Posts in category: Interviews

Brash and outspoken fan favorite from down under, Bec Hyatt storms back into the Invicta FC cage on July 13^th to take on Japanese sensation Mizuki Inoue.

Like the Tasmanian Devil of her home, Hyatt has exploded onto the MMA scene with two previous bouts under the Invicta FC banner. Always looking to entertain her ever growing fan base, Hyatt never backs down from a challenge, and Mizuki Inoue will be no different.

Corey Smith: Getting right to the important topics, you won the Invicta FC Harlem Shake contest before IFC 5. How important was that win for you?

Bec Hyatt: It was really cool to win the contest!  I’m planning on taking my two boys to Movie World with the money. The cheque only just cleared as this fight camp started, so we have to wait till I’m back from Invicta FC 6  

CS: You have quickly become one of the most popular Invicta athletes. Do you feel any added pressure to perform due to the popularity?

BH: No not at all, I’m just really enjoying the ride. I’m pretty lucky I have a laid back personality and  I’m not phased by much.

CS: Leading up to your bout at Invicta FC 5, there was a lot of tension between yourself and your opponent, Jasminka Cive. After your victory, do you feel like that is behind you?

BH: There was A LOT of tension between Jasminka and myself  But I went out there and did exactly what I said I was going to do and I’m at peace with that 

CS: Before Invicta FC 5, you also had a bit of a run in with Fallon Fox, a non Invicta athlete. Do you think that your outspoken personality unfairly leads to these types of situations?

BH: Oh man I swear there is never a dull moment, I always have some kind of drama in my life and that day it was Fallon Fox in all her glory trying to pick a fight with a straweight. I think I’m a drama magnet due to my out spoken, don’t give a shit kind of attitude I have 

CS: You now have two American fights under your belt. Do you feel like you have properly adjusted to fighting on another continent? What is your travel schedule like coming from Australia?

BH: My first trip over to fight Carla Esparza for the straweight title was cwazyyy to say the least. I was on such a high on the flight over and the little time I had in the US flew by so quickly. And before I knew it I was home eating Nutella cupcakes, sulking because I wanted to go back.

BH:  Invicta must of heard me and brought me straight back to face Jasminka, that trip was 27 hours of hell but wasn’t so hectic once the airline found my teams luggage and we had a good night’s rest! Fingers crossed they don’t lose my luggage this flight over so I can be super relaxed and enjoy every second I have in the US.

CS: What do you enjoy about fighting for Invicta Fighting Championships?

BH: Invicta is amazing; they treat their athletes like royalty and genuinely care about us. It’s a really nice feeling to know you’re in safe hands and I really really really like all the goodie bags and gifts they surprise me with each fight.

CS: At Invicta FC 6 on July  13^th, you will be facing Japanese wunderkid Mizuki Inoue. How familiar are you with her skills and her career? What do you anticipate out of the match?

BH: I personally don’t know much about Mizuki. It sounds weird, but I don’t really study my opponents, I leave that to my head coach Mal Van. He uses his secret ninja powers and hunts down fight footage and anything else he feels relevant. He then comes to me with a game plan, I train what he tells me to train with no questions asked… It seems to of worked so far so I didn’t feel the need to change anything this time around.

BH: As for what I am expecting, I’m expecting what happens in most of my fights; she will come out to stand with me until I land one of my bombs on her dome!  And she will no likey to stand no more and will try to take the fight to the ground 

CS: Where do you think a win versus Inoue would put you towards your stated goal of another shot at the Invicta FC Straweight title?

BH:  I think it gets me one fight closer. I’m not silly I know I have to win at least 2 or 3 more fights before Invicta would even consider me as a title contender, buuuut I’m cool with climbing the ladder.

CS: What does a typical day of training look like for you? How do you maintain your motivation and energy levels through a training camp?

BH: A typical day of training for me during fight camp consists of dragging my lily white butt outta bed at some ungodly hour to tend to my two little ones, feed them yummy food that I can’t eat and automatically puts me in a no go zone. LOL.

BH: I then head to the gym to lift weights or to a local spot where I run stair sprints, after that I head home to re fuel for my afternoon session of wrestling, sparing or swimming depending on what The Croc Aka Mal Van has planned for me.

