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FIGHTING WORDS: LAUREN MURPHY

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Lauren Murphy recently defeated Miriam Nakamoto at Invicta FC 7 for the inaugural Invicta FC Bantamweight Championship, and shared with us her thoughts about her win, what has changed for her, and most importantly; where she keeps the Invicta FC title belt.

Corey Smith: The coverage of your remarkable life story has been fairly in depth. What do you think it is about your life that seems to draw so much attention?

Lauren Murphy: I don’t know! My life seems pretty normal to me, haha! I actually think that’s why people like it. I’m just a normal person. I wasn’t raised to be a champion, I haven’t been an athlete since I was a kid, I am not an Olympian, and I’m not a black belt in ANYTHING.

LM: I’m just a normal person who had some struggles, which I believe everyone has in some way or another. I’m just your average Lauren, who worked really hard, and achieved some cool things doing something I love. People look at me and they can relate to that. If I can do it, maybe anyone can do it. It’s hopeful.

CS: You recently defeated Miriam Nakamoto for the inaugural Invicta FC Bantamweight Championship. What was your game plan going into that bout? How much did the fight deviate from how you envisioned it?

LM: It didn’t really deviate until she didn’t stand up in the fourth round. Our game plan was solid, in my mind. We knew I would have some trouble with her on the feet, of course! I would hope so, she’s a Muay Thai stud, right?!

LM: But, I didn’t want to run out there and shoot on her right away. To me, in a way, that seemed cowardly, and the fans don’t want to see that. I’m here to fight! I wanted to show her, and everyone else, that I was willing to stand and trade with one of the best strikers in the world. So that’s what I did.

LM: I know she got the better of me on our feet, but I landed enough punches hard enough to bloody her nose and let her know she couldn’t knock me out. I’ve only trained for four years, so to stand with an 8-time world champ who has trained for 14, I’m proud of that.

LM: We also figured she would get tired in the third and later rounds, and wouldn’t be as likely to stop a takedown. But shooting on her, in the open, when she’s fresh, that’s just dumb. That’s a great way to eat one of her infamous knees. So we weren’t going to do that.

CS: Nakamoto suffered a knee injury in the bout, and was unable to continue. What are your thoughts on how the bout ended?

LM: There is no doubt Miriam was hurt, and I think that’s too bad. You never want to see an athlete get seriously hurt like that. Some people have said I don’t deserve that belt and that she should have won. I think that’s just silly, for a lot of reasons. Miriam asked for that fight to be stopped, not me. She fell and did not pull guard or try to fight off her back. She did not look for sweeps or armbars or anything.

LM: We were not even in striking distance when she fell, yet she rolled and turned her back. There were a lot of pics on social media of her later, training the day after surgery and such, doing Jiu Jitsu and whatever else. I saw that many people thought that was very amazing, and I just had to wonder, why wasn’t any Jiu Jitsu done during the fight, when it counted? When the world championship was on the line, where was the toughness and heart that would allow her to return to training one day after surgery?

LM: Many fighters have fought with torn up ACL’s, for instance, Conor McGregor went on to put on the fight of his life with one, so it is possible. “The mind rules the body”, as they say. I’m not saying she wasn’t hurt. I am saying, if she wanted to win, she should have kept fighting. It’s not my fault she didn’t continue. If the fans have an issue with it, I believe they should take it up with her.

LM: I was willing to fight Miriam on one leg. I would have crawled out to the 4th and 5th rounds if I had to, that’s how badly I wanted win. Some fighters would rather quit than take an ass beating. Me, I’d rather take an ass beating than ever quit. That’s why I am the champion.

CS: Can you tell us what you said to Miriam before the official decision was announced?

LM: Yeah, I just asked her what happened.

CS: What do you think will be the biggest difference between winning the belt and defending the belt?

LM: Nothing changes as far as my mindset goes. I have always worked really hard and improved by leaps and bounds between each fight. That won’t change. What has changed, maybe, is everyone else’s mindset. Now they have to come get me and try to take what’s mine. That means they’ll be hungry. But I’ll be hungrier. I always have been. I still am. I still have something to prove.

CS: As champion, what are your thoughts on the Invicta Bantamweight division?

LM: It’s great!! I have fought three really tough girls in there so far J, so I would say it’s full of talent. I think there are a lot of very good up and comers that are young, hungry and talented. It’s exciting. I can’t wait to see how the story of the bantamweight division unfolds.

CS: This January you provided commentary for your home state promotion, Alaska Fighting Championships. How did that come about? What was the experience like for you?

LM: It was really a lot of fun! The AFC has always been good to me. I am actually the title holder for the women’s division there, so the owner (Sarah Lorimer) found out I was coming to Alaska for a while and asked if I would like to commentate. I was nervous the first fight, but got the hang of it quickly. The guy I commentated with, Kevin Avellar, has been commentating a long time, so he knew how to fill the silences, what to talk about, how to introduce the fighters, etc.

LM: I have a lot of respect for good commentators; they can make or break a promotion trying to get home viewers! It was a very cool experience and I hope to be able to do it again sometime.

CS: Some champions sleep with the belt, others put it up on the mantle. Where do you keep the title belt?

LM: HA! Actually, it’s been toted around in my backpack through airports and across state lines in my car maybe more than anything since I won it. I have been travelling a lot, and it’s been coming with me. Everyone wants to take pictures with it, and I am more than happy to break it out anytime someone asks. I like showing it off.

CS: What was the reaction like your first time back at your home gym after you won the championship? Are there any perks of being champion? A closer parking spot perhaps?

LM: HA! I usually park on the sidewalk anyway ;) I got a lot of hugs from my team mates and a lot of kids wanted to hold it and wear it, but other than that, people treat me pretty much the same….I really only try to associate with good, positive people anyway, soooo……it’s hard to tell a difference!!  I can tell my coaches are proud are proud of me, and that means a lot. A big part of me fights hard to make them proud, because they take so much time with me.

LM: Other than that, I noticed I basically have a big target on my back now, because everyone wants to be able to say they beat up the champ, whether it’s kickboxing, BJJ, wrestling, whatever. So I basically have to work twice as hard and take much more punishment. It’s really a good thing I like that sort of stuff ;)

CS: Lastly, it takes a team to succeed alone inside the cage. Who would you like to thank?

