Kate Pickett Interview

Photo Credits:
Photos 1-5: Tganci.com

Kate Pickett is not your typical everyday competitor. Kate is a transformation story. Her before and after pictures can show you that. But what they can't show you is the obstacles she has overcome. Battling a disease called Neurofibromatosis that forced her to have spinal surgeries at a young age made her transformation and journey to the stage that much more amazing and inspiring. As you will read, Kate has found a love and passion for competing and fitness and has goals she wants to meet. Seeing where she has come from and where she is now, it would be very hard to doubt she will reach each and every goal she has.

Q: Can you talk about how you got started in the gym?
A: Basically after a series of spinal surgeries I was told I couldn't be active and live and active life again. When I turned eighteen I started a job as a front desk person in a gym. I saw people working out and working out with injuries. I said "I am not gonna let this hold me back. I'm not gonna live my life sitting on a couch being afraid I will hurt my spine". So I took it one day at a time, slowly working into being more active, taking yoga classes, lifted really lite. I saw myself getting better and better and I started getting stronger and working harder. Now you would never guess I had a full spinal fusion.

Q: Having the problems with your spine, does it limit anything you do when lifting?
A: It definitely does! I don't do any type of deadlifts. I take it easy when squatting because it puts so much pressure on my lower back. Safety first, I don't wanna do anything to injure myself. All my other lifts are fine, I just can not deadlift. Leg and back day can be difficult but there are ways around it, there are so many different exercises you can learn to substitute.


Q: What exactly was the cause f the problems with your spine?
A: I was born with something called Neurofibromatosis, which is the same disease that the elephant man has. My doctor noticed some spots on my back and it didn't look right. So I went in for an MRI and they found three tumors along my spine and they pushed my spine into a forty-five degree curve. So they did, I guess you could say emergency surgery a couple months later on my back. They put two titanium rods on each side. After that, every six months for about four and a half years they did a surgery to lengthen the rods. I was nine at the time and then when I was fifteen the rod came loose off my spine and they did a full fusion and that was my last surgery. I was fifteen and am twenty-two now.

Q: What made you decide to compete?
A: There was a couple women training to compete at the gym I was working at. I loved the posing and thought it was so much fun and do the same thing. Do something involving fitness which was the number one thing for me.

Q: How have you done so far?
A: I did my first show in November of 2011 and I placed ninth. I just did a show this past Saturday and placed fifth. I am training for a show in two and a half weeks.

Q: Was there anything about the competing process that surprised you?
A: I guess what surprised me was my strength and will power. Being on point with my cardio, my meals, I didn't cheat, I was able to mentally handle it all. It is definitely not an easy task.

Q: Those last two minutes before you go on stage, were you nervous at all?
A: You know, when I am backstage and pumping up I feel nervous, but when I step on stage I can't stop smiling, it;s the best experience. I am more than excited to step on stage again.

Q: Many people say after they do their first show it becomes an addiction, was that the case for you?
A: Absolutely! Absolutely, the second I got off stage I went online and tried to find what one would give me enough time to make improvements but still not be to long.

Q: What show are you doing in two and a half weeks?
A: I am doing the OCB Bay State Natural in Amherst, New York.

Q: From your first show till this past one, what was better about you?
A: Well, I made the top five this time which was awesome. I am much leaner even though I came in at the same wait. My shoulders are much bigger and broader. Overall, considering it was only six months, jumping from ninth to fifth, I am pretty proud of that.

Q: Anything you want to be better for this coming one?
A: Well, it was only a couple days ago. Only thing I can do is focus on conditioning and leaning out so I can bring somewhat of a different presentation.

Q: If you looked at yourself now, what would you say is your best body part?
A: My shoulders definitely!

Q: How do you train shoulders?
A: I hit them twice. I do chest and delts and then a separate day for delts. They are my best part, I like to bring them out the most. It's hard to get a lot of growth in my back so I focus on a strong point to have that one special thing. I want a full package but have to work with what I have.

Q: Any specific exercises you like to do for them?
A: I do a lot of lateral raises.

Q: When you are in the gym, beautiful girl, and women like you are not common, do you get a lot of attention or stares?
A: You know what? Yes and no. When I go to the gym, it's those horse blinders, I am totally focused on myself or with my boyfriend, cause him and I train together,he competes as well. Not to sound cliche, but I am in that zone and don't even realize half the time my own surroundings.

