When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training at age 20 in 2009. I was a waitress in a sports bar and was constantly exposed to the UFC events shown there. Having always been the rough and tumble tomgirl type, I was fascinated. As my interest grew, I found a gym and a trainer and I never looked back. What a fateful decision.
What ranks and titles have you held? I am the former Legacy Fighting Championships Flyweight champion and defended my Legacy Fighting Alliance world title. I am also a six-time Invicta FC veteran. I hold a black belt in Kyokushin, a brown belt in Judo and a BJJ brown belt under Relson Gracie. I am also a Kru in Muay Thai under Ajarn Buck Grant and Master Donny Aaron.
Do you have any heroes? I don’t have any individual heroes, I guess. But I do look up to the heroic efforts of our servicemen and women and the first responders more than any one person.
What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? The UFC is where I’ve always wanted to be and it’s where I feel I belong. I am a warrior and I want to test myself against the best on the biggest stage in the world.
What was your job before you started fighting? Waitress
Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? As an amateur I was 9-3 in MMA. I won several regional titles along the way. I was also a three-time Muay Thai World champ through the IKF and TBA. I was a two-time North American champ through the WKA. I won two state Golden Gloves boxing titles, two regional Golden Gloves and 1 Women’s National Golden Gloves. I am also a two-time Naga World champ and a two-time North American Champ.
When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training MMA six years ago. I was already a brown belt in BJJ and collected many titles. Out of the blue, I started practicing Muay Thai, just for fun. I realized I was a natural, participated in a tournament and did really well. I liked the feeling of fighting standing up so I decided to pick up a sport that involved my two strong points and it’s been working out great.
Do you have any heroes? Yes, my mother, who took care of me and my siblings with a lot of grit and dedication.
What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It’s a big dream realized. I’ve always seen myself sharing the Octagon of the world’s largest MMA event with great athletes and I am writing my name in the history of MMA.
Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I am currently attending college. Two semesters away from graduating. Physical Education.
What was your job before you started fighting? I have always been involved in combat sports. I have and still do teach classes of BJJ, Muay Thai and self-defense to children and adults.