“First off, I want to thank Babes of MMA for this opportunity to be featured in an interview. As an MMA fighter I am looking to make my way up the ladder in the WMMA world. I fight at 115 pounds and I’m always looking for a good match. Lately I have been struggling for fights, but now it seems that doors are finally starting to open. I was born in San Antonio, TX, and I currently live in Dallas, TX where I recently graduated with a BFA from UT at Arlington. I feel that I have accomplished a lot in my young life so far, and I hope to continue achieving my goals.”
How did you get involved in MMA and how long have you been training?
-When I graduated high school, I joined an MMA gym just to keep fit and be active. As I continued working out and training, I figured, “If I’m going to work this hard, I might as well fight so it pays off!” I have been training on and off since late 2006.
Where are you currently training, and what's a typical training week like for you?
-I currently train at the best gym ever, Mohler’s MMA in Coppell, Texas. I train in Jiu-Jitsu, Boxing/Kickboxing, and wrestling a few times a week each…sometimes combined. I swim, ride my bike, lift weights, and do crossfit workouts. I train anywhere from once a day to three times a day, depending on what my schedule allows.
Tell us about your upcoming fight, who you're fighting and where?
-I am fighting the undefeated Tecia Torres July 16, 2012. Our match will be in West Palm Beach, Florida! It will be an exciting fight!
What is your best experience as a fighter? What is your worst?
-My best experience as a fighter is just the constant learning, whether it’s from a loss or training at the gym. My worst experience is just dealing with shady promotions. Twice a promotion asked me to compete at a specific weight class and had both my opponents agreed to weigh in either a weight class under or 2 classes over! So those fights didn’t happen even though we all drove the distance!
What advice would you give to other women who are reading this interview and want to get started in MMA?
-Just go for it!! People will try to hold you back, question your abilities as a woman, and just question your career as a Mixed Martial Artist in general. Do what makes YOU happy, not your friends, parents, or anyone else.
What are some of the hurdles that you think Women in MMA need to overcome before Women's MMA will be considered a top level sport like Men's MMA is today?
-I think we are slowly making a name in WMMA. We have fighters such as Ronda Rousey, who I believe is a good role model, kicks ass, and is an Olympic medalist. Women with great skill (not just looks) are the ones who help women’s MMA grow into something great and be taken seriously, not the illusion of pretty little things cat fighting in skimpy bikinis.
When do you think we will see women divisions in the UFC?
-Who knows? If more skilled women come along within each weight class, I think it is a possibility. Dana seems more open now. Scott Coker has women in his promotion which is so great. We need more than just one or two big match ups a year.
How do you enjoy your free time when not training or fighting?
-I went to school for art, so I do enjoy drawing and using watercolors. I read a lot. A great hobby of mine is sleeping.
We have a few questions for the male readership as well.
-Ha ha! Of course you do!
Are you single?
-No, I have been in a happy relationship for two years now. He’s a pro fighter too, with a great six year old boy.
What do you look for in a guy?
-He needs a sense of humor, likes to cuddle, be smart, and is sweet yet a bad ass. (Check, check, and check!!)
What are your turn-ons?
-A witty sense of humor.
What are your turnoffs?
-Bad hygiene, arrogance, materialism, and people who complain on social networking all the time about their first world problems.
What would you say is your best feature?
-My eyes and shoulders!
Any future plans or dreams?
-To be a world champion at the pro level as a 115 pound Mixed Martial Artist.
Any shout outs you would like to make?
-I want to make a major shout out to my gym, Mohler’s MMA!!! My main coach and corner, William Campuzano who dedicates so much time to me and my team! Schönen Dank to Tristan and Nate who help me a lot with my strength and conditioning. I want to thank my current sponsors: M. King Construction, Inc., Co., http://www.midnightactivity.com/, CrossFit Richardson, Michelle Holcomb and FNP-C Inova Richardson - Family Practice. I also want to give a special shout out to my 17 year old cousin Justin Salcedo, who has been battling stage four cancer! He’s coming strong…Just Strong! That’s a bigger fight than I can ever do!
Thank you very much for your time Amber! Good luck on fight night and best wishes to your cousin Justin! For more on Amber visit her Twitter and Facebook pages.
Tecia defeated Amber via unanimous decision.
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