Q: In public do you dress to show it off or cover it up and avoid attention?
A: Well, I pretty much am always wearing gym clothes. I guess my shoulders, even if I am wearing a tight shirt, can kind of show off, but never intentionally try and show them off. Till I am on stage at least, I try and keep it a secret haha.

Q: Long term, is the goal a pro card?
A: Absolutely. I have a couple shows I plan to compete in. September fifteenth is my next show after the Bay State show, depending on where it takes me, I have a couple shows in mind, but not sure yet.

Q: Is fitness modeling something that interests you?
A: Definitely. This whole fitness industry is my passion. It's where I belong and tend to stay in it as long as I can.

Q: If you could spend a day training with anyone, who would you pick?
A: I would have to say Kai Greene. He is the reason I fell in love with bodybuilding. I watched this video he did posing to Dirty Diana and I just loved it and knew I had to get myself into it.

Q: Before we finish, anyone you want to thank?
A: I would definitely have to thank my boyfriend Justin. We compete together, we prep together and there are times when I could fall apart and he held me together.

NAAFS Fight Night in the Flats 8 Report

On June 2nd, NAAFS put on Fight Night in the Flats 8. Fight Night is the NAAFS's annual Super Bowl. Their biggest even of the year. It features top pro and amateur talent. The show stealer was the lone female fight on the card between Sarah McLeod and Amber Ignatowski. Also, Jeff Hughes continued to show he is one of the top amateur heavyweights around and Tyler Saltsman scored an impressive win over Jarrell Hodge. In the pro portion, Frank Caraballo scored another impressive win in defense of his title, George Comer returned with an impressive win and Chris Lozano bounced back with a big win.

1. Amateur Middleweight
Cameron Duncan (1-0 Sud'n Impact) vs J.T. Miller (1-0 Strong Style)

RD 1: Jab by Miller. Miller gets a takedown and side control. Head shots by Miller. Miller tries for an arm but can't get it. Knees to the body by Miller. More knees land for Miller. Duncan gets half guard, but Miller gets side control back and then he gets mount. Miller lands head shots. Miller moves him to the cage and lands more head shots till the ref stops it

Result: J.T. Miller by TKO at 2:56 of Round 1

2. Amateur Middleweight
John Antanitis (6-3 Penn Hills MMA) vs Steve Burton (7-2 Evolve MMA)

RD 1: They come out and trade jabs. Hard hook lands for Antanitis hurts Burton. They clinch on the cage and Antanitis lands body shots. Knees to the body by Antanitis. Antanitis tries for a takedown but can't get it. They separate and Antanitis lands a hook. Cross by Burton. They clinch and move to the cage. Burton's head is cut. Antanitis gets a takedown and gets his back. Burton stands but Antanitis still has his back. Head shots by Antanitis. Antanitis is trying to get him back down. Burton turns into him and gets a takedown. Antanitis looks for an arm but can't get it.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Antanitis

RD 2: They trade jabs. Burton shoots in and they clinch against the cage. Antanitis gets a guillotine and lands knees. Antanitis still has the guillotine and finally puts Burton to sleep.

Result: John Antanitis by KO (Guillotine) at 1:09 of Round 2

3. Amateur Featherweight
Dominic Mazzotta (4-1 Ed Vincent MMA) vs Mike Velazquez (5-1 USA Martial Arts)


RD 1: Knee to the body by Velazquez. Jab by Velazquez. Body kick by Mazzotta. Mazzotta gets a slam. Mazzotta stands and drops down punches. Mazzotta picks him up and slams him down to escape a triangle attempt. Mazzotta hooks a guillotine and puts Velazquez to sleep.


Result: Dominic Mazzotta by KO (Guillotine) at 1:05 of Round 1

4. Amateur Bantamweight
Shane Valko (4-0 The Mat Factory) vs Ryan Arce (4-0 Evolve MMA)

RD 1: Valko shoots in and gets a nice throw. Valko gets side control and then mount. Two head shots by Valko. More head shots land for Valko. Valko gets his back and a rear naked forcing Arce to tap.

