Monday, December 31, 2012

Australian Fighter Babe Bec Hyatt Makes her Stateside MMA Debut this Saturday at Invicta FC4

Australian fighter babe Bec “Rowdy” Hyatt (4-1) is ready to make her stateside MMA debut against Carla Esparza (8-2) for the Invicta Strawweight Championship this Saturday in Kansas City, KS at Invicta FC4 and streaming ppv live on www.invictafc.com starting at 6 PM central. For those unfamiliar with the “Rowdy” Aussie check out this highlight reel and her new website. We recently had the pleasure of interviewing Bec prior to her trip to the States for her highly anticipated fight.

How did you get involved in MMA and how long have you been training?

-I actually started training as a way to lose weight. I was a fatty boom boom with no motivation or direction before I started training, so this sport has certainly changed my life for the better. I began my training at the original Launceston Combat Club in Tasmania, Australia, which my now husband created and ran. A year later I moved to Brisbane, Queensland, the fight Mecca of Australia, to further my training and career. I have only been training for less than 3 years!

Where are you currently training, and what's a typical training week like for you?

-I'm currently training at Impact MMA in Capalaba, Queensland and have been a part of the fight team for over 18 months now. I have awesome coaches in MMA, Jiu-Jitsu, Wrestling and Kickboxing, but I also getting training in at other gyms in the state which boast MMA champions, Muay Thai world champions and former NCAA wrestlers! This current fight camp has been 8 weeks long, 6 days a week, 2-3 sessions a day for 2-3 hours a session. My rest day has been Sunday's, where I don't get up to much other than playing with my children and puppy. It’s safe to say that I'm over this fight camp and I cannot wait to jump in the cage on January 5th and go to work.

Tell us about your upcoming fight, who you're fighting and where?

-Originally I was scheduled to fight Joanne Calderwood but after Claudia Gadelha came down with an injury I was offered the Invicta Strawweight Championship bout against Carla Esparza which I jumped on immediately. Very rarely do great opportunities come along! When they do, you grab them with both hands, turn around, run as fast as you can and never look back. The fight is happening on the Invicta Fighting Championships 4 card in Kansas City, KS and I can't wait to land in America and show everyone how tough us Aussies really are. Someone is going to sleep in this fight and I'm at peace with that, as long as it's a fight to remember. Not the first time it will have happened to me and it surely would not be the last time either, so I'm going in there to take it all or lose it all. I want to shock the world and be remembered damn it!!

What was your reaction when asked to be the first Aussie to fight for Invicta?

-I actually broke down into tears when my manager slapped me in the face to wake me up and tell me. Being signed by Invicta was a goal I had been working towards since the organizations inception earlier this year and to be the first ever Australian signed is an honor that I don't take lightly.

What is your best experience as a fighter? What is your worst?

-My best and most memorable experience would be my debut fight. Even though I lost by knockout, it was a big achievement for me considering I only gave birth to my son Enson less than a year earlier and was fighting two weight divisions above my own. My worst experience would be my last fight, where my opponent from Egypt was denied entry into Australia and an opponent far less experienced stepped up to face me. I'm very thankful that she did as it meant I got paid but it certainly did not feel nice beating her up the way I did. I fight to test myself and so that I can someday be remembered. I certainly don't fight so that I can beat on lesser fighters than myself!

What advice would you give to other women who are reading this interview and want to get started in MMA?

-Don't let the occasional fat, smelly perverted man scare you away and always make sure to have fun. MMA can be a positive thing in anyone's life and it’s great for weight loss, self defense or growing your confidence. Without MMA, I would still be binge drinking on weekends, still be overweight and still be going nowhere in my life!

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?

-It’s all about understanding, exposure, marketing and personalities. The real truth is that most promoters don't care about how well you can fight; they care about how many tickets you are able to sell. Females have two arms, two legs and a heart beat just like any male and anything we don't have that a male does have doesn't affect our fighting ability. The reason why females are now getting the chance to fight in the UFC is solely because of Ronda Rousey. I've said it before and I'll say it again, there have been many others before her that have put in the work that deserve credit, but because of Ronda's personality and marketability, the largest fight organization is finally giving WMMA a chance and rightfully so! MMA will never be considered strictly a sport. Its sports entertainment at its core and the sooner female fighters understand this, the sooner more larger scale opportunities will come up.

What or who are your inspirations in MMA and life?

-I don't really model myself after anyone as I like to be known as an individual. I know exactly who I am, who I want to be and where I want to go!

Who are your favorite MMA fighters?

