Jordan McDonald Interview

The old saying is "Don't judge a book by it's cover". With that saying in mind, meet Jordan McDonald. She is beautiful, but not your typical dumb beauty. In fact, Jordan was accepted into law school. She is however not going to law school. Because part two of not judging the book by it's cover, Jordan is also an incredible athlete and fighter, and is now devoting everything to the sport. Which, considering how good she was when she wasn't doing that, imagine how good she is going to be. In this interview you will find Jordan to be articulate, entertaining, and someone to root for.






Q: First, Jordan, I want to thank you for taking the time to do this.
A: Thanks so much for asking me to :-)

Q: Can you start out by telling a little about yourself
A: I'm from Murrells Inlet, South Carlina and I've lived there my whole life. I'm the oldest of three sisters and family is incredibly important to me. I just quit my job as an administrator/paralegal at the SC Environment Law Project, an environmental non-profit law firm, where I worked for about four years. I loved my job and the things we were doing, but I wasn't able to train very much so I recently made the very tough decision to leave (and move). Now, I'm focusing 100% on MMA and I plan on doing so until the money I saved runs out.

Q: Were you especially athletic growing up? Play any sports?
A: I've always been good at sports that just involve me controlling my body but, throw another variable in there like a ball, bat or club and I may have a problem. I was a competitive gymnast for several years, up until high school. Once in high school I went a lil nuts, partied a lot, and really got away from fitness until college. I started surfing in college and surfed competitively for a few years locally. Once I started fighting I gave up competing in surfing but I still surf for fun and I still like to challenge people to handstand contests :-)

Q: What initially got you started training for MMA?
A: Maurice Travis, a 3 time World Muay Thai Champion, moved back home to Myrtle Beach and opened a Dojo. A couple of my friends started training with him and knew I'd love it so they kept telling me to try it out. I finally did one day and loved it. I just trained Muay Thai at first but was introduced to Jiu Jitsu eventually. I enjoyed Muay Thai and Jiu Jitsu separately but after a while I was ready to put them together. After my first MMA fight I was sold.

Q: Was training something you picked up fairly easy?
A: Yes, I already had the basics down from a few "recreational bouts" I'd had growing up- everyone likes to pick on the small scrawny girl haha. It's kinda funny though. I enjoy training stand up more than the ground but the ground stuff comes more easily to me.....Go figure.


Q: How long did you train before your first fight?
A: Up until recently my training was pretty sporadic. I first walked into the gym in late 2006 but I wasn't serious about it and I got away from it a lot. I didn't actually compete until a kickboxing match in 2008. here wasn't a gym or coach down here for a few years too after Maurice Travis moved back to California, so it was hard to get anything consistent going. I traveled to Wilmington to train for my first MMA fight in 2009. Once Fitness Edge MMA opened in May, 2010 I got to train more but it was still over an hour away from where I worked every day so it still wasn't as consistent as I'd have liked.

Q: Was fighting something your family and friends supported?
A: Yes, basically :-) Before I decided to go all out for MMA I'd applied and been accepted into law school. I'd been on that career track since college. A few family members let me know they'd rather I be doing that than fighting but, once they realized how important fighting was to me they regressed and I do now feel 100% supported by them (even though I know they think I'm a lil crazy). My grandparents actually ordered and watched my last fight on September 8th for the NAAFS. I was surprised but incredibly touched. They really pushed their own boundaries and it touched my heart because MMA is something they only gave a chance because they knew I loved it. It meant a lot to me.

Q: Where do you train at now?
A: That's a good question.... About to be all over! Haha. I just left my job and I'm about to drive out to Vegas to stay with some friends and train. I'm planning on stopping by a gym or 2 on the way down there and then checking out the gyms there and out in California. I've been lifting and getting in shape for the past two weeks at Next Level Training in Wilmington, North Carolina. That's where my strength and conditioning coach, JRod Olsen is so I may end up back there after all is said and done. I really don't know. I'm off to check things out and we'll see where I end up.


Q: Can you give your overall record so far.
A: 4-1 MMA, 1-0 kickboxing, 1-0 boxing, 12-4 Jiu Jitsu at 200lbs and below.

Q: Is there one fight you would say you are most proud of?
A: My first fight. I took a fight with what ended up being a bigger more experienced opponent, Jenny Yum. We went 3 rounds and she beat on me pretty bad but I held in there and fought back. I remember answering the 2nd bell and feeling so gassed I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to make the few steps to the center of the cage. I'm pretty sure I lost every round but I gave it my all and we were awarded fight of the night and got a standing ovation. That fight, though I'd already known it, was further proof to myself that the only way someones going to stop me is if they take me out. I won't quit. Losing really pissed me off too and got me serious about training and fighting.

Q: What would you say is your biggest strength and the one thing you most want to improve?
A: My heart is my biggest strength. I want to get better at wrestling and I'm training with some NC wrestlers now. All areas of my game need work, to be honest. I want to bring my wrestling up to par with my ground and stand up and then work on getting better at everything and putting things together better.


Q: Name the one fight you have seen that you will always remember.
A: I remember watching the infamous Stephan Bonnar vs Forrest Griffin TUF finale fight. It was messy but it was bloody and glorious, haha, and it definitely got me hooked.

Q: Are there any fighters you are a fan of or love to watch?
A: I love watching all the top level females, GSP, Baukaw, Ramon Dekkers, my boyfriend Jon Owens and anyone else who's at the top of their game and questionably human :-)

Q: In your opinion, who are the top five female fighters in the sport pound for pound?
A: Megumi Fuji, Chris Cyborg, Sarah Kaufman, Lisa Ward, Marloes Coennen, and now maybe Liz Carmouche. I'm definitely keeping my eye on her.

Q: Do you ever see a major U.S. women's only company being viable?
A: Absolutely. The girls leave it all in the cage when they fight and we've only begun to ski the surface of the talent that's there and the talent that's up and coming. Given some time to flesh out, I think women's MMA is going to be an extremely viable and highly marketable arm of Mixed Martial Arts. I'm looking forward to riding those coat tails. It's a good time to be an up and coming female fighter :-)


Q: Often you watch a show that has one women's fight, somehow that fight always turns out to be the most exciting fight on the card. Why do you think that is?
A: We've got something to prove and we're "biotches" haha. Seriously though, an angry and/or motivated woman is a scary thing and contrary to the stereotypes, we're just as egotistical as the guys in that we don't want to lose, we've got a lot of pride (and women have always been competitive with one another haha). It's an uphill battle in such a male dominated sport and there's still a lot of doubters, haters and straight up D-bags out there who like to talk smack about lack of talent, skills and/or act like there's something morally wrong with women fighting. We have all those people to answer to. Another thing also could be that most girl fighters usually train with people a lot bigger than them and it sucks always getting beat up so once they get in the cage with someone near their size there's usually hell to pay :-) The novelty of a female fight also helps. Although we complain about there not being enough female fighters out thee, you can't deny the fact that when there is a girl fight on the card, it's usually the only one so there is automatically a lot of attention paid to it. We're well aware of that when we step into the cage.