LM: I want to thank Gracie Barra Katy. My coaches Pat Applegate, Alex Cisne, and Aaron Pena have brought me a long way in the last year. In one year they turned me into the fighter I am, and that’s pretty amazing. Pat especially has put in a TON of time with me. I am so grateful to him and to his family.

LM:  My husband has also been a huge support to me through all of this. He’s amazing, and I absolutely would not be here if it weren’t for him.

LM:  My team mates at GBK are awesome; the belt, as well as my last four victories, are theirs as much as mine. They are a phenomenal team and I love them like brothers.

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FIGHTING WORDS: SWAYZE VALENTINE

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Like Invicta FC, Swayze Valentine is a pioneer in the world of Mixed Martial Arts. The first woman to work as a cut person for the major MMA promotions, “The Queen of Cuts” continues to knock down barriers and show that she is capable of performing her job as skillfully as anyone in the sport.

Corey Smith: Swayze is rather unique for a first name.  What is the origin of your first name?

Swayze Valentine:  Swayze is a beautiful name that originates from Germany.

CS: You have spoken about becoming instantly addicted to MMA after your very first live show. How much of the show are you able to enjoy as you work?

SV:  That is a good question, as a Cutman, you get the best seat in the house. For me, I personally am too focused on my fighter that I don’t catch the fight in its entirety. I record the fights at home so when I get back, I can actually “watch” it! J

CS: After trying other avenues to become involved in the world of MMA, Cut-person attracted your attention. Whose hands did you wrap the very first time? How did your skills progress from there?

SV:  The first persons’ hands I ever wrapped besides my own, was Kit Cope’s hands. He was a coach at the Combat Fitness in Boise, Idaho. He was the first person I saw when I walked in their door that day. I told him that I wanted to learn to wrap hands and I needed someone to practice on. He told me I could wrap his hands. We went to the local Rite Aid and purchased very expensive gauze and tape. I went back and started to wrap Kit, the way I learned just the night before from watching Stitch’s Youtube videos.

SV:   I would travel 120 miles round trip to that gym in Boise, every day to wrap all the fighters I could, for their sparring sessions. Some nights I would wrap 1 and some other nights I would wrap 3-4.  I feel bad for those victims that let me wrap their hands in the beginning stages of my career! J

SV:  They never complained and when I would ask them how it felt, the fighters would have a smile on their faces and tell me, “Feels great!” Looking back on it now, I know I wrapped their hands too tight. Those fighters wore my hand wraps like champs! I’m so thankful for all the fighters that sat down in front of me, to let me practice on them. Their good sportsmanship was so valuable!

SV:  Through trial and error for a few years, my skills have progressed so much, that I have had the honor to wrap the hands of Chael Sonnen, Brian Stann, Yushin Okami, Scott Jorgensen, etc. That was a huge step for me! I get the honor at every show, to wrap the hands of so many extremely talented fighters and future legends of this sport! I’m thankful for any hand that allows me to keep up on my craft and for that fighter to trust me with their weapons!

CS: Along with wrapping of hands, you are licensed as a Cut-person, and also licensed to carry Epinephrine. How did the training process for treating cuts unfold? What is the purpose of the Epinephrine?

SV:  My personal training process for learning the cut side, was with great help from my mentor UFC Cutman, Adrian Rosenbusch. I flew out to Las Vegas where he lived, and he worked with me for 10 days straight. There was a lot of early mornings and late nights of repetitious scenarios and practicles. Of course this was just the start of it. The real test is to work on an actual person in real life scenarios. He took the time to have me learn every step as perfectly as I could. We spent a lot of time learning each step perfectly. Even on how to apply the grease (Vaseline) to the fighters face. I must have done it over a thousand times in those 10 days J When it came time to work the cage for the first time, we went slow. SV:  I would work several shows just greasing the fighters before they enter the cage, then I worked my way up to actually working in the cage. I went slow and took the time to learn every intimate detail of this profession.

SV:  The purpose of Epinephrine is to stop bleeding. Epinephrine is a blood coagulant, a vasoconstrictor.

CS: What do you believe a standard cut person’s duties are during a bout? Do you deviate from those in any way?

SV:  In my opinion, a Cut person’s duties and priority is the fighter safety! Make every step, to keep that fighter safe. I do not believe I deviate from that one bit.

CS: What does a typical fight day entail for you? How early do you start and when are you finished?

SV:  A typical fight day for me entails me waking up around 8am. I start checking all of my supplies after I have some breakfast.  I end up checking my supplies several times through out the day, making sure I haven’t forgotten a thing! I catch the shuttle at call time and head to the venue. Once I get to the venue, I will cut towels and set up my hand wrapping station.

SV:  I have my wrap list from the day before and I head to my first fighter and begin wrapping in fight order. Once all the fighters on my list have been wrapped, I get ready to head cage side to start working the fights. My evening comes to a close pretty soon after the fights have ended. I gather my things, say congrats, thank you and good bye to everyone I can find. Then I catch a shuttle back to my hotel. I usually get back to the hotel around 11:30-Midnight.

CS: What do you consider the hardest aspect of your job? What challenges do you face if any, by being a female cut person in a traditionally male dominated occupation?

SV:  I would have to say the hardest aspect of my job is also the best aspect about the job. Like travel! It is so cool to travel to different places, but the jet lag or delayed/missed flights can be quite difficult.  As for challenges I have faced being a female in a traditionally male dominated sport is gaining the trust of the coaches and fighters. In the beginning, a lot of people didn’t take me seriously. Being a woman, they didn’t trust my work or my ability to take care of them. I would have corners refuse to let me wrap their fighters hands or grease them before they go into the cage.

SV:  I have had a man controlling the cage door; refuse to allow me in the cage to take care of an injured fighter. I have even had my hand wraps cut off of fighters by coaches, cursed out by corners. The worst that had happened to me, I was physically assaulted in the cage by a corner, while I was trying to help an injured fighter.

SV:  I will always have challenges being a woman in this industry, but I appreciate those challenges. I just shake it off and not let it get to me emotionally. It makes me stronger and pushes me to work that much harder!

CS: What kinds of preferences does a fighter have in the way their hands are wrapped? What is the interaction like as you wrap their hands?

SV:  Usually a fighter isn’t too picky about their hand wraps. They are typically in a completely different state of mind and trust you to do what you do best. The most common preference is a thinner hand wrap, thicker pad or to not wrap their thumb. These are the most common requests.