BH:  Then its food time again IF I’ve been good that day and haven’t snuck nutella into my diet which is probably never.  At night I have fight training at Impact MMA,  which starts off with a S&C circuit followed by either MMA, BJJ, Freestyle Wrestling, Striking or sparing.

CS: On the night of the fight, what is your mindset like? What is the mood in your locker room?

BH: I’m pretty chill come fight night, if anything I’m really excited to punch someone in the face  I get little nerves but that’s because I HATE losing.

CS: Who generally accompanies you to the cage? What type of in cage feedback do you prefer?

BH: My head coach Mal Van is the guy I listen too  He knows how to speak “Rowdy” language as he calls it. LOL.

CS: You are renowned for your interaction with your fans, so what is the best advice you have ever received from a fan?

BH: I love my supporters, I always say it and I’m going to say it again; I have THE BEST supporters ever! I’m not real sure what the best advice I’ve been given but I must say I loved being reminded that I had a vagina after my last weigh in pic was released. LOL. If it wasn’t for them I would have completely forgotten 

CS: Most importantly, having been raised on the island of Tasmania, how often do you see Tasmanian Devils? And are they as mean as they are portrayed?

BH: I have seen them at the zoo but that’s about it, they are pretty vicious so I’m kinda glad it was behind a closure 

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

BH: I’d like to thank my gym Impact MMA, Mal Van and all my training partners.

BH:  My major sponsor Americana MMA, Innate Vitality, FACAA, ACR Security, Promo Shack, NRF Australia, Alchemist Management, Gamebred Combat Club, Empire martial Arts

BH:  And a big thanks to my family and friends that play a huge role in my success with their support. Especially the past few months when I needed it the most 

In a matchup that harkens back to genesis of MMA world champion boxer Duda Yankovich takes on world champion Muay Thai fighter Miriam Nakamoto at Invicta FC 6 on July 13^th.

After losing her very first MMA bout via submission, a bout she was wining, Yankovich decided to make her weakness a strength and began to train heavily with one of the all time greats, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira. Seeing herself as a modern day gladiator, Yankovich seeks to stand alone in the arena with her hand raised.

Corey Smith: The first martial art that you began training in was boxing. How did that come about? How many years have you been a professional boxer?

Duda Yankovich: Actually no, as a kid I started with karate-shotokan. Then after that I entered kick boxing and trained for 7 years, I was a part of national team of former Yugoslavia, then I moved to brazil and started at first with amateur boxing and than I went pro in 2005. I’ve been pro since then, and I am not retired yet from boxing, but for now I’m concentrated on only MMA. Who knows maybe, at the end of my sport career I might do one more boxing fight….

CS: With world titles on your resume in boxing, you have recently made the transition to MMA. How would you compare the world of Boxing to the world of MMA?

DY: I just have one world title; WIBA Jr Welterweight belt. I won it in November 2006 and kept it with success till 2009. Boxing is very traditional sport. People will always like a good boxing fight, but MMA made a change in the world of martial arts. Media, and big shows, very talented athletes made MMA as popular as football… and maybe more. I define the fighters as ‘modern gladiators’ and that is what the public likes. It is in our nature.

CS: After so much success in the boxing world, what made you decide to transition into mixed martial arts?

DY: After I lost my title by being inactive for more than a year due to an injury, I tried a few times to get it back or get another one like WBC or WBA.  But being out of rhythm made me lose the first one and than I just got the fight with Ann Sophie Matthis, which was not even my weight class. However my disappointment in boxing came with my last title shot in Colombia, where I won the clean fight and the local judges stole my victory and didn’t give me the right for a rematch in Brazil or Serbia. So not getting the fair fight or fair referees was very bad to me and is very bad for the sport. So training at Team Nogueira, with all those names, it is easy to like MMA, and learn also.

CS: During your boxing career you faced Holly Holm, whom many contend is the greatest female boxer on the planet. Holm has recently retired from boxing to pursue MMA full time. How do you think her game translates to MMA?

DY: I accepted to fight Holly in her weight class, and in America, it is a tough one to win, lol. But she was a great boxer, very fast and strong and not easy to beat. In MMA, she will be great on stand up fight . I don’t know if she trains jiu jitsu or submission or wrestling, probably does, but in the beginning she might have a difficulty to fight girls who do more ground fighting.