Q: What is the biggest misconception about female fighters?
A: That we aren't "mean" enough or that we have to be masculine or rough types to be any good. Just because a girl is ladylike or feminine outside of teh ring doesn't at all effect how she's going to be inside of it.

Q: If another woman told you she wanted to train for the sport, what is the biggest piece of advice you would give her?
A: Get comfortable with a lot of contact with sweaty gross guys. Get used to being the underdog every day at the gym, get ready for people to question your ability and/or whether or not you belong in the ring. Then after a lot of time, determination, blood, sweat and tears....Get ready to blow their minds :-)

Q: Outside of training and fighting, any other hobbies or activities you enjoy?
A: Well, now that I quit my job, I might actually have time for some of those. I love to surf, vacations that aren't to a tropical place with waves seem like a total waste to me. I am getting into making organic food grade products because the ingredient lists on your typical personal care products sold in stores is retarded and scary. I like to shoot guns and run around like a tomboy with my guy friends and from time to time I like to get glammed up and go out with my girl friends. Usually though I'm holed up at my house with my boyfriend and my dogs, reading and cooking and otherwise being boring (those are probably my favorite times) :-)

Q: Can you describe a typical day in the life of Jordan McDonald.
A: Well, when I had a fight coming up it used to go something like: Wake up at 6am, go to the gym and lift/train for 45 minutes- 1 hour, go to work, get off and rush home to feel and walk my dogs, then rush to Fitness Edge MMA gym to train to 1-3 hours depending on what time I got out of work, rush home, cook, eat and make myself go to sleep so I could get up and do it all over again the next day. The past 2weeks since I quit my job though, I've been getting up around 8-9am (joy!) leaving town by 10am to get to Next Level Training in Wilmington, NC to lift/train at noon, going to get some lunch, hanging with the S&C coach and learning all about nutrition and training, lifting/training again at 5pm, eating dinner, hanging wit friends, going to bed. I obviously much prefer the latter type days and I can't wait to see what a "typical" day for me will be like once I get settled somewhere after I move :-)

Q: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
A: I don't know.....I'm ultra organized and kinda OCD about things being neat and in their place as I like to say HA :-) Oh, and I'm nice, kinda quiet and probably one of the more laid back people I know (except when I train and fight of course)

Q: Describe Jordan McDonald in five words.
A: I had to ask someone else for this one so I didn't sound too narcissistic, so.... Approachable, Self-motivated, Violent (I liked that one), Intelligent, and Honest.

Q: So what's next for you? Any idea when you will be fighting again?
A: I'm going to be traveling, training and finding my spot for the next few weeks-months. I've gotten a few fight offers but until I get settled somewhere I may just focus on training. Maybe May? Depends on how I feel once I get back into the gym. Hopefully I can make the cut to 105lbs and participate in the rumored Tuff N Uff 105lbs Ammy Tournament. After a few more fights I'm looking to go pro!

Q: Anything you want to take this time to plug or promote?
A: First and foremost, I gotta thank Jon Owens because if it weren't for him, I might not be fighting now. He helped me train when there wasn't anything going on in Myrtle Beach and his skill, advice and guidance have been instrumental. I want to thank Ranger Up and Next Level Training who have both gone above and beyond your typical sponsors. They're great organizations made of good intelligent people who care a LOT about their fighters. I also want to thank Fitness Edge MMA, especially the guys that helped me get ready for fights and who made it through the "dark ages" of training in Myrtle Beach with me (T-bo, Chris and Walker I'm talking about you guys) :-)

Q: Are you looking for sponsors? If so, how can they reach you and what are they getting in Jordan McDonald?
A: Oh YES and they can reach me at jordandmcdonald@gmail.com. I'm looking for sponsors who are good people pushing good products that I can whole heartedly get behind. I value my relationships with my sponsors very highly and I always do my best to represent them well with class, intelligence and any and all marketability I can. I understand the work relationship between the fighter and sponsor so I'm always willing to do things for them, get their names out there because if you help them they are better equipped to help you!


Q: Jordan, I want to thank you for doing this. Any last words before you go?
A: Just wanted to say thank you for taking the time to highlight so many women in the sport. I think I can speak for all of us and say it means so much to us. You rock :-)

Listy Monaghan Interview

My first interview with Listy Monaghan, then Listy Allen, was one of my favorites. With things changing in her life since then, mainly the birth of her beautiful daughter Lily, I wanted to see if she was willing to do sort of an update interview. Was very happy when she said yes. I have such tremendous respect for Listy. A Pro Figure competitor, a great trainer, and now a mom. Here is a chance to learn a little more about a woman I fully expect to one day be on the Olympia stage.





Q: First Listy, thanks for taking the time for another interview.
A: Thank you for the opportunity, it's always a pleasure!

Q: For those who may not be familiar, can you tell a little about yourself.
A: I am an IFBB Figure Professional. I got my pro status at the 2009 NPC USA, winning the overall title at just age 21. I am a mother of a beautiful girl named Lily and a wife to a wonderful husband, Brandon. I am also a personal trainer, nutrition consultant and fitness model.

Q: It is a little late, but congrats on the birth of your beautiful daughter.
A: Thank you very much! Motherhood is amazing! She is a wonderful baby; always content and extremely easy to take care of. Lily is a blessing and I am so thankful for her!

Q: Obvious to anyone who follows the sport, you are always in amazing shape. Was the change in your body during the pregnancy something you had trouble adjusting to?
A: It was extremely hard to adjust. A lot of women told me, "You are going to love being pregnant! It is amazing...etc" To be honest, I hated being pregnant. I believe women that are so in tune with their bodies have a harder time being pregnant. It wasn't necessarily the weight gain that made the experience horrible but the decrease in strength, stretch marks, the all day sickness, nausea, swollen hands and feet, and not to mention, I had a mild case of gestational diabetes. Though I look back now, it was all worth it because I have a healthy and happy baby girl!

Q: Were you able to do any kind of training at all during the pregnancy?
A: I was able to workout a little bit during the first trimester, that's if I wasn't sick. But later in the pregnancy I had a hard time working out because of my wacky sugar levels. I stopped lifting around month 4 but I did try to walk 3-4 days a week.


Q: Was their ever a thought of "This isn't the right time for me" being young with a bright future in the sport?
A: Never did I think "this isn't right for me" but I wish I had more knowledge on how the business worked. I competed on my own from the get go. I made mistakes along the way, none that I regret but I learned from.

Q: Whats been the hardest part of being a new mom?
A: That is a toughie, motherhood has been so easy, thus far. I would say realizing I have a little girl that needs me to care for her 24/7 has been hard because for years it has been just me taking care of myself, so making time for myself has been more difficult.

Q: Are you able to train now, or do mom duties keep you from getting much of a workout in?
A: I am thankful "Gaga" Brandon's mom lives just 5 miles from the gym so I am able to drop Lily off for 1-2 hours and get my workouts in!

Q: Is the plan to at some point be back on stage?
A: Yes I plan to be back on stage in October, if all goes well with training and getting these stretch marks to disappear!!!