CS: This was your first time working an Invicta FC show. What were you impressions of the company and the way the card was conducted?

SV:  This was my first time working with Invicta. I was extremely impressed with the company. The show ran like a well oiled machine! Every person running that show ran it perfectly! I cannot say enough great things about it. There was so much care and thought put into every aspect of this company and it show’s through their production and colleagues. The card was phenomenal, so many amazingly talented woman. I was honored to be asked to be a part of woman’s MMA History!

CS: What was the atmosphere like working a show comprised entirely of female athletes compared to a show that featured only men, or one or two female bouts?

SV:  The atmosphere was very well balanced. Even though there were all female fighters, the majority of the corners were male. I think it married beautifully. The interaction between everyone was very supportive. I remember being in the shuttle on the way to the venue and a coach was talking about his experience with working with woman vs. men and he said,” I have to talk to the woman calmly in the corner. It’s not like working with a male fighter. You can’t yell at a woman or she will cry or get all emotional, you have to speak softly!” I thought this was a very logical opinion. J

CS: What do you believe an all female promotion such as Invicta does to further the sport as MMA as a whole?

SV:  I feel that Shannon hit the nail on the head. I think that her values for the sport are allowing it to grow in a way no one could have ever imagined. Shannon said it beautifully in her own words,

“My goal has always been — always, from day one and from the moment I ever stepped into this sport — to make a difference. And when I had the opportunity to start Invicta, and to build Invicta, the goal professionally and personally was to still make a difference. And to create opportunities. So for me, this is an amazing thing not only for Invicta, but for athletes and for future athletes. Because these girls are going to go in there and continue to break down those barriers that we’re fighting hard to break down everyday, and they’re going to get the opportunity and the recognition that they deserve.”

CS: Lastly, who would you like to thank?

SV:  I would love to thank my children, family and friends. They have all be such great supporters of me.

SV:  My mentor, Adrian Rosenbusch. Rob Monroe, Stitch and Don House, I thank them all for their kind words and encouragement.

SV:   I really want to thank Invicta for being a monument for all of us women to grow with them and make history!

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FIGHTING WORDS: TECIA TORRES

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Dubbed the “Tiny Tornado” for her whirlwind fighting style inside the cage, Tecia Torres will lock horns with Felice Herrig December 7th at Invicta FC 7.

Though Herrig represents a significant jump in terms of experience, Torres believes she possesses the tools to secure a win December 7th, and is ready to show she can be counted among the very best at 115 pounds.

Corey Smith: After a busy amateur career, you turned professional in October of 2012. How has the experience been like thus far?

Tecia Torres: I am really glad I choose to turn pro last year. I feel like I made the right choices at the right time. I came into the professional arena at a great time for women. The sport is expanding and there are more options now for us. Especially with Invicta and now the UFC offering two weight classes. It has been super thus far. Every aspect of my training, fight life, and fans/media has grown. I am happy with my continued success and progress. I look forward to a bright future.

CS: All of your professional fights have come under the Invicta banner. How would you describe your relationship with the company?

TT: Invicta is simply amazing. Shannon and everyone who stands behind the Invicta banner have been so supportive of WMMA and doing all they can to expand and mainstream us even more so. I love it and am grateful for all the opportunities Invicta has given me and will give me.

CS: You currently train out of American Top Team in Florida. What makes ATT the gym you want to call home? How would you describe the atmosphere at ATT?

TT: I call American Top Team my home because it is a world class facility that breeds champions and top world fighters. I have access to everything I need as a fighter. I train with some of the very best fighters in the world, including women who are my peers.

CS: With training camp injuries a common occurrence in MMA, how do you balance getting the full amount of training that you require but still guarding against injury? What does a typical day of training camp entail for you?

TT: Thankfully I’ve stayed injury free throughout all of my training camps thus far. I listen to my body. When I need rest, I rest. A typical day of training consists of 2x a day. My morning session is typically harder, more explosive and the evening session is technique, drills. I also do a lot of 1 on 1 sessions with my boxing and Thai coaches. Plus strength and conditioning and any other random training sessions. For example, I like to attend women only BJJ/grappling sessions held once a month in town. It gets me different looks and fresh faces.

CS: Your opponent at Invicta FC 7 on December 7th, Felice Herrig, represents a significant jump in competition. What do you think a win would mean for your career? What are your thoughts on the bout?

TT: I believe that the matchup against Felice Herrig is most definitely a step up in competition, but at the same time I know that I am right in her league. I’m ready to exchange with the “lil bulldog.” Its surreal, a year ago I was the #1 amateur at 115lbs and now on Dec 7th I will face the #5 in the World Professional Straw weight. I’ve come along way in a short period of time. It’s my time to show all I have and make everything I can out of this opportunity. A win would place me even more so amongst the very best in WMMA at 115lbs. It would put me even closer to a title shot and potentially being the champion one day.

CS: Who generally accompanies you to the cage? What type of feedback and coaching do you prefer from your corners?

TT: Normally a coach, a girl training partner, and my brother accompany me in the cage. I like positive reinforcement and hearing familiar voices.

CS: For those that have not experienced it, how would you describe the walk out to the cage?

TT: For me the walk out to the cage is lots of fun and smiles. I’m in the zone, which is my own zone. I like to wave to the crowd, look around and see/feel the energy. I’m at my happiest. I’m about to do what I love most!

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

TT: The hardest aspect of being a fighter to me is just balancing my time. I’m always on the go and want to do everything.

CS: Your coach orders you to take a day off from training. How are you spending that day?

TT: At the beach, with friends and family, out to dinner or the movies. Simple stuff. Shopping too.

CS: Lastly, it takes a team to succeed alone inside the cage. Who would you like to thank?

TT: I would like to thank everyone at American Top Team my coaches and teammates.

TT:  My Sponsors, family, friends, and fans for supporting me.

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FIGHTING WORDS: VANESSA PORTO

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Fresh off a hard fought defeat to Invicta FC Flyweight Champion Barb Honchak, Brazilian veteran Vanessa Porto again faces a stiff test when she takes on Zoila Frausto Gurgel at Invicta FC 7 on December 7th.

With the judge’s decision at Invicta FC 5 leaving a bad taste in her mouth, Porto is aiming for a knockout on December 7th; hers or Gurgel’s. With standout submission skills, and a focus on improving her Muay Thai, fans should not blink come December 7th.

