favorite female mixed martial artist to watch. What is the support like from male mixed martial artists?

KY: Well, first of all, KingMo is awesome, so that is a huge compliment. The support from other male fighters has been great. I really have no complaints.

CS: How much do you know about your Invicta FC 5 opponent, Amanda Nunes? And what are you expecting out of the fight?

KY: She has had a pretty visible career, so it isn’t difficult to find material on her. I’m expecting a brawl.

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?

KY: I pretty much enjoy sleeping, watching documentaries or stand-up comedy. I don’t like to go out much during camp because I’m usually drained from a hard week of training.

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

KY: The MMA team at The Academy is amazing. The daily push to become better, and the support from the team, gets you through those hard days. We have a lot of people fighting regularly right now, so I’m not even going to start naming names. They know who they are J

KY: I’d also like to thank Greg Nelson, Ryan Murray, Robert Brant, Matt Miller, Tom Schmitz, Nik Lentz, and Pat Barry for their coaching in getting ready for this fight in particular.

KY: Thank you to my incredible sponsors: Joe Taverni, Nutrishop Lakeville, Intimidation Clothing, and Horsepower Strength and Conditioning.

KY: As always, thanks to Shannon Knapp and Janet Martin for creating an excellent promotion and to all the fans that keep it going!

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FIGHTING WORDS WITH EDIANE GOMES

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Submission machine and two time Invicta FC veteran Ediane Gomes will step into the cage with Cris “Cyborg” Santos on April 5th at Invicta FC 5.

Gomes focuses her entire life and energy on improving her abilities in the cage, and is will allow nothing to distract her from besting Cyborg for a shot at the Invicta FC Featherweight title. Boasting a 10-2 record, including 7 wins via submission, will look to shock the world and Cyborg on April 5th in Kansas City.

Corey Smith: In your home country of Brazil, there is no such thing as amateur MMA when you entered the sport. How do you think that has aided you in your career? Do you see any downside to not being able to take a few amateur fights before turning pro?

Ediane Gomes: I think it is great that fighters are able to gain a lot of experience by fighting amateur now.  It gives you time to learn in the cage, and learn from your mistakes without it really counting against you.  I just had to go in there and do it.  I’ve learned as I’ve gone along, but I’m in a really good place now with great coaches and a great management team.

CS: On a similar subject, you have spoken about some women pad their records with easy fights, and also that some are afraid to fight you. Where do you think the line is between being experienced and ready to face an opponent such as yourself and being afraid to?

EG: I think you have to have similar level of experience and training and number of fights.  Otherwise it is not a fair fight, but if you have that then you should be willing to challenge yourself and want to face the best.

CS: At American Top Team, you have found it hard to find female training partners. Jessica Aguilar and Tecia Torres train out of ATT, but are both below your weight class. What are the benefits and challenges of training with a male athlete?

EG: I like to train with the men.  It makes me stronger and better.  I have to push myself more to compete with them and that makes me a better fighter.

CS: Several years ago, you were Ronda Rousey’s first professional MMA opponent. You took the fight on 10 days notice, and had to drop 30 pounds in order to do so. Is that something that you would do again under the right circumstances?

EG: I would love to fight Ronda again given proper notice and time to lose weight.  I think the fight would go differently.

CS: On the subject of weight, you have stated your desire to fight at 135lbs, but currently are fighting at 145 due to the depth of talent in Invicta at that weight class. Do you still want to drop to 135 at some point in the future?

EG: I do.  I think it is a better weight class for me.  Some of the girls I am fighting now are bigger and taller than me.

CS: Your opponent at Invicta FC 5, is perhaps the most feared woman in MMA, Cris “Cyborg” Santos. You were quoted in October of last year saying you would love to be her first fight back from suspension. With the power to see the future like that, what do you expect from your bout with Cyborg?

EG: I expect it to be a difficult fight for both of us.  I don’t think she has ever fought anyone like me before.  I think I will surprise her.

CS: What has your experience been like fighting for Invicta so far?

EG: I love Invicta!  They have been so good to me and the female talent there is amazing!

CS: What do you do to unwind after a long day of training camp? When you aren’t in camp, what types of activities do you enjoy?

EG: I train all the time and I train really hard.  That is all I am focused on right now because in Brazil I came from nothing.  I don’t think about anything but fighting and winning.

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

EG: You have to win and that is not always easy.

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

EG: I would like to thank my sponsors- Poundout, Bas Rutten, Fight Chix, Precision Nutrition, Integrated Lab Technologies, my manager Tina Vidal-Smith at ML Management, and my coaches at American Top Team.