Q: Does this give you a new respect for women who are mothers and compete?
A: I have always had the utmost respect for women who have had babies and compete. I look up to the mothers that have challenged themselves and have transformed their bodies, now I hope I can be an inspiration to mothers who want to compete or change their body.


Q: Let's talk a little about the industry. Do you have any thoughts on the new physique division?
A: I like it and am very interested to see what exact physique the judges will be looking for.

Q: You seem to take a lot of pride in letting people know you are natural. Is that an accurate statement?
A: Yes, it is an accurate statement. But I do ask myself what is a natural competitor now-a- day? What one make think is unnatural another may not, it is such a controversy. I have never taken an anabolic substance but I do use over the counter supplements: Dren, VPX Meltdown, Jack3d, etc. Now some people may say I am unnatural b/c I take stimulants but others may say I am natural b/c I don't take anabolic substances. You be the judge?

Q: Do you ever feel any backlash or resentment for making it so clear you are natural?
A: Not really. I have had people say I am lying, even before I started dating my husband he thought I was unnatural, but that's okay, people can think what they want. Now don't get me wrong I have nothing against the competitors that do take anabolic substances, they still have to work their ass off to get what they want. But being a natural competitor I strongly believe you have to work harder to get the results you want.

Q: Have their been any competitors you have seen lately who impress you?
A: I've always idolized Gina Aliotti and I still do. I like Erin Stern's and Candice Keene's physique.

Q: I always ask what the biggest misconception is about competitors. This time I will ask, what is the biggest misconception about you?
A: Many just know me as the young pro figure competitor but what a lot don't realize is that I am also an expert personal trainer and athlete. I've been training people since I was 16. I know the body inside and out. I know the techniques, strategies, and possibilities of many fitness programs. My true passion is helping others achieve their goals, so I like to surround myself with research, certifications and practice to be a well-rounded trainer.

Q: When I see pictures you always seem to enjoy being in front of the camera. Which is more enjoyable to you, being on stage, or in front of a camera?
A: Because of a past bad experience with a photographer I would have to say I enjoy being on stage more! Though I have worked with a lot of great photographers I can't seem to enjoy it more than being on stage, maybe someday that will change.

Q: Obviously since the last interview the answer to this has changed. SO what is a current day in your life like now?
A: 6 am wake-up and feed Lily, back to sleep until 11 am feed her again and eat my first meal of the day. Do some cleaning or work online then get ready for the day. Run some errands, feeding Lily every 3 hours. Drop Lily off at Gaga's, workout for 2 hours. Pick her up, drive 30 minutes home, get settled in for the evening, cook dinner, do some more work online, laundry, etc. off to bed at 10:30 pm.

Q: Anything else going on that I didn't mention that you want to talk about?
A: My husband has just recently joined the Coast Guard! Thank you for your service! That being said, in the years ahead we will be doing a lot of traveling to the different coastlines, which is very exciting for me because I love to travel and go to new places! This also gives me an opportunity to compete in different shows because I typically stick to shows I live closer to and that won't break the bank. This also gives me an opportunity to expand my business and become not only a well rounded trainer but a nationwide trainer too.

Q: Finish this sentence. In five years Listy Monaghan will be__?
A: Happily married, pregnant with her 2nd child, have a career as a personal trainer and xray technician and still proudly competing!


Q: Anything you want to plug or promote?
A: My new website www.listyallen.com I provide online personal training and I am starting to blog lots of great info that is FREE!! Check it out and sign the guestbook when you get a chance! :)

Q: Listy, again, thanks so much for doing this, and congrats on the new addition to the family. Anything last words before you go?
A: Thank you, I am truly blessed to have such a beautiful and wonderful family! To all that is competing this year, good luck and have fun on that stage! Congratulations to all that have taken the first steps to committing to a health lifestyle! And for those of you working on your fitness goals, keep up the great work! Hard work does pay off and great things happen to the people that give it their all and get back up when they fall!

NAAFS Midwest Combat Challenge 13 Report

On Saturday March 12th the NAAFS put on Midwest Combat Challenge 13. Another great NAAFS card highlighted by a fight of the year contender in Stefan Mullins vs Matt Street. These two put on an amazing battle both throwing and landing hard wild strikes. Greg Kalikas, Nichole Long, and the NAAFS staff always make sure to put on a fan friendly show, and this was no exception.





1. Amateur Light Heavyweight
Pat Callaway (0-1 Hill MMA) vs Mike MacDonald (0-1 GriffonRawl)

RD 1: Calloway feints and then lands some good punches. They clinch on the cage and Callaway gets a takedown. He postures up and lands some good ground and pound. MacDonald pulls him close to avoid damage. Callaway then lands some great body shots. MacDonald tries for a triangle but Callaway pushes him against the cage and lands some good shots. MacDonald gets an armbar. He is active from the bottom. The armbar looks tight but Callaway escapes as the round ends.
I scored round 1: 10-9 Callaway

RD 2: A leg kick by Callaway followed by another. Callaway clinches against the cage and lands some good knees to the leg. One knee goes low and forces a stop in the action as MacDonald looks really hurt from the low blow. After a long break they resume. MacDonald lands a leg kick and Callaway answers with a great right. MacDonald fakes a leg kick and Callway lands a nice two punch combo. MacDonald lands a hard leg kick. They clinch and Callaway pushes it to the cage and lands body shots. Callaway separates and lands some strikes. Callaway gets a takedown to end the round.
I scored round 2: 10-9 Callaway

RD 3: Nice jab by Callaway followed by a leg kick. He then lands a nice cross. They clinch against the cage and then separate. Callaway lands a beautiful cross. Again they clinch on the cage. Callaway is looking for a guillotine but MacDonald pulls out. Callaway lands a big uppercut to drop him and goes for more but the ref stops it.

Result: Pat Callaway by TKO at 2:03 of round 3

2. Amateur Bantamweight
Josh Burr (0-0 Team Hofstraboro) vs Ryan Arce (0-0 Evolve)

RD 1: Arce lands great strikes to hurt him. Then he lands a vicious uppercut knocking him down and the ref stops it.

Result: Ryan Arce by TKO at :31 of round 1

3. Amateur Welterweight
Julius Bello (0-1 Independent) vs Brad Bukovics (0-0 GriffonRawl)

RD 1: Bukovics gets a takedown and Bello goes for a guillotine from the bottom. Bukovics postures up and lands ground and pound. He continues to land nice strikes. Bello is doing his best to survive. Bukovics lands more ground and pound. Bello gets up as the round ends.
I scored round 1: 10-9 Bukovics

RD 2: Lots of circling. Bukovics misses a right and Bello lands a leg kick. A wild swing by Bello misses and Bukovics takes it down. Bukovics starts landing punches on the ground. He tries to use wrist control to stop Bello from defending. He gets full mount and lands nice punches. Bello is trying to buck him off. More ground and pound by Bukovics and the ref stops it.

Result: Brad Bukovics by TKO (not sure of time) in round 2

4. Amateur Lightweight
Brian Brooks (0-0 Relson Gracie Cleveland) vs Dan Vandevender (0-0 GriffonRawl)

RD 1: Vandevender shoots in but doesn't get the takedown. Brooks gets a takedown and gets side control. Battling for position. They stand up. Nice leg kick by Brooks. Brooks gets a takedown. Vandevender sweeps and gets on top. Brooks grabs an armbar and gets the tap.