Corey Smith: Your passion for marital arts was ignited your first day of training. How do you keep that passion alive through the grind of a training camp?

Vanessa Porto: My passion stays alive because I love what I do. Being a fighter is a very tough job but this is what I love and I’m blessed that I am able to keep doing it. The will to win and all my training partners and my husband/coach keep me motivated. Now that WMMA is getting so big, the stakes are higher and the girls are getting better so that motivates me to be on top of my game.

CS: You train in Brazil for most of your camps, but also spend time at MMA University in New Jersey right before any fight in the United States. How does the split benefit you?

VP: I train with my husband in NJ and Brazil so I’m happy either way. Training in America at the MMA University has given me more opportunities and better training partners. I feel like things are a little more advanced here.

CS: With training camp injuries a common occurrence in MMA, how do you balance getting the full amount of training that you require but still guarding against injury? What does a typical day of training camp entail for you?

VP: I get physical therapy sessions and massages after training. Accidents do happen in this sport but we try and train smart to prevent injury.

VP:  It depends on the day but always do my running in the morning and a physical conditioning session and then two training practices whether its Muay Thai or BJJ or MMA sparring. Since Zoila has very good Muay Thai we have been training a lot of Muay Thai to counter her strength. It’s going to be a war.

CS: How would you describe the growth of MMA in your home country of Brazil over the past few years?

VP: It’s been huge!! The UFC came in and everything in Brazil has changed. They are better opportunities for all fighters in Brazil now; men and women. Also with Invicta the top girls in Brazil are getting to fight internationally and show the world their skills. Now we just need more sponsors in Brazil to step up and support their athletes

CS: You most recently competed against Barb Honchak at Invicta FC 5. What did you learn from that bout?

VP: I learned that you can’t let the fight go to a decision. LOL Everybody has different opinions on who wins a fight. Barb and I were very evenly matched, but I felt that my shots were more powerful. This fight I’m going in there to KO Zoila or to get KO’d because I love to strike but I have to be more aggressive this time. No more judges

CS: Your opponent at Invicta FC 7 on December 7th, Zoila Frausto Gurgel, is a well known and accomplished competitor. What are you expecting out of the bout?

VP: I’m expecting Zoila to be very tough. She is with a good camp as well. She is very well rounded. She has very good Muay Thai, but I do too. I feel like I will be more powerful and I plan on using that power in our stand up exchanges. She’s a former champion and a great test for me. There are no easy fights in Invicta.

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

VP: I have been fighting professional for almost 10 years. I stay calm the whole day. I like to focus on my fight and I don’t do much talking on fight day. I get serious. No rituals though.

CS: Who generally accompanies you to the cage? What type of feedback and coaching do you prefer from your corners?

VP: My husband/coach Pedro Iglesias is always in my corner. He knows me well and always give me good advice. My manager Chris is flying out to corner me as well.

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

VP: Yes I enjoy watching UFC. We always watch the fights and of course every Invicta if I’m not on the card. I’m a big fan of the sport. I like a lot of fighters.

CS: If you could go back and give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

VP: Just to start my martial arts training earlier than I did.  But I’m happy that I started in MMA when I did in 2004. I feel like I’m a pioneer in women’s MMA, especially in Brazil and now I get to enjoy the WMMA boom when I’m in my prime. Twenty years from now I can look back and be very proud that I helped pave the way for all these talented women fighters coming up now.

CS: Lastly, MMA takes a team to succeed alone inside the cage. Who would you like to thank?

VP: I would like to thank God first. My husband Pedro for dedicating his life to me and my manager Chris Vender for all the work he does for me.

VP: Of course Invicta and Shannon for the opportunity they have given me.

VP:  My teammates at MMA University, especially Ricardo Ruiz, Javier Gonzales, Bobby Markowski, Erin Blanchfield and Katlyn Chookagian for all their sparring to get me ready and all the Muay Thai girls that have been brought in for this camp to prepare me.

VP: Thank you for the interview.

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FIGHTING WORDS: BARB HONCHAK

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Barb Honchak defends her Invicta FC Would Flyweight Championship for the first time on December 7th when she faces off against exciting fan favorite Leslie Smith at Invicta FC 7.

A product of the world famous Miletich Fighting Systems,  Honchak believes her well rounded game plan will have her ready for anything Smith can throw at her when they are locked in the cage December 7th.

Corey Smith: You have risen to pinnacle of the sport, winning the Invicta FC Flyweight World Championship in April of this year. When did you first start the climb up the mountain? What were those first few years like for you?

Barb Honchak: It’s been a trying and exciting few years which has taken a lot of discipline; but fun along the way.  Not only for me, woman’s MMA and Invicta.

CS: You train out of famed Miletich Fighting Systems in Iowa. What does a typical training day look like for you? How do you guard against injury during training?

BH:  Every day there’s some type of conditioning, technique and sparing everyday.  The room is filled with elite level fighters that know how to take care of each other.

CS: You will be defending your title for the first time against Leslie Smith on December 7th. How has your mental attitude changed for a title defense versus being the challenger?

BH: My mental attitude hasn’t change, it’s just another fight, just another girl so really no change.

CS: What do you believe is the key to the matchup against Leslie Smith at Invicta FC 7?

BH: I’m a well rounded fighter and I feel I can win in any aspect of the fight.

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

BH: I like to stay focused, calm and to conserve as much energy as possible for the fight.

CS: Who generally accompanies you to the cage? What type of feedback and coaching do you prefer from your corners?

BH: My husband and Jr Hernandez are my 2 corners.  I like my corners to be honest and direct with me at all times.

CS: For those that have not experienced it, how would you describe the walk out to the cage?

BH:  It’s exciting; especially in Kansas City I always have a lot of friends, family and teammates there to fire me up.

CS: Aside from fight preparation, how much MMA do you watch purely for enjoyment?

BH:  I watch a lot of the UFC and of course Invicta fights. Pat Miletich, one of my coaches is the commentator for AXStv, so I like to hear him call fights.

CS: Your coach orders you to take a day off from training and bars you from the gym. How are you spending that day?

BH:  First off that never happens, but if it did I would spend the day running my dogs and being a home body.

CS: Lastly, MMA takes a team to succeed alone inside the cage. Who would you like to thank?

BH:  Josh Howatt @ Big 5 Strength and Conditioning.

BH: And All of my coaches and teammates and Miletech fighting systems.