CS: You train at Team Nogueira, a team known for its Jiu Jitsu. How much training do you devote to wrestling or takedown defense, when you have a strong striking background such as yours? What advantages are there training at Team Nogueira?

DY: After I lost my MMA debut by submission, and I was winning the fight, I realized that I will not be able always to keep the fight standing up, so I started intense trainings of Jiu Jitsu and submissions and even won some Jiu Jitsu championships. I do train wrestling also with my American coach, Eric Albarracin, and actually I love it all. I always prefer to keep the fighting up, but I am ready if the action goes to the ground. The good thing about Team Nogueira is that there are so many fighters, different type so we are almost never surprised. And we also have all kind of training at the same place, which makes our lives easier.

CS: This will be your third career MMA match, and your first with Invicta FC. How has your experience been so far with the company?

DY: I have known Invicta since I entered MMA as a very strong and respected company. The best girls are there. I consider it very important the fact that it is only womem, cause in our days female fighters are technically as good as men. It is nice to see all at one place. I appreciate that Shannon and Janet gave me the chance. I am very happy with all that happens.

CS: Your opponent on July 13^th at Invicta FC 6, Miriam Nakamoto, is a world champion Muay Thai fighter. How familiar are you with Nakamoto? How do you think your style matches up with hers?

DY:  It could be a good fight to both of us. Depending on the strategy, I know Miriam for her strength and very good kicking and knee techniques, and I do respect her for that.

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

DY:  I like to concentrate. I love to fight I have been doing that all my life. For me peace and concentration is very important. Zero distraction.

CS: You have spoken about enjoying outdoor activities such as surfing and climbing among others. What other types of activities do you enjoy solely for fun and relaxation?

DY: I love roller skating and wakeboard, not surfing, I do not know how to surf but I would love to learn for fun one day. I climb mountains but easy ones like on my feet just no equipment, more cause I love the nature. It calms me down, improves my energy.

CS: All things being equal, if both are on TV at the same time, are you watching MMA or Boxing?

DY: Tough question, lol.  Depends who fights. But if a boxing fight is not someone I do like a lot, I will certainly watch MMA, even if I don’t know anybody who is fighting.

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

DY: That is a very important answer. Even when I was boxing, my team was everything to me, but now team is even more important.

DY: I would love to thank all my trainers and my conditional trainer also, my training partners.

DY: my sponsor Idea Nutrition which makes it all possible for me. My other supporters, like Analitica Pharmacy, Miguel Vieira nutritionist, Be One Training Clinic.

DY: My boyfriend who is always there for me, and Chris Vender, my manager.

DY: Special thanks to Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, for being so special!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Young gun Rose Namajunas  is not one for wasting time, and she immediately returns to the Invicta FC cage on July 13^th after a 12 second flying armbar win at Invicta FC 5 in April.

Combating Namajunas on July 13^th will be fellow 2-0 prospect, Tecia Torres in an ever deepening Strawweight division. With both athletes having a strong and aggressive style, the fans should witness a future contender emerge from what should be an all-out battle.

Corey Smith: On July 13^th at Invicta FC 6, you will be making both your third Invicta appearance, and your third overall MMA match. How does it feel to be consistently asked back to fight for Invicta?

Rose Namajunas: I really appreciate the back to back fights Invicta has been giving me. It lets me know that I’m doing a good job. It’s also a blessing because I have goals to reach.  Even though I am one of the younger fighters, time is precious and I’m not going to waste it.

CS: Your win at Invicta FC 5 was easily one of the most exciting of the card, a flying arm bar twelve seconds into the first round. What emotions were running through your mind after that win?

RN: For me to pull of an armbar in 12 seconds against a tough opponent was very difficult for me to comprehend at first. I had gone through so much hardship in the lead up before the fight that I could of very easily have pulled out. I couldn’t do that to Kathina because I knew she would have done the same and show up regardless.  What got me through that moment was keeping a strong mind. So after it was over all my emotions were able to come out. It was a huge release.

CS:  Is there a small part of you that wishes that the fight had lasted longer as a showcase for your skills?