Result: Brian Brooks by tapout (armbar) at 2:25 of round 1

5. Amateur Heavyweight
Jesse Milliman (1-0 Air Gad-fly) vs Seth Sharp (0-0 Zahand's Martial Arts)

RD 1: Sharp throws a punch and then goes for a takedown. After trying hard he gets the takedown and lands in guard. Sharp gets warned for holding the cage. Milliman sweeps and gets on top. Not a lot of activity here. Sharp tries to get up but instead gives up his back. Sharp rolls over and gets back on top. Milliman has guard and wrist control so takes no damage. Sharp does land one good punch before getting tied up again. Sharp lands a couple shots then one real hard one after the bell getting another warning from the ref.
I scored round 1: 10-9 Sharp

RD 2: Sharp shoots for the takedown and instead they clinch on the cage. Milliman gets his back and gets a rear naked choke as the fall to the floor. Sharp using wrist control to survive but finally has to tap.

Result: Jesse Milliman by tapout (rear naked choke) at 1:37 of round 1

6. Amateur Welterweight
Tony Dipietro (0-0 Shraders MMA) vs Dave Overton (1-0 Ohio BJJC)

RD 1: They clinch on the cage but quickly separate. Overton forces another clinch and goes for a single leg but can't get it. They clinch again and Overton again goes for the takedown and gets it this time. They stand back up and Dipietro goes for a guillotine. He seemed to have it but lost it. Overton lands a knee low forcing a stop in action. They resume and Overton lands good punches. They both lands wild strikes. Overton lands a great knee to the body and Dipietro hurts him with good strikes. Overton drops him with a punch and lands a couple more as the round ends.
I scored round 1: 10-9 Overton

RD 2: Overton lands a couple strikes against the cage. He lands several more and the ref has to stop it.

Result: Dave Overton by TKO at :26 of round 2

7. Amateur Welterweight
Matt Ribley (0-0 Nutter MMA) vs Josh Lasiche (0-0 Evolve)

RD 1: They clinch on the cage and a takedown by Lasiche. He puts his knee on Ribley's stomach and lands strikes. He gets a guillotine and forces the tap.

Result: Josh Lasiche by TKO at :39 of round 1

8. Amateur Middleweight
Jesse Greenhalgh (1-0 Air Gad-fly) vs Zoran Laden (1-0 GriffonRawl)

RD 1: Good leg kick by Greenhalgh. They clinch and move around the cage. A good knee by Greenhalgh and another one to the thigh. They separate and both throw strikes. They clinch on the cage and Laden lands a knee, Laden shoots but good sprawl by Greenhalgh. Greenhalgh gets his back and lands good punches to the head and body. Good knees to the body to end the round.
I scored round 1: 10-9 Greenhalgh

RD 2: Good leg kick by Laden. Greenhalgh shoots but a good sprawl by Laden who then gets his back. He lands some strikes. Gets one hook in but can't get the other. He finally gets his second hook in and looks for the choke. Tries throwing strikes to open him up. He continues with the strikes. Hooks in the choke but unable to get it all the way so he goes back to the strikes till the ref stops it.

Result: Zoran Laden by TKO at 2:55 of round 2

9. Amateur Welterweight
Ben Yoder (1-1 Hill MMA) vs AJ Materna (2-1 Mainstreet MMA)

RD 1: Materna lands a jab and then lands a vicious right that drops him. Materna gets on top and lands some strikes. Materna has side control. They stand up. Yoder is bleeding bad from his nose. Materna lands a couple strikes and drops him and the ref stops it.

Result: AJ Materna by TKO at 2:08 of round 1

10. Amateur 120 pounds
Meghan Joyce (0-0 Nutter MMA) vs Rebecca Gruitza (0-0 Team Bundy)

RD 1: Joyce shoots for a takedown but a great sprawl by Gruitza. Gruitza lands a nice knee to the leg. They clinch and Joyce gets a choke for the tap.

Result: Meghan Joyce by tapout (rear naked choke) at 1:00 of round 1

11. Amateur Featherweight
Mike Putnam (2-1 Team Titan) vs Kyle Dunn (3-0 Team Impact)

RD 1: Both are feinting a lot. Putnam gets a takedown but Dunn gets right back up. Lots more feints but not throwing. Good leg kick by Dunn and then another. Putnam gets a beautiful takedown and lands a good punch and then side control. Lands more strike to the body. Putnam stands up and then takes him right back down, this time landing in guard.
I scored round 1: 10-9 Putnam

RD 2: Putnam shoots but gets stuffed. They clinch on the cage and Dunn lands great body shots. They separate and Putnam gets a nice slam and gets north south position, but moves to side control. He lands some nice strikes. Putnam is now in half guard and landing ground and pound. Good body shots to end the round.
I scored round 2: 10-9 Putnam

RD 3: Dun throws and misses a kick and falls down. He throws another kick and Putnam catches it and takes him down. He gets side control and lands body shots. Dunn tries hard to sweep but can't get it. Putnam stands and drops a punch and gets into side control. They stand and Dunn lands a nice shot but Putnam takes him back down. Due to inactivity the ref stands them. Dunn tries a superman punch but Putnam slams him. The ref stops the fight. It appears he got a really bad rib injury and had to be taken away on a stretcher.

Result: Mike Putnam by TKO at 2:56 of round 3

12. Amateur Lightweight
Stefan Mullins (3-0 Nutter MMA) vs Matt Street (2-0 Rock Hard MMA)

RD 1: Both come out throwing power shots. Nice leg kick by Mullins. The clinch on the cage but quickly separate. Again both throw wild strikes till Mullins gets a takedown. Mullins stands back up and Street gets a takedown. Mullins does a good job keeping him close and avoiding damage. Mullins is able to get to his feet. More wild strikes by both men with Street getting a slight advantage. Mullins lands a nice cross, countered by Street.
I scored round 1: 10-9 Mullins

RD 2: Good leg kick by Mullins. They trade wild shots again. Street lands good shots and Mullins goes for a takedown but Street looks for a guillotine. He is unable to secure it. Mullins lands good shots from the top. Good grappling as round ends.
I scored round 2: 10-9 Mullins

RD 3: Street lands some good shots and rocks him. Now both are throwing wild hard shots. Mullins hooks a guillotine and drops down. Street pulls out. Street is on top and throws strikes. The ref stands them up. Good leg kick by Mullins followed by good punches from Street. Mullins lands another good leg kick. They trade power shots. Two good uppercuts by Mullins to end the round. They get a standing ovation for an amazing fight.
I scored round 3: 10-9 Street
My scorecard: 29-28 Mullins

Result: Stefan Mullins by split decision (29-28/28-29/29-28)

13. Amateur Featherweight
Nate Mango (1-6 Excessive Force) vs Chuck Schilling (6-2 GriffonRawl)

RD 1: Nice leg kick by Mango. Schilling shoots in and completes the takedown but Mango hooks a guillotine for the tap.