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FIGHTING WORDS: LAUREN MURPHY

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Locking up the biggest win of her career at Invicta FC 6 with a win over Sarah D’Alelio, Lauren Murphy is ready for the next level of her MMA career: competing for the Inaugural Invicta FC Bantamweight World Championship.

Squaring off against knockout machine Miriam Nakamoto on December 7th, Murphy is honored and humbled to have reached the pinnacle of her sport. With a well rounded game and sheer brute strength, Murphy is ready to strap the belt around her waist at Invicta FC 7.

Corey Smith: Your last appearance in the Invicta FC cage, was a win against Sarah D’Alelio. How happy were you with that performance?

Lauren Murphy: I had mixed feelings about it. At first I wasn’t sure I deserved to win it, but after reviewing the fight I feel the right decision was made. I mean, I never know what the hell is going on after I fight. Walking back to the locker room, I was afraid the fight had been boring. Of course it wasn’t, but when I’m right in the middle of everything, I never know what’s going on.

LM: So when I got home I watched the fight many times. I saw that it wasn’t boring and that it was a close fight and the right call was made by the people sitting ringside. I know it was close, but I believe I won the third round because I caused more damage, and that’s what won me the fight.

LM: So of course that’s always good, but I will never be ‘satisfied’ with my performance. There is so much more work to be done and improvements to be made and I really can’t be happy with myself until I feel I’ve reached the top of my game.

CS: You have spoken in the past about enjoying a short notice fight due to the shorter camp that goes along with it. How has the longer camp treated you this time out?

LM: This has been a great camp for me. I got to go home and ‘recharge’ for a while with my family, so when I came back to camp I was really ready to work. And that’s what I’ve done. Put in TONS of work. I’ve made a lot of progress physically and mentally, as well as in my technique in different areas of MMA. It’s been pretty exciting! Lots of epiphanies and “ah-ha!” kind of moments.

CS: With training camp injuries a common occurrence in MMA, how do you balance getting the full amount of training that you require but still guarding against injury? What does a typical day of training camp entail for you?

LM: As far as injuries go, I am (so far) very lucky. I train with men; the ones closest to my size still outweigh me by about 20 pounds! But, they are skilled and don’t throw me around…too much ;) My coaches oversee all our practices pretty carefully, so the injury rate stays relatively low.

LM: Sometimes freak accidents happen no matter how careful you are and they can’t be avoided, but I haven’t been injured in a long time. *knocks on wood* I did have a little bout with staph a few weeks before I fought Sarah and I got very sick, but I haven’t had an injury keep me out of a fight yet. It’s the illnesses that I really worry about, the passing colds and stuff because they rob you of your cardio.

LM: Typical training days are very long. I do lots of…..everything. Seriously. I try to sleep as often as possible. It’s lonely, but it’s nice to not be distracted too.

CS: At the post fight press conference for Invicta FC 6, your now husband proposed. What was that experience like for you?

LM: Ha! Okay, I’ll try to keep it short, since I could go on all day about how much I love that guy. He’s truly amazing and I feel really blessed to have him. It was a little surreal, Cyborg was sitting next to me (She’s always been one of my favorite fighters), Tito Ortiz is cutting her hand wraps off, I’m at a press conference for one of the best MMA promotions on the planet, coming off the biggest win of my life…and the man of my dream is proposing to me. It was like something out of a movie. I’m incredibly happy and very thankful to have such a great life.

CS: Your opponent at Invicta FC 7, Miriam Nakamoto, brings a very high level Muay Thai skill set into the cage with her. What are your thoughts on Nakamoto? What do you believe the key to this matchup will be for you?

LM: Nakamoto’s tough, man. I always think if I had her name, my nickname would be “Knock-em-out-o”, especially since she’s wrecking shop and really IS knocking chicks out left and right. She’s undefeated in like almost 30 fights or something. I don’t know her exact MT record, it’s in the high 20’s, plus her MMA fights that have ended in KO…you don’t get that kind of record by being a chump. So I’m excited, you know? She’s truly one of the best, and I get to fight her.

LM: The key, for me, it always has been and always will be, I just go in there and I do me. I do ‘me’, she’s gonna do ‘her’, and whoever is the best ‘them’ that night comes out the winner. That’s all there is to it. I’m going to be the best MMA fighter I can be, and if it’s enough that night, then I win. And if it isn’t, as long as I did my best, what else can anyone ask for? I’ve done everything I can to prepare myself, which is all I can do.

CS: Your bout against Nakamoto will be for the inaugural Invicta FC Bantamweight World Championship. What would winning the world title mean for you personally?

LM: It’s an honor to fight for it! When I first signed with Invicta, I told Joe, “Hopefully I’ll be able to win a few fights in this promotion, they have some tough females!” And Joe said, “One day, you’re going to fight for their belt”, and I kind of brushed it off. Well, baby, you were right. So it means admitting my husband knows what he’s talking about ;) It really is an honor though. There’s no other word for it. I’m honored and humbled. Five years ago, I never dreamed I’d be where I’m at today, so all this is like a bonus level in the game of life.

CS: Who generally accompanies you to the cage? What type of feedback and coaching do you prefer from your corners?

LM: Pat Applegate has always been my MMA coach and corner since I lived in Alaska. Since moving to Texas, I met Alex Cisne who is now my kickboxing coach (and a damn good one). So I have always had them with me at Invicta. For this fight, we get to have my boxing coach, Aaron Pena there with us too. He’s always been a part of my camps but hasn’t sat in my corner until this fight.

LM: I trust my coaches implicitly. In the middle of the fight, they tell me to do something, I do it. Immediately. There have been times when Pat tells me to do something, and I think, “This isn’t going to work….” And I do it anyway, and it’s always worked. So if Pat told me, “Stick your arm in the air and wave your pinky finger around”, I would do it. I listen to whatever they tell me. As for what I like…Who cares if I like it or not. In that moment, no one gives a sh*t about what I like, not even me. I just want to win the fight. And they are there to tell me how to do that.

CS: For those that have not experienced it, how would you describe the walk out to the cage?

LM: It’s like being on a roller coaster, and it’s the part where the roller coaster is just starting, and it’s going up the first hill all slow, and you hear the “chick- chick-chick-chick” of the coaster on the tracks and with every inch you start to get more excited and nervous, but there’s no getting off the coaster once it’s started- you’re in for the ride, ready or not, you can’t get off now. You just have to throw your hands up, scream your lungs out, smile for the camera, AND ENJOY THE RIDE.