RN: No if it could end in 5 seconds with just one punch thrown like my girl Veronica Rothenhausler that would be ideal!

CS: How do you feel like your skills and your career are progressing at this point?

RN: This is only the beginning.  People have yet to see the tricks I have up my sleeve and I am only getting better! I know what I’m capable of; I just have to make sure that I perform on fight night!

CS: With training camp injuries occurring on a regular basis in MMA, how do you manage to train full bore but also minimize injuries?

RN: Injuries are going to happen and there’s not much you can do about it unless you lighten up training and I don’t do that.  Two weeks out before the last fight I was in the ER because I thought my ankle was broken. Luckily it was just a bad sprain and I was able to hide it and pull through and get my job done.

CS: Your opponent on July 13^th, Tecia Torres, also sports an undefeated record. She has said you were the opponent she wanted.  How familiar are you with Tecia? What are you expecting from the bout?

RN: I’ve known about Tecia since I was an amateur. She’s the toughest opponent to date.  I go into every fight expecting Tyson. I don’t think too much about what my opponent will do because what I always plan to do is so ferocious that there won’t be an opportunity for someone to implement their game plan.

CS: What type of opponent do you prefer to face in the cage?

RN: I don’t have a preference.  Any opponent will do.

CS: After one of your fights, what do you want the fans to remember about you?

RN: My passion. I want people to be able to see the heart and soul I put in everything.

CS: You spoke in our previous interview about how you had recently begun using sensory deprivation floats. For those that aren’t aware of what those are, what do they do and what are their benefits?

RN: It’s a dark quiet tank filled with Epsom salt water so that you float.  It’s an environment that allows you to eliminate all worldly and societal distractions so that it’s nothing but you and your thoughts. It’s great for meditation, visualization, mental health. And it also has endless physical health benefits because your muscles and bones get a break from gravity weighing you down and soaking in Epsom salt not only heals injuries but is detoxifying and cleansing for the body.

CS: Any interview you do seems to reveal that you are well versed in many topics. From Lithuanian history to animals and farming. Do you think that it is important to be a student of many subjects?

RN: I think it is very important.  Being a MMA fighter helps to be well rounded and I think that applies to life as well. Da Vinci was not remembered because he was good at just one thing but because he was a Renaissance man! Learning has always been a passion of mine regardless of the topic. “The more you know, the more you grow!”

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

RN: Pat Barry, my family, Greg Nelson, The Academy, Trevor Wittman, Jake Ramos, Grudge Training Center, Horsepower SC, Brian Butler, Cage Potato MMA, Alienware, Fear the Fighter, Invicta, and all the loyal fans that keep supporting through thick and thin.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Being on the sidelines for Invicta FC 5, did not sit well with Veronica Rothenhausler. An undisclosed injury forced her off the card, but at Invicta FC 6 on July 13^th, she will get a chance to face off with her original opponent, Mollie Estes.

With all of her amateur and professional bouts ending in victory via KO or TKO, Rothenhausler possesses rare knockout power. Veronica plans to use her power, and training at Team Alpha Male, to rise straight to the top of Invicta’s Featherweight division.

Corey Smith: You were scheduled to return to Invicta this past April, but withdrew after a training camp injury. Can you reveal the nature of the injury and how it occurred? Have you fully recovered at this point?

Veronica Rothenhausler: Yes, I have fully recovered and haven’t had any issues with it since.  

CS: How anxious are you to return to the cage after the injury? How soon after the injury were you able to resume training?

VR: It was really hard to sit on the side lines for IFC5, but Estes was pulled to fight Budd before I had made the decision to get an MRI.  I’ve been waiting for this fight for six months.  I can’t wait to get in there.   

CS: With all of your amateur bouts, along with your lone professional bout ending via first round knockout, how do you maintain motivation to train for a full three rounds?

VR: I’ve never known any champion to train for only one round.

CS: You train at Team Alpha Male, where Duane Ludwig recently began coaching. Many Team Alpha Male members have credited Ludwig with an increase in wins for the team. What has Ludwig brought to the team in your opinion?

VR: Duane Bang has changed my life, as a fighter and as a person.  That guy is like a hilarious Mr. Miyagi.  The boys and I work hard as hell and do whatever it takes to win, so adding the knowledge of Bang is a deadly combination.  He’s the best in the world at what he does.  We’re very thankful to call him ours!