Result: Nate mango by tapout (guillotine) at :33 of round 1


Submission of the Night: Josh Lasiche

KO of the Night: Ryan Arce

Fight of the Night: Stefan Mullins vs Matt Street

Lindsay Forster Interview

Every once in awhile you hear me say "How did I not know about her?" I am going to say it about Lindsay Forster. Lindsay is a beautiful woman with a great physique highlighted by amazing abs. But even more so, Lindsay is an inspiration. From battling Crohn's Disease at a young age, all the way to her journey to her first competition and her passion for both training and training clients. Safe to say the Fitness lifestyle was made for someone like Lindsay Forster.



Q: First, Lindsay, I want to thank you for taking the time to do this.
A: Thank you! I have been an avid reader of the blog for almost a year now and I have acquired so much motivation and inspiration from all of these women.

Q: Can you start out by telling a little about yourself?
A: I am a Midwest girl from Bloomington, IN. I moved to Miami, FL after graduating from college but then decided to move back to my hometown for love. :)
At the age of eight I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease. Throughout elementary school and middle school I was put on several medications for my chronic condition, including steroids. I was made fun of constantly for my "puffy" cheeks and I became extremely critical of myself. This eventually led me down the path of anorexia and bulimia and other unhealthy exercise and eating habits. A few years ago I vowed to myself to get my life together and BE HEALTHY. I read every fitness magazine I could get my hands on and started lifting weights and actually EATING! 5 to 6 MEALS A DAY in fact! My body started to change and I began to see results--muscle and definition. I felt strong and athletic! I just competed in my first Figure competition where I placed in the Top 5 and I can't wait to compete again!

Q: Before the gym were you an especially athletic person? Play any sports or anything?
A: I was a cheerleader in middle school, but not the cheerleader who could do all the tumbling and gymnastics. I was too goofy. :) I was the "flyer" because I was shorter and smaller. I also played softball in elementary school and was the only girl on my team. Ha!

Q: What initially led you into the gym?
A: Forcing by my sister..LOL. I remember my older sister was into working out while I was in high school and she had me go with her into the local gym. I was terrified of getting "too big" and "too muscular." I remember whining while I was on the lying leg curl machine because it was digging into my hip bones. I was definitely not into it at first. But that quickly changed.....


Q: Was training something you picked up fairly easy? How long before you started to see results?
A: Yes, it was. I remember reading every fitness magazine I could get my hands on and mimicked the workouts that were in them. I also started reading tons of tips about diet and started to see small but noticeable results in about a month. I loved knowing that I had the power to change and manipulate my body. And I felt STRONG..something I had never really felt before.

Q: What made you decide to compete for the first time?
A: When I lived in Miami my trainer was a competitor and I was always in awe of her.. It amazed me that someone could get their body in that kind of condition. So, I again decided to read and research everything I could about competing. I started networking on Facebook of people who had competed and ran across an amazing woman by the name of Kathy Laucius, a competitor and personal trainer in Houston, TX. She ignited the spark that fueled my fire to compete. I call her my "Super Mama" because she is such a role model for me. When I moved back to Indiana I got in touch with a long time friend and bodybuilder, Aaron Dixon who coached and trained me all throughout my contest prep. His expertise and motivation really made me believe, "Wow, I can really do this!"

Q: Is competing something your family and friends supported?
A: This was actually a very touchy subject for me. I was so unbelievably lucky to have around 300 people follow a fan page I created on Facebook where I documented my whole contest prep- Lindsay Michele Training. I would post motivational quotes, sayings, progress pictures and just how I was feeling. The response I received from people was amazing. People who I had never met were supporting me, encouraging me, and letting me know I had motivated them and helped them. I couldn't believe the support I was receiving and I was so humbled. However, some of my own family members did not express the same sentiment. Competing was all about a goal. I set a goal for myself and dammit, I reached it! It was more than stepping out on stage in a bikini- it was about determination, sacrifice, focus, and NOT GIVING up! The process taught me so much about myself-- I didn't need food as a crutch, I COULD keep going even after I feel like I couldn't go anymore and I CAN DO ANYTHING I PUT MY MIND TO. This is your life. If you are not who you want to be, change it! It wont be easy and it may take some time, but surround yourself with people who love and support you and go for it!

Q: Was competing what you expected or did anything surprise you about it?
A: It was everything I expected and more. I was just so happy to be around inspiring and determined women who had the same interests as myself. I always felt like the odd one out when I was younger, and for the first time in my life, I felt like I belonged to something.

Q: Can you share your contest history.
A:
*2011- NPC Northern Kentucky- 5th Place

Q: As far as body parts, what do you feel is your best one?
A: I'd have to say my abs..That's the body part most people comment on.. However my arms have come a looooooong way and I'm definitely proud of the guns.:)

Q: Do you have a part you most like to train?
A: Shoulders! Love it!!

Q: What is your normal training routine and diet like and how do you alter it for contest prep?
A: I eat clean 99% of the time.. I'm kinda weird like that. The food I crave is healthy, and I love sticking to that. I do cardio on an empty stomach 6 days a week (for contest I did up to 90 minutes 7 days a week at times) and I eat about 6 times a day as well. I stick the the staples; chicken, egg whites, oatmeal, broccoli, spinach.. I also love bison and find it to be a great protein source. For contest I would carb cycle and do three low carb days then have a carb meal on Monday and Thursday evenings before bed. I'm also a big believer in supplements and use them regularly. Glutamine, BCAA's, and quality protein powders are key! And I love making protein pancakes!


Q: When someone sees your physique or hears you compete for the first time, what is the most common reaction? More positive or negative?
A: "Holy crap, you could kick my a**!" LOL.. Or "Do you eat?" I find that so many people are uneducated about competing or just a healthy lifestyle in general.

Q: When they see it that first time, what is the one question or comment you are most sick of hearing?
A: I really don't get sick of anything. Fitness and a healthy lifestyle is my passion so I love talking about it.

Q: What is the biggest misconception about women who train and compete or the one thing you wish people understood?
A: That we don't eat or are only concerned about vanity.. Wrong! I eat 6 times a day and train for so many different reasons not even remotely related to looks.

Q: What is the best and worst part of training for you?
A: The best part is the sense of accomplishment I feel, as well as feeling strong and healthy. I remember the first time I could do an unassisted pull-up and I was on a high from it for days. The worst part... the worst part only happens in Winter in Indiana when it snows. I had to walk up our treacherous driveway in the snow to get to my car at the top so I could do morning cardio for awhile. Let's just say we invested in a 4 wheel drive vehicle shortly after that. :)

Q: Do you have any favorite competitors or any you admire?
A: Wow, so many.. but particularly Iryna McCraw, Valerie Haines and Jessica Ryan Jordan.

Q: Do you have a favorite cheat food?
A: Probably pizza, but even when I rarely do eat it I get whole wheat crust and no cheese.. Lame.. haha.

Q: If another woman told you she wanted to start training, what is the one piece of advice you would most want to give her?
A: Go for it!! And don't let anyone steer you away from your goals! When life throws up walls, "reroute your course, don't throw up your hands and quit. Change your mindset. Alter your emotions. Find a different approach. Get creative. But don't quit.