Result: Shane Valko by Tapout (Rear Naked Choke) at 1:05 of Round 1

5. Amateur Heavyweight
James Rankin (4-2 Kom Arts) vs Jeff Hughes (9-2 Evolve MMA)

RD 1: Leg kick by Rankin. Both land leg kicks. Another leg kick by Rankin. Jab by Hughes and then a leg kick. Hughes lands a kick to the body. They clinch against the cage and Hughes gets a takedown. Hughes gets mount and lands hammer fists. Short head shots by Hughes. Hughes goes for an armbar but Rankin escapes and gets on top. Rankin stands and tries to get into side control but can't and Hughes pulls guard. Rankin lands a shot after the bell but clearly not intentional.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Hughes

RD 2: Leg kick by Hughes. Rankin shoots in but Hughes pushes him off. Takedown by Hughes. Rankin lands punches from the bottom. Hughes lands punches and gets mount. Hughes tries to pin an arm down but is unable to. Punches from Hughes. Hard shots landing for Hughes. Hammer fists by Hughes.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Hughes

RD 3: Rankin shoots in but Hughes pushes him off and lands a knee. Hook by Rankin. Body kick by Hughes. Leg kick by Hughes. Hughes tries for a takedown and gets it. Rankin tries for a guillotine but can't get it. Punches by Hughes. Hughes gets mount. Rankin reverses and gets mount. Head shots by Rankin. Rankin gets his back but was to high and Hughes gets him off and gets on top.
I scored RD 3: 10-9 Hughes
My score card: 30-27 Hughes

Result: Jeff Hughes by Unanimous Decision (30-27/30-27/29-28)

6. Amateur Welterweight
Gabe Garcia (3-0 Fighters United) vs Emmanuel Kangah (2-1 True Roots MMA)

RD 1: They clinch on the cage and quickly separate. Hook by Kangah. Body kick by Garcia. Hook by Kangah. Takedown by Kangah. Kangah stands and drops punches. Kangah lets him up. Leg kick by Garcia. Kangah hurts him with a hook. Garcia tries for a takedown but can't get it. Jab and hook by Kangah. Hook by Kangah. Leg kick by Garcia. Garcia tries for and gets a takedown. Garcia gets mount and lands two punches. Kangah pushes him off. Three punch combo by Kangah. Garcia shoots in but Kangah takes him down.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Kangah

RD 2: Jab by Garcia. Jab by Kangah. Garcia trying hard to force a clinch but can't. Garcia shoots in and gets a takedown. Punch by Garcia. Kangah is defending well. Sweep by Kangah and he gets mount. Head shots by Kangah. More head shots and the ref stops it.

Result: Emmanuel Kangah by TKO at 1:42 of Round 2

7. Amateur Welterweight
Josh Krizan (4-1 Wrestling Factory) vs Josh Lasich (3-0 Evolve MMA)

RD 1: Lot's of feints by both fighters. Hook to the body by Krizan. Clinch in center of the cage and quickly separate. They trade shots. Leg kick by Lasich. Hook by Krizan. Krizan hurts him with a hook and they clinch in the center of the cage. They separate and trade shots. They clinch and quickly separate and trade shots. Lasich shoots in and tries for a takedown and gets it but Krizan is on top in guard. Shots from the bottom by Lasich.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Krizan


RD 2: They trade hooks. Lasich gets a takedown. Two punches from Lasich. More head shots by Lasich. Lasich lands forearm strikes and is warned by the red. Body shots by Lasich. Head shots by Lasich. More body shots by Lasich. Lasich gets side control as the round ends.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Lasich

RD 3: Leg kick by Lasich. Body kick by Lasich. Lasich shoots and gets a takedown. Krizan gets on top in half guard. Lasich avoids damage. Lasich tries to scramble but can't escape. Lasich gets full guard. Krizan is not throwing from the top. Lasich looks for a triangle. Krizan stands and lets him up. They clinch on the cage and separate. Hook by Lasich. They trade hard shots. Takedown by Lasich.
I scored RD 3: 10-9 Lasich
My score card: 29-28 Lasich


Result: Josh Krizan by Split Decision (29-28/28-29/29-28)