CS: What is the best advice you have received from a veteran member of Team Alpha Male?

VR: I’ve learned so much from all of them, there’s no way I could pin point just one piece.  I’m crazy about my dudes, they’re the best.  They’re also super funny and the hardest working people I’ve ever come across.

CS: You will be facing off against Mollie Estes in your return to the Invicta cage on July 13^th. How familiar are you with Estes? Do you anticipate any sort of hometown advantage for her, as she lives and trains in Kansas City?

VR: I introduced myself to her at IFC5.  She was cool.  I got to see her fight Budd.  It doesn’t matter what city we’re in, once we step into that cage it’s my world.

CS: What are your thoughts on the 145lb division in Invicta with the returns of both Cris Cyborg and Marloes Coenen?

VR: I love it!  We’ve got eyes where I want em’.  The 145ers are comin’ in heavy handed and giving the crowd what they want.  Cyborg and Coenen are bad ass vets and I am very appreciative of them for building the foundation of this weight class.  That being said, there’s a new kid on the block and I won’t stop until I’m on top.

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

VR: I want to evolve into everything that I know I’m capable of.

CS: Excluding fight prep, how much MMA do you watch purely for enjoyment? Any fellow Invicta athletes that you are a fan of?

VR: I pretty much eat, breathe and sleep MMA.  I’m always trying to learn more.  My dad always told me to watch the best and see how they do it.

VR: Invicta is like one big family.  Pretty much everyone that I’ve met has been cool.  I’ve found a long lost sister in my girl Thug.  She’s a stud.  I’m also a fan of Jo Jo.

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

VR: I want to thank my mom and dad.  I wouldn’t be here without them.  Haha, get it?

VR: I also want to thank my boyfriend, Zach.  He’s a dream come true.

VR: My coach and my team- we’re takin over boys!

VR: I’d like to thank my sponsors as well- BANG Muay Thai, PatinoDiet.com, Torque, UNBREAKABLEMOUTHPIECES.com.  You all make it possible for me to live my dream.

VR: I also want to thank Invicta for doing what people said was impossible!  Shannon, Janet and the rest of the IFC family.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Invicta FC welcomes Austrian import Livia Von Plettenberg back with a bout against fellow exciting prospect Cassie Robb at Invicta FC 6, on July 13^th.

Looking to erase the memory of her loss to the much more experienced Joanne Calderwood at Invicta FC 4, Livia is motivated to make a better impression in her return to the Invicta cage. Durable and tough, Von Plettenberg is a pupil of the legendary Matt Lindland, and plans to get back on the winning track on July 13^th.

Corey Smith: How did your journey into the world of Mixed Martial Arts begin? What discipline did you begin training in first?

Livia Von Plettenberg: I started out with Thai boxing back in 2009. When I lost a fight given to a reach disadvantage, I joked about MMA being a more suitable sport for small, bulky people. Initially a joke, the idea about fighting MMA stuck in my head and soon I started training BJJ. After a couple of BJJ tournaments I added wrestling to my schedule. My first MMA fight was in June 2012.

CS: You hail from Austria, and had your first professional fight there. What is the MMA community like in Austria and in Europe in general?

LVP: The MMA community in Austria is very different compared to Switzerland, Germany or the Netherlands (those are the countries I have experienced MMA training and events in). WMMA barely exists. You already know all of Austria’s WMMA fighters, Jasminka and I.

LVP: MMA is becoming more popular, but to be honest I don’t have the highest opinion of what Austria has to offer. I prefer technical fights over mere brawls and these are hard to find. Germany, Switzerland and the Netherlands show a more professional approach, there are better MMA gyms, well organized events and some very talented fighters.

LVP: The UK is a completely different story; they do their own thing and are probably five years ahead of mainland Europe.

CS: You now train out of Team Quest in Portland, Oregon. What prompted that move? At what point was that move made?

LVP: I did not move to the States, but as I mentioned before, I wasn’t really content with my situation in Austria, and since America is the place to be for MMA, I soon realized that I wanted to train here. I am still living in Austria, but having my fight camp at Team Quest Portland.