Q: Do you think it is becoming more common to see women working in the gym with the weights and not just doing cardio and things?
A: I definitely think it is increasing. I feel as though women are changing their outlook weights and training heavy. My hope is that I can motivate people to train differently through my personal training too.

Q: Outside of training, any other hobbies or activities you enjoy?
A: Training is mainly #1, don't get me wrong, but I adore spending time with my boyfriend and our Pug son. :)

Q: Can you describe a typical day in the life of Lindsay Forster?
A: Early morning cardio, eat, train clients/work, eat, train myself, eat, catch up on emails etc, TV time with my boyfriend, eat, then bedtime and reruns of the Golden Girls- love! Then repeat!

Q: Describe Lindsay Forster in five words.
A: Passionate. Compassionate. Dedicated. Brave. Resourceful.

Q: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
A: I can beat most men in push up contests!

Q: Any set plans for the near future as far as competing or anything else?
A: I want to continue pursuing my passion of personal training as well as get into fitness modeling. I also plan to compete in my next show in June.

Q: Anything you want to take this opportunity to plug or promote?
A: I again want to thank Kathy Laucius and Aaron Dixon for everything they've done to help and support me. I also want to promote my fan page, Lindsay Michele Training on Facebook.


Q: Are you looking for sponsors? If so how can they reach you and what are they getting in Lindsay Forster the athlete and competitor?
A: Yes, I would love to obtain potential sponsors! They can reach me through my email at forsterlind@yahoo.com. What are they getting in Lindsay Forster? A strong, determined woman who knows exactly what she wants and who will not give up. "A winner is not someone who has never suffered a setback. She is someone who knows that when setbacks come, she must get up and continue forward. If you refuse to quit - you cannot lose. Quitting is not an option, but change is always part of the winners life. Anyone who is willing to change can develop a winning attitude."

Q: Lindsay , again, I thank you for taking the time to do this. Any last words before you go?
A: Thank you so much for this opportunity!

Deep Squats and Deep Thoughts by Brea Sharron

Deep Squats and Deep Thoughts

Arnold Impressions
So finally getting around to writing this and I've got one word for this years Arnold Sports Festival: Fan-freakin-tastic! I've gotta say I had the best weekend of my life hands down! I see some of my most favorite idols in the business, got a lot of inspiration, got my motivation kicked up a notch, and most importantly got to spend time with some of the most amazing people I'm blessed to call friends, old and new!
This was my first Arnold Experience and I gotta say it's quite overwhelming, I heard it was big... but were talking like take a national level show and multiply it times 100,I now add in some fencing, gymnastics, arm wrestling, a marathon a painting gallery of all this madness and about 20 more other events I was to busy to see let alone even hear about... Now the expo was filled with over 700 hundred booths from everything from nutrition to personal training to supplements to suit designers to clothing lines and thats just what I could see. Friday was quite busy, and I was busy being beautifully blinged out at the Silverback Krew booth and literally didn't sit down all day, and I was like wow, this is crazy, then came Saturday.... Were talking shoulder to shoulder all dayyyy long, I don't know how they got so many people in one city let alone one convention center which with over 1.5million square feet, was not small! 175,000 were apparently in attendance! And let me tell you, samples everywhere, but don't worry if you made it around to all the booths you got enough cardio in to burn off whatever you waited in lines long enough to try! I majorly dropped the ball on this one and didn't get any goodies to take back home because the Silverback booth was so popular, but it's all for the best because I love protein bars more than life and technically I'm less than 6 weeks out from a show so protein bar cheats and such are long gone.... I did manage a shaker cup at the after party at a place called BOMA, which got a name change to Bluestone or something like that.... Anyway also an experience there, it was a old historic Church turned into a club, fortunately for me again with the no cheating thing alcohol included, I didn't partake in drinking in Church. LOL! Lots of fun there too, lots of big names and big boys were in appearance and even Dave Palumbo braved the freezing rain turned snow to come out!
I would go ahead and advise everyone to go ahead and book their tickets and hotels now for next year! Like I said best weekend of my life, got to hang with my Silverback Krew as well as meet some more awesome people! I finally got to meet Mr. Jason Adams himself, and gotta say what an awesome and genuine great guy as well as a few other ladies from this site, Sandy and Ali who are just as beautiful as they are sweet! Shout outs to my new friends Mr. and Mrs Isaac and Jennifer Chapman, who kept me laughing all weekend; watch out they will both have pro cards in the very near future, and my Silverback Krew booth buddy the one and only Ms. Ashley King and of course everyone else who came and said hey!!! :o)

Until later ya'll,
Brea

Quote of the day:
"Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength." ~ Arnold Schwarzenegger

You Asked It with Beth Polisson

As you know by now, You Asked It is a chance to change things up. Instead of me asking the questions, it allows you to ask them to a competitor. This one is with figure competitor Beth Polisson. As expected Beth gave great answers to your questions.




Q: What made you want to compete?
A: I have been an athlete all my life - soccer, basketball, softball - I played all 3 all the way through college, and I had absolutely 0 outlet for my competitive energy once I graduated. Competing provided me with an outlet for both training AND for my competitive nature.

Q: Are there are competitors you look up to?
A: Erin Stern, for sure, both in terms of her physique and her disposition and her view on the sport. I always hear/see people's Facebook pages that say, "Hungry, tired, 3 weeks out - miserable." Why?? No one is holding a gun to our heads. We do this because we want to, and as soon as you don't want to - STOP! Once the fun comes out of it you have to stop. I recently decided to take a bit of time off before my next show because of this. I was getting stressed about food, and didn't feel like myself, so I decided to pull back. I will compete again, but when I'm good and ready. I have a full-time job, a dog, great friends, an amazing boyfriend, and I want to take some time to reconnect with all of that, as well as with myself. It's so important to not let this stuff define you. Erin seems to have found that perfect balance between competition life and real life.

Kayde Puckett is another one up to whom I look. She lives about 15 minutes away from me, and I've gotten to know her quite well within the last year. She is incredibly grounded, absolutely hysterical, and very genuine. She's become a great friend, and she's been able to offer me some great advice within the last year or so that has really helped me. I admire her for her dedication to her fitness routines and her training, and also for being a woman of very strong morals and standards.

Q: Is the physique division something that interests you?
A: I am not sure that I'd be able to gain the mass in my upper body that would be necessary to compete in physique - at least not in a drug-free way, haha! I have been, and always will be a drug-free competitor. My legs have a mind of their own, and would definitely support it, but upper body-wise - no way.

Q: What is your usual training split and why do you do it that way?
A: I have 4 days on, 3 days off right now, with 2 days of interval sprints to help with a little fat loss. I have a heavy back/shoulders day twice a week, and 2 leg days/wk, one with a quad focus, one with a ham/glute focus. I am trying to add as much mass to my shoulders and back as possible right now, so we've really been focusing on my upper body.