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

LM: I watch MMA all the time! I like Forrest Griffin a lot, and Anderson Silva. I think Silva may actually be from another planet. I have been into Johnny Hendricks lately, especially since he fought Carlos Condit, who I am also a fan of. Hendricks is always just having a good time, he’s excited to fight and he’s exciting to watch. His energy makes me happy.

CS: Your coach orders you to take a day off from training and bars you from the gym. How are you spending that day?

LM: In camp?? LOL Sleeping! And doing homework. Getting out of bed as little as possible. But when I’m at home, I love to cook, bake, read, and go to the beach. I LOVE the beach. More than anything, when I’m in camp, I miss my husband and dog, and my son. I’d give almost anything to have them with me all the time.

CS: Lastly, MMA takes a team to succeed alone inside the cage. Who would you like to thank?

LM: Everyone at Gracie Barra Katy, especially: My coaches, Ted Stickle, Wesley, Skylar, Fillimore, the Munoz family, Ryan, and T. Jacob for the strength training, Brian Marvin, and all the guys at Westchase and Draculino’s.

LM: Also, my awesomesauce sponsor American Knockout Wear, they totally rock!

LM: My manager Paul Stockler, and my biggest supporters, Aurora and Jen, and Mike and my mom. I love you mom!

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FIGHTING WORDS: CLAUDIA GADELHA

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With a strong win over Ayaka Hamasaki at Invicta FC 6 this past July, Brazilian contender Claudia Gadelha is poised to achieve greatness when she battles champion Carla Esparza for the Invicta FC World Strawweight Championship December 7th.

Undefeated through eleven bouts, Gadelha is looking to validate all her sacrifice and effort; something winning the Invicta Strawweight Championship would certainly accomplish.

Corey Smith: You were so interested in martial arts at a young age that you actually cut class to go to the gym. What were those first few years like for you? Did your parents ever catch you cutting class?

Claudia Gadelha: Well, I grew up in a smaller city in northern Brasil and there it is really old fashion and people looked down on women who trained at that time so I had to train secretly. This meant cutting class every now and then. When my mom realized I was cutting class to train she kicked my butt.

CS: You believe the key to success in MMA is continuing to evolve as a fighter. On that note, what have you been focused on lately in regards to your skill set? What does a typical training day look like for you?

CG: The key to being successful in MMA is to stay well rounded and practice everything. I focus on nothing specifically and believe in my coaches and my team. A typical day of training for me depends entirely on the day of the week.

CG: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, is wrestling in the A.M followed by conditioning at noon and at night I train boxing technique. Tuesday and Thursday it’s boxing in the A.M followed by MMA sparring and finished off with BJJ in a Gi. Finally my Saturday has my last two trainings of the week, A.M conditioning and P.M boxing.

CS: Fighters have spoken both for and against fighting in front of a hometown crowd. Have you experienced fighting before a hometown crowd and what are your thoughts on it?

CG: Yes, I have fought plenty of times in front of my home crowd, it has its ups and downs because it’s great to have the support of everyone who you know personally but at the same time there is added pressure. I really enjoy it though.

CS: You most recently fought at Invicta FC 6 in July, which marked your Invicta FC debut as well. What was that experience like for you?

CG: It was amazing, it was a realization to myself because I always wanted to fight in the big shows and Invicta is currently the biggest event in WMMA on the planet. One thing that really sticks with me is how well taken care of the athletes are by the event. I really enjoyed it and can’t wait to be back December 7th.

CS: On December 7th at Invicta FC 7, you will be facing current Straweight Champion Carla Esparza. What do you believe is the key to victory in this bout?

CG: I think the key to victory in this fight is going out there and leaving my heart inside that cage. I also will fight my fight and make it a war.

CS: What would winning the Invicta FC World Straweight Championship mean to you personally and professionally?

CG: Well personally it would mean the world to me because I had had a tough life to become an MMA fighter and I endured many hardships that would make most people give up.

CG: There was a time when I couldn’t afford a bed and had to sleep on the floor on a piece of Jiu Jitsu mat that was given to me. I also had times when I had not much money to eat so I would try to sleep all weekend, and spend less on food.

CG: I lived all that for this moment to realize my dreams. Professionally, this would make me one of the best in the world and that has always been my goal. It would be the answer to all the hard work I have put into martial arts the last decade.

CS: For those that have not experienced it, how would you describe the walk out to the cage?

CG: For me this is my moment of happiness and that’s the only way to describe it. It feels so good.

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

CG: To me it is three separate fights. First it’s the training camp and it is very strenuous on your body. Second, is the weight cut and this is difficult because I cut a lot of weight, over 20lbs. And third is the fight and that is the reward because it’s everything you work for.

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

CG: I consider myself a student of MMA so I find myself watching a lot of fights. My favorite fighters are of Jose Aldo, Rennan Barao because they are my team mates and two of the absolute best in the world. And also Cris Cyborg; because to me she is the best pound for pound female fighter on this planet.

CS: Your coach orders you to take a day off from training and bars you from the gym. How do you spend the day?

CG: I take days like this to sleep all day, and when I decide to wake up I love to go to the beach.

CS: Lastly, MMA takes a team to succeed alone inside the cage. Who would you like to thank?

CG: I would first like to thank God.

CG: And Andre Pederneiras and Jair Lourenco and the entire Nova Uniao family.

CG: And lastly my mom and dad, they live so far from me but give me so much strength to be here in Rio de Janeiro fighting and chasing my dreams.

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FIGHTING WORDS: NINA ANSAROFF

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Expecting a stand up battle for the ages, Nina Ansaroff makes her Invicta FC debut December 7th against fellow Invicta FC rookie, Munah Holland at Invicta FC 7.

With a strong boxing background and a four fight win streak, Ansaroff is ready to step into the bright lights of Invicta Fighting Championships’ cage and show that she is ready to be counted among the top contenders at 125 pounds.

Corey Smith: How did you first begin your journey down the path of martial arts? What has kept you engaged in the sport of MMA?

Nina Ansaroff: My father started me in Tae Kwon Do when I was 6, but I stopped for a little to pursue soccer. Later I was involved in a bad motorcycle accident and gained a little weight after all the surgeries, so I wanted to lose a little weight and the coach approached me. I have been hooked ever since.

