Quickly becoming addicted to MMA after her first introduction, Invicta Flyweight Shannon Sinn is ready to prove herself against top shelf competition. Her first challenge; Andrea K. Lee at Invicta FC 9 November 1st.
Corey Smith: You initially got involved in mixed martial arts looking for a satisfying workout after a high school career in track and field. What aspect of MMA did you first take up? What were your first impressions?
Shannon Sinn: Initially I took to grappling. It just clicked with me. I loved it. I was excited to enter as many tournaments as I could. It was finally a way to compete again.
CS: Most fighters have a home gym, along with several others that they may train one specific aspect of MMA at. Where are you currently training?
SS: I am training out of Grinders Submission Fighting in Thornton, CO.
CS: After roughly a three year amateur career, you turned professional in 2014. What were the main lessons you learned as an amateur?
SS: I would have to say I learned to have patience. I struggled getting fights and/or losing opponents my first 2 1/2 years. I had to learn that although I wasn’t always getting to fight at the end of a long camp I was still advancing and becoming a better fighter.
CS: What led to the decision to turn professional this year?
SS: I decided to turn pro because I believed there would be a lot more opportunity to get fights and because I’m not getting any younger.
CS: After two pro fights, what are the major differences between being an amateur and a professional?
SS: I have already had many more fight offers as a professional than I did as an amateur. Getting paid to do something I was going to do anyway is also a perk!
CS: After signing with Invicta FC, what are initial goals within the organization?
SS: I want to show the organization that I am a good fit by putting on great/exciting fights. I also want to come out and win my debut.
CS: How has your experience been like thus far with the company?
SS: So far everything has been great. They are on top of everything and are in constant communication with my camp.
CS: For your Invicta FC debut, you face off against Andrea K. Lee at Invicta FC 9 on November 1st, what do you believe is the key to your matchup?
SS: I’m going to have to stick to my game plan. I think this is a great match up for all of the fight fans.
CS: What is your mood on fight night? Do you have any routines or superstitions that you have to perform?
SS: On fight night I am typically pretty calm. Luckily I am not superstitious. I can’t imagine having to worry about other routines outside of the fight. I have had teammates who were over the top with superstitions and it was exhausting to watch.
CS: Who generally accompanies you to the cage? What type of feedback and coaching do you prefer from your corners?
SS: At the cage I have my head trainer/ boyfriend Albert Rosales, my ground coach Brian Zehler, and either my stand up coach Rick Lopez or teammate Joey Welch.
SS: They all play perfect roles in the locker room and cage side. I have a couple that are really good at hyping me up and another who keeps me calm in focused.
SS: I like honest coaching in the corner. If I’m losing the fight, I want to know that. I don’t want it sugar coated.
CS: Aside from fight preparation, how much MMA do you watch purely for enjoyment?
SS: I watch a ton of MMA. I am at every local fight in Colorado and don’t usually miss an event that is televised. Slightly addicted??
CS: Outside of the gym and MMA, what types of activities do you enjoy for fun? What helps you to relax?
SS: I enjoy running, weekend getaways, and going to other sporting events. Hanging out with my family seems to balance everything out for me. I love spending time with them.
CS: Lastly, MMA takes a team to succeed alone inside the cage. Who would you like to thank?
SS: Albert has been the key to my success. I also have to thank my teammates, friends, family, all my coaches, my sponsors, and lastly Jeff Cisneros for going out of his way to find, and more often than not, fly in opponents to fight.
Invicta FC 9 takes place November 1st live from the RiverCenter in Davenport, Iowa.
Tickets are on sale via the Ticketmaster link below.
The full card will air live via UFC Fight Pass. Click below to subscribe to UFC FightPass.