Q: With all the protein shakes and powders, are there any you find to work best for you?
A: I use Optimum Nutrition 100% gold standard whey, because I like the flavors the best. Coffee is by far my favorite flavor to drink alone, and I bake with the cake batter flavor. My pancakes wouldn't be the same without it! Other than protein powder, the only other supps I take are fish oil (I buy whatever's on sale at the grocery store), a multi-vitamin (women's 1-a-day), and calcium. I'm not a supplement girl - never have been, never will be. I simply don't believe in them. I know tons of people will probably disagree with that, but I'm a science gal, and there's simply not enough science to support the claims, nor are they regulated by the FDA. Since I work on drug trials, I know what is involved in studying and approving a drug for use, and supplements are not held to the same standard. There isn't enough evidence, in my opinion, to show significant, measurable advantages of taking supplements. May there be minor changes? Sure. But that's not enough hard "proof" for me to want to put 30 pills a day into my body. I have to live my life after I compete - I'd rather not pollute it at such a young age. The body is a magnificent machine - it makes what it needs naturally. Creatine is a great example of this. You get enough creatine in meat that you really don't need to supplement with it. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Again, just my opinion.

Q: Whats the best way to decide what show to do? I want to compete soon, and don't know which show I should look to do?
A: I think it all depends on where your physique is. Would you have to resort to drastic measures (ie tons of cardio and calorie restriction) to get you there? If so, it's NOT WORTH IT to destroy your body for 1 show. Shows will always be there - don't rush it, don't force it. The body should be coaxed, not forced. For my very 1st show, I gave myself about 8 months of heavy, heavy lifting before I started my 8 week taper. So almost 10 months after I started lifting heavy did I compete. Muscle maturity is something that's gained over YEARS - not months. At least naturally, it is. Take your time - slow and steady wins the race.

We need to always focus on our health first. I think that's the first thing competitors lose sight of. They have a show set in their minds, they do whatever it takes to get there (steroids/supplements, 2-3hrs of cardio/day, 800 cals/day), and then they are shocked and horrified when they gain 20lbs post show. Take a step back, take a deep breath, and be realistic with which shows you choose. Take your time, do it right, stay healthy.

Q: Shoulders seem extra important for a Figure competitor. Whats a typical shoulder workout for you?
A: I am obsessed with working shoulders. My current shoulder routine is mixed in with back, and a smidge of chest, so here's what 1 of my 2 days looks like:
Flat DB chest press / rack pulls (I love rack pulls - phenomenal for back thickness)
Seated 1-arm DB press / standing 1-arm DB rows
1-arm leaning laterals / seated cable pullovers

The basics are key for shoulders - overhead/military press, lateral raises, front raises, upright rows. And throw in some bentover laterals for rear delts, just for good measure.


Q: How many days a week do you train abs?
A: 0. Abs are made in the kitchen. I don't ever train abs.

Q: On a tight budget I cant afford all the different supplements. Which ones do you think are crucial or most important?
A: None, really - I take fish oil just because I'm on a low fat diet. For women, I think calcium is VERY important, especially if you're under 30. Think about your long-term health here, ladies. You're going to stop competing at some point, so...........then what? You need to make sure you keep your bones strong, especially if your diet lacks dairy, which most of ours does because it's considered a carb.

Q: Cables or free weights? Which do you find to work better?
A: Free weights. I get better range of motion when using free weights, and I can make ANYTHING more metabolic when using free weights. That's not to say that you can't with cables, but I find it's easier since you can move them with greater ROM than you can with cables.

Q: I see photos of you and it appears you don't bulk up like a lot of people. Is that fair to say? And if so, why do you choose not not bulk up so much?
A: Personally, I feel very fluffy in this off-season! I've gained about 15lbs in a year! But, I also think a lot of people don't prep right. They use the off season as an excuse to eat their faces off - I don't. I stay disciplined. I also think there's a way to "bulk up" that enables you to gain lean mass instead of ass mass. I don't think it's necessary to be 20-30lbs above contest weight in the off season in order to put on muscle. That's bogus.

Q: Does judging in the sport ever frustrate you?
A: Yes. It's inconsistent, at best. But all you can do is bring your best physique to the stage every time. That is the ONLY thing that you control.

Q: On another site I saw the owner of this blog say something like "I always love to have you on the blog"..... that's not an exact quote. Do you find being on something read by people like that to be of any major benefit?
A: I think exposure has its benefits - name recognition can be pretty big in this industry. But, personally, I like the connections I've made through things like this. It's great to be surrounded by like-minded people, and I've made some awesome friends this year. Friends that I'll have forever.

Q: I am told drink a gallon of water a day. Why is that important?
A: I drink about the same - 4L a day. Muscles need water, especially when we're working out like we do. Personally? I think I look better, and I FEEL better when I've had a gallon or more a day. My clothes fit better, my skin looks better, etc. Water also helps to regulate weight fluctuations. The more you drink, the less you'll find the scale fluctuating.

Q: Pro card or top fitness model, which would you prefer?
A: Top fitness model, for me. I really have enjoyed the shoots I've done and would love to pursue that outlet as opposed to a pro card. I think it's important to show other women that muscles CAN be beautiful, feminine, and sexy. There are so many misconceptions about women with muscle, and beautiful photographs, I think, can help to change those misconceptions.

Q: On days you don't feel like training, what motivates you to do it anyway?
A: Some other girl out there is not taking a day off. And I'll be damned if I let her look better than I do on stage.

Q: What are some of your favorite cardio sources?
A: I love intervals - short, sweet, to the point. I have a fantastic hybrid interval that I do on the stepmill, and I also do 60/60 sprints on the treadmill with the pace set to 10.0 or higher. DEATH! But done in 20 minutes. That's what I'm talking about. Steady state is for the birds.

Q: What has been your biggest accomplishment so far?
A: Placing top 5 at my first national show. That prep was especially hard on me, so that was a nice reward. The year-round accomplishments, however, I think can mean a little more. I don't think people understand how hard we work when we're NOT competing. Every day in the gym, every set, every rep - THAT'S what it's all about for me. I've put on 10-15lbs in 2 years, and that has been hard-earned. I haven't cheated on my diet, I haven't missed a workout, and I've given up several aspects of my social life. Those sacrifices and that dedication are the biggest accomplishment. I don't do this for the $40 trophy or the "fame." I do this for ME and for those who follow along with my progress.

Ashlee Evans-Smith Interview

Ashlee Evans-Smith is getting ready for a huge fight vs Taylor Stratford for Tuff N Uff. It's an amateur title fight. A fight she has worked hard for and deserves a shot at. Her story is very similar to others as to how she started training for the sport. What isn't similar is her passion for training, which comes across very easily in this interview. She seems ready and able to train just as hard, if not harder than anyone. The kind of attitude that is going to take her very far in the sport.




Q: First, Ashlee I want to thank you for taking the time to do this.
A: No, thank YOU for giving me the chance to talk to the MMA world and put myself out there.

Q: Can you start out by telling a little about yourself.
A: You are about to find out a whole bunch of stuff… :-)

Q: Were you especially athletic growing up? Play any sports?
A: I wasn’t athletic as a kid by any means. My whole childhood I was a little tom-boy who loved to play outside games like kick-ball, tag or red-rover but I never played any organized type of sports. I started to get chunky at the age of 13 and was just an awkward chunky girl until I started wrestling in High School when I was a sophomore.