LVP: There are still a couple of things to figure out; we’ll see where I end up in the future. Team Quest will definitely stay the gym I’m fighting and preparing for my fights though, no matter where I’ll live.

CS: The one and only Chael Sonnen recently had a very successful stint as a coach on TUF. How much coaching and instruction does Sonnen give around the gym?

LVP: Chael Sonnen had left Team Quest Portland before I even got here. He is training at One MMA, former Team Quest Tualatin. My head coach is Matt Lindland, he is the one preparing me for this fight and the best trainer I could have ever hoped for.

CS: Your last bout was a decision loss to noted striker Joanne Calderwood, a fight you took on roughly a week’s notice. What did you learn from that fight? Would you ever accept another short notice fight?

LVP: I learned that my chin really is quite strong.  There is not much to say, I think at that moment in time Joanne simply outmatched me, 9 years more experience is quite a lot. I analyzed my fight though, and worked on some things I wasn’t too happy with.

LVP: I took half of my Thai boxing fights on short notice and never really cared about the outcome; I just enjoyed fighting and wanted to fight as often as possible. After my loss against Joanne I realized for the first time that a loss could actually affect my career, so I guess I would be more careful than last time.

LVP: Even though this loss did turn out quite positively.

CS: This will mark your second appearance in the Invicta cage. How has your experience been with the company so far? What are your goals with Invicta for the remainder of 2013?

LVP: Invicta should be a role model for every other promotion out there, they treat their fighters with respect and put so much time and effort into laying a foundation for WMMA to grow.  I am so grateful for the outstanding work Shannon Knapp and everyone at InvictaFC do.

CS: You will be dropping down a weight class to face Cassie Robb at Invicta FC 6 on July 13^th. Do you anticipate any problems with the weight cut? How familiar are you with Robb?

LVP: Not at all, I lost twelve pounds over the last four months so the cut will be pretty much the same as for my straw weight bouts, maybe even easier because my body fat percentage is much lower now.

LVP: I met Robb at Invicta FC4, she seems to be a very nice girl. Skill wise I saw some of her past fights. I’m pretty sure that this is going to be an exciting fight, we’re both pretty scrappy.

CS: On fight night, what is your mindset? Do you have any routines that you perform? Any superstitions?

LVP: I usually just take a moment to sit down, breathe and thank myself for choosing this exciting path.

CS: Who will be accompanying you to the cage on July 13^th? What type of feedback do you prefer from your coaches?

LVP: That question is yet to be answered. It might be Matt himself or Cody Isaacson, another excellent trainer from Team Quest. This really just depends on their schedule haha.

LVP: I prefer short and positive feedbacks. Telling me things using negation doesn’t work for me, maybe it’s because I learned at University that the brain can’t process negations in a stressful situation. However, I tend to listen very well during the fight, so whatever my coaches want I’ll do.

CS: In regards to moving to Team Quest, are you enjoying living in America? What types of activities do you enjoy purely for fun?

LVP: I don’t live in America.    Back in Vienna I spend most of my time with my dog or at the gym. Other than that I prefer quiet evenings, watching movies with friends or cooking together.

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

LVP: I would like to thank my coach Matt Lindland and everyone at Team Quest, you are my second family.

LVP: Also, I would like to thank my sponsor BOXHAUS. Everyone interested in high class boxing in Austria should check out Pro-gym Sportcenter.

LVP: Last but not least many thanks to my mother Daniela and my brother Philipp, my biggest fans and supporters.

Trying to prove critics and herself wrong, Cassie Robb originally got into MMA five short years ago, and has been hooked ever since. Losing her first amateur bout via submission, Robb quickly decided she wanted to be a well rounded fighter, and has worked nonstop since to develop a strong grappling game to compliment her boxing.

Cassie “The Hulk” Robb smashes her way back into the Invicta FC cage on July 13^th, at Invicta FC 6 when she faces off against fellow prospect Livia Von Plettenberg.

Corey Smith: You originally got into MMA after seeing your first female fight at a local card in Wyoming. What was it that sparked your desire to begin training in MMA?

Cassie Robb: I think the fact that nobody thought I could do it was a big push for me to give it a shot. I wasn’t even sure if I could do it, but I wanted to try it anyway! It looked like so much fun!