CS: You currently train out of MMA Masters. What makes that gym your home? What is the atmosphere like inside the gym?

NA: I was in-between gyms and I came in just to try it out and was welcomed with open arms. There is so much talent and the coaching staff is the best I have seen. MMA Masters is my Family.

CS: While fighters have a home gym, they also spend portions of their camps at other gyms for fresh perspectives and techniques. What gyms have you trained at in the past that you felt were beneficial to your career?

NA: I really don’t feel the need to go anywhere else. All that I need to be a champion is at MMA Masters.

CS: With training camp injuries a common occurrence in MMA, how do you balance getting the full amount of training that you require but still guarding against injury? What does a typical day of training camp entail for you?

NA: I have yet to go into a fight 100%. You just train as hard as you can, then ice your wounds after the battle.

NA: A typical day of training entails some kind of cardio followed by a conditioning circuit followed by sparring or Jiu Jitsu. Then I rest a little and come back to do wrestling and fight specific drills.

CS: This will be your first fight with Invicta FC. How has your experience been with the company thus far? Did you reach out to any IFC veterans before signing with the company?

NA: I have watched all of their cards and have been in attendance and cornered a few teammates in the past. They are the most professional promotion that I have worked with to date.

CS: Your opponent at Invicta FC 7 on December 7th is Munah Holland. How familiar are you with Holland? What are you expecting out of the bout?

NA: I’m not too familiar with her. I have seen one of here fights and I’m expecting a striking battle, but I am prepared no matter where the fight goes.

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

NA: I don’t really have any. I just train hard and perform. Another day for me.

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

NA: I train in a cage under high pressure and fight like conditions; it is very easy for me to hear my coaches in the fight. Whatever feedback they give me I listen, it’s that simple.

CS: How much MMA do you watch purely for enjoyment? Anyone in particular that you are a fan of?

NA: I watch MMA every time there is a live event. I am just as much a fan as I am a Fighter.

CS: Your coach orders you to take a day off from training. How do you spend that day?

NA: A day off for me entails me spending it with my niece and my dog Romeo.

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

NA: I would like to thank MMA Masters. My Family who is behind me 100%.

NA: My coaches Daniel Valverde and Cesar Carniero, and my main training partner Amanda Nunes.

NA: My sponsors Slept Fightwear, Massages in Space and DC Management for all their help.

NA: They are always there for me whenever I need them, pushing me to become a champion.

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FIGHTING WORDS: KATJA KANKAANPAA

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Katja Kankaanpää ventures across the Atlantic once more, this time looking to determine who the best Straw weight in all of Europe is when she takes on Scottish striker Joanne Calderwood December 7th at Invicta FC 7.

With a background in submission based wrestling and rapidly improving standup, the “Killer Bunny” will attempt to remain undefeated and prove that she belongs at the top of the Invicta FC Straw weight division.

Corey Smith: You started out in martial arts learning Karate, before moving on to submission based wrestling. What drove you to want to compete in MMA?

Katja Kankaanpää: At the beginning I thought that I will never compete in MMA but I changed my mind when I had trained submission wrestling and MMA for about two years. I wanted to test my skills in the ring/cage.  I just thought that I will take a couple of amateur fights and that’s it. But MMA is very challenging and after competing in MMA I started to feel it’s my thing to do and I started my pro career.

CS: Thus far you are undefeated in your MMA career. What do you feel like are your biggest strengths? What do you feel like you need to work on the most?

KK: I like wrestling very much and cause of that, I like to train it and I feel very confident in the fight in that area, so I have to say wrestling is my biggest strength. I have said that I need to work on my standup skills most and I have done that, so nowadays I feel pretty confident in my standup also. I need to work all MMA areas if I want to be the best I can and improve myself all the time. My goal is to be a well-rounded fighter.

CS: With training camp injuries a common occurrence in MMA, how do you balance getting the full amount of training that you require but still guarding against injury? What does a typical day of training camp entail for you?

KK: I’m pretty precise who I train with because I train all the time with bigger guys than me. My training partners are very good, have high level techniques and they have had long training careers so they know how to train with me.  Training is hard enough that I can improve myself but smart so that we can minimize injuries from happening.

KK: I have a day job so I train first time in the morning before work or just go straightaway to work and train just one time in the evening after work. Morning training is usually more techniques base training and evening training entails sparring, along with strength and conditioning training. And after evening training I have muscle maintenance; stretching etc, at home.

CS: Your last bout for Invicta FC was your first trip to the United States. Were you able to enjoy your time here? Was there anything that stood out to you as different from your native Finland?

KK: I enjoyed my last trip a lot. I met very interesting people, fight went good and I had time even to do some shopping in the mall. I think the United States and Finland aren’t so different. In the United States everything is just bigger and gasoline cheaper =)

CS: What are your goals for 2014 in MMA?

KK: Win the fights of course and keep evolving my skills all the time. I like to take my career one fight at a time, so I don’t know yet what the year 2014 brings.

CS: Your opponent on December 7th at Invicta FC 7, Joanne Calderwood, also hails from Europe. How familiar are you with Calderwood? What do you think the key is to this matchup?

KK: I have watched a couple of videos of her so I know her style. Many people say that the fight is wrestler vs striker base fight and I think it is too, although I have improved my standup skills. I think now we see who’s the best female fighter at Straw weight in Europe. =)

CS: Who generally accompanies you to the cage on fight night? What type of coaching and feedback do you prefer during a bout?

KK: My manager and one of my coaches are in my corner.  They know me best and they know what to say to me. I’m very good keeping with the game plan and I just need basic instructions when I fight.

CS: Aside from fight prep, how much MMA do you watch purely for enjoyment? Anyone in particular that you are a fan of?

KK: Nowadays I don’t have so much free time to watch all events for example in the UFC but I try to watch as much as possible.  I try watch also CWFC (biggest in the Europe) and Finnish events.  Usually I watch via internet but a couple of times in the year I try to go and watch live some Finnish event.

CS: Your coach orders you to take a day off from training. How are you spending that day?

KK: I would spend my day off with my family just relaxing. Watching movies with my husband and walking out our dog Rocky.

CS: Lastly, it takes a team to succeed alone inside the cage. Who would you like to thank?

KK: I want thank my team, manager, coaches and training partners. Especially thanks to Hannu, my wrestling and strength and condition coach who has put me to the limits and pushed to carry on.