8. Amateur Bantamweight
Tyler Saltsman (7-3 Team Titan) vs Jarrell Hodge (4-0 Brickhouse MMA)

RD 1: Jab by Hodge. Body kick by Saltsman. Saltsman shoots but nice sprawl by Hodge. Saltsman shoots again but can't finish the takedown. Body kick by Saltsman. Push kick by Saltsman. Saltsman tries for a takedown but can't get it. They trade knees. Body kick by Hodge. Nice hook by Saltsman. Leg kick by Hodge. Double jab by Saltsman.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Saltsman


RD 2: Saltsman shoots but Hodge sprawls. Hodge hurts him with a hook. They clinch on the cage and quickly separate. Hook by Saltsman. Saltsman is landing hard shots. Knee by Saltsman. Knee to the body by Saltsman. Body kick by Saltsman. Jab by Hodge. Push kick by Saltsman. Hodge lands a nice hook. Saltsman shoots by Hodge sprawls. Saltsman gets a takedown but they are up quick. Hodge shoots and gets a takedown.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Saltsman


RD 3: Nice hook by Hodge. They clinch and move to the cage. Hodge drops down looking for a guillotine but doesn't have it locked. Saltsman gets his back and lands head shots. Two more nice shots by Saltsman. Hodge flips him over and gets on top. Head shots by Hodge. Saltsman tries to scramble as the round ends.
I scored RD 3: 10-9 Saltsman
My score card: 30-27 Saltsman

Result: Tyler Saltsman by Unanimous Decision (30-27/30-27/29-28)

9. Amateur 115LBS
Sarah McLeod (4-4-1 Mid-America MMA) vs Amber Ignatowski (5-0 USA Martial Arts)

RD 1: Jab by McLeod. Hook by McLeod. Leg kick by Ignatowski. McLeod drops her with a hook but lets her up. They clinch and McLeod lands punches. Body kick by McLeod and another. Push kick by Ignatowski. Hook by Ignatowski. They trade punches. McLeod hurts her with a hook and almost drops her. McLeod has her hurt on the cage and lands punches. Leg kick by Ignatowski. They clinch on the cage and McLeod lands body shots. Knee to the body by McLeod.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 McLeod


RD 2: Leg kick by Ignatowski and another. Push kick by McLeod. Hook by McLeod. Both land leg kicks. Jab by McLeod. Ignatowski drops her with a spinning back fist but McLeod is right back up. Leg kick by McLeod. Jab by McLeod. Leg kick by McLeod. Hook by McLeod. Leg kick by Ignatowski. Leg kick by McLeod.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 McLeod


RD 3: Leg kick by Ignatowski. Leg kick by McLeod. Hook by McLeod. Jab by McLeod. Hook by McLeod. Leg kick by McLeod. Push kick by Ignatowski. Body kick by McLeod. Nice superman punch by Ignatowski. Jab and leg kick by McLeod. Jab by McLeod. Leg kick by McLeod. Hook by McLeod and another. Ignatowski takes her down against the cage and McLeod sits and lands head shots.
I scored RD 3: 10-9 McLeod
My score card: 30-27 McLeod


Result: Sarah McLeod by Unanimous Decision (30-27/29-28/29-28)

10. Pro Lightweight
Andrew Osborne (6-3 Angel's Gym) vs Joe Heiland (13-2-1 Strong Style)

RD 1: Hook by Heiland. Heiland shoots in and works hard for a takedown but Osborne gets away. Clinch and Heiland gets takedown. Osborne working hard to stand but Heiland pushes him against the cage. Osborne finally works his way up. Heiland loose his mouth piece stopping action. They resume and Heiland lands a jab. Leg kick by Osborne. Jumping knee by Osborne. Hook by Heiland. Leg kick by Osborne. Hook by Heiland. Body kick by Osborne. Hook by Heiland. Hook to the body by Heiland. Jab by Osborne. Takedown by Osborne and Heiland looks for a guillotine. Osborne escapes. Heiland has a bad cut over his eye. They clinch and Heiland looses his mouth piece again stopping the action. They resume and Osborne lands a jab. They clinch against the cage and Heiland lands body shots.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Heiland