-Tough question as I have so many fighters I could list. I guess I can give you my top five male fighters, but they are contradictions. My favorite male fighters of all time would have to be Nick Diaz, Enson Inoue, Georges St. Pierre, Jason Miller and Australia's Adrian Pang. If you've never seen my last choice, search him on YouTube! My favorite female fighter would probably be Michelle Waterson, but I do like other fighters such as Miesha Tate, Charmaine Tweet, Julie Kedzie, Sarah D’alelio and Elaina Maxwell.

How do you enjoy your free time when not training or fighting?

-A part from spending time with my two children and puppy, I enjoy playing Call of Duty on the Xbox. If I'm not in camp I enjoy eating, a lot LOL!

Of course we have a few questions for the male readership as well.

Are you single?

-I'm actually married to Australian MMA fighter Dan "The Riot" Hyatt and have two young children.

What do you look for in a guy?

-I stopped looking for a guy years ago!

What are your turn-ons?

-I love a man that can cook. My husband knows how to cook, but he is very lazy LOL!

What are your turnoffs?

-Whenever something or someone touches my feet. I can't stand it; it sends shivers up my spine!

What would you say is your best feature?

-My best feature would have to be my mind. I believe I can do anything I set my mind to and so far I haven't been wrong!

Any future plans or dreams?

-My never ending goal is to continue developing my skills set and knowledge. My immediate goal is to defeat Carla Esparza on January 5th for the Invicta FC Strawweight Title!

Any shout outs you would like to make?

-Thank you for interviewing me Mike and please be sure everyone to check out my official website at www.rowdybec.com and follow me on Twitter @RowdyBec! Without my awesome gym Impact MMA and trainers, I would not be where I am today and a big thank you must go out to all my fantastic sponsors who have helped fund my training camp for this fight - Unrivaled, Flex Nutrition, Tussle Fight Wear, Manion Plumbing, MMAApparel.com, Hoodstar, Awakening, Promo Shack, Kevrimney.com, NRF Australia, Fighters Against Child Abuse Australia, Ringcard Girls International, MMA-QLD.com, ACR Security Protections and Crossbone Tattoos :)

Thank you very much for your time Bec and good luck on fight night! For more on Bec “Rowdy” Hyatt stop by her new website, follow on Twitter @RowdyBec, like on Facebook and YouTube.

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Ring in the New Year with Jennifer Swift

Ring in the New Year with Jennifer Swift! Jennifer will be hosting a New Year's spectacular and live fashion show in celebration of Brandt Stebbins birthday on December 31st starting at 9 PM at La Maison Lounge in Studio City, CA. Jennifer is also nominated for ring girl of the year for the 2012 Women's MMA Awards presented by BJPenn.com. To cast your vote for Jennifer as ring girl of the year just email Mitch@Bjpenn.com with your vote through December 31st at 12 AM EST.

Saturday, December 29, 2012

Fighter Babe Marloes Coenen Returns to the Cage on New Year's Eve

Fighter babe Marloes Coenen (20-5) returns to the cage on New Year's Eve to face Fiona Muxlow (6-1) at Dream 18 Glory 4 from the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan. Click here to purchase the ppv live for $20 or catch the broadcast on tape delay in two parts on CBS Sports Network, starting at 10 p.m. ET on New Year's Eve for the Glory card and the same time the following night for the Dream card.

Friday, December 28, 2012

Win a Date with Jade Bryce

Yes you read the title correctly; YOU can win a date with Bellator knockout Jade Bryce! As soon as we saw Jade tweet this awesome auction earlier this week we immediately added it to our forum and started spreading the word. Jade is going to auction off her plus one guest pass for the 2012 World MMA Awards on January 11, 2013 in Las Vegas. The highest bidder will receive a walk down the red carpet with Miss Bryce, attend the MMA awards and after party with her, VIP access, Fighters Only goodie bag, hotel accommodation and the experience of a lifetime. Sure most of our readers know who Jade is by now and know about her missions to help children and this is no different with all proceeds going to St. Judes. Watch Jade's personal video about the auction here and click here to bid now! Bidding will end shortly after 10 PM PST on December 31st.

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Sexy New Work from Brittney Mooney

MMA ring girl Brittney Mooney recently shared some of her sexy new work with her fans. For more on Brittney check out our first feature on this beauty and stop by her revamped website.

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Meet the Ladies of UFC this Friday in Las Vegas

UFC ring girls Brittney Palmer and Arianny Celeste will be making a couple of appearances in Las Vegas this Friday prior to UFC 155. After the weigh-in on Friday head over to the Las Vegas Fight Shop at the Miracle Mile Shops for a meet and greet with both ladies from 6-8 PM. Later in the evening swing by Chateau Nightclub at the Paris Hotel where Brittney will be hosting a party.