Q: What initially got you started training for MMA?
A: After my college wrestling career I was a little lost and confused on what I wanted to do with my life and sports specifically. I was low on money so I joined a club women’s rugby team in East Palo Alto, Ca. close to where I lived and had gone to college. I ended up meeting my now coach, Eugene Jackson, who was our conditioning coach for rugby. He noticed I was wearing a wrestling t-shirt as we were training and that I was working hard. He had just opened a non-profit youth reach in the area based around MMA and asked me if I wanted to come train and I’ve been training under him and loving it ever since.


Q: Was the training something you picked up fairly easy?
A: When I first started training we focused heavily on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I had a strong wrestling base so being on the ground was a little natural it was just a matter of tweaking this and that. Submissions are an amazing aspect of my ground game that I picked up fairly easily but I still have so much to learn and I am focusing on making transitions from grappling to a submission second nature.
Striking and kicks are something that took a little longer to get the hang of. However my coach says I should have been a boxer instead of a wrestler since my boxing is coming along nicely. Kicks are icing on the MMA cake for me. I’m not a Muay Thai girl so kicks are never my first card played but I feel so happy to be able to bring them out when the right fight or opponent calls for it.

Q: How long did you train before your first fight?
A: I trained for 5 months before my first fight. It seems a little soon when I talk to other fighters but my coach said was ready and I felt ready myself. I’ve been fighting one fight a month since my first fight this past October and even two a month with my most recent 7 days apart from each other. Nothing feels better than being in that cage.

Q: Was fighting something your family and friends supported?
A: I’ve been lucky to have so many supportive people in my life who think fighting is exactly the sport for me. Anyone who knows my background or my personality would say that I was made for this sport…or this sport was made for me. You choose.  I think the only person who really was against it at first but changed their opinion later, was my grandfather. I doubt you will find many grandfathers who are 100% o.k with their little girl taking the chance of getting pummeled by another woman in a steal cage though. Like I said, he changed his mind when he realized I was very passionate about it just lke I was wrestling but told me he refuses to come see me fight just because he said he might have a “heart attack.” lol


Q: Where do you train at now?
A: I train with my fight team “Undisputed Gladiators” in San Carlos, Ca. at our now home gym Undisputed Boxing Gym. We trained previously in East Palo Alto.

Q: Can you give your overall record so far?
A: My overall record is (4-2-0). Next fight March 12th. 2011 in Las Vegas, Nv. Tuff n Uff 145lb championship fight against Taylor Stratford for the belt!

Q: Which fight so far is the one you are most proud of?
A: I am very proud of all my fights because I see a progression in my technique, confidence in the cage and overall performance. However, the one I’m most proud of is my most recent. Even though I lost I saw an evolution in myself that made me realize that every day I am getting better and better as with ever fight. I know that a year from now I will truly be a force to be reckoned with.

Q: What would you say is your biggest strength and the one thing you most want to improve?
A: My biggest strength is my heart. I need to work on my diet-no one loves food more than me. lol


Q: What is the best part and the worst part about training and fighting?
A: The worst part about training are those days that your body is screaming at you to just rest but your mind and heart tell you to get in the gym and push through it. The best part about training…those same exact days that you pushed though. At the end of the day, there is no better feeling. The worst part about fighting is losing. It’s the risk we all take and man, is it a big downside….you would think that I would say the best part about fighting is winning, but it’s not. It’s just knowing that you have put your heart into something so much and so long and knowing that just stepping into that cage means your doing what you love. <3

Q: Are there any fighters you are a fan of or love to watch?
A: I know it sounds cheesy but I LOVE to watch one of my best friends fight-Carla Esparza. We have been friends since our freshman year of college and I don’t think there is any better feeling than to see someone you love fight their heart out. I think that’s why I’d rather watch any one of my team mates fight than go to a UFC fight any day.

Q: In your opinion, who are the top five female fighters in the sport pound for pound?
A: In no specific order-Cris “Cyborg” Santos-Marloes Coenen-Megumi Fuji-Sarah Kaufman and Miku Matsumoto.

Q: Do you ever see a major U.S. women’s only company being viable?
A: Yes-No question about it. Look how fast and far WMMA has come in the past TWO years. What WMMA is going to do next will baffle everyone.

Q: Often you watch a show that has one women's fight. Somehow that fight always turns out to be the most exciting fight on the card. Why do you think that is?
A: I think spectators just want a good show whether it’s a male or female fight. If the female show was more entertaining than the male than maybe we should just give the ladies a little more credit for being technical, aggressive and entertaining.


Q: What is the biggest misconception about female fighters?
A: That we are a bunch of lesbian, feminist, bruts. Haha I don’t know. Say what you will about us, we just love to fight!

Q: If another woman told you she wanted to train for the sport, whats the biggest piece of advice you would give her?
A: You will cry…often. Deal with it, and keep going. It’s worth it and it will all pay off in the end.

Q: Outside of training and fighting, any other hobbies or activities you enjoy?
A: I have loved punk-rock since I was in high school and I don’t get to go to shows as often anymore but there is nothing more fun to me than going to see a good band with friends.

Q: Can you describe a typical day in the life of Ashlee Evans-Smith?
A: I wake up at 8am-pack my gym bag, eat breakfast and brush my teeth. I’m at the gym by 9am. I train from 9am-11am. I work a part time as a waitress from 11am-4pm weekdays and then I’m back at the gym by 5pm. Night time is where the real hard happens. Most nights I don’t leave the gym until 9pm. Shower-eat dinner-brush my teeth (gotta have clean chompers!) and hit the sack by 11pm if I’m lucky! Set the alarm to do it all again the next day…don’t believe me? Come spend a day with me ;)

Q: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
A: My family life was rough growing up-(drug abuse in my family-alcoholism-jail time) but like I feel with all hardships-It has made me the strong, tenacious woman I am today and that’s what matters.

Q: Describe Ashlee Evans-Smith in five words.
A: Tenacious. Stubborn. Dreamer. Investigative. Silly.

Q: So what’s next for you? Any idea when you will be fighting again?
A: I fight March 12th 2011 in Las Vegas. Nv. for the Tuff n Uff 145lb women’s amateur belt. The first ever.

Q: Anything you want to take this time to plug or promote?
A: One of my favorite quotes “How much do you really know about yourself if you’ve never been in a fight?” –Tyler Durden from “Fight Club”
Everyone should be in a fight just once in their life. I hope the sport of MMA as well as WMMA just keeps growing and becomes America’s favorite past time.

Q: Are you looking for sponsors? If so, how can they reach you and what are they getting in Ashlee Evans-Smith the fighter and person?
A: Yes, I am looking for sponsors. They can reach me through my Facebook and they would get a fighter who will stop at nothing to be a champion. Someone who’s willing to sacrifice much more than your average fighter and willing to break through any type of wall that life puts in her way.


Q: Ashlee again, I want to thank you for doing this. Any last words before you go?
A: No, I have said Sooooooo much already, thank you again for this opportunity!!