RD 2: Spinning back fist by Osborne. They clinch on the cage and Osborne lands a knee to the body. They separate and Heiland lands punches. They clinch and quickly separate. Jab by Osborne. Hook by Heiland. Knee to the body by Osborne. Leg kick by Osborne. Cross by Heiland. Hook to the body by Heiland. Jab by Osborne. Hook by Heiland. Knee to the body by Osborne. Heiland shoots in and they clinch against the cage. Osborne tries for a takedown. They drop down with Heiland looking for a guillotine. They stand and Osborne tries to take it back down. They separate and Heiland lands a nice hook. Osborne looks very tired. Head and body combo by Heiland. Uppercut by Heiland. Heiland lands a kick low stopping action. They resume and Heiland lands two jabs.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Heiland

RD 3: Jab by Heiland. Leg kick by Osborne. Jab to the body by Osborne. Hook by Osborne. Hook by Heiland. Hook to the body by Heiland. Jab to the body by Heiland. Hook by Heiland. Hard hook by Heiland. Several body shots by Heiland. Now shots to the head by Heiland. Hook by Osborne. Jab by Osborne. Takedown by Heiland. Elbows to the head by Heiland. Heiland is in side control and lands more elbows. Osborne escapes and stands. Hook by Heiland and another. Front kick by Osborne. They clinch on the cage and Heiland gets a takedown and lands hard shots.
I scored RD 3: 10-9 Heiland


Result: Joe Heiland by Split Decision (30-27/28-29/29-28)

11. Pro Lightweight
Khama Worthy (8-2 Team PTT) vs George Comer (9-1 GriffonRawl)

RD 1: Leg kick by Comer. Leg kick by Worthy. Leg kick by Comer. Jab by Worthy. Comer shoots in and gets a takedown. Comer traps Worthy's arm behind is own back and lands head shots. Now body shots by Comer. More head shots by Comer. Worthy finally frees his arm. Comer gets side control and lands elbows to the head. Now punches to the head by Comer. Worthy almost sweeps. Body shots by Comer. Worthy gels half guard but Comer gets back to side control.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Comer

RD 2: Jab by Worthy. Leg kick by Comer. Comer shoots and they clinch on the cage but quickly separate. Leg kick by Comer. Uppercut by Worthy. Jab by Worthy. Body kick by Comer. Comer shoots in and gets a takedown into side control. Worthy tries to wall walk but Comer brings him back down. Worthy is able to stand and they clinch against the cage. Knees to the body by Comer. Knee to the body by Worthy. Takedown by Comer. Comer gets his back and lands head shots. Comer gets a rear naked for the tap.

Result: George Comer by Tapout (Rear Naked Choke) at 3:58 of Round 2

12. Pro Welterweight
James Warfield (22-10 Chosen Few) vs Chris Lozano (14-4 Evolve MMA)


RD 1: Lots of feints and circling. Hook by Warfield. Leg kick by Warfield. Head kick by Lozano. Leg kick by Lozano. Jab by Lozano. Leg kick by Warfield and another. Lozano catches a leg kick and takes Warfield down. Lozano looks for a guillotine and then goes for an anaconda. They stand and clinch on the cage. Knee to leg by Warfield. Hook by Warfield. Leg kick by Warfield. Jab by Lozano. Hook by Lozano. They clinch against the cage and separate. Lozano lands a wheel kick right before the bell and it hits the back of Warfield's head.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Lozano


Warfield is unable to continue and the fight ends.

Result: Chris Lozano by TKO at end of Round 1

13. Pro Featherweight Title
Antonio Castillo Jr. (12-3 Instigator Fight Team) vs Frank Caraballo 17-7 Fearless Fight Team)


RD 1: Castillo shoots in and gets a takedown but Caraballo is right back up. Clinch on the cage and Castillo lands a knee to the leg. Elbows by Caraballo. Castillo working hard to get the takedown. Knees to the leg by Castillo. Elbows to head by Caraballo. Castillo gets the takedown. Caraballo wall walks and gets up. Castillo is holding on trying to get it back down. Slam by Castillo. Castillo gets side control and lands head shots. Caraballo stands and takes Castillo down. Caraballo gets his back and looks for a rear naked. They stand but Caraballo still has his back. They drop down and Castillo taps.


Result: Frank Caraballo by Tapout (Rear Naked Choke) at 3:46 of Round 1

Submission of the Night: Frank Caraballo

Knock-Out of the Night: Emmanuel Kangah

Fight of the Night: Sarah McLeod vs Amber Ignatowski