Monday, December 24, 2012

Sexy New Visions from Natalie Lawrence

MMA ring girl and model Natalie Lawrence recently shared some of her new breathtaking work seen above. If you want to see more then you better stop by her Facebook and Twitter pages. Natalie will also be back to grace the cage for Cage Warriors 51 in Dublin, Ireland on New Years Eve!

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Justine Davis for Miss Coed of the Year 2013

MMA ring girl and Miss Coed March 2012 Justine Davis needs our votes again for the coveted title of Miss Coed of the Year 2013! Click here to vote for Justine which ends at 1 PM January 3, 2013.

Saturday, December 22, 2012

December 2012 MMA Babe of the Month – Kristie Jane McKeon

Our December 2012 MMA babe of the month is MMA ring girl and model Kristie Jane McKeon. This 22 year old knockout is 5’8”, 120 lbs, measures 34C-24-33 and calls San Diego, CA home by way of Sydney, Australia. Shortly after our first feature on Kristie she landed the coveted role as the Australian Octagon Girl for the UFC Ultimate Fighter Series TUF Smashes. Along with her work with the UFC, Kristie also ring carded for Cage Fighting Championship in Sydney, worked with Fight Chix and been featured in MMA magazines UFC Australia and Fighters Only. As an international model Kristie has also worked with the likes of Maxim, Vogue, Zoo and countless others. Keep on reading below to find out what else we learned about Kristie.

How did you get into the world of MMA?

-I originally got into the world of MMA by modeling for a MMA gym in Sydney, I ended up getting a full-time job in graphic design and marketing with them (which I have a degree in) and it all stemmed from there. I started training and watching the smaller shows then went on to watching UFC and fell in love with the sport. I’ve now been around the world and been to UFC shows in Brazil, Australia, USA, UK and hope to see more.

What were you doing before you became a MMA ring girl and model?

-I started part-time modeling while I was still in high school. When I finished school I chased my dream of being a graphic designer first, I got a degree in graphic design and communications and while still at University I modeled on the side. I then went on to work at a MMA gym in North Sydney.

Who are your favorite MMA fighters?

-I love watching fighters that like to stand and fight, I feel like there’s more action and intensity when two guys are just going at it. I would say my favorite fighters would be Anderson Silva, Ross Pearson and when he was still fighting, Randy Couture.

What are the strangest and sweetest comments MMA fans have said to you?

-I get a lot of marriage proposals lol, which I think is sweet and strange at the same time. I know they’re just kidding, but sometimes it’s just weird.

What would be your fight name if you were a fighter? Kristie “?” McKeon

-Kristie “Kamikaze” McKeon, ha I just think it has a ring to it and I’m kind of crazy haha.

Tell us about your experience on TUF Smashes?

-TUF Smashes was an amazing experience, I loved every minute of it, being that up close and personal with the fights was intense and when you’re in that little gym with no screaming fans and atmosphere around you hear every shot landed, you almost feel it.

Will we see you appear again for the UFC?

-I hope so! I hope the UFC brings another series to Australia that I could work on and a few more shows. I’d also love to travel and be an international octagon girl with the likes of Arianny and Brittney! I’m pushing to try and be a part of the London card in February!

What is something most people don’t know about you?

-I’m super flexible, I used to be a gymnast and trampolinist when I was growing up and I have somehow stayed super bendy lol, I have hyper extending limbs which everyone thinks is gross.

What are your hobbies and how do you spend your free time?

-Hobbies, I love surfing, going to the gym, going to the beach, motocross riding, anything active as I love the outdoors!

What do you look for in a guy?
-A personality just like mine! I love to muck around a lot and have fun so someone who makes me laugh and enjoys being active like myself.

What are your turn-ons?

-A good body and a smile.

What are your turnoffs?

-Guys who think they are all that…. You’re not haha.

What would you say if your best feature?

-I’m going to say my stomach, I don’t know how but it always stays really flat! I want to get a good bum again!

What are your future plans or dreams in life?

-I plan on succeeding as a model, I really want to go somewhere with the UFC, hopefully start doing international cards with the girls in the USA. I’d love to do a presenting course and take that somewhere too, maybe have something in Australia similar to the USA, UFC Tonight, etc.

Any special shout outs or thank you’s?

-I want to thank my dad! Without him I would never be the person I am today! My boyfriend who helps and supports me in everything I do  and everyone who has said kind words to me and supported me during my career. I’ve got so much time for people who show me love and haters don’t faze me.

Thank you for your time Kristie and we hope to see you gracing the UFC octagon again soon! For more on our December 2012 MMA babe of the month you can visit Kristie’s websiteFacebook and Twitter pages.