KK: Thanks to my family and friends. Also I want to thank my sponsors( Lapuan Piristeel OY, Aquaplast, PPT Peltiteos, GapCon, Fairtex, Manninen nutriceuticals, Puhdistamo, Top Level LTD, Studio Street, MyShot , Fight Sport Magazine, SJK). They have made my training a bit easier.

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FIGHTING WORDS: JULIA BUDD

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Shrugging off opponent changes, Julia Budd is ready to prove that she is ready for a shot at the Invicta FC World Featherweight Title.

Opposite Budd in the Invicta FC cage on December 7th will be fellow Canadian kickboxer, Charmaine Tweet. Comfortable and confident as a complete mixed martial artist, Budd is ready to adapt to anything her opponent throws at her at Invicta FC 7.

Corey Smith: You are returning to the Invicta FC cage for the fourth time December 7th. How has the experience been so far with the company?

Julia Budd: It’s been amazing. I love fighting for them, and it’s been a good road with them. They treat us really professionally, and even though I’ve said this before working with all women is a nice change from Strikeforce. It’s cool when you are fighting with a whole bunch of other girls.

CS: What does having a family of martial artists do for your overall game? Are there any challenges being married to fellow martial artist?

JB: Absolutely. There is no separation.  We work together, we go home together, so sometimes it’s hard. It’s tough when the gym carries over to the rest of your life. But I think the bottom line is we love each other and we want the best for one another. So at the end of the day I don’t think there is a way better than this because I know that he wants the best for me. He cares for my overall game more than just a regular coach that I see once or twice a week to work on a certain thing. We know what to work on, and he knows me so well. I’ve been training at Gibson’s MMA for close to thirteen years, so he has watched me through my amateur career, my kickboxing career, and into my MMA career. He knows me so well at this point it’s great because the gameplan we come up with and what I need to work on are catered specifically for me.

CS: With training camp injuries a common occurrence in MMA, how do you balance getting the full amount of training that you require but still guarding against injury? What does a typical day of training camp entail for you?

JB: That’s the other thing, is adequate rest time, when to take days off. Especially for this camp, we made sure to know when to fall back. I have a tendency to keep going, going and going. That’s just my personality. So this time we have paid attention to it. I had to pull out of my last fight with a neck injury, so I rehabbed that properly, which was an ongoing thing. So this is the first time I have gone into a training camp one hundred percent healthy.  I don’t think that I have ever felt better, so now I can train harder.

JB: Usually I break it down and I do either sparring or wrestling, a technical session. And then there is a conditioning session, a run or something. Three sessions a day, two technical and then a cardio or conditioning session.

CS: Your kickboxing career took you all over the world, from Thailand to Europe, and of course in the United States and Canada. Was there any country or travel situation that was more difficult than the others?

JB: When I fought in Amsterdam, I think I flew in the night before weigh in. It was a really tough weight cut, and I flew in very late, and then I had to weigh in and fight right after. That was very tough for me because of the time difference. I tend to hold on to water, so flying and a weight cut was not fun.

CS: After alternating wins and losses over the first four fights of your career, you are now on a 3 fight win streak heading into Invicta FC 7. What do you believe is leading to this type of consistency?

JB: I think it’s figuring out MMA altogether, piecing it all together. Getting comfortable with what to do in every situation. When I first started I was sort of this kickboxer that got thrown in there and I was ok with whatever happens happens, and I would just hope that it went my way. But now it’s really strategic, and I feel confident in all aspects, and I’ve worked on everything equally now. I’ve figured out what works for my body, what my fighting style is, and who I am as a mixed martial artist. Instead of just being a Muay Thai kickboxer who transferred over.

CS: Opponent changes seem to have happened to you frequently over the past couple of fights. How do opponent changes affect your overall preparedness?

JB: Yeah I think that last two changes were like a week before the fight. I feel like it was good, because I am just prepared mentally if anything happens I am ready one hundred percent.  Whoever I fight I am ready to fight whoever and impose my will on them. At the end of the day a fight is a fight, I can prepare specifically for an opponent, but I have to have the mentality that if I ran into someone on the street somewhere I would have to fight and win as well. You have to keep the overall perspective; if it changes it changes but a fight is a fight. If my conditioning is good and I’ve trained all aspects, I can adapt to any situation.

CS: After a fight, how much do you go back and rewatch it? And for what purpose?

JB: I watch it, but I have a hard time watching it. We watch it and go over what we need to work on. I’m told what I did wrong, what worked, what went well and then we adapt and move on from there and work on it when I go back to the gym. It’s hard to watch yourself.

CS: On December 7th at Invicta FC 7, you will be facing Charmaine Tweet. How familiar are you with her game? What do you think is the key to a win against Tweet?

JB: The key to a win against her is to use my athleticism. Use my overall game as a mixed martial artist and impose my will on her. Use all my skills. That’s why I am so excited about this fight; I can use all the skills I have been working on. I have so many goals for this fight, and I want to show that I am the top of the 145lb division. I deserve to be fighting the best of the best at our weight category and show Invicta that I deserve the next title shot.

JB: Against Charmaine, I’ve watched her in kickboxing and I’ve known about her for years. It’s interesting that we are meeting each other at this time in our lives, because we were supposed to fight before. She’s from Canada as well, and it’s cool. I’m excited to fight her.

CS: You stated that you are focused on getting a shot at the Featherweight title. Where do you think a win against Charmaine Tweet would put you in the proverbial line?

JB: It’s interesting. I think that another win is what I need obviously, and I don’t think it needs to be against Tweet necessarily. I think it puts me right in contention though. The whole way through, I feel like I’ve been right there, and then there is another opponent. All I know is that I need to put on a hundred percent performance and that will answer questions on if I deserve it or not.

CS: If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

JB: Be open for anything to happen. Don’t get your heart set on what you think is going to happen in a fight. Be open to anything happening. Sometimes you put limits on yourself; you don’t accept that you could put on an even more spectacular performance. Believe that the impossible is possible.

CS: After one of your fights is over, what do you want the fans to remember win or lose?

JB: Julia Budd is a phenomenal athlete.

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

JB: I want to thank Lance Gibson Sr., Lance Gibson Jr., all my training partners at Gibson MMA, and my family.

JB: And Shannon Knapp and Invicta for having me on there and giving me a stage to showcase my skills.

JB: Tune in December 7th to Invicta Fights and watch us put on a great show!