CS: After only a few weeks of boxing training, you decided to take your first amateur fight. What led you to believe you were ready for that fight? What was your goal going into that fight?

CR: To be honest I wasn’t sure if I was ready. Like you mentioned I only trained for about 2 weeks at a boxing gym, then I heard of some fights in Cheyenne and thought I’d give it a shot.

CR: I was confident that my boxing skills and my natural instincts would kick in.  I learned not to take a fight without the proper training, that it’s something you have to work hard for, it’s not just given to you.

CS: How did you career progress after those first few amateur fights? What lessons did you learn?

CR: After losing my first fight to a submission, I decided I REALLY didn’t like how it felt to be submitted. I hated that I had to give up and tap out. From then on I worked my butt off to become a better grappler, and all my victories are by way of submission. I learned that it’s not smart to just get in there and try to do something like that without the proper training.

CS: Your fiancée, Stephanie Skinner, is also an MMA athlete. Some athletes have said that it is beneficial having a partner that is also a combat sports athlete, while others have said it can be stressful, especially if there is shared training. Do you believe it is beneficial on a personal and professional level?

CR: I believe that it is beneficial in both ways. Training with my fiancée Stephanie is a privilege. She is an amazing fighter and I look up to her more than she even knows.

CS: Where do you train now? What type of atmosphere do you have in your gym?

CR: I train with the Serial Boxe Killers. The atmosphere is amazing. My teammates are awesome, we are like one big family and we have a great time training together! I have some very talented people that I train with, and I am lucky to be part of such a skilled group!

CS: Where did the nickname “The Hulk” come from?  How do you feel it is appropriate for your fighting style?

CR: Haha I love being asked this! Around the time that I started fighting, the new Hulk movie with one of my favorite actors (Edward Norton) came out. I saw that movie and was obsessed….I felt like I could relate a lot to the character. I’m very calm, collected, and easy going….but once you get my adrenaline pumping, I turn into a beast!

CS: Your opponent on July 13^th, Livia Von Plettenberg, will be dropping down to 105lbs for the first time. Do you feel like this could affect the outcome of the fight? How familiar are you with Livia?

CR: I don’t think that the weight matters honestly, its how you use it. I have fought girls bigger than me before that I could easily muscle off of me because they didn’t know how to keep themselves heavy or use their weight properly in that position. It all comes down to skill and who is the better fighter.  I am not very familiar with her aside from her fight with Joanne Calderwood that I saw when I fought on the same show. I kept thinking, “dang that girl is TOUGH!”

CS: What is your mood like on fight night? Do you prefer to be left alone or to interact with others? Any routines that you have to perform?

CR: I get very anxious the night of my fight. I like to kick back and relax with my teammates and only interact with a small amount of people to let them know how I’m doing and the outcome of my fight.

CS: Who generally accompanies you to the cage? What type of feedback are you looking for from your corners?

CR: My two coaches Ben Schissler and Diana Rael accompany me to the cage along with my physician Dr. Alex Constantinides.

CR: I am just looking for them to help me through it like they always do, they have done this for a long time and I trust and have faith in every move they tell me to make. Diana to me has a very distinct voice, I can hear Ben also but for some reason Diana’s voice really sticks out and I hear her better than anyone else.

CR: I look up to her a lot too and its comforting to know she can help get me out of any bad position that I am in, so I really rely on her if I get stuck.  I try to tune out the crowd and listen to for her or Ben to tell me the next move to make.

CS: Outside of the cage, what types of activities do you enjoy? Any favorite TV shows that you never miss?

CR: I really enjoy spending time with friends and family, and my pit bull Marlei.  I don’t really watch much TV though.

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

CR: I would like to thank all my teammates, including Stephanie Skinner, Ben Schissler, Diana Rael , Ali Hanjani, Nathan Gates, Steve Paprocki, Steve Johnson, Samuel Gilmore, Kevin Powers, Luke Rutz, William Ellis, Rosa Acevedo, Matt Peckham, and our newest addition to the team Matthew Cox.

CR:  I would also like to thank my physician who takes the time off to come and doctor my fights, Dr. Alex Constantinides.

CR:  A big thanks to my family, friends, and fans out there as well!!:) I wouldn’t be where I am